HEARTLINE for Pastor's Wives

May 6, 2010

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

"Continuing in our series on Biblical Womanhood concerning the topic:

IT IS IN THE COVENANT COMMUNITY
WHERE WE ARE EQUIPPED TO LIVE OUT OUR DESIGN

As you know, being in the family is not just about your nuclear family, but also about being in the family of God. When children are confirmed into the faith they are identifying with the Lord as well as with the Lord’s family, the church. As well, all God’s children need to live covenantally before God and with His people.

The Biblical account of Ruth and Naomi gives a dramatic presentation of what it’s like to live covenantally. “Where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you. (Ruth 1:16-17) As Ruth committed her life to Jehovah as her God, she understood that this meant changing her citizenship to the covenant community.

The last half of the meaning of the 3rd Article of the Apostles’ Creed, “…but the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, and sanctified and preserved me in the true faith; in like manner as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth…” This is the covenantal concept – that He calls not only me, but also others into relationship within the context of the Christian church.

Women of Christ are crushed when we emulate the pursuit of self-fulfillment and self-actualization in the culture. Countless mothers have told their daughters, “Learn to be independent. Self-sufficiency is power” – these misbeliefs make the helper design seems senseless! But in the covenant community, the church of our Lord Jesus Christ, the helper design is essential.

Redeemed women join together as corporate helpers in God’s church and care for the body of Christ, much like Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, and Salome did when they bought spices so they might go and anoint the body of Christ. They made plans, decisions, and carried them out. They functioned well together. And even though they knew the stone was too big for them to roll, they still carried on. This is the essence of community and compassion in the church. It is the helper design in action.

Someone is teaching the women of our churches and our daughters what it means to be a woman. Is it the current culture or the church? How can we help our women? The life-giving culture of caring is not learned from books. They learn how to carry out this helper ministry as, by God’s grace, they watch us speak and live it!

It is in the church that believers are equipped “for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God” (Ephesians 4:12-13).

NEEDS OF THE REAL WORLD

Legacy of Fruitfulness

Do we want to leave a Legacy of Fruitfulness? Do we care about leaving a legacy of fruitfulness? Have we even thought of leaving a legacy of fruitfulness? If we know Jesus as our Personal Savior and Lord the answer to that should be yes I want to leave a legacy of fruitfulness. What is the fruitfulness that I must leave? What does God want me to leave as a legacy? I know what I want to leave but more importantly what does God want me to leave.

First of all I must go to the word and read. Jesus drew people to himself to teach and encourage and many other things. God wants me to be approachable. People should want to be with me. I want to make sure that I am not concentrating on myself. Jesus did not concentrate on himself. As I grow older I don’t want to concentrate on my aches and pains but to ask about them and their concerns. My focus must always show that my concentration is on Jesus. Whether that is by being in the Word with Bible Study and prayer or worship. I must always be a voice of encouragement and thankfulness.

On the practical side, is to be a life long learner. Never stop learning. Especially, when it comes to relating to the things that my children or my grandchildren know about. Keeping in touch with things. Sometimes seeing the dangers and praying for them or warning them when the time is right and the spirit has prepared the way. When they talk to me, be willing to listen to their ideas and thoughts. Being a mentor. Learning from others is important. One practical point is to be honest that I don’t understand and would they teach me.

Laughter is another aspect of the legacy. “A merry heart doeth good” I want to be able to laugh and enjoy life that the Lord has given me.

One of the traits that can turn an example of a good legacy sour is to live in the past. We must learn from the past. We must see the hand of God in the past. We must see how we came through the suffering and pain in the past. Most of all see God’s eternal faithfulness during that time. I don’t want to be remembered as someone who complains or tells of all of my terrible past. But rather I want to pass on a legacy of how God has blessed me, abided in me and been my strength.

And when death is at the door of a loved one or friend I want to have a biblical view of suffering and death. Here I remember the 23rd Psalm. Let us be encouraged to leave a God filled legacy of fruitfulness.

CHECK IT OUT

By Design –God’s Distinctive Calling for Women by Susan Hunt

In the Old Testament, Zion refers to the fortified mound between the Kidron and Tyropean valleys. When David captured this area, it became known as the city of David. It sometimes refers to the temple vicinity and even to Jerusalem itself. In the new covenant, Zion has reference to the Church. As women who love the Lord, who are a part of this Church, we are the daughters of Zion. This book helps us, as women, to understand who we are as a daughter of Zion. It (the book) can be helpful in helping one understand the helper design which was stamped upon us, as woman, at creation. It reinforces the implications of our creational design by looking at women in history and contemporary women who have been and are faithful to this calling. The book presents a plea to the church to equip and mobilize women to help a hurting world and capture a culture for Christ through ministries of mercy and compassion. A must read for one who understands the times in which she lives and desires to have her life, as a daughter of Zion, glorify Him for such as time as this.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR HOME

A Recipe for Smoother Sundays

I have a suspicion that it’s not just at our house that Sunday mornings can become a bit stressful. If you have more than just yourself to get ready for church, you can plan on taking at least twice as long to get out the door and into your pew.

Twenty years of being a pastor’s wife, and nearly nineteen of being a mom has given me lots of practice at trying to make Sunday mornings more of a joyful experience, and less of a frantic flight to church. I’m still learning, but would like to share with you a few tips that have helped me over the years.

Saturday evenings we try and keep as a quiet family night at home as much as possible. Because we still have children, and many of them, at home, we try to get everyone bathed, fed, and to bed at a decent hour. We all function better Sunday mornings, including my pastor husband, if Saturday evenings are kept calm.

It sounds simple, and it is – if you actually do it – but selecting everyone’s outfits (even Dad’s) on Saturday, will make your Sunday morning much easier. It takes a very long time, and causes elevated blood pressure, to try and gather matching socks or intact nylons for eight people if left till the last minute. Plan and prepare the evening before for everyone’s wardrobe needs and you’ll be very thankful you did.

Setting the breakfast table the evening before and having your morning foods gathered and easy to serve also saves much time and energy. How many times have you, like me, opened the refrigerator to find out that the milk you had yesterday is now gone, and church starts in just half an hour? We all do better when our bodies are well nourished before going to feed on God’s Word at our church services.

If it’s your custom to eat at home for Sunday dinner, or to invite others over for a noon meal, try preparing it in the crock-pot beforehand so it’s one less thing to be thinking about as you’re leaving church. Our family has found that Sunday dinner is not the best time for us personally to welcome people into our home. After service, our youngest ones are often ready for some quiet time, and so is Dad after having preached and taught all morning. Instead, Sunday evenings have been a time we enjoy inviting others to our home for dessert, conversation, and sometimes games.

Sunday is my most cherished day of the week, and I hope it is yours as well!

IDEAS THAT WORK

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

OUR BODY / HIS TEMPLE
“Premium Fuel”

Read: Hosea 4:6

It’s no surprise that our bodies require proper fuel to run efficiently. God made premium fuel for our bodies. Shop the outside aisles in the grocery store where “God-made” food is located – fruits, vegetables, meats, whole grains. A garden, raising our own meats and making our own breads and pasta is the best option. Second best – organic fruits, vegetables, meats, and quality, store-bought, whole grain breads and pasta. Impossible? Then you need to become a label reader. If ingredients say - enriched, preservative, nitrate or words you cannot pronounce – it’s best to stay away from them. Chemicals reek havoc within our bodies! Our bodies turn them into fat and/or can cause sicknesses (i.e., cancers, etc.). Other things to stay away from: sugar, caffeine, hydrogenated fats (i.e., peanut butter, shortening, fried foods). The Best - give our bodies what they crave – God’s food!

Water is extremely important! Our bodies are made up of approximately 70% water. We are literally an aquarium! Drink 8-10 glasses a day. Herbal teas count as a glass of water.

We should pray that our minds are not disconnected from how our bodies feel. If we feel ill, we should ask the Lord, “What can I do to change?” Food/water is an easy first step to take. We would not put muddy water in our gas tank to make our car run. Bad food/water should not go into our bodies (His Temple) - only “premium”! Make small, permanent changes and add to those changes as time goes along.

Resources:

Food: http://www.pwlp.com/ Weight loss or not, this program educates proper nutrition.
Chemicals: Spray produce with equal amounts of white vinegar and purified water to dissolve chemicals. Leave on ½ hour or not – rinse in purified water.
Water: www.mcvitamins.com/water.htm. Explains water’s importance. Water filters or purifying pitchers are good choices.

HERE’S WHAT’S COOKING

Annie's Fruit Salsa and Cinnamon Chips

Ingredients

2 kiwis, peeled and diced
2 Golden Delicious apples - peeled, cored and diced
8 ounces raspberries
1 pound strawberries
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 tablespoons fruit preserves, any flavor
10 (10 inch) flour tortillas
butter flavored cooking spray
2 cups cinnamon sugar

Directions

In a large bowl, thoroughly mix kiwis, Golden Delicious apples, raspberries, strawberries, white sugar, brown sugar and fruit preserves. Cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Coat one side of each flour tortilla with butter flavored cooking spray. Cut into wedges and arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle wedges with desired amount of cinnamon sugar. Spray again with cooking spray.
Bake in the preheated oven 8 to 10 minutes. Repeat with any remaining tortilla wedges. Allow to cool approximately 15 minutes. Serve with chilled fruit mixture.

From Allrecipes.com

White Chocolate Fruit Tart

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

FILLING:
1 (10 ounce) package vanilla or white chips, melted and cooled
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, undrained
1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
2 kiwifruit, peeled and sliced

GLAZE:
3 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions

In a small mixing bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add flour; mix well. Press into an ungreased 11-in. tart pan with removable bottom or 12-in. pizza pan with sides. Bake at 300 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.

For filling, in a small mixing bowl, beat melted chips and cream. Add cream cheese and beat until smooth. Spread over crust. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Drain pineapple, reserving 1/2 cup juice; set juice aside. Arrange the pineapple, strawberries, oranges and kiwi over filling.

For glaze, in a small saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir in lemon juice and reserved pineapple juice until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Cool; brush over fruit. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.

From Taste of Home

TOGETHER THROUGH PRAYER

John 15: 4-5

4"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.
5"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

Dear Father, Thank you for being the One who knows us best. Thank you for loving us and desiring that each of us as women be pruned and fit for Your service. As you clip away the undesirable parts of our lives, help us to remember that although painful, the process is for Your Glory and for our good. Place within us the desire to abide in You through the study of Your Word and time with you in prayer. May we be faithful to be You, Your Word, and thus leave behind fruitful legacies when our days on earth are finished. Amen.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

An Interview With Laurie Nash
By Mary Pollestad

Laurie is the wife of Home Mission Director Paul Nash. She is the mother of three children and a grandmother of nine. When I asked Laurie what she thought her ministry for the Lord was she promptly said, “ Supporting my husband, mentor to my children, women’s ministries and helping international students at the AFLBS.”

Her favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 25:1 the last part of the verse says, “I will give thanks to your name for thou has worked wonders plans formed long ago with perfect faithfulness.” This verse shows God is in control and has a plan and we can trust Him.

When I asked Laurie what encouraging words would she have for all of us women especially pastor’s wives she spoke of her passion for women to be Women of the Word. In Jeremiah chapter 9 she said, “It talks about hearing the Word and receiving the Word.” “So much is going on in the rest of the world that is contrary to what God wants” she said. “We need the Word more and more.” “Our culture shouts and pulls us away from the Word of God and the joy that we can have.” “We must soak in the Word, dwell in the Word, meditate on the Word and abide in the Word.” “This is the strong passion that I have had through out this year.” She said.

Thank you Laurie for these encouraging words. Heavenly Father, may we be women of the Word of God.

March 4, 2010

FOCUS

Biblical Womanhood

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.

January 4, 2010

FOCUS

Biblical Womanhood

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.