FOCUS

Biblical Womanhood

What is the Legacy of Biblical womanhood? What is Biblical Womanhood? It is not surprising that the secular world is confused about the identity and calling of woman. But what can be distressing is the extent to which this has happened within the evangelical world. To understand this heritage ourselves enables us to pass it on to the next generation (a Titus 2 approach to relationships) During the 2010 year we would like to present a series of 5 Themes concerning the topic of Biblical Womanhood. (these are possibly not all inclusive concerning the subject BUT they do give “food for thought”) We may also conclude our series with thoughts on seeing Biblical womanhood “lived out “ in our churches. God Bless you in your pursuit of holding to a Biblical Womanhood perspective in a secular world. LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!

WORDS TO INSPIRE

BY CHERYL SKORDAHL

Last month I wrote about the helper design that God gave women at creation. We’ll continue this topic under the theme:

THE GOSPEL EMPOWERS AND COMPELS US
TO EXERCISE OUR DESIGN

“I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to Him. But the Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel…” I memorized that when I was 15 years old, and the message grows more precious year by year.

It is because of this “calling” this “redemption” that we can live our helper design – not in our own reason or strength, but through grace in the power of the Holy Spirit, as our catechism states. This grace, this redeeming love, breaks the grip of sin in our lives and empowers us to fulfill our creation mission. Is this truth so deeply ingrained in your mind, so that you will never become entangled in works righteousness? Even as a young seminarian’s wife, I was at the point of giving up on God because I was discouraged at my lack of ability to live the Christian life… works righteousness. When I realized that I needed to let go and let God, true Christian freedom came and I began living and doing in His power alone.

It is couched with this grace knowledge that I want to proceed to share some of the characteristics of a redeemed woman who is a true helper and fulfills her life-giving mission.

1. She is so grateful for God’s mercy that she gives forgiveness to others. Christ’s righteousness causes her to joyfully extend love and acceptance to others.
2. Her sights are on her heavenly home which restrains her from materialism.
3. She values the calling of wife and mother, but not so that they become her idol. She holds her family loosely before God.
4. She moves gracefully through different seasons and circumstances of life.
5. She is not focused on herself but extends herself to the elderly, the sick, the oppressed, needy and afflicted. Taking along her children or a younger woman to help train the next generation.
6. The redeemed helper knows that her marriage is a gospel picture to her children, the Christian community, and the world.
7. She knows that elevating herself, an individualistic approach, causes marriage and motherhood to be trivialized whereas a biblical perspective raises these relationships to the eternal.
8. She understands that her children are gifts to the church and she wants them to grow up as a part of this community. She teaches about the privilege to live and move among believers and to assume responsibilities to this covenant community.

What other ways are you living out your helper design? As pastor’s wives we remember that this design is foreign and offensive to the fallen world. The devil and the world tell women that there is a better way – a way of autonomy and independence. Instead the Lord through the gospel teaches and empowers us to live out our helper design. It is in the context of the Word where this design truly makes sense. Prov. 13:14, Prov 14:30, Prov 15:4. Can you find other Scriptures that teach and encourage women to live out their helper design?

NEEDS OF THE REAL WORLD (ministering effectively)

**Practical ways to live out the truths you are reading

PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN USED BY GOD
By Mary Pollestad

What is a picture of a woman who is used by God? What comes to your mind when you ask yourself, “Am I a portrait of a woman used by God”? I think there are several areas that come to our minds if we were sitting in a group of ladies right now. Let’s try and look at some of these. First and foremost she is a woman who is in the Word of God daily. When we are women who are in the Word of God we will then be able to respond in a right manner to everything in our lives because our lives are built on the Lord and His Word. A woman used by God has only one agenda and one focus that of Jesus Christ. She doesn’t think of herself first. Also her heart is willing and open to Gods’ leading to be used.

I think of an ordinary woman. We don’t have to be extraordinary in our talents and abilities God uses ordinary people like you and me.

Secondly, the picture is of a woman who knows it is only because of God’s grace that she can be who she is.

Thirdly women are nurturers and if we are women who love God we have been chosen to do that very thing. Nurturing other women in the Faith of the Lord Jesus. This may be a young woman at church or even as a young woman you can nurture other older women.

Fourthly, it is a woman who listens intently to the Holy Spirit. A portrait of a woman used by God actually listens all day long to the words that the Holy Spirit may say to her. She is always mindful of the Spirit. She also listens to the Spirit and does what the Spirit leads her to do even if it means she has to get out of her comfort zone.

Fifthly she does not have a negative spirit. She believes in her Lord. She talks of what He can do for her and for others. She doesn’t whine when the tough things come along. She goes forth believing that God is in control and He will help her through all of it.

Also this is a woman who is available. This may mean even pulling your car over and parking so that you can help a woman who has called you on your cell phone and she needs you to listen to her right now. Or maybe talking to your 13 year old daughter who needs to talk and you only have 10 minutes to get the supper ready for the family. Or, talking to a grandmother who is very disheartened because her grandchildren are not going to Sunday School. Maybe even helping out a sick one whose family is exhausted as care givers.

These are only a few items in the picture. How many more can you add for yourself as you look at the Portrait of a Woman Used By God?

CHECK IT OUT

WOMAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART
By Elizabeth George

Our transformation into being a woman after God’s own heart is indeed God’s work. But what this book offers are the disciplines we can follow to place ourselves before God—disciplines regarding our devotional life, our husband, our children, our home, our personal growth, and our ministry –so that he can do that work in our heart. In this book you’ll find practical insights about what it means to follow God in every area of life, insights about nurturing an impassioned relationship with God, loving your husband, enjoying your children, caring for your home, experiencing personal growth, and giving to others. This book leads you on an exciting journey, and it is one where you will find much joy along the way. Let’s join together in becoming women who seek to be what God calls us and will empower us to be, a WOMAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART

HELPFUL HINTS FOR HOME

Spring is in the air, and with it comes Spring Cleaning! I used to be one of those people who would take a day and clean my house from top to bottom. It felt great to accomplish so much and to put my feet up at the end of the day with a clean house. Now that I have two children under two, I have had to modify my approach to cleaning. No longer do I have the luxury of taking a whole day to clean our house, much less taking time for spring cleaning that needs to be done. My house is just not as company ready as it used to be.

I was visiting at my girlfriend’s house and noticed a cute box on her kitchen countertop. The little tag attached to the tin box said “Spring Clean Year Round.” When I asked her about it, she explained that inside were cards that break down house cleaning chores at various intervals (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, bi-monthly etc…) Following the cards, she can clean a little bit each day. She received this box as a gift, but gave me the blog spot where one can go to see how the system works and order a box if desired: www.cleanyearround.blogspot.com. Perhaps you may be interested to go to this site and order a box. Or maybe you could read about it and get some ideas on how to create a system of your own for breaking down your house cleaning chores. Happy Cleaning!

IDEAS THAT WORK

BY LORI WILLARD

HEALTH for BODY (Physical) SOUL (Mind, Will, Emotions) SPIRIT (Spiritual)

Read: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 14:7-8;
Romans 12:1-2

We are the temple of the Holy Spirit! God commands that no one (ourselves included) is to defile or destroy our bodies! We are the Lord’s! We are to come apart from the world’s behavior! We must offer our bodies to Him, as a living sacrifice, for His service! Strong words for His people!

Do the following questions sound familiar?

How do I change my body, mind, will, emotions and spirit to reflect a transformed life? Do I want to be healed in all areas of my life? Do I want to fully serve the Lord? Do I only pay attention to my health when a crisis hits? How can I work for Him while I neglect the gift of life the Lord has given me? Do I see that neglect as a sin against the Lord?

We will address these thoughts in the next issues of Heartline. Resources will be shared to help improve your life and others around you.

When visiting a Naturopathic Doctor, she questioned, “Why do people in ministry push hard, give everything to ministry, and yet don’t take care of themselves? If you ever get a chance to tell others in ministry to take care of themselves, do it!”

CHOOSE LIFE! As I read Deuteronomy 30:19-20, the Lord impressed upon me that I had a responsibility to fulfill. It was simple. Make the decision to choose life. The Holy Spirit will come alongside to strengthen us.

Will you choose life?

Resource: Medical (Allopathic) Doctors (MDs) treat patients through medications (which mask root causes) and surgery. They are good at diagnosing symptoms. Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) treat patients through nutrition, supplements and exercise. NDs are good at dealing with root causes to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. Check out www.naturopathic.org to find an ND near you.

HERE'S WHAT'S COOKING

Fresh Spring Broccoli Salad

5 Cups Fresh Broccoli Florets
½ Cup Raisins
½ cup sunflower seeds
½ cup cooked crumbled bacon
3 cups purple grapes
¼ cup of red onion, chopped

Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons vinegar
½ cup sugar

Alternative:
Use KRAFT cucumber ranch dressing for a fresh spring taste also to avoid food allergies for those who cannot eat mayonnaise.

Combine all ingredients and dressing to desired thickness

Lemon Cheesecake Bars (from McCormick)

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/3 cup butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon Ginger, Ground

3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup milk

2 tablespoons flour

1 1/2 teaspoons Pure Lemon Extract

1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract

3 eggs

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix graham cracker crumbs, butter and ginger. Press firmly onto bottom of foil-lined 13x9-inch baking pan. Refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add milk, flour and extracts; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until blended. Pour over crust.

3. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool completely on wire rack.

4. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Lift out of pan onto cutting board. Cut into bars. Garnish as desired. Store leftover bars in refrigerator.

TOGETHER THROUGH PRAYER

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:3-8

Lord, you have created us as Women. As we study your word, teach us how you want us to live as Christian Women. Your word says you have already given us, “everything we need for life and godliness.” Give us the strength and obedience to exercise our design so we can be effective and productive in our calling for your glory. Amen.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Interview With Evonne Skramstad
By Mary Pollestad

Evonne Skramstad and her husband Tim Skramstad who serves Living Word Lutheran in Eagan, Minnesota have served this church for eight years. “This is the longest time we have been in one place in the ministry” she said. Evonne is the mother of one son and two daughters who all live in the Minneapolis area.

When I asked Evonne what she thought her ministry was in the church she said. “Leading a women’s weekly Bible Study.” That Bible study sometimes in the fall goes into two times a day so giving more opportunity for the women to attend. “The most important ministry I have is listening to my husband and praying for him” she replied. She also helps with Vacation Bible School and with the prayer chain in the church.

If she could encourage all of us pastor’s wives she would say to stay in the Word. It is there where the strength is. “We’ve heard it and heard it over again that staying in the Word is the most important from other older women so we need to do that.” To those of us who are awake during the night or early early morning she encourages us to read the Word of God then. The second thing she encouraged us with is to be a real prayer warrior. “Also, remember that if you are asked to pray about something or you ask someone to pray for you be sure that the prayer is kept and not shared with anyone.” She replied. Another encouragement would be for us women to be quiet before we speak. “Sometimes I just step back and not get involved in a situation.” “Sometimes we should just listen or just get out of the situation so that we don’t regret it later.” She encouraged all the women who are going into their first church for the first time to just sit back in the first year and wait for the Lord to show you what doors he has open for you in the church. “Sometimes in a young family it is hard to be involved” she said, “because the children do need care.” “Just wait for the doors to be opened for you.” Prayer and reading the Word of God is what we need to do as women today.

FOCUS

Biblical Womanhood

What is the Legacy of Biblical womanhood? What is Biblical Womanhood? It is not surprising that the secular world is confused about the identity and calling of woman. But what can be distressing is the extent to which this has happened within the evangelical world. To understand this heritage ourselves enables us to pass it on to the next generation (a Titus 2 approach to relationships) During the 2010 year we would like to present a series of 5 Themes concerning the topic of Biblical Womanhood. (these are possibly not all inclusive concerning the subject BUT they do give “food for thought”) We may also conclude our series with thoughts on seeing Biblical womanhood “lived out “ in our churches. God Bless you in your pursuit of holding to a Biblical Womanhood perspective in a secular world. LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!

WORDS TO INSPIRE

WOMAN - CREATED BY GOD TO BE A HELPER
By Cheryl Skordahl

A helper? Hopefully you don’t think that sound denigrating. Many women, world wide, react to the word helper in this negative way. But would that reaction be accurate when compared to the truth in the Word of God?

Genesis 1:27 says,
“God created man in his own image, in the image of God He created him;
male and female He created them.”

The man and the woman were equal, but different. Being created in God’s image gives identity and purpose. There is no preferential treatment in our union with Christ, but God’s design and order is clearly delineated in Galatians 3:28 where Paul writes,

“It is not good for the man to be alone, I will make a helper suitable for him.”
God’s design for woman is that she be a helper.

But, why didn’t God want man to be alone? Prior to the creation, God was alone, and man and woman were called into being because the Lord yearned for relationships. Recalling that human kind is created in God’s image helps us to realize why people also yearn for a relationship with God and with each other. The unity of marriage is where we see gender distinctiveness flowing out of equality in a complementary way. The male/female distinctiveness was essential before God gave His approval on this creation by saying: “It is very good.”

The Hebrew word “ezer” is primarily translated “helper.” In the Old Testament it refers to God as our helper. Considering that God is our helper causes us to reflect on the richness and strength of this word. This same word “ezer” is used in Exodus 18:4 when Moses spoke of God as his helper, saving him from Pharaoh’s sword. In Psalms 10:14; 72:12; and 86:17 we read that God is the helper of the victim, the fatherless, the needy, and the afflicted. In other Psalms God is also referred to as a helper who is our support, strength, and shield. (20:2; 27:7; 33:20)

Today’s hostile feminist philosophy, which says that equality means sameness between male and female has brought chaos and confusion to our world. The original helper design God gave woman has been marred by this feminist belief system, and now many think of womanhood in terms of their own self-fulfillment, their own completeness, their own authority, their own happiness.

The helper design that God gave us at creation is intrinsic to who we are. It does not change with these whims of culture – it is never outdated. The word “helper” is indicative of a life-giving ministry of nurture, defense, and comfort of others. May the Lord be a helper to AFLC pastor’s wives, that we be characterized in the scriptural manner.

NEEDS OF THE REAL WORLD (ministering effectively)

**Practical ways to live out the truths you are reading

A Wife’s Responsibility to Help Her Husband

Here are some helpful and some practical ways in which to help our husbands. First of all, the more that I study the Word the more I will grow in my faith. The more that I grow in my faith the more I will be able to be open to the Holy Spirit and His leading in order to help my husband more.

The word help makes us think of assisting or lending a helping hand. When a wife thinks of it that way and keeps Christ at the center of her life then it puts helping into perspective.

Another important thing to remember when we want to get involved in something or add to our duties is to ask ourselves is what I want to do going to help my husband. If we keep this in our hearts and minds at all times it will sometimes help deter us from doing something that will only hinder and not help our husbands. f we honor this God will truly bless us.

Praying for our husbands is one of the best things we can do to help our husbands. This sometimes seems like it doesn’t have much value in helping our husband but it truly does. You can talk to the Lord about many things for your husband and he will be blessed and the Holy Spirit will reveal things to him.

Let’s take our instruction from the scripture. The proverbs 31 lady watches over the affairs of her household. She is a caretaker of the house. Also her husband trusts in her. If our husbands trust in us they know that whatever needs to be done will be done. They don’t have to worry or try to get it done themselves. They will trust in us.

Let’s ask ourselves these questions. Do I manage my time that helps my husband or serves my agenda? Do I care for my home in a manner that helps my husband or serves myself?

Helping means to assist to carry on with what is needed and to take instruction and follow through. Helping our husband could be just sitting and listening to him talk. Maybe taking care of something for him that he needs to get done but doesn’t have time.

Putting our husbands ahead of ourselves is important. Sometimes that means putting aside all of our plans for the day and doing that which he may need or want us to do. We will be blessed if we do that. God understands that we have sometimes a lot to do but God will provide the time to finish what we need to do if we have put our husbands first ahead of what we have to do.

Some more practical ways are making sure he has clean clothes, ironed shirts and prepared food for him. Also make sure he has time to devote to his work. If he takes care of his work then he can concentrate on you and the family. Be a good steward of what you and your husband have. Maybe our home isn’t always clean but keeping an orderly home will also make a comfortable home.

With all the pressures of work sometimes our husbands need us to remind him of things that he needs to do. Being a list maker for him will sometimes help him stay on top of things that need to be done.

Another way you can help your husband is to make some time for dates with him. Also make time for you and him to be alone. Alone time is good for prayer, communication and sharing blessings and concerns.

Wives have a wonderful position that the Lord has provided for us. It is a wonderful role. It is wonderful to be a woman and to know that God has provided a definite role for us according to scripture.

CHECK IT OUT

The Excellent Wife--a Biblical Perspective by Martha Peace

A scripturally based book that gives a detailed portrait of a godly wife. God’s standard is high and holy but in this book, the author demonstrates that by God’s grace, it is attainable. A good book (with its study guide) for personal or group use.

Heart to Heart with Pastors’ Wives by Lynne Dugan

Twelve women share the wisdom they’ve gained alongside husbands who are in ministry. These stories that will encourage you as you minister along side your husband to others within your sphere of influence.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR HOME

Every year at Christmas time, my family would have a “decorate the tree” night. Mom put on Christmas music, made hot Russian Tea and set out a plate of our traditional Christmas cookies. Dad would string the lights on the tree. We three kids would look through our box of ornaments we had collected through the years and then decide which one we would hang first, second etc. Dad and mom would hang the first ornament, and we kids would take turns hanging our favorites. It was our tradition. We looked forward to it as children. Now as adults, we fondly look back and remember those evenings decorating the tree.

Traditions. Now that I am married and have small children, I have been intentional about incorporating old traditions and starting new ones for our family. One tradition we are implementing in January is to pray for those who sent us a Christmas card. Each evening after supper, we take a card from our Christmas card basket, re-read it and pray for those who sent it. Then we follow up with a quick note or email of encouragement to them.

How does a person go about finding ideas for building family memories? Ask older family members for their memories of family traditions. I have found it helpful to talk with friends about any traditions their families have. I have also gotten great ideas from the book “Let’s Make a Memory” by Gloria Gaither and Shirley Dobson. Of course, you can be creative and make up your own.

It is never too late to start a tradition no matter the age or stage of your family (whether it is with your spouse, children or grandchildren). Be creative and start building memories with your family this new year.

IDEAS THAT WORK

Do you have some? Ideas, that is. Probably after you’ve read the shared thoughts you do have some of your own ideas! That is what this is meant to do. Challenge you personally. How it is worked out is between the three of you: the Lord, your husband and you. Pray that the Lord will continue his work in your life until He accomplishes His purpose and sees His reflection in you. (that may be a painful process!) However, I do have an idea I know that some churches have tried and even individual couples have used, and that is: #1 the viewing of the Fireproof DVD and #2 the Love Dare book study (by Stephen & Alex Kendrick). If you don’t do it as a couple how about you doing is yourself?! Applying its thoughts to your life personally. It will be an Idea (God’s idea!) That Works!

HERE’S WHAT’S COOKING

CHEX MIX PUPPY CHOW

9 cup Chex

1 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup butter

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Put cereal in large bowl. Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Pour over Chex cereal, put into a large plastic bag with powdered sugar and shake well to coat.
Spread mixture evenly on wax paper and allow to cool.

This recipe is very good. It is from Cooks.com and I use it for all my get togethers. Great hit but kinda messy!!! Great for Youthgroups!!!!

McCormick Chili Recipe

Ingredients:
1 lb. lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 package (1.25 oz) Tex-Mex chili seasoning mix
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15 oz) spicy chili beans, undrained1 can (15 ounce) red kidney beans, undrained1 package McCormick® Chili Seasoning Mix, Original1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 1/4 cup sliced green onion

DIRECTIONS
1. In 10-inch skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until beef is thoroughly cooked; drain.2. Stir in tomatos, beans and Seasoning Mix. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 10 minutes.

3. Spray 4- to 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray and place chili in slow cooker.

4. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 4 to 6 hours. Stir well before serving. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and onion. Serve with sour cream, if desired.

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No change

TOGETHER THROUGH PRAYER

Titus 2:4: “That they may teach the young women to…love their husbands…”

Lord, I desire to be obedient to your word by loving my husband. I cannot love perfectly the way you can. Help me to love my husband the way he needs to be shown love. Thank You, Amen.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Interview With Dawn Johnson
By Mary Pollestad

Dawn and her husband Les have served Christ the King church in Wilson, WI for eight years. They have four children and three grandchildren.

When I asked Dawn what she felt her ministry in the church was she said, “It is with the women and the children.” “Sometimes it is leading a Bible Study or leading Kids Club.” “Also it is encouraging the women.”

If she were going to encourage all of the pastor’s wives she would leave these thoughts. “The first thing is to keep your relationship with the Lord strong.” One way to do this would be to sit down and write out verses that are of encouragement and put them somewhere where you could pick them up and read them.” “Another thing, is to find a woman whom you can talk with.” “Find someone you can go to for advise, support and encouragement.” “We need our husbands for this too but we do need another woman to talk to.” Since Dawn and her husband are “empty nesters” now, she would leave encouragement to all empty nesters to build up your relationship with your mate and nourish your relationship.” “A lot of people look to the pastor’s wife for performance.” She said, “but don’t be concerned about performance be concerned that the work that you are doing is for the work of the Lord.”

With the theme in mind of being a helpmate to our husbands I asked her if she had some thoughts on that. She said, “Be there for him, whether it be a sounding board or helping in someway.” Of course the most important thing is to pray for him. “Being available for him is important too and God will give you the time to finish whatever you were doing in order that you could help him first.”

A Bible verse that Dawn has had for years as her verse is I Corinthians 13:13.“ But now abide Faith, Hope and Love, these tree; but the greatest of these is love.”

FOCUS

“But thank God! He gives the victory…always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”

I Cor. 15:57-58 NLT

WORDS TO INSPIRE

Your Labor in the Lord is not in Vain
By Paula Jo Nyman

I’m sitting in my empty Sunday School classroom…all the busy sounds are gone for the morning. I’m wondering why I only had one student show up for my class this morning out of seven. Perhaps there was something else going on. Or maybe I’m just not connecting with the students. Or worse yet, maybe I’m not even supposed to be teaching these kids!

Does this sound familiar to you? Maybe your “empty classroom” is wondering if you are supposed to be working with the youth in your church. Maybe it comes after a particularly hard day of homeschooling where you wonder, why am I doing this? Maybe it is when you wonder why you seem to be the only one who ever does any of the work in the WMF and what is it all for anyway?

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers (and sisters), stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

The context of this Scripture is the great “Resurrection Chapter”, 1 Corinthians 15. Paul makes the case for the Resurrection, explaining what it would be like if there had been no Resurrection. He ends by telling us what it will be like when Jesus returns and our natural bodies become spiritual bodies and imperishable. What is the victory mentioned in the verses above? It is the victory over death! THANKS BE TO GOD THAT JESUS GAVE US VICTORY OVER DEATH. Death no longer has any sting for us…THEREFORE…let nothing move you! That’s right, it says let NOTHING move you. Even when you are in your empty classroom and you feel like giving up, your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Perhaps what I taught that day was just what God wanted that one student to hear! I may never know how it impacted him but God does.

Take heart and know deep down that as you give thanks to God and continue in His work He will not let it return void!!