Inspiring Women
MAY/JUN 2011
Every Day
MAY
Acts 11–28
Wendy Virgo JUNE
God’s plans for good Liz Nice
Plus … Special Article, Ministry Report and CWR Events Page
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Wendy Virgo When Wendy met and married Terry in 1968, God gave them a passion to see the church renewed and restored. As they gradually rediscovered New Testament principles, a beautiful network of churches began to grow which became known as Newfrontiers. They have five children who are all married and serving God in the UK and South Africa, and also 12 grandchildren. Newfrontiers churches can now be found in nearly 60 countries, and so Wendy frequently finds herself travelling with her husband, and ministering to women all over the world.
Liz Nice Liz was a primary teacher but left teaching for health reasons, which God turned to a blessing by calling her to write, something she had always wanted to do. Her church involvement has included teaching Sunday school, leading a mother and toddler group, youth work, and most recently leading small groups and Women’s Fellowship. She is on the PCC and manages the Fairtrade stall. Liz is married to Richard, another schoolteacher. Together they love to minister to others, encouraging them in Christ. They have two grown-up children. Their married daughter is a missionary with Overland Missions, based in Florida. Their son is a youth worker with a local charity.
Copyright © CWR 2011. Published by CWR, Waverley Abbey House, Waverley Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU9 8EP, UK. Tel: 01252 784700 Email: mail@cwr.org.uk Registered Charity No. 294387. Registered Limited Company No. 1990308. Front cover image: Getty Images/Anne-Marie Weber. Concept development, editing, design and production by CWR. Printed in England by Linney Print. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing of CWR. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are from the Holy Bible: New International Version (NIV), copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Other Scripture quotations are marked: Amplified: The Amplified Bible ‘Scripture taken from THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE, Old Testament copyright © 1965,1987 by the Zondervan Corporation. The Amplified New Testament copyright © 1958,1987 by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.’
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weekend Acts 11–28 – Heroes and heroines of the faith
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For reflection: Romans 16:1–2 ‘I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church …’ (v.1)
have three little granddaughters who love raiding my closets and dressing up; they act out stories in which they are princesses and fairies. I see other little girls wanting to be like pop stars and Barbie dolls, and I hope with all my heart that as they become adults they will find worthy role models who will give them strong values to live by. Who are your heroines? The Bible is full of women we can profitably emulate. The book of Acts records events during a turbulent time in history, but the people who became followers of Jesus were true heroes and heroines. Its pages are packed with story after story, and this second half of the book is mainly about Paul’s travels. As we read chapters 11–28 this month, try to identify with these people who heard the good news of Jesus for the first time and turned from being pagans to Christians. They were vilified and misunderstood, but they also knew the power of God’s Word to change them and His love to hold them: people just like us. Optional further reading Romans 16 – See how many women Paul respects and commends in the family of God. If you have time this weekend, why not also read through Acts 11–28 to get an overview of what we will be studying this month?
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21/12/10 10:08:25
Mon May 2
Evidence of grace
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n the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), the Holy Spirit came like wind and fire. A flame was ignited that would never be quenched, ‘When he arrived and saw evidence even by severe persecution. In fact persecution of the grace of scattered the believers far and wide and they took the God, he was glad gospel with them. These were Jewish believers who and encouraged mingled with their Jewish friends, but in verse 20 we them all to remain get the first hint that some Greeks were beginning to true to the hear and receive the gospel. It was a new day! What Lord …’ (v.23) had been unthinkable before was now happening: Jews and Greeks who embraced the gospel were now beginning to embrace each other! Barnabas was sent from Jerusalem to check this out and, when he saw what was happening, he enthusiastically endorsed it. He saw ‘evidence of the grace of God’ among them. What does that ‘evidence’ look like? Firstly, they ‘believed and turned to the Lord’ (v.21). That meant turning away from old traditions and hostile attitudes; For prayer and encouraging each other to stand firm; and sharing the reflection gospel with increasing numbers of people. It also meant individual friendship, drawing in the Turning from old to outsider. Barnabas drew Saul into the circle of friendship. Saul, who’d been feared and shunned because of his new; sharing the gospel; drawing in murderous opposition to them, was now embraced friends; employing and included. It also led to a new identity: ‘Christian’ or ‘Christ people’ – no longer ‘Jew’ or ‘Gentile’. Another gifting; giving to evidence of grace was that gifting from the ascended needy brothers Christ began to emerge: teachers, pastors and prophets. and sisters in One prophet warned of a coming famine which led to Christ: what another expression of God’s grace: sacrificial giving to evidence of the help provide for brothers in need. The grace of God is grace of God can be seen in my life? expressed in diverse and beautiful ways! Acts 11:19–30
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A miraculous escape
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evere persecution was continuing: Christians were being hounded, arrested, imprisoned. James was beheaded, so when Peter was also arrested, just before Passover, thrown into a dungeon and manacled between two soldiers, he had little hope of escaping the same fate. I wonder whether his mind went to another Passover, a few years previously, when the disciples had shared the Passover meal with Jesus. Soon after, Jesus had been seized and crucified and Peter, terrified, denied he’d ever known Him. How amazing that now he languishes in gaol because he is an ardent follower of Jesus! No longer afraid, he sleeps peacefully between the guards. But the Church was not sleeping! They were praying earnestly for Peter. An angel was despatched and an amazing escape took place! The bemused Peter found himself out in the street and ran to find his friends at the prayer meeting. What joy when the answer to their prayers stood so dramatically before them! Fifty years ago, an English missionary, Geoffrey Bull, spent three years in solitary confinement in a Communist prison on the Tibetan border. Around the world Christians prayed for him continually. Hungry, cold and afraid in the squalor of his cell, at times Geoffrey knew exquisitely sweet fellowship with Jesus. This sustained him in his darkest moments. Our place of refuge must always be that God is good and does not change. Perhaps you feel trapped; imprisoned by circumstances, illness or financial pressure. Stories like Peter’s escape open up possibilities beyond human control and give us hope to keep praying even when a situation seems hopeless.
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Tues May 3 Acts 12:1–18 ‘So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.’ (v.5)
For prayer and reflection Lord, I pray for Christians in places where they are imprisoned and persecuted. Give them hope and strength, and especially Your own dear presence.
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Wed May 4
Sent by the Spirit
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ere is a snapshot of the church leadership team at Antioch. What a diverse bunch! Pastoral, gracious Barnabas, two black ‘While they were worshipping … Africans Simeon and Lucas, aristocratic Manaen who and fasting, the went to school with King Herod (wonder what his Holy Spirit said, conversion story was?) and ex-Pharisee Saul. How did “Set apart for me they all get along? Surely they must have had their Barnabas and awkward moments, underlying tensions and cultural Saul …”’ (v.2) problems? Maybe, but the picture here is one of harmony which was not only peaceful but fruitful. The unity of the Spirit is not simply a sterile absence of antagonism: it is actively powerful. The Holy Spirit indicated that Paul and Barnabas should be sent: united, the leaders laid hands on them in recognition that this was God’s initiative. There was no one asserting his will; no competitiveness or intimidation. The two apostles went to Cyprus and preached the gospel. Luke records emphatically that it was the Holy Spirit who led them. So when they encountered opposition they were not intimidated but had confidence to boldly confront the man responsible. This man, Elymas, was a sorcerer who hungered for power. When he saw the proconsul coming under the influence For prayer and of the gospel, he realised that this was a greater power reflection than his own and jealously tried to divert him from coming to faith in Jesus. Paul, discerning that this was a tactic of the devil, fearlessly confronted Elymas. Lord, please Confidence and faith come when we know that God help me to make decisions that line has sent us. If we simply act on a good idea, we are up with Your will, likely to retreat, compromise or give up altogether when we meet difficulty and opposition. But if God has sent us so that I can walk then any problem we encounter is God’s problem! in faith. Amen Acts 13:1–12
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21/12/10 10:08:26
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Jealousy and joy
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he two missionaries were developing a strategy. Being Jewish they knew that on the Sabbath there would always be a gathering at the synagogue and, as visitors, it was likely that they would be invited to speak: a ready-made context for preaching the gospel! So, as they entered a new city it became their regular pattern to look for the synagogue. Of course, as a former Pharisee, Paul was also intimately acquainted with the Torah and Jewish history, and he skilfully used his knowledge to show how it all pointed to the Christ who was Jesus of Nazareth. Many were convinced and converted; but many others were jealous of his success and felt their traditions were being threatened. They would rather stay ‘safe’ in their familiar past than take a step into the upheaval of new ways. We need to know that our faith is firmly rooted in history, and is not the product of human philosophy or imagination. It is historical, but not stuck in a time warp: it is fresh, relevant – and sometimes shocking! ‘Honouring the word of the Lord’ (v.48) means believing it and letting it change our thinking. We do not honour it if we keep our minds closed. God’s Word does not need to be carefully preserved in a box, treated like some fragile relic. It should be let loose to work its power. It is like a sharp, double-edged sword which divides between soul and spirit: it exposes our intentions and motives (Heb. 4:12); it reveals where we deviate from God’s ways, and shows how we can be reconciled to Him. Humble submission to it brings the joy of the Holy Spirit. Fearful rejection leads to bitter, often irrational, opposition.
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Thurs May 5 Acts 13:13– 15,42–52 ‘When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy … the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.’ (vv.45,52)
For prayer and reflection Lord, please help me keep my mind open and soft to You, always letting Your Word dictate my thinking, rather than my thinking judging Your Word. Amen.
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Fri May 6
Successes and setbacks
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he two evangelists were now penetrating deeper into what is now Turkey. Their message, accompanied by miracles, was ‘Men, why are you doing this? We too powerful and effective, causing many to believe, but are only men … also stirring up violent opposition. Repeatedly they We are bringing were forced to flee for their lives. you good news …’ After the threat of stoning in Iconium, on arrival in (v.15) Lystra they again began to preach boldly. A lame man was instantly healed. The effect was electric: the crowd hysterically began to worship Paul and Barnabas, declaring them gods! Appalled, the apostles protested that God had graciously healed the man. Things were further inflamed by Jews jealous of their influence, and the fickle crowd turned on Paul and stoned him! What extraordinary extremes the gospel stirs up! Wherever it is truly preached it produces ardent commitment or fierce hostility. Even today, in some countries, secret believers fear for their lives. In others, For prayer and opposition is expressed in verbal attacks, ridicule and reflection slander. This seems so unfair when the gospel brings healing, love and peace. A man is healed, the city stirred up – Paul is stoned! An unexpected sequence of Jesus, You went events! The Bible tells us that the earth is the Lord’s but through hell for it presently lies in the hands of the ‘evil one’. me; nothing I When heaven touches earth, the kingdom of darkness experience comes unleashes its fury. We must keep this bigger picture in close. Please mind so as not to be surprised when we are overtaken give me grace by hardships; our best intentions misinterpreted. to persevere Paul and Barnabas encouraged the churches not by and strengthen commiserating with them but by reminding them: ‘We those Christians suffering for their must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God’ (v.22). We follow a Master who exemplified this. faith. Amen. Acts 14:1–23
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God’s plans for good
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his month I would like to spend some time journeying alongside you as, led by the Holy Spirit, we explore and meditate on various themes from this well-known verse from the book of Jeremiah. In it God makes four promises – to prosper us, not to harm us, to give us a future, and to give us hope. It is my intention to look at these promises one by one throughout the month. What a wonderful verse it is, containing such a powerful statement from God about His care for us, His children. These promises were initially for the people of that time, the Israelites. However, as the Scriptures are written for all God’s children, I believe that these promises hold good for every generation to follow. Many people will say that all we need to live a godly life is contained in the Scriptures, as we follow biblical principles. In no way would I disagree with this. However, I suggest that God does have His unique plans for each believer; plans that will never run counter to His overall principles, as set out in Scripture, but tailored to our individual personalities, circumstances and gifts. (See also Ephesians 2:10, which we will study later this month.) Looking at Jeremiah 29:11 again in the Amplified Bible, we see the breadth of it: ‘For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome’. God purposefully directs His thoughts towards us. That is both challenging and reassuring, telling us that He cares about everything we do and the kind of people we become. What a wonderful God!
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Wed Jun 1 Jeremiah 29:11 ‘“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the L ord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you …”’ (v.11)
For prayer and reflection Lord of my life, whatever Your plan is for me I submit to it. I want to follow You and serve You in the way You have ordained for me. Amen.
21/12/10 10:08:48
Thurs Jun 2
Putting it in context
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oday we are considering the immediate context of Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles. The Israelites had been overcome by the cruel, ‘... all the ... people ... and the leaders warmongering Babylonians. Astonishingly this was in ... had gone into God’s plan: to bring them back to Him because they exile ...’ (vv.1–2) had wandered far from Him. He also had detailed instructions for the way the Israelites should conduct themselves in exile. They were to build houses, plant gardens, marry and raise children, and to ignore the false prophets telling them it would all be over quickly. Additionally, God commanded them to pray for the peace of Babylon – a radical, unexpected message. The Israelites were used to fighting their enemies, not seeking their peace and prosperity. Jeremiah’s letter conveyed cold comfort to the Israelites. Contrary to the false prophets, he told it like it was: they were in for the long haul – 70 years. Then, providing they did as God commanded, He would restore their fortunes. That they only partially obeyed is For prayer and clear from reading on through the book of Jeremiah. reflection One thing this letter demonstrates is that God is a God of surprises. Throughout Scripture and history we see that He does not work to our agenda, nor Heavenly Father, according to our stereotypes. We need to be ready for forgive me when the adventure and surprises that working with Him may I try to live by my own agenda. Help bring into our lives, and not be fearful of them. At this point, I would like also to note that we are me day by day to not always passive participants in what happens to surrender more us. We can choose to comply with God’s plans and deeply to You. clear instructions or we can choose not to. The former Lead me, Lord, decision will bring us peace of heart; the latter decision and I will follow. brings its own consequences. Amen. Jeremiah 29:1–14
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21/12/10 10:08:49
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The purposes of God’s heart
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his psalm instructs us to ‘Sing joyfully to the Lord ... to praise him’ (v.1), calling for an attitude in the believer that is vital to a healthy spiritual life. As we learn to praise God and give Him thanks in all circumstances, we are enabled to find God’s peace, strength and grace to cope with whatever comes our way. We can also engage with God’s plans so that we live the full life He intends for us. The psalmist gives his readers a résumé of God’s benevolence that encourages and uplifts us all. He declares that God’s plans are driven by His determination to fulfil the desires and purposes of His heart. How wonderful to think that the impulse of all God’s creative energy comes right from His heart. On Wednesday we focused on the breadth of God’s plans. Here we also see their immeasurable depth. Nothing is left out; nothing is too deep or too complex to be included in them. He has formulated His plans in order to produce the final outcome He desires. Even events that appear to run counter to His will are covered within His ultimate plan. Because of His foreknowledge, I believe He has built contingencies into His plans for every eventuality, including for when evil occurs, and it seems to me that we can see an intimation of this in verse 10 of this psalm. Finally, it is good to remember that whatever God plans to do, He also has the power to carry out. With the psalmist, we too can declare that ‘he is our help and our shield’ (v.20). Do we really accept and believe all this, deep within our minds, hearts and souls, so that it underpins our lives and governs our reactions to our circumstances?
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Fri Jun 3 Psalm 33:1–22 ‘... the plans of the L ord stand firm for ever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.’ (v.11)
For prayer and reflection Lord and Father, You direct everything according to the desires and purposes of Your heart. We thank You that our security is in You alone. Amen.
21/12/10 10:08:49
Jun 4/5
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Abraham’s story
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weekend For reflection: Genesis 12:1–9 ‘I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you ...’ (v.2)
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ext week we will be looking at God’s promise to prosper us. Abraham was a key player in this plan, not only to prosper the Jews down the centuries, but also the whole of humanity. There is a sense of adventure and privilege as Abraham sets out in answer to God’s call, but there is also a price for him to pay in order to be involved in God’s work at this high level. He has to step out in faith, not knowing his destination. God continues to test him through many difficulties, and by stretching out the years between the giving of the promise and its fulfilment. We might have expected God to fulfil His promise much sooner, but His plans are bigger than we realise. Abraham needs rock-solid faith in order to meet his greatest test when God asks him to sacrifice his son, Isaac (see Genesis 22). We may be excited at God’s promise to prosper us, but are we willing to face whatever tests we may need to prepare us and make our faith strong enough for God’s purposes?
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Optional further reading Genesis 17:1–9; Hebrews 11:8–19; Acts 7:1–8
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od’s promise to Abraham included a considerable personal element as well as being universal. As we see from the scripture before us today, God blessed, or prospered, Abraham in every way. The first thing we notice is his status. He is now the head of a household large enough to boast a chief servant and therefore containing many other servants. Physically he appears to be as strong and energetic as he ever was, not decrepit and frail as we might expect for someone of his great age, and he has not ceased his nomadic lifestyle. At this point he is making the necessary arrangements for Isaac’s marriage. Here we have clear evidence of the wealth he has accrued throughout his long, eventful life. He sends off his chief servant to seek a suitable wife for Isaac, absolutely laden with gifts. There was no problem for Abraham in being so generous – he could well afford it. Abraham was undoubtedly a powerful man and God had prospered him materially. What about his spiritual welfare and prosperity however? Listening to what he told his servant, it is obvious that he had remained faithful and close to God, throughout all the ups and downs of his life, not the least of which was the death of his beloved wife Sarah, reported in the previous chapter. Abraham knew he could trust God. He recounted God’s promise to the servant and encouraged him to have the same level of trust, assuring him that God would send His angel before him to facilitate the success of his mission. What a lovely picture of God’s provision for the prosperity and welfare of those He loves.
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Mon Jun 6 Genesis 24:1–27 ‘Abraham was now old and well advanced in years, and the L ord had blessed him in every way.’ (v.1)
For prayer and reflection Lord, You love to bless us and we can rely on You. I lift my hands to receive from You. I lift my heart to You and worship You, now and always. Amen.
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Tues Jun 7
Spiritual welfare
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e are continuing to think about God’s plan for our prosperity, particularly in respect of our spiritual welfare. This beautiful ‘Praise the L ord ... who satisfies psalm pours out a list of God’s blessings. your desires with We might understand the word ‘desires’ to refer to good things ...’ material things. However, I suggest that, as we draw (vv.2,5) close to Him in our hearts, we increasingly desire the things of God which bring us peace and spiritual wholeness. David shows us which of God’s good things are of this order – although His blessings can certainly include material wealth. We will consider this later on. What does the psalm list as these ‘good things’, spiritually? First is forgiveness for all our sins. None of us is sinless, so it is a great comfort to know that God has provided for this contingency in His plans for our welfare as we repent before Him. Forgiveness is then coupled with healing (v.3), resulting in spiritual wholeness. Next is redemption, which is deliverance from the spiritual death that sin produces. Following this comes a For prayer and crown of love and compassion for every child of God. As reflection if these gifts were not enough, we then read that in God our youthfulness is renewed; and that righteousness and justice are extended to all the oppressed. You might like We are privileged to receive God’s revelation to spend time today dwelling on of Himself and to be allowed to dwell in intimate communication with Him. What an amazing, merciful, God’s wonderful loving God He is shown to be. How good He is, even to compassion and us, His imperfect children. His sovereignty is absolute goodness. Let it and His kingdom rules over all and through all. This is fill your mind, so that it increasingly the God who has promised to safeguard our welfare influences all you and prosperity. This is the God we can trust implicitly, just as Abraham did. think and do. Psalm 103:1–22
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21/12/10 10:08:51
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