Iron Rose Sister Ministries

Wisdom combines knowledge, experience, and action. God spoke through the prophets to impart His wisdom and teaching, but the Israelites, and especially the teachers of the law, wandered far from God and misunderstood the spirit of all God taught. Holiness was not a set of rules, but about being set apart for a purpose. They were to worship the one, true Jehovah God and teach their children all God had done for his people. Love God and love others. They had lost sight of what it all boiled down to.
When Jesus came to earth, as God in the flesh, He embodied the wisdom of God—not only bringing everyone back to truth, but also living it out as a daily example. Christ reminds us that it is as much about who we are as what we say, do, think, or teach.
As Paul put it...
“...but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ [is] the power of God and the wisdom of God. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption” (1 Cor. 1:24, 30).

Village Church of Christ in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, is hosting a Ladies Day tomorrow with the theme of Denim & Pearls.

I am privileged to serve as the keynote speaker and share with the women some pearls of wisdom about the durability of denim—an example of how God’s love endures, and the way we are called to persevere in our love for God and others.

Our theme verse comes from James 1:4-5:

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Please pray for us as we highlight the blessings and challenges of persevering, like denim, while seeking God’s pearls of wisdom, which he promises to those who ask for it.

Written by Wendy Neill

That’s an odd title for a post about wisdom, isn’t it? Solomon was the wisest man who ever walked the earth, so why would I tell you not to be like him?

In my daily Bible reading plan, I am currently in the books of Ecclesiastes and Proverbs, alongside 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Every time I get to these stories about Solomon, I get a knot in my stomach. His story is painful for me to read. Why? Because he had it all... and he gave it up.

Solomon’s father David had taught him about the Lord. “If you seek Him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever” (1 Chron. 28:9).

God himself blessed Solomon more than anyone on the earth and spoke to him personally: “I will give you a wise and discerning heart so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for - both riches and honor - so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life” (1 Kings 3:12-14).

Solomon even preached this same message to all the people when he dedicated the temple: “May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may he never leave us nor forsake us. May he turn our hearts to him to walk in all his ways and to keep the commands, decrees and regulations he gave our fathers” (1 Kings 8:57-58).

So far so good. This is a guy I want to emulate. But then comes the phrase that breaks my heart. Six words: “and his wives led him astray” (1 Kings 11:3b). Read the rest of that chapter to see what God had to say about it. I can’t bring myself to type it here. It makes me so sad.

Written by Geissa da Paz, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Who’s never heard the phrase “doing crazy things for love”?

A certain man loved his career so much that he literally killed people to prove his knowledge and gifts. He dedicated years of his life to get where he got; his level of importance was very high. Everything he did was about attracting and gaining the attention of the One he admired the most.

After a while he finally got that attention, but not in the way he thought he would get it. Even though he had dedicated his life to learning and practicing the things he read and wrote about, when he was called by Him, his life changed completely.

Yes, I am talking about Saul. We know he was a well-informed man that had a lot of love for the things of God. But his decisions and actions were wrong. He definitely made an impression, but not in the way he thought he did.

The one that loves, acts with wisdom, not by doing crazy things.

Acts 9 tells us about his conversion. Let’s pay attention to Saul, now under his new name Paul. After receiving a call to redemption, he shows fruits of repentance. He realized his mistakes in such a way he couldn’t even eat anymore.

“What have I done?”, must have been one of the questions that crossed his mind.
But if he did so many awful things, why is he still one of the most visible apostles in the Bible?

The difference between us (in some situations) and Paul is that he felt a lot of passion for what he did, and he was aware of his actions. Everything he did was dedicated to pleasing God. In the wrong ways, sure. But what he felt was true. And when Jesus opened his eyes to the Truth, he was set free. He started bearing fruit perfect for the palate.

The motivation was the same: doing the will of God, no matter what that meant for him on this earth.

Maybe this is a silly question if you’re already part of a spiritual family, but, would you be willing to live a life completely given over to God? Because being part of the body is not the same as really living in unity with the body.

Wouldn’t it be easier to choose to live a life that pleases God before choosing selfish pleasures and having to renounce them to live like God wants us to? It may seem a little blurry, but that is the way the Father chose for us. Jesus promised us it would be hard. He made it all clear, but we still choose this life. So, why do we make things blurrier?

Let’s choose to live a life with Christ, before renouncing the things to which we probably have dedicated our lives for years and years. When you devote yourself to doing what pleases Him, you won’t have time to do anything you would regret.

Obedience is better than sacrifice. (1 Sam. 15:22-23).

By His grace we are saved, because while there is still life, there is opportunity to straighten our path. You can choose what kind of life you want to live, but you can’t run from the consequences of your actions.

“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” (2 Co. 2:14)

How wonderful it would be if our consequences were love, peace, and goodness wherever we walk. Thanks be to God for His Spirit that guides us.

Paul lived in a time where miracles were visible. Today, we live by faith, or at least we should live by faith. What about you? Do you do crazy things for love or act with wisdom by the same motivation?

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #SaulPaul #wisdomandlove #guestwriter #blog

My phone’s GPS rerouted me around some construction when I was in Atlanta last month. Grateful to not have to sit in additional traffic, I marveled at the days when I printed out a step-by-step map ahead of time, subject to whatever obstacles I’d find along the way. Or the spiral bound map books in large cities that continued on non-consecutive pages. And before my own driving days, we relied on the big atlas maps that didn’t fit in the glove compartment.

We’ve come a long way from outdated printed maps. Some cars now come with a built-in GPS system, which is a moot point in some places in Latin America where a point of reference is more accurate than a physical address.

Without making any gender generalities, there are those who will stop and ask for directions, and those who will stubbornly insist that they know where they are going.

And while some of you would now like to point your finger at a man in your life who refuses to ask for directions, I invite you to carry the application over to our spiritual journey…

We have no cosmic GPS directing our path with a booming voice or British accent. Nor are we subject to the whims of a puppeteer who determines our every movement.

We would be foolish to follow blind guides (Matt. 23) or guides who were unfamiliar with the path to be traveled.

Rather, God, in his infinite wisdom, has provided us with his Word and his Spirit as guides that we can choose to follow or not.

John 16:13 refers to the Holy Spirit as the one to guide us into all truth. And who better to guide us than our loving, all-knowing Father and Creator?

We may prefer a detailed roadmap, but just as I trust the GPS on my phone to reroute me when there is trouble ahead, I must stay in tune with the GHS (Guidance of the Holy Spirit) to direct my steps to the Father.

My phone’s GPS rerouted me around some construction delays. Grateful to not have to sit in additional traffic, I marveled at the days when I printed out a step-by-step map ahead of time, subject to whatever obstacles I’d find along the way. Or the spiral bound map books in large cities that continued on non-consecutive pages. And before my own driving days, we relied on the big atlas maps that didn’t fit in the glove compartment.

We’ve come a long way from outdated printed maps. Some cars now come with a built-in GPS system, which is a mute point in some places in Latin America where a point of reference is more accurate than a physical address.
Without making any gender generalities, there are those who will stop and ask for directions, and those who will stubbornly insist that they know where they are going.

And while some of you would now like to point your finger at a man in your life who refuses to ask for directions, I invite you to carry the application over to our spiritual journey...

We have no cosmic GPS directing our path with a booming voice or British accent. Nor are we subject to the whims of a puppeteer who determines our every movement.

We would be foolish to follow blind guides (Matt. 23) or guides who were unfamiliar with the path to be traveled.

Rather, God, in His infinite wisdom, has provided us with His Word and His Spirit as guides that we can choose to follow or not.
John 16:13 refers to the Holy Spirit as the one to guide us into all truth. And who better to guide us than our loving, all-knowing Father and Creator?

We may prefer a detailed roadmap, but just as I trust the GPS on my phone to reroute me when there is trouble ahead, I must stay in tune with the GHS (Guidance of the Holy Spirit) to direct my steps to the Father.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Was it because of the person saying it? Or the timing of what they said? Was it because you could hear the love and humility behind the comment?
Now think of the worst advice you’ve ever heard. What made it so bad?
If you go to Pinterest or Instagram, you can find a myriad of witty sayings and pearls of wisdom presented in artistic form. You could fill the walls of your house with the best and most encouraging of these quotes.
However, many of the creative sayings shared or responses penned do not benefit and bless when we boil it down to their true meaning. The statements are meant to build up self and not others. They invite comparison and judgment, which breed discouragement and competition.
When seeking advice and encouragement, we should use a filter to see if the pearl of wisdom comes from the one who paid for the pearl of great price (Matt. 13:45). James gives us some clear tests that can help us discern between godly and worldly wisdom in chapter 3:
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:13-18)
Today, instead of going to Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook for advice, seek some godly wisdom through scripture. God really does know what He’s talking about.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Was it because of the person saying it? Or the timing of what they said? Was it because you could hear the love and humility behind the comment?

Now think of the worst advice you’ve ever heard. What made it so bad?

If you go to Pinterest or Instagram, you can find a myriad of witty sayings and pearls of wisdom presented in artistic form. You could fill the walls of your house with the best and most encouraging of these quotes.

However, many of the creative sayings shared or responses penned do not benefit and bless when we boil it down to their true meaning. The statements are meant to build up self and not others. They invite comparison and judgment, which breed discouragement and competition.

When seeking advice and encouragement, we should use a filter to see if the pearl of wisdom comes from the one who paid for the pearl of great price (Matt. 13:45). James gives us some clear tests that can help us discern between godly and worldly wisdom in chapter 3:

13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.15Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.18Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.(James 3:13-18)

Today, instead of going to Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook for advice, seek some godly wisdom through scripture. God really does know what he’s talking about.

Written by Francia Oviedo, Creative Assistant with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Honduras

I have heard that women use 20,000 words a day and men 13,000. I can assure you that I hit that mark (haha). Wow, but how many problems have those 20,000 words gotten me into when I don’t use them wisely, when I allow my words to be guided by the flesh and not by the Spirit? This reminds me of Balaam.

Balaam was a words guy, so much so that three chapters are needed in the Bible to tell his story, found in the book of Numbers, chapters 22-24. Balaam was a man known to use his words to bless or curse peoples. He was just the man Balak, the king of Moab, needed in order that his words might be used to curse the people of Israel.

22:5 sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor, who was at Pethor, near the Euphrates River, in his native land. Balak said:
“A people has come out of Egypt; they cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. 6 Now come and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. For I know that whoever you bless is blessed, and whoever you curse is cursed.” (Num. 22:5-6)

But Balaam pledged to go to that place and do that deed even when God had not allowed it. Such were the circumstances that God had to give him a lesson and make his donkey talk! Finally, Balaam obeyed God and was unable to pronounce any words that God did not allow him to speak.

But Balaam answered them, “Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the Lord my God.” (Num. 22:18)

Fortunately, he obeyed and used his words in accordance with God’s will. Instead of cursing the people of Israel, he ended up blessing them three times. Thankfully, God led Balaam to use his words wisely, and we all have that power in our mouths. Most of us use 10,000, 20,000, or even more words per day and, like Balaam, we should seek God’s wisdom to choose well whatever we say.

Every word that comes from our mouths has the power to create, to give life, to encourage, to bless, but also has the power to darken, to discourage, to hurt, to curse others or even ourselves. Proverbs tells us, “The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly” (15:2) and it also says, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (18:21).

Like me, I’m sure you can remember a personal story when you used your words in the wrong way, but like Balaam, we always have the opportunity to choose the right words, ones that reflect the love and wisdom of God, ones that create, encourage, and give life. It is a daily choice. I encourage you to remember, the next time you think about how many words you say a day, that you can choose ones that will be a blessing to those around you, and also to yourself.

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #wisdom #words #powerofthetongue #bless #Balaam #guestwriter #blog

Written by Liliana Henríquez, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colombia 

There is a well-known saying, "Time is money." I believe this means that all the years of life granted by God are very valuable, both for ourselves and for others. Time is not necessarily synonymous with wisdom, but it does equate to experience.

Wisdom is God's gift, and when we are lacking it, we can ask for it and He guarantees that He will give it to us abundantly (James 1:5). Experience brings with it the knowledge and skills we acquire over time. Both are important, necessary, and valuable during our time on earth.

In our daily lives, we come across many challenges and situations that other people have already experienced such as divorce, marriage, raising children, traveling, changes in our work life, and others. And thanks to what we call intergenerational relationships— friendships among people of different ages—we can find better and faster solutions to our problems, always remembering that "wisdom is found in those who take advice" (Prov. 13:10b NIV).

Ruth and Naomi's relationship is an excellent example of a wonderful intergenerational relationship.

Ruth was in the same situation as Naomi—they were both widows. However, Naomi had a plan: return to her homeland, Bethlehem. This was a new place for Ruth, but she agreed to be led by her older and wiser mother-in-law.

Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” (Ruth 2:1-2)

Ruth was a hard-working woman who listened to the advice of her mother-in-law, Naomi, and sought her constant guidance, and the good relationship that she had with Naomi was admirable, so much so that it was publicly recognized.

Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. (Ruth 2:11)

Naomi's wisdom and experience guided Ruth to directly seek out a man to redeem her. Following this advice shortened the time to improve her situation and lessened the possibility of making mistakes. Those same benefits can be obtained by all of us today if we develop relationships with older and wiser women.

There are many teachers of good things (Titus 2:3), willing to guide younger ones to avoid stumbling blocks. But to experience this benefit, we need to open ourselves to opportunities for cultivating intergenerational relationships that will allow us to grow personally and spiritually. The benefit is mutual: older women bring wisdom and experience to the younger ones, and younger ones help the older ones actively fulfill their God-given calling to teach others.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matt. 7:24). Through developing intergenerational relationships, let us be women who build their house, their mind, and their heart on the rock and not on the sand.

Eve fell into a trap that I understand all too well... because sometimes, I just want to know.
I want to know what the future holds. I want to know why I dreamt what I did last night. I want to know how things will all work out. I want to know all the ingredients in the new food I tasted. I am a planner and so, yes, I want to know how to anticipate what might be happening and prepare myself, and others, accordingly. I want to know!
When I get confused about something in Scripture... When the path is murky and unclear... When I am striving to follow God’s lead... It’s not wrong to want to know, right? Or is it...

Eve fell into a trap that I understand all too well... because sometimes, I just want to know.

I want to know what the future holds. I want to know why I dreamt what I did last night. I want to know how things will all work out. I want to know all the ingredients in the new food I tasted. I am a planner and so, yes, I want to know how to anticipate what might be happening and prepare myself, and others, accordingly. I want to know!

When I get confused about something in Scripture… When the path is murky and unclear… When I am striving to follow God’s lead… It’s not wrong to want to know, right? Or is it…

Eve wanted to know.She wanted to know good and evil. She wanted to know what the fruit tasted like. She wanted to know more than she wanted to trust.

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

(Prov. 28:26)

Walking in wisdom is trusting God no matter what our own knowledge or understanding tell us. Here’s the proverb that most reminds me of this wise truth, when I am tempted, like Eve, to want to know more than I want to trust…

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

    and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

    and he will make straight your paths.

Be not wise in your own eyes;

    fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your flesh

    and refreshment to your bones.

(Prov. 3:5-8)

(contributed by Wendy Neill)

She is one of my dearest friends.  We went to the same college.  We’ve lived in FOUR of the same places, usually at different times: Dallas, Abilene, Kansas City and Searcy.  We both love long walks, especially when the weather is warm and the flowers are in bloom.  Once a week for six years, we have walked together, talked together, and then prayed together.  How are we different? I am exactly half her age.  She is 92 and I am 46. 

Effie is a woman of small stature and great faith.  The Spirit of God just oozes from her every pore.  Her smile and her open arms remind me how very much I am loved by God.  When I think of wisdom and perseverance, I think of Effie. 

When we are together, I do too much of the talking.  I find it comical that the subject is often MY poor health.  But even though she doesn’t talk as much or dole out advice, I still learn so much from her.  I’ve learned how to be patient and loving toward my Mom who has Alzheimer’s, because Effie stood by her husband through Alzheimer’s, until his death in 2008.  I’ve seen how she has continued to shine as a widow who is also a beautiful daughter of God.  She serves people in the community by visiting with them at a dinner her church holds once a week.  She has been part of ladies’ Bible studies, book clubs and trips to plays and concerts with friends.  She misses her husband, but she keeps living an abundant life, as she is able.

When I worry about my children, or when I’m not seeing eye-to-eye on an issue with my husband, I can count on a wise word from Effie.  It won’t be lengthy, but it will be just what I need. 

What is the secret in the sauce?  Prayer.  No doubt about it.  Effie relies on prayer.  There is even a prayer room at the Red Bridge Church of Christ in Kansas City named after her.  She prays daily for her family members, for the church and….. for me.

Do you have a woman in your life that exemplifies wisdom and perseverance?  Consider making a little extra room in your schedule to spend time with her.  Go on a walk.  Get some coffee.  And pray.  Like iron sharpening iron, she can encourage you to be as beautiful as a rose, despite your thorns.  An “Iron Rose Sister”.

Wendy Neill

“You have to act crazy so you don’t go crazy.” This is one of the many nuggets of wisdom my mom, Jocelynn Goff, has passed down to my sisters and me. However, the wisdom I most treasure is her spiritual legacy and example of time in the Word and in communication with our Heavenly Father.
Whether from the stories she shared (and, believe me, she has a story for everything!), or for the insight she passed on, I appreciate that my mom is my physical mother, my spiritual mother, as well as my sister in Christ.
I value the wisdom she has passed on and the ways in which I, in turn, can now pass it on to others, that they might also pass it on to others.
That practice is what we are all about as a ministry: equipping women to connect to God and one another more deeply—sharing the wisdom God has given us by being and equipping spiritual mothers, mentors, and Iron Rose Sisters to one another.
Today is my mom’s birthday, and in her honor, I share a picture of the legacy of faith and wisdom from my grandmother, to my mother, to me... May you be inspired to pass on words of wisdom, inspiration, and encouragement to others as Iron Rose Sisters.

Advice is not always appreciated. We don’t always want to hear it and when it’s our turn to give it, our advice is sometimes not well received by others.
An unwelcomed pearl of wisdom reminds me of Jesus’ warning to not cast pearls before swine (Matt. 7:6). I am not saying that people are pigs. Nor am I saying that we should never offer advice. But how we offer it is important.
Ephesians 4:15 reminds us to speak the truth in love. Our attitude matters in offering pearls of wisdom. But we have no control over how it is received, which takes me to the story of the watchman on the tower in Ezekiel 3 and again in chapter 33.
If we compare the watchman’s warnings to our pearls of wisdom, we can glean some insight on how we should handle unheeded warnings.

The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, speak to your people and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their men and make him their watchman, 3 and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people, 4 then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head. 5 Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning, their blood will be on their own head. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves. 6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.’ (Ezekiel 33:1-6)

What do you understand from this story as it applies to sharing pearls of wisdom?

Advice is not always appreciated. We don’t always want to hear it and when it’s our turn to give it, our advice is sometimes not well received by others.

Who marries 700 women, has 300 concubines, follows their foreign gods, and yet still constructs the most elaborate temple for Jehovah God? The same man who is known as “the Preacher,” the wisest and richest man to walk the earth (second only in wisdom to Christ, of course). Solomon.
As the book of Ecclesiastes confirms, Solomon denied himself nothing. And he paid for it dearly. He forgot his own admonition at the end of the book to fear God and keep his commands.

Who marries 700 women, has 300 concubines, follows their foreign gods, and yet still constructs the most elaborate temple for Jehovah God? The same man who is known as “the Preacher,” the wisest and richest man to walk the earth (second only in wisdom to Christ, of course). Solomon.

As the book of Ecclesiastes confirms, Solomon denied himself nothing. And he paid for it dearly. He forgot his own admonition at the end of the book to fear God and keep his commands.

Just as God had warned, Solomon was led astray by his foreign wives and began to worship their gods. He even built high places for the various gods that each of his different wives worshipped.

This angered God greatly and he would’ve completely stripped the kingdom from Solomon but for his promise to David. Solomon broke his covenant with God, so God tore the kingdom from him—not during his rule and not 100% of the kingdom, again, because of God’s promise to David (1 Kings 11:1-13).

What would’ve happened had Solomon followed his own advice—practiced what he preached?

In Proverbs 18:22, Solomon says that he who finds a wife finds a good thing, but he was unable to describe the virtuous wife in Proverbs 31… We look to King Lemuel for that account.

I suppose that if finding a wife means you find a good thing, finding 700 wives is even better? Not really. Maybe that’s why he dedicates two and a half chapters in Proverbs warning against adultery, in addition to a warning in Ecclesiastes 9:9 to enjoy life with the wife whom you love.

While it is easy to point our finger of blame at Solomon for not practicing what he preached as it related to his wives, the graver and more foundational error was not fearing God or keeping his commands.

Are you practicing what you preach?

What does it mean to fear God and keep his commands today?