“Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord. Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.”
Romans 12:11, 12 (Amplified Bible)
September 4, 2009
WORDS TO INSPIRE
PATIENT IN AFFLICTION
by Cheryl Skordahl
by Cheryl Skordahl
About Ireland and the Irish of 1843, the historical novel OF MEN & OF ANGELS by authors Bodie and Brock Thoene, teaches much about being patient in affliction. Set in the time when Ireland was owned and controlled entirely by the English, the story follows the life of Joseph Connor Burke who identifies with the commoners since he had been one himself, inheriting the estate and the lands of Ballynockanor later in life.
Seeing the tyranny of the English in every crevas of life, Joseph agrees to work with Daniel O’Connell and his Repeal movement, desiring true representation of the Irish in the English House of Commons – and to gain this representation without bloodshed. The story introduces the reader to multiple layers of villainy, all of whom have one thing in common – there desire for more power and the downfall of the Repeal movement. Joseph works prayerfully and tirelessly through much persecution, toward the goal of an Ireland that has true representation in the government.
Although the book was published in 1998, questions regarding the current issues in our country reverberated in my mind as I read the discussion questions at the end of this novel. Are there similarities between this novel and the plight of the United States under the current administration? Without trying to over dramatize, I believe the answer to the question is a resounding, “yes!” I am one who believes that the multiple bills that are currently before congress, will promote exorbitant changes in our country – changes that will affect the freedoms that American’s know today.
What are Christian Americans to do about these changes that the government seems bent on delivering? The WORD’S OF INSPIRATION in this article come in the form of a challenge. A challenge to put into practice the words of Romans 12:11 & 12.
1. BE AGLOW AND BURNING WITH THE SPIRIT. Check your spiritual temperature in light of the Word of God. Are you putting your complete trust and dependence in the Lord Jesus Christ? Are you sold out to him? Have you determined not to live for yourself, but for the Lord and others? Are you living empowered by the Holy Spirit?
2. BE CONSTANT IN PRAYER. Include prayer for our nation in your prayers – frequently each day. Pray for other Christians and Christian families to be inspired by the Holy spirit and strengthened to rise up and move as the Lord directs.
3. NEVER LAG IN ZEAL, AND IN EARNEST ENDEAVOR. Follow the leading of the Lord and WORK as He instructs you individually and corporately, to insure that our freedoms as Americans are protected. If we do nothing, they will win. Always maintain a hopeful attitude.
4. BE STEADFAST AND PATIENT IN SUFFERING AND TRIBULATION. Trust God for the future, even though persecutions may come. In our novel, when Joseph was persecuted through damage to his reputation, his earthly dwelling, and his physical body, he was counseled with these works, “circumstances are never as damaging’ to us as how we take on about them.” Don’t loose heart, God’s ultimate plan will succeed.
5. REJOICE AND EXULT IN HOPE. In patience, press on – not giving up until our freedoms are secure. In this you will be serving the Lord enthusiastically.
NEEDS OF THE REAL WORLD
In this time of so much disruption in every sector of our nation there still is a need for us to continue on as Christian women. Don’t give up. Times are tough. We need to press on. Even if we don’t seem to have any strength left and we are just drained of every ounce of life that we thought we had in the morning when we woke up. We still need to keep going. Why? Because Jesus said “you are the salt of the earth.” Matthew 5:13. How many of us have looked up the definition of salt or looked on the Internet to see all the uses of salt? If you have you will be amazed. Have you ever looked up all the uses of salt? Just like there are many uses for salt so there are many things left that God wants us to be doing for him. Has the salt in us lost it savor and is it being trampled under foot? Oh how I hope that it is not. I challenge you today ladies to ask Jesus what he wants you to do each day to be the “Salt of the earth”. Many of us are miles away from each other but we can be “Salt” in our “own little world” wherever that may be. It is time to stand on the principles of the Bible and not move off of them. It is time to stand on prayer and believe that God answers prayer. It is time to believe in forgiveness of sins and that someday Christ will return. Am I saying that we as Christians haven’t done that? No I am not I am saying that we have to keep on doing these principles. Some days I don’t feel like being the salt of the earth. Some days I just have an awful day at work where my co-workers have bashed me as a Christian woman. In these days’ people are trying in everyway possible to bash at Christians. In the book of Hebrews we read about that punishment or the way people treat us hurts. But afterwards it will bring a quiet growth in grace and character. We must stand firm. We must continue to be “Salt” to the world. Don’t worry about how will I do this just believe and pray that God will show you where and to whom he wants you to be salt to. Jesus said also “if salt loses it savor it might as well be thrown out and trampled.” Oh women of today don’t be like what Jesus is talking about when he talks about the salt losing its savor. Oh know, we must not lose the savor. If you have lost your savor repent and believe that God forgives you and press on even now as you read this go forth and be salt in your world.
CHECK IT OUT
Turning the Tide: Having More children Who follow Christ by Holly Elliff
We pray about what we should do with our money or what car to buy. But, she challenges us to seek God’s will regarding the size of our family. Holly share with us biblical principles God used to challenge her own heart in this area. She reveals the far-reaching impact of what happens when believers choose to have fewer children, or even not to have children at all. If Christians have fewer children who follow Christ, what will be the long-term effect on our culture and world? Finally, Holly share tips for raising godly Children to help cultivate and environment that encourages spiritual growth and fosters tender hearts. This is a short book with a big message. Order through ReviveOur Hearts.com or call #1-800-569-5959.
We pray about what we should do with our money or what car to buy. But, she challenges us to seek God’s will regarding the size of our family. Holly share with us biblical principles God used to challenge her own heart in this area. She reveals the far-reaching impact of what happens when believers choose to have fewer children, or even not to have children at all. If Christians have fewer children who follow Christ, what will be the long-term effect on our culture and world? Finally, Holly share tips for raising godly Children to help cultivate and environment that encourages spiritual growth and fosters tender hearts. This is a short book with a big message. Order through ReviveOur Hearts.com or call #1-800-569-5959.
The Legacy of Biblical Womanhood by Susan Hunt and Barbara Thompson
This work is grounded in Scripture, in a biblical theology of womanhood. It inspires us with the incredible privilege to be a woman fulfilling our distinctive role in His grand redemptive plan. It challenges us to recapture the Legacy of Biblical Womanhood and carefully and intentionally pass it on to the next generation. A must read book . (to order see information)
HELPFUL HINTS FOR HOME
By Ester Gudim
As a stay at home mom of two and a wife of a full time seminarian, I have learn a thing or two the last few years about saving money. One of the greatest ways that God has shown me is how to use coupons to dramatically cut our grocery/personal hygiene budget. By using coupons to their fullest the last few years, I have been able to maintain a budget of about $90 per month for these categories. Here are a few ideas on how to increase your coupon savings:
1. Collect Coupons-Sunday papers are a great place to start, but you can also find in grocery stores, on products, and even in gas stations.
2. Organize your coupons in a way that makes sense to you. You are more likely to use them if they make sense to you. Coupons could be organized by store layout, or categories used most often.
3. Get to know your stores' coupon policies (You can usually inquire at Customer Service). Different savings your stores might offer could include:
-Price matching other competitors
-Doubling coupons
-Taking expired coupons
-Accepting competitor's coupons
4. Trying matching coupons up with sale prices in your ads to maximize your savings.
5. Think about stockpiling. When you come across a good sale, don't be afraid to purchase alot. Often, if an item is free or very cheap, I will figure out how much my family will use before the expiration date and purchase that amount.
6. Start out small. Major couponing can be a little overwhelming. Try starting with just one store and when you master that one add another one.
7. Utilize the internet.
-Print coupons online. They are often of higher value then those in the Sunday paper.
-Read online forums to help you learn what deals are going on at local stores.
-Order extra coupons online from clipping services. They are online stores where you can purchase extra coupons for items you use often or to use on items that are already on sale that you want to pair with a good coupon and stock up.
-Order extra coupons online from clipping services. They are online stores where you can purchase extra coupons for items you use often or to use on items that are already on sale that you want to pair with a good coupon and stock up.
Clipping services
Finally, it is important to realize that this will take some time and effort. It is worth it though. Not only has God provided abundently for my family through coupons, He has also given us so much that we are able to share with others who are in need.
IDEAS THAT WORK
In the spring of 2009 the women of Living Hope, an AFLC Church in a suburb of Minneapolis, MN, held a 24 hour Women’s Retreat. Many young women with busy households attended, precisely because of the limited time schedule. Lasting only 24 hours, beginning on a Friday night and closing on Saturday night, the women were able to be home on Sunday morning to attend church with their families.
From the beginning, the 3 member planning team involved about 10 other women by delegating the responsibilities of decorating, supper set up, small group leaders, worship, and advertizing. In this way there were close to 15 women who felt ownership for the event, virtually assuring their attendance.
The theme of the retreat was LOVING WELL, a Beth Moore Retreat In A Box – Liveway.com. Everything needed for planning the retreat was supplied in a box.
As well as large group events, the 30 – 35 women were divided into 4 small groups where time was spent in ice breakers, games, and Bible studies. One of the aims was for each women to get to know a few women – and to get to know them well. Says one of the planners, “It was rewarding to see women come and relationships made, tears, raw emotion, sharing in depth in small groups.” A truth that was explored is that a person “can’t love well until they know they’re loved by our Heavenly Father. He asks us to love all those He puts on our path – even the testy – the hard or easy to love women.” The retreat planning team wanted to be sure that all who attended felt loved, that people meshed, and that new friendships were formed. Each woman who came was given a special soft drink “Izzy”, some chocolate, a bookmark, and a personal journal that was a follow-up study to the event.
The retreat was held in a rustic retreat center – one way of helping us keep the cost down. We charged $50 - $60 per person, with the option of paying $25.00 extra for a high rope course, team building event.
What did the women like about the retreat? That it was close by home – not much travel time, the content was solid and dynamic, it was not superficial but got right to the tough subjects, it was fun, goofy games, good food, life transforming.
Questions about the Retreat in a box? Contact Julie Monseth 763-497-0653 or Naomi Halvorson 612-267-5757.
HERE'S WHAT'S COOKING
Something to not Heat up the Kitchen
Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
½ cup whole cashews
½ cup sweetened flaked coconut
1 tbs curry powder
2 tbs mango chutney
½ cup plain yogurt
3 cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 – 3 green onions with tops
1 large granny smith apple
4 cups mixed baby greens
1. Place cashews in steamer Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH 1-2 minutes or until cashews are fragrant, stirring every 30 seconds; remove and set aside. Place coconut in Micro-Cooker®. Microwave on HIGH 2-3 minutes or until deep golden brown, stirring every 20 seconds; set aside. Place curry powder into (8-in./20-cm) Sauté Pan; cook over medium-high heat 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
2. In Stainless (2-qt./2-L) Mixing Bowl, combine chutney and curry powder. Add yogurt; stir until smooth. Reserve 1/4 cup (50 mL) of the dressing.
3. Using pearing knife, dice chicken into 1-in. (2.5-cm) pieces. Thinly slice green onions and apple. Add chicken and green onions to remaining dressing in mixing bowl; stir to coat. Combine apple and mixed greens in (4-qt./4-L) Mixing Bowl. To serve, divide greens mixture among serving plates and top with chicken mixture. Sprinkle with cashews and coconut. Drizzle with reserved dressing.
Yield: 4 servings Nutrients per serving: Nutrients per serving: Calories 410, Total Fat 15 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Cholesterol 90 mg, Carbohydrate 30 g, Protein 39 g, Sodium 310 mg, Fiber 4 gDiabetic exchanges per serving: 2 fruit, 5 low-fat meat (2 carb) Cook’s Tips: It’s a good idea to cook extra chicken breasts when preparing dinner early in the week. You'll be a big step ahead in preparing meals like this one a couple of nights a week.
Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
½ cup whole cashews
½ cup sweetened flaked coconut
1 tbs curry powder
2 tbs mango chutney
½ cup plain yogurt
3 cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 – 3 green onions with tops
1 large granny smith apple
4 cups mixed baby greens
1. Place cashews in steamer Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH 1-2 minutes or until cashews are fragrant, stirring every 30 seconds; remove and set aside. Place coconut in Micro-Cooker®. Microwave on HIGH 2-3 minutes or until deep golden brown, stirring every 20 seconds; set aside. Place curry powder into (8-in./20-cm) Sauté Pan; cook over medium-high heat 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
2. In Stainless (2-qt./2-L) Mixing Bowl, combine chutney and curry powder. Add yogurt; stir until smooth. Reserve 1/4 cup (50 mL) of the dressing.
3. Using pearing knife, dice chicken into 1-in. (2.5-cm) pieces. Thinly slice green onions and apple. Add chicken and green onions to remaining dressing in mixing bowl; stir to coat. Combine apple and mixed greens in (4-qt./4-L) Mixing Bowl. To serve, divide greens mixture among serving plates and top with chicken mixture. Sprinkle with cashews and coconut. Drizzle with reserved dressing.
Yield: 4 servings Nutrients per serving: Nutrients per serving: Calories 410, Total Fat 15 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Cholesterol 90 mg, Carbohydrate 30 g, Protein 39 g, Sodium 310 mg, Fiber 4 gDiabetic exchanges per serving: 2 fruit, 5 low-fat meat (2 carb) Cook’s Tips: It’s a good idea to cook extra chicken breasts when preparing dinner early in the week. You'll be a big step ahead in preparing meals like this one a couple of nights a week.
Any type of mango chutney, such as Major Grey's or hot mango chutney, can be used in this recipe. Any tart, crisp apple, such as Jonathan, can be substituted for the Granny Smith apple.
© 2009 The Pampered Chef used under license.
Something Festive for the fall gatherings
Spiced Pumpkin Butter Dip
1 10 oz jar of spiced pumpkin butter (Can be purchased at groceries, Williams Sonoma)
8 oz of softened cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
4 oz cool whip
Mix cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add vanilla and stir until blended. Next, stir in the spiced pumpkin butter. Then fold in the cool whip until well blended. Chill the mixture before serving at room temperature.
Serving suggestions:
Offer sliced, crisp apples with pear slices, cantaloupe, grapes, ginger snaps, or pretzels.
**From Oregon Hill Farms
Something Festive for the fall gatherings
Spiced Pumpkin Butter Dip
1 10 oz jar of spiced pumpkin butter (Can be purchased at groceries, Williams Sonoma)
8 oz of softened cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
4 oz cool whip
Mix cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add vanilla and stir until blended. Next, stir in the spiced pumpkin butter. Then fold in the cool whip until well blended. Chill the mixture before serving at room temperature.
Serving suggestions:
Offer sliced, crisp apples with pear slices, cantaloupe, grapes, ginger snaps, or pretzels.
**From Oregon Hill Farms
TOGETHER THROUGH PRAYER
Each HEARTLINE will present you with a corporate prayer suggestion for AFLC Pastors' wives.
Let’s unite in asking the Lord to extend to us His mercy and grace to us in abundant measure when we find ourselves in situations beyond our understanding. Let’s be honest with Him about what He is showing us as a need of transformation in our lives and His desire to work through our found situations to bring it about. Let’s be willing to learn to know Him through the sufferings that He allows us to experience. Let’s ask Him to complete His work in us though we feel it is a painful process. Pray that through our time “in the process” we would learn to know His heart of compassion and be moved to extend it to others. Pray for those you know who are experiencing times of difficulty and how He would have you extend his hand of mercy to them through you. “…be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.” Romans. 12:11,12
Let’s unite in asking the Lord to extend to us His mercy and grace to us in abundant measure when we find ourselves in situations beyond our understanding. Let’s be honest with Him about what He is showing us as a need of transformation in our lives and His desire to work through our found situations to bring it about. Let’s be willing to learn to know Him through the sufferings that He allows us to experience. Let’s ask Him to complete His work in us though we feel it is a painful process. Pray that through our time “in the process” we would learn to know His heart of compassion and be moved to extend it to others. Pray for those you know who are experiencing times of difficulty and how He would have you extend his hand of mercy to them through you. “…be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.” Romans. 12:11,12
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Interview With
Michelle Mobley
By Mary Pollestad
Michelle Mobley
By Mary Pollestad
Michelle Mobley is married to Pastor Wade Mobley. Wade and Michelle serve Living Word Free Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Wade and Michelle have served Living Word Free for seven years. They have one daughter.
When I asked Michelle what she thought her ministry was in the church she replied, “My ministry is to Wade”. “I have led ladies Bible Studies and have helped in children’s ministry but I would have to say that praying for him and listening to him is my ministry.” “I am still learning to do that though.” She chuckled. “I also think listening is my ministry.” “Listening to Wade even when I don’t have an answer.” I asked Michelle what her strong point was in the ministry and she said it was flexibility. “I think that is so important in the ministry as schedules change and church responsibilities change.,” she said. “That isn’t easy for some to do,” she said, “but I have found it to be a great asset in the ministry.” I asked Michelle to look back over the 7 years and also look to the future to give a comparison of the years of ministry. “Well, she said in the beginning I struggled with should I do that or this compared to now I think more of am I called to do this in the church or is someone else called.” “As I look to the future I know that God will equip me or all of us women for what is ahead.” “Also, learn to serve and to love the congregation.” she replied. “It is very vital to love your congregation.” As she looked at the verses in Hebrews 12:11,12 she shared these thoughts with me. “The first thing is to acknowledge the pain.,” she said. “I learned during this adoption journey to acknowledge the pain and allow others to come along side me during the pain. “Also to trust others during the pain.” “The results is the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” “Being vulnerable is hard for me.” Michelle stated. “But being vulnerable has taught me also that God can do His work during the pain.” Michelle reminded me, “While the pain is occurring we still need to keep going.”
If Michelle were to leave a word of encouragement for all of us pastor’s wives it would be to stay fed in the Word. “Sometimes we become so busy in church work we forget to get fed.” she reminded. “I have found that just to take a few verses each day and just meditate on them all day long has been a blessing to me.” “Even though we are busy moms in the pews listening to God’s Word being taught or sung is a way to be fed also.” “We must be fed” she said, “ daily in God’s Word.” If I were going to have devotions in the same way that I did before children I probably wouldn’t have devotions at all”. She chuckled. “That is why meditating on just a few verses all day has blessed me.” Another word of encouragement would be some advice that I got from another pastor’s wife. “Don’t defend your husband.” Michelle said. “But to encourage those who have grievances to talk to your husband thus you are not getting involved in the situation.”
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