Words of Life
Last night at the Women’s Bible Study we were challenged to turn our focus for the next two weeks (& beyond really) on our words. As we have learnt in James, the tongue is incredibly powerful & therefore, we must be careful how we “use it”. James 3: 9& 10 read:
“Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!” (NLT)
Perhaps there are certain situations or interactions with certain people that we have a harder time controlling our tongue. Think through some of these situations where you might choose to hold your tongue or how you might choose words of life rather than words of destruction. Consider those closest to you – your parents, your husband, your kids, your room-mate, your co-worker, etc. Be more intentional, not habitual.
Another suggestion is to give yourself a physical reminder to “choose your words wisely”. A note or verse on your mirror, computer, lipstick or lipgloss, a smiley face on your fridge or car dash… whatever might help you to be more diligent in “taming the tongue”.
“Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
Proverbs 16:24 (NLT)
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 (NLT)
Also – just a reminder that we are NOT meeting this coming Monday, February 20th, but will resume Monday, February 27th @ 7:30pm.
Val
Practical Helps
For those of you participating in our women’s evening bible study on James, I am so encouraged by your presence. I know how hard it is to sometimes carve time out of our busy schedules. I realized this week that it may be helpful to do a quick post each week on our “doing” activity. Laurel challenged us this week to:
Week 4: Find a way to build up & encourage someone around our Bible Study table. Write a note, send an email, call…
However you carry this activity out is up to you, but we want to encourage you to “lift up one’s face” this week. What a powerful image Beth shared with us last night on “lifting up one’s face”.
If you missed out on some of the previous “doing” activities, you’re never too late. Here they are in case you would like to still carry them out:
Week 1: To actively show Christ’s love to those around us by bringing items for Winnipeg Harvest. (Please note: we have already brought our donations to Wpg Harvest, but please feel free to drop them off there yourself or at any of the drop off locations they may have.)
Week 2: Encourage one of your pastor’s or leaders. Perhaps with a note of encouragement, a meal, etc…
Week 3: Reach out to someone around you who is facing difficult circumstances, discouragement, loneliness, or simply someone who could use help – a neighbor, a new Mom, an elderly friend – let’s be a practical help to someone around us.
Jesus said in John 13:34, “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.”
May you serve one another out of this great love!
Val
Are You Religious?
Although we tend to shy away from that word & often don’t like to be identified as “religious”, I have been made to consider today, after doing my “James” bible study homework, that like it or not, we technically are religious.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines religious as relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity. How do you reveal your devotion to God? Or in other words, how do you visibly show your love for God?
Matthew 22:37-39 tells us “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first & greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (NLT) We could get into a whole other topic about defining who your “neighbor” is, but for now, let us keep it simply as anyone beyond yourself. How are you “loving your neighbor”?
James 1:27 says that “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for the orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” (NLT) From the words of my “Life Application New Testament Commentary”: “Like Jesus, James explains religion in terms of a vital inner faith that acts itself out in daily life. Our conduct must be in keeping with our faith.” During the time that James wrote this epistle, the orphans & widows were most noted for their powerless position & were the obvious “poor”. Today, we still have those who are dependent upon the care of others. God places quite an emphasis on the poor throughout the Bible. Beth Moore challenges us by saying, “We are called to tend to the poor, but adjust your lens and see what specific opportunities make your heart jump…or maybe sink. Let’s muster the courage to ask Him to show us who to help and how. True religion is all hands on deck and all heads out of the sand.”
So how about you? Where is God stirring up your passion? Are you ready to be religious?
Val
Women’s Evening Bible Study
To all of you lovely gals whom we shall see this evening – I just wanted to let you know to bring along your bible, a mug (we’ll have coffee, tea & water available) & something to write with. When you arrive, please come through the back door & make your way downstairs. Also – a quick reminder that if you haven’t paid yet, you may do that tonight too (cost is $20).
See you tonight!
Val
Something New for You
A New Year brings many new things including a brand new bible study from Beth Moore titled “James: Mercy Triumphs”. We will be meeting Monday evenings from 7:30pm – 9:30pm at the church for 8 weeks, beginning Monday, January 16th. There is still time to register, either by phone to Darlene @ 475-0889 or at the registration table at church this Sunday (Jan 15th) in the West Foyer. Cost is $20. This is a fabulous way, not only to delve into the book of James but to also get to know & deepen relationships with other women. We’d love to see you there!
Val
Mercy Triumphs!
Are you looking for an in-depth bible study, a time to fellowship, learn & grow with other women, and/or perhaps to learn how to put your own faith into action? If you said “yes” to any one of these then why don’t you come check out Beth Moore’s latest Bible Study titled “James: Mercy Triumphs”. We will be meeting together on Monday evenings from 7:30pm – 9:30pm beginning January 16/12 and ending March 12/12 (with Feb 20/12 off for Louis Riel Day). This 8-week women’s study will cover topics such as joy, hardships, faith, reversal of fortunes for rich and poor, wisdom, gifts from above, single-mindedness, the dangers of the tongue, humility, and prayer. James, Jesus’ own brother, started out as a skeptic, but one glimpse of the resurrected Saviour turned this unbeliever into a disciple. We invite you to join us as we discover who James was & to explore the Book of James.
To register for “James: Mercy Triumphs” come check us out in the West Foyer @ FGMB Sunday, December 11/11 or Sunday, January 15/12 OR call Darlene L. at phone#: 475-0889. Cost for this study is $20 & includes a member book.
Click on this link to see a short video clip from Beth Moore highlighting this new study.
James: Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore
Val
TODAY
Today I choose…
What do you choose today? I was a little overwhelmed during our church service yesterday morning as I heard many wonderful testimonies of God’s grace, mercy & goodness! Our God is a good God isn’t He?! In response to those who were baptized yesterday, we sang the song “Today” by Brian Doerksen. What powerful words! It emphasized to me that following God is not a one time decision – it’s something we need to choose to do daily (& sometimes moment by moment). May you choose to follow Him today & give Him your everything in your day!
“Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” “
Luke 9:23 (NLT)
Today
by Brian Doerksen
Today I choose to follow You
Today I choose to give my ‘yes’ to You
Today I choose to hear Your voice and live
Today I choose to follow You
As for me and my house
We will serve You
As for me and my house
We will spend our lives on You
Today
Wonderful Counsellor, Everlasting Father
Eternal King, Lord of hosts
Willingly we follow
Today I choose to follow You
Today I choose to give my ‘yes’ to you
Today I choose to hear Your voice and live
Today I choose to follow You
Val
A Challenge to “Hear”
What an amazing women’s wknd retreat we had! Carol Letkeman led us in a wonderful weekend of listening & discerning the voice of God. It was so exhilarating to hear how God was/is speaking; especially when two or more people would “hear” the same thing. WOW! It gave me goosebumps on more than one occasion!
I wanted to share with you a powerful passage that kept coming up throughout the wknd from Ephesians:
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
(Ephesians 3:16-19)
My prayer for you is that you would seek to hear & discern God’s voice, for yourself, for others & for our church & community. And may we take up Carol’s challenge to come together as women (in our church foyer) to pray together, encourage one another, commission one another & spur one another on (EVERY SUNDAY)! Not only is it our calling, it is our responsibility!
Val
The Open Table
A new & exciting way to worship is beginning next Sunday evening at Fort Garry MB! Click on the following link for a look at the brochure for all your info!
Val
An Invitation to Retreat
A reminder that this coming Sunday (October 9th) is your last chance to register for the Women’s Fall Wknd Retreat @ Camp Cedarwood. If you are away this Sunday but are still planning to come, please email Stacey at vsboschman@mac.com. If you have any questions call Laurel @ 284-0707 or Val @ 275-0830.
Join us as we dig deep into God’s Word, discerning His voice & seeking encouragement from Him & others. Our God, who loves us & pursues us, desires intimacy with us. Won’t you accept this invitation to a weekend of listening & learning.
Here is a quick peek at the Wknd Schedule:
Friday, Oct. 21st
7pm Arrival & Registration
8pm Worship Session #1
Saturday, Oct. 22nd
8:30am Breakfast
10am Worship Session #2
12pm Lunch
Afternoon – “Free Time” (some options: ”Amazing Race”, hiking/walk, nap, games…)
5:30pm Supper
7pm Worship Session #3
Sunday, Oct 23rd
9am Breakfast
10:30am Worship Session #4
12:30pm Lunch
1:30pm Departure
Please note that you will be contacted with car pool arrangements once we have them figured out.
I am eagerly looking forward to this Retreat and I know you won’t want to miss it either!
Val
