NEW! Girlfriends in Christ Women's Discussion

Ever just feel worn down, worn out, and just in a rut?

2008-09-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

That would be me! I am bogged down, I know where the tow strap is, but for some reason I won't hook it up to the truck. Am I making sense to anyone out there? I want to say I am depressed, but I look at my husband and my children and say "Why?". Plus I already take meds for that to keep from crying.

Susan

Welcome to our New Board!

2008-01-14T09:06:00.000-08:00

Because this board is new, our editor and our mentors are in the process of creating our first topic of discussion. Please check back soon. In the meantime, be the first to suggest a topic.

A Way in a Manger

2007-11-06T11:38:00.000-08:00

A 32 day treasure trove of heartfelt devotions by Amy Brady. I highly recommend this book for your personal quiet time throughout the entire month of December. However, my greatest desire is that you'd use it to start a new family tradition. A Way in a Manger, what a beautiful way to keep Christ in the heart of your home, this Christmas!

Christmas isn’t exactly the joyful season that it use to be. It’s hectic, rushed, expensive, exhausting and anything but peaceful. We are told in Isaiah 9:6 that Jesus would be Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. But what does that signify today and how can it impact our Christmas season? Amy shares its significance and how it was meant to impact not only the meaning of Christmas but the meaning of life as well. Order here

Amy Brady Ministries exists to encourage and equip women to seek and valiantly pursue the freedom of Christ in their everyday lives. Desiring to meet women where they are with what they need, Amy leads women through God's Word to show them how the Word applies to their everyday life. She has a passion for women to know God and know his Word for themselves. It is easy to sense her love for the Lord as she teaches with transparency, passion and humor.

Fruit Inspection . . . Love!

2007-05-17T05:05:00.000-07:00

"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit . . . ," John 15:4-5.

When we think of fruit, we automatically think of apples, oranges, strawberries, kiwi, bananas, pears, figs and the like. While God did produce these wonderful fruits, this passage is speaking of something more. Just as the pear tree can not produce strawberries, nor the apple tree figs we can not produce the good of Christ in our lives unless we are connected to Him. If we are His we will see His fruit in our lives.

Scripture also teaches us to inspect the fruit of those who have influence over us. It's vital to know if they are really of God (this one thing will save us much time, heartache, and confusion) The Bible says it this way, "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them . . . ," Matthew 7:15-16.

So, what is this fruit supposed to look like? The Bible tells us the fruit of the Spirit is this, " . . . the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law," Galatians 5:22-23.

Over the next few weeks we will be looking at the biblical definitions of each characteristic so we can better answer these two questions. One, "Am I portraying Christ likeness in my life?" Two, "Is the advice , teaching, or preaching I'm listening to coming from someone who produces this godly fruit?

Today let's look at love. There are three kinds of love.

Eros- this is a selfish love, often used in connection with sensuality.
Philos- is defined as a friendship kind of love.
Agape-(ag-ah'-pay) is defined as a godly love that goes beyong our feelings/emotions.

The best definition of this kind of love is found in I Corinthians 13:4-8, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails . . . "

Please take a few minutes now to go through each characteristic, and ask youself, "Am I portraying this kind of love in my life?" This is not always an easy thing to do. Non-Christians can eros and philos, but only a Christian has the power of Christ within them to accomplish this godly Agape love. Agape love is not controled by our feelings or our emotions, Agape loves sacrificially, and Agape love NEVER FAILS!

Dear Jesus,

Help us to recognize the love You lavish on us, and help us to readily display your love to others. I pray you will bring the characteristics of love to the forefront of our minds when we're dealing with unlovely people, and I pray our actions and reactions will represent you well. May walls be broken down, marriages healed, friendships restored, and truth be preserved in the heart of those who experience Your love flowing through Your people. I thank you for this promise, love never fails.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

You Are Part of God's Plan!

2007-05-07T12:50:00.000-07:00

"In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly," Romans 12:6-8 (NLT)

If you are a child of God, He's gifted you for His purposes. You can make a difference in someone's life, even today. You are part of God's perfect plan, reguardless of how you feel.

Read the scripture again and let your eyes fall on the word grace. God does not gift us according to our merit, our worth, our beauty, our intellect, our education, our body type, or our social status, our ability, or our bank account. He has chosen us and given our lives purpose by His grace. We are a part of His perfect plan.

Slow your pace enough to take notice of the people around you. Make eye contact, give them a smile, make a kind gesture, or give a word of encouragement. Ask God to multiply it in the heart of the recipient that they might see a glimpse of our Savior.

Dear Jesus,

Embolden us to make a difference for your glory and for your kingdom sake. Help us recognize the the grace you've lavished on us, and help us to lavish grace towards others. People are so desperate for you. Please help us make the most of every opportunity you give us today.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

How Can I Overcome Temptation?

2007-04-30T05:09:00.000-07:00

Daily I find myself identifying with the apostle Paul. He had the same inner struggle that you and I have. We want to do what's right, but we follow after our desires instead. We don't want to do the things that we know are wrong, yet we find ourselves doing those very things. Do you, like Paul, find yourself saying, ". . . there dwelleth in me no good thing"

Maybe in our modern day cries it sounds more like the following:

Lord, please help me . . .
I want to, but . . .
I'm so ashamed I keep on . . .
What's wrong with me? Why can't I just . . .
Lord, would You just do this for me?

The truth is, we all face temptations. Temptation comes in many forms and greets us daily. If we succumb to temptation it will take over our lives. Satan is a subtle deceiver. We may not even recognize his bait until we've been hooked. However, we may easily recognize the warning signs because they make us miserable. Some examples could include the following: confusion, fear, guilt, shame, and depression. We can KNOW this is not the abundant life God has in mind for us.

So, how can we overcome? Just like Jesus did. He was tempted, yet He did not Sin. He is our ultimate example. Let's read about His temptation and see what we can learn from Him (Please read Luke 4:1-13).

Did you notice Satan tempted Jesus several times? Satan never gives up easy; he doesn't care how long it takes to destroy us. He only cares that our relationship with Christ is hindered, and that we are ineffective and weak in our Christianity.

How did Jesus overcome temptation? On every occasion Jesus used scripture to combat His enemy. Ephesians 6:10-17 teaches us that The Word of God is our weapon of spiritual warfare.

Have you identified at least one way that Satan tries to tempt you? Follow Jesus' example. Get in the Word and find the scriptures that deal with your particular area of temptation. Freedom is yours if you will only obediently receive The Truth as revealed through Scripture.

But, How do I go about finding the Scriptures I need?
Use a Bible Concordance to help you. Try to find at least three scriptures that deal with your particular temptation. Write them down, memorize them, and use them often. If your not sure how to use a Bible Concordance, please post a question with The Girlfriends in Christ Mentors. We'll be glad to help you find what you need.

Dear Lord,

Help us to recognize Your power at work witin us. You have equipped your Children to be over-comers. Help us to desire You above and beyond our greatest temptation. Teach us to love Your Holy Word. It is Truth that brings us to freedom. I pray that we will not just be hearers of Your Word, but doers of Your Word. We know you bless obedience, and we want Your blessings on our lives. Lord, It's my prayer that we will hunger and thirst for Your righteousness, and live unashamedly for Your glory. Help us to see temptations for what they really are, a distraction from our God, a hindrance to our testimony, and an obstacle to the purposes You have intended for our lives.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

Still Under Construction

2007-04-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

The Cafe' is still under construction. The Grand Opening is coming soon!