Women of God-Part 1

A women must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness . But I do not allow a women to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created and then Eve. And, it was not Adam who was deceived, but the women being deceived fell into transgression. But women will be preserved  through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctify with self-constraint. 

1 Timothy 2:14-15

This verse can bring controversy and division in the Body of Christ. I've been researching this, and I'd like to know what you think?

Jesus, You are in me. I speak for you. Women in your Word speak to me. Jesus, I am a women of God filled with Your Spirit. Your Spirit reveals truth.

Say That Again,  filled with your spirit Bold and brave!

Women's Retreat 2014

Yesterday was Agape's Annual Retreat.  We worked hard to make it a delightful day, and God shed His light upon us throughout the entire day.

As I think back on the days leading up to the retreat, I am thankful for all that God accomplished. There were times that I felt like quitting. But, God brought light at those times and pressed into me and our team. He did a good work through each of us.

I am thankful for a team of women that pulled together, despite the many distractions. I am thankful for the beautiful location we were blessed with, and very thankful for the help from my family and friends.

I am thankful God used me to speak into the life of women, and to pray over deep needs. He works miracles in our lives, and I know He did that at our retreat.
I am thankful for the praise and dancing that brought smiles to every face. And the love that deepened in many relationships.

Now, I'm thinking and praying about the next event. What does God want and how will He work it all out?

Today, I am resting. My family and I purchased some peaches for canning and ate ice cream. Now, I think I will take a nap.

The joy of the Lord brings strength and energy to move ahead according to His plan. He is the Author and perfecter of my faith.

He prospers me in the mind of Christ, He prospers all my dreams and desires according to His will. His providence fills  my life, and the roots He firmly plants in my life will help others.

He prospers His Spirit within me and there is humble boldness. 

Say That Again, my Jesus, in you I do prosper every day of my life.

Unity

 Two trees growing together, in unity.  I looked up the word unity, and the dictionary said: "the state of being one, oneness."

God calls His church to be unified. That means all of His children. 

If I am in unity with the Body of Christ, what does that look like?

I've been praying for God to give me a clearer picture of what unity looks like to him.  Does it mean we are members of every church? Does it mean we will think of each other, and be there for one another, even before spoken? Could it mean we will share our belongings, our dreams, and our lives with each other?

Lots' of people talk about unity. How is it walked out? I think it's uncomfortable on so many levels. Its loosing oneself for the good of the whole. Yet, I fight hard to keep myself. My boundaries. My life.

I pray to God about unity, seek it within my circles, yet sometimes I hold back. 

What am I afraid will happen?

In Psalms 133:1 it says:

"Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity."

In Colossians 3:14 there is an explanation of unity:

"Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity."

So, God is love. If we put on God, we will be perfectly united? And in that perfect unity we will find life to be pleasant and good. 

It sounds pretty simple

Yet, we have hundreds of churches and ministries, that are not so pleasant. 

I am not always pleasant, yet God dwells in me.  

Round and round it goes. 

Today I am asking God if unity is comfortable. It just seems like it would be, because there wouldn't be so much to bicker about. All of God's children would be welcome in his churches, membership well established because there is unity in Him. Welcome signs would be on every door. Living open handed would be a pleasure, sharing would feel exciting.

Do I always live in unity? 

I am curious to see what God is going to do, as I continue to seek unity with his people. 

Jesus, Say That Again,  unity exists in God.