Pray Persistently

Ladies when I read this devotion last week I knew it needed to be shared. 

About twenty years ago, this next sentence changed my life: "You do not have because you do not ask God." This short verse opened a door for me to discover the life-changing power of persistent prayer.

At that time in my life, I was stressed out about a lot of different things. I was trying to make my ministry grow, trying to make my husband do this or that, trying to make my kids act a certain way, trying to make other people do the things I wanted, trying to basically do absolutely everything on my own. As you can probably guess, it wasn't working!

As a burned-out, frustrated young Christian, I realized one day that living in my own strength was useless. I needed to take my problems to God. In other words, I needed to pray more!

When we understand God's love for us and His plan for us, then we can begin to realize the doors that He wants to open for us. But we'll only realize these things when we're constantly talking with Him, listening to His voice, and growing deeper in our relationship with Him.

In Matthew 7:7 (AMP), Jesus tells us, "Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking reverently and the door will be opened to you."

So many times, when we reach the end of our rope, we turn to prayer, but when our prayers are not instantly answered, we give up. Today, I want to encourage you to not only pray, but to pray persistently. Don't stress out trying to make things happen on your own. Give it all to God as you pray.

Remember, He promises that when we seek Him, we will find Him. Let's pray and seek Him with all our hearts.

Prayer Starter: God, remind me to bring my problems to You. I'm tired of living in my own strength. I need Your guidance and Your direction. As I seek You daily, I will put my trust in You.

I am praying that we will take every thing before God and not think our dreams, ideas, desires are to silly, to big, to small, to anything for God! But that we will trust Him with everything!

Have a Beautiful Day!

Christina

You can't overdose on Joy!

This was todays devotion!  I think I needed to hear this today!  Because we just don't get enough joy in our lives!  Maybe its because we don't laugh at ourselves enough.  My prayer for you today is that you will find some joy in today|

Finding the Fun

Want to hear a funny story? I've got a lot of them, and they come from things that happened in my ordinary, everyday life. Now, I wasn't laughing when those stories were in the making, but I'm glad I can laugh about them now.

For example, I didn't think it was funny when I couldn't get my hair to stay in place, but if you'd seen what I did about it, you certainly would have laughed. It wasn't amusing when I tried to make clothes, especially for the people who had to wear them. And I was so irritated when Dave threw paper towels over the grocery store aisle at me, but I realize now, he just knew how to have a little fun no matter what he was doing. I'm glad I've learned to look at times like these and see the humor in them.

Now I know that not everything in life is necessarily enjoyable, but I think we all need to learn to have more fun in our lives. And I bet if you took time to think about it every day, you could find a moment that brought you joy or you can laugh about now.

God wants His children to have some fun. The Bible says a merry heart does good like medicine. I think we all need a healthy dose of laughter every day - many times during the day. You just can't overdose on joy!

I encourage you to deliberately look for something to smile or laugh about every day, and be sure to share a smile or a laugh with someone else and brighten their day too!

Prayer Starter: Lord, Your Word says that a cheerful heart is like good medicine. Thank You for helping me to find the joy and fun in life!

Have a Beautiful day!

Christina

Written on Our Hearts

Read Jeremiah 31:31-37

Our Days are filled with juggling and struggling.  We struggle to get the kids to school on time, to get to the office on time, and then to get back home on time.  We contend with our schedules to get the house clean, the projects done, the meals made, and the mortgage paid.  We juggle returning e-mails and phone calls to our friends.  We may even have the same approach in our relationship with God in the midst of the tumult and pressure, it's hard to fit it all in.

  The reality is, we don't always "want" God enough to fit Him into our schedule.  We will never get closer to God if we rely on our effort and willpower alone.  Jeremiah reminds us of a life-changing truth: God wants to be near us.  You may know that on some level already.  But when it comes to reading the bible, when you are exhausted at the end of the day, do you feel desired?  When it comes to prayer, do you believe God is tired of your mumblings or that He is still eager to hear your voice?  Is it hard to imagine that you could commit a thousand sins today and still be confident that God wants to be with you as much as if you had lived perfectly?

  God wants to be with you.  God wants you to know him.  He wants you to live a life of freedom and abundance.  (John 10:10) He wants to give you good things.  He wants this so much that He took the initiative to write His laws in your heart and mind so that you would never be without them.

  In the midst of your working, pushing and hurrying, the God of the universe isn't waiting  for an opening in your schedule.  He has already come to you.  What does it look like to respond to His desire for intimacy?  It might mean simply acknowledging Hid presence, recognizing the truth already written on your heart.  It might mean enjoying the freedom that comes when you quit striving and working and rest in the power of His presence and forgiveness.

No matter how you respond, know that he is there waiting for you.

Read Psalm 62:1-8

Praying for you today!

Have a Beautiful Day!

Christina

Changes are Coming Soon!

Hey there Ladies~  I know it's been pretty quiet on the Women's Ministry front, but I promise it's not dead.  Women's Ministry is undergoing some changes! (for the better!) Be watching the Blog, Facebook page and Church Bulletin for these changes!  The first I will announce here:  Meghann Finlay is taking over as the Director of Women's Ministry!  YEAH!!!!!  We are so excited to have her! If you are wanting to be a part of WM or have ideas of what you'd like WM to be contact either Meghann or Me!

On another note, I am going to try to be a bit better about posting information/devotions etc.. on this blog.  So here is one for you today!  I think many of us struggle with feeling overwhelmed, or guilty if we can't or don't say yes!  (I am a recovering people pleaser, say yes to everything girl!)   I have been following a reading plan on You Version.com for a few weeks now and when I read this devotion I knew it was one I needed to share, because I know I am not the only one who struggles with this.

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Numbers 11:12

12 Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers?

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When It's OK To Say "No"

In Numbers 11, Moses gives us an example of what we can do when we're under stress. Talk about pressure, he was leading the Israelites through the wilderness on what should have been an eleven-day trip and instead ended up taking forty years!

The people were depressed and weeping over their situation. In verse 14, Moses tells God, "I am not able to carry all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me."

Like Moses, it's okay for us to say, "I've reached my limit." Yes, scripture says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13 NKJV), but that's really referring to times when we face various trials and situations that God will help us through.

It doesn't mean we should take on so many responsibilities that we completely burn out, like the woman who is raising five kids, works full-time, serves on the church board, etc. 

Sometimes, it's all just too much...and it's okay to admit that. It's also okay to say "no" to some things so you can really enjoy life the way God intended.

Here's a newsflash: You and I don't have to be like everyone else or keep up with anyone else. God created some people to handle large amounts of work, but many people aren't made this way. 

Each of us needs to be who God created us to be, and we don't have to apologize for it. We each need to individually find the balance of responsibility God has established for us to live in so we can enjoy our life, instead of making ourselves sick with an overload of stress and pressure. 
When you reach your limit, go to God, just like Moses did. He will help you find a saner, healthier lifestyle. 

Prayer Starter: God, sometimes it's hard for me to slow down and say no to more responsibility. Help me to live with the balance of responsibility You created for me, so I can live with Your peace and enjoy life.




Praying for you ladies to be who God has created you to be!  Have a Beautiful Day!


Christina

BRAVE! Week 6: I AM BROKEN

The dictionary says that broken means: 

* Having been fractured or damaged and no longer in one piece or in working order

* rejected, defeated, or despairing 

* sick or weakened 

* a relationship ended by betrayal or faithlessness

* a family disrupted or divided

* a promise not kept

I am grateful to tell you that God does not flinch away from broken women; he moves closer. He does not shake His Holy head in disgust. 

Day 1: MY KUNG PAO LIFE

Some times life gives us a little more pao than kung.  

Psalm 34 (Read it!) Psalm 34 is David's reflection on God's goodness in our troubles. 

The Brave woman picks up all her broken pieces and places each in the strong hands of God. 

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

The Lord redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:22

He takes the broken and makes them whole.  He makes the old brand-new and the dead come back to life.

DAY 2: BROKEN-DOWN JESUS GIRL

Choosing to live for the glory of God is a choice you make with your heart and your mind.  I believe God loves to wrap His glory around the redeemed. He gets all the praise.  His name is lifted high.  

I'd rather be broken and close to God than whole and afar away.  The never-been-broken don't know what they are missing.  

Brokenness causes pain.  Stand in your pain and God who is near will come and make you brave.  

All throughout scripture we see God as our Rescuer, our Redeemer.  His ultimate act of redemption  came when He  sent His only Son, Jesus, to  rescue us from the penalty of our sin and redeem our lives from the bondage of sin.  

DAY 3: RUTH and NAOMI

The story of Ruth and Naomi is a series of struggles, brokenness, redemption, and ultimately the glory of God.  Check out The Book of Ruth

Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.  Your people will be my people and your God my God.  Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried.  Ruth 1:16-17

Keep in mind one thing in the hardest times.  When it seems everything is falling apart, God's hidden work always remains.  When you think God is distant or maybe even He has turned against you, remember that in the unseen, God is plotting fir your joy.  He is planning redemption of your brokenness.  

Our Brokenness is temporary.  

Ephesians 1:1-14 

Through Jesus, we are God's sealed with the Holy Spirit as a promise of redemption.  We face heartache on earth, but brokenness does not win. 

The Brave woman meets new challenges with a renewed commitment to become stronger, better, and more like Christ. 

DAY 4: RUTH and BOAZ

God's Love is so deep that He sent a kinsman-redeemer to buy back our lives from the penalty of death.  The kinsman-redeemer is  Jesus! 

1.  He must be near of kin  Philippians 2:7-8

2.  He must be able to redeem 

Jesus assumed our debt, brokenness and sin, and paid for it with His life.

3. He must be willing to redeem  Mark 10:45

4.  Redemption was fully realized when the price was completely paid Ephesians 1:7

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24

DAY 5: TO LIVE LIKE RUTH

First God is always working in the unseen realm for His Glory and to redeem his people.  

God would send Jesus to be my kinsman-redeemer takes my breath away.  Ruth was a beautiful role  model of godliness for all of us.  

1.  Ruth was a woman of  commitment Ruth 1:16-17

2.  Ruth Worked with humility Ruth 2:7

~I think brokenness gives a humility we might not have ever known otherwise. It's the kind of brokenness that teaches us that everything is a gift.~

3.  Ruth was a very hard worker Colossians 3:23

4.  Ruth took refuge under the wings of God Ruth 2:11-12

Ruth is so much more than these four characteristics but may her life remind us of what we long for:

* to live fully committed to the glory of God

* to live as the redeemed whose stories point to the compassion of God

* to live as brave women who find their strength hidden underneath the wings of God

Let yourself keep praying:

God, I need to hide myself underneath the wings of Your Love. Please be my hiding place. Would you protect me and heal me and begin to pull all my broken pieces back together?  And God please make me brave.  

If your waiting on God, just keep waiting!  He is coming! 

Have a Beautiful Day! 

Christina

BRAVE! Week 5: I am Invisible!

I know it's two weeks late but with my surgery, and the Hubby's, then me getting sick, I've been a little busy! :) I hope you understand!

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Feeling invisible isn't unusual for us women, or atleast the ones I talk to! At times we all feel like we are invisible to those around us! This weeks lesson was very real to me! I have many times times felt the sting of being invisible!







Day 1: UNSEEN
~I have many times unfairly compared myself to someone else.  Her gifts. Her life. Her skinny jeans. Everytime I do it, I always lose my mind.~ 
When we feel unseen/invisible we do a few things
1.  Striving~ trying to hard, talking to much, etc...
2.  Sulking~ I'm not good enough, giving up
3.  Seeking~ Seek first the kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
You don't have to choose striving or sulking instead God is telling us to seek Him!


Day 2: RUNNING. AWAY! 
Check out Genesis 16. We learn a little about Hagar.
~Hagar was in despair, hopeless, weary, alone, a woman in a male-dominated culture, pregnant, rejected, cast out after being used, surely feeling no one cared for her. No one understood.~
Hagar honey I have felt this way many a times! <3 
Now I've never actually packed a bag an ran away! But I have wanted to!  


The Hurt and disappointment lie to you and call you invisible!  God says you are seen! 

Psalm 121:3-8 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; ⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. ⁵ The LORD watches over you—    the LORD is your shade at your right hand; ⁶ the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.  ⁷ The LORD will keep you from all harm—    he will watch over your life; ⁸ the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

DAY 3: THE GOD WHO SEES
 GOD SEES YOU! 
I know God is here.  He sees me.  He is guiding me.  He LOVE'S Me! (you too!) 

You hear O'Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry. Psalm 10:17

My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

I believe God sees our heartache and our pain, and He desires to  intervene in our lives with mercy, instruction, and promise.  

Cast your burden on the Lord releasing the weight of it and He will sustain you; He will never allow the consistently righteous to be moved made to slip, fall, or fail. Psalm 55:22

Day 4: YOU ARE NOT INVISIBLE TO GOD


Trusting in the presences of God everyday is a very brave thing to do.  

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 

Psalm 9:10 For you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you 

God never forsakes any who call out to Him, He sees your pain and does not turn away. 


The most important thing Hagar did was to respond to God's instructions with obedience.  I can't imagine how she felt when she was told to return.  But her obedience is what stands out to me!  I want to be that obedient! (I try!)


Obedience: The act or instance of submitting to the restraint or command of an authority: compliance with the demands or requests of someone over us.  


Obedience to God is our faith in action, the overflow of our love and gratitude.  

Obedience to God = Blessing

Disobedience = Consequences 

Hagar was obedient, and God blessed her.

Day 5: LIVING IN HIS SIGHT

Am I only a God  nearby, declares the Lord, and not a God far away?  Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord.  Do not I fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord.  Jeremiah 23:23-24 

God is glorified when we live every day aware and changed by His presence.  


1. Because God sees, let us live in obedience. 
~The woman who understands God's Love for her wants to honor God's Love with her obedience.   

You are my friends if you do what I command John 15:14

2. Because God sees, let us live with hearts set on God
~A woman devoted to  God will be led, redirected, protected, guided, and blessed along the way.

Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God. 1 Chronicles 22:19

Everything-and I mean everything- that you need comes from a devoted relationship to God.  


3.  Because God sees,  let us live with expectancy and hope.

~Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20

4. Because God sees, let us live gratefully.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.  Psalm 107:8-9

Our God Sees. 

He Directs. 

He Goes with us.

 He Promises.

 Let us Live like women who know God Sees!

Have a Beautiful Day!

Christina

FREE MOVIE NIGHT!

Have I Got a Deal for You!  

FREE, YEP!  I said FREE!  Movie Night 

Date: Saturday October 22, 2011

Time: 7 pm

Location: Lakepoint Theater Augusta

Popcorn and drinks will be served! 

Childcare will be provided! 

Sponsored by First Baptist Church Augusta

No Greater Love is the dramatic story of faith, forgiveness, and the sovereignty of God. Jeff and Heather were the "lucky ones." Best friends from childhood, high school sweethearts, and married by 22. After the birth of their only child, however, Heather fell into an uncontrollable depression. Hopelessly lost, she did the unthinkable...she abandoned her husband and infant son – and vanished. Now, ten years later, Jeff’s world is dramatically rocked when Heather shockingly reappears in the most unusual place.

Hope to see you there! 

BRAVE! Week 4: I am Trembling Inside!

Day 1:  Living Along Side Trouble!
In this world you will have trouble.  (John 16:33) not might, not maybe, not sometimes, but YOU WILL!  comforting thought huh!  But hear this:  "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!  I have overcome the World! (John 16:33)


In this world we will have trouble in Christ we will have PEACE


God promises the victory overcoming to those who are in Christ.  We are saved from being swallowed up by this world's trouble.  


We are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

Day 2:  The God of all Comfort
Only God can give a divine powerful comfort that comes to us from the depths of his character.


The God of all Comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3) means that God is able to bring ease and freedom from the pain, even in our sufferings.  


All Comfort Means receiving completely what you need.  But to receive all that we need from God means that  we must remain consistently connected to the One who gives all  that we need.  


Day 3: The Purpose of Receiving Comfort


2 Corinthians 1:4-5 He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive form God. 5For as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so our comfort overflows through Christ.  


Paul said God uses our inward suffering to turn us outward toward others.  Have yo seen this to be true in your own life?  I know I have! 

Day 4: When God is Silent!


Read and meditate on Psalm 22

1. Remind yourself Who God is. v.3, v.9,v.19
2. Review God's faithful v. 4-5
3.  Recall who you are. v. 9-10
4.  Evaluate other options. v. 11 (Psalm 73)
5. Wait. Hold on. v.19
6. Anticipate God's renewed presence. v. 27-31

Day 5: Becoming Brave:

Divine comfort does not come to us in any mysterious way or arbitrary way.   It comes as the result of a divine method.  The indwelling Comforter brings to our remembrance comforting things concerning our Lord.  If we believe them, we are comforted by them.

God has supreme independent authority!

He works our everything!
He brings everything under His Lordship!
He sustains everything!

Ladies I hope this week brought you some comfort!

Have a Beautiful Day!

Christina

It's Not to Late to Sign up!

Wonder Full World is an unforgettable travel-themed retreat the women of our church are doing together. It includes worship, Bible study, and time for laughter as well as time for quiet reflection.

Join us as we travel the seven continents and discover the wonders of a woman's heart

· I wonder if anyone cares about me…
· I wonder what it would be like to be royalty…
· I wonder if I matter to God…
· I wonder where God is when life is hard…
· I wonder if I can really rely on God…
· I wonder if I can make a difference…
· I wonder what’s ahead for me…

DATE: Saturday October 15th

TIME: 8:30 to check in  Session one will begin promptly at 9 a,m.

(Breakfast will be available from 8:30-9am)

COST: $20 includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, totebag, prayer journal and charm

Several Exciting door prizes will be given away also!

LOCATION: First Baptist Church Augusta

QUESTIONS: contact Christy Pray @ vncpray@hotmail.com or via the 

or The FBC Women's Ministry Facebook page

Hope to see you there!

Have a Beautiful Day!

Christina

BRAVE! Week 3: Undisciplined!

Week Three  UNDISCIPLINED!  
Hmmmmmmmmm!  Wonder if this is only a problem for me?(Being that it's Sunday Evening I have only completed through day 4 and I have started this post three or four times only to get distracted by other things!) Apparently not! I have heard from of few others in our study that they too are a little undisciplined this week.  Thankfully, God is BIG enough to change us! God can change every lack of discipline in our lives and be the strength we have not known.   




Day 1:  We are not alone!  Check out Romans 7: 15, 18-19, 21-23 

In Romans 7 24:25 Paul gives us  all hope, Who will rescue me (insert your name here) from this body of death? (this death is our personal struggle in not doing the good we desire) Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord! 

Day 2:  The Spirit Helps us! I Love this!  It's ok not to know what or even how to pray, the Holy Spirit will do that for us!  I love this verse in Romans, but never really thought of it as a verse that dealt with being undisciplined, more for when I am worn out or facing a thorn like the past two weeks studies but it fits so very perfectly here this week when I am severely struggling with being disciplined. Here it is 

Romans 8:26-28 The Message:  ^26-28Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good

I love the prayer Angela includes for this day:

 Lord, I am weak.  Facebook, Pintrest, Blogger (fill in your blank) have a ridiculous control over me.  And now the Spirit is going to pray for me because I don't know what to do.  

Day 3: Living on Fire!   Who inspires you to live more passionately? I can't answer this question with one name.  For me it's many different people that inspire me in different ways.  I think the common thing they all have is a Passion for following God's plan for their life.  now I know it took time and work to follow that plan so that gives me hope that with the proper training I too can live a life on fire.  


Becoming a more disciplined woman will require training, commitment, sacrifice, and focus.

1Corinthians 9:24-27:  

 Do you not know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. ²⁵ Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. However, they do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. ²⁶ Therefore I do not run like one who runs aimlessly, or box like one who beats the air. ²⁷ Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified

The power to live a disciplined life is already in you!  

God, make me a disciplined woman.  I want all of the blessings that come from choosing to follow the Spirit.  I want to live on fire! For Your glory and for Your name.  Oh Lord, train me. Teach me. Remind me. Nudge me. Rebuke me. I know you haven't given up on me, but Lord, help me not to give up on myself.  I Love you and I need you!  Amen

Day 4: A word to the LAZY 


The Bible has a lot to say about about sluggards (lazy people), we need to be on guard to not become one of them, or allow their traits to to ever have a place in our hearts.  
How do we do this?  These 10 steps are a great place to start! 
1. Start with small things
2. Get yourself organized
3. Don't constantly seek to be entertained
4. Be on time
5.  Keep your word
6. Do the most difficult tasks first4
7. Finish what you start
8. Accept correction
9. Practice self-denial
10. Welcome responsibility






Day 5: He is my strength 


No matter how weak you are or how undisciplined you have been, dependence on God changes everything.   The victory over our lack of discipline will be won when we realize this one thing: We must maintain an intimate, consistent, dependence on the Spirit of God inside us.   He is able. We are not.  He is strong.  We are undisciplined.  He is consistent. We are wishy-washy.    The more you train yourself to be dependent on God, the more He bears His fruit in your life.   

Galatians 5: 22-26 (The Message)

 ^22-23But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

 ^23-24Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.

 ^25-26Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original

The Lord knows our needs, weaknesses, and propensity toward a lack of discipline.  But He has made a way: When we obey the Spirit, God's strength is set free inside of us. 




Praying for you today! 


Have a Beautiful Day!


Christina