Happenings
Women’s Ministry Newsletter, Fall, 2024
“Connecting Women to Women with God
’s
Love
”
NEW BIBLE STUDY COMING SOON: “A PLACE CALLED HEAVEN OUR ETERNAL HOME”
October 8-November 26, 2024, 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall
Randy Alcorn asks this question in his book entitled Heaven: “When was the last time you thought about Heaven?” Well, quite frankly, I think about Heaven much more frequently the older I get. Mr. Alcorn goes on to say, “Often the things that prompt us to think about Heaven are not positive experiences: the death of a loved one, political unrest in the world, troubling criminal acts, and a devastating diagnosis. Perhaps that’s why some of us squirm at the idea of studying Heaven. Maybe we’re afraid of what we’ll discover, or afraid of what we won ’t.
But followers of Jesus are actually commanded in Scripture to set our hearts and minds on things above—to be heavenly minded.” (“Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3) “Our lives are hidden with Christ unseen and yet completely real. What better way to be good citizens of Heaven than to study and understand what this kingdom looks like and how we are to live within it?”
Join me as we study God’s Word and are reminded of God’s promises. We can find assurance and confidence and relieve our fears, worries, and doubts as we learn about our future eternal home with Jesus.
See Janie Carnal to join this Bible Study and get started reading your free book about Heaven written by Dr. Robert Jeffress. See you next Tuesday, October 8th.
DEVOTIONAL BY JEAN BYER
He is Here
GOD speaking to us in Psalm 46:10 said, “Be still and know that I AM GOD; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (NIV)
What does it mean to “be still?” Different translations of this verse use different words, but all basically mean the same thing. These different phrases just make you think a little differently about what GOD is saying to us. The NASB uses “stop striving”, the CSB and HOL versions use “stop fighting”, and the ESV uses “calm down”. The Hebrew word for still is raphah which means to be weak, to let go, to release. So…that is easy to say, but hard to do sometimes. Six ways we can “be still” are to:
(1) Recognize GOD’s presence. HE is our refuge, our source of strength, present with us, and our help in our weaknesses. As Pastor suggested, say out loud “HE is here” several times a day to remind yourself of HIS presence.
(2) Worship – Fix your eyes on Jesus by appreciating who HE is, what HE’s done for you and me, and what HE is still doing.
(3) Pray without ceasing and with expectation. Revelation 5:8 says our prayers are stored in golden bowls in Heaven. No prayer is ever unheard or thrown away.
(4) Remember – Remind yourself often of GOD’s Sovereignty, Goodness, and Faithfulness. HE will never abandon you or forsake you. Nahum 1:7 reminds us, “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble.”
(5) Be Grateful. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is GOD’s Will for you in Christ Jesus.”
(6) Trust in HIS promises. – HE has never failed to keep any promise HE has made, and HE never will. Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Fully trusting in GOD enables us to do just that.
Raphah (to be still) is a command from GOD to surrender all that concerns you in order to know GOD is in control.
So…how do we KNOW? To know means to appreciate, to experience, to understand, to believe without a doubt…
Accepting Christ as our Savior means we already believe Jesus is who HE said HE is. However, to really appreciate who HE is and to experience HIS love and acceptance is to understand the depth of HIS love for us. HE willingly endured the cross, so we don’t have to. Understanding the magnitude, the pain, and the anguish HE willingly suffered on our behalf gives us a glimpse of GOD’s love for us and HIS desire to be with us forever. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things GOD works for the good of those who love HIM, who have been called according to HIS purpose.” (Emphasis added).
We can believe without a doubt, because Jesus himself told us in John 16:33, “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.” HE is here. Psalm 139 tells us how close HE is to us all the time. The first 5 verses are some of my favorites. It says:
1) “O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.
2) You know when I sit and when I rise: you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3) You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
4) Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
5) You hem me in behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.”
Dear sisters, we are so blessed to be called HIS. Our salvation is secure. Our home is with Jesus forever. And HE is here right now, and HE is coming back soon to take us home. Hallelujah, Amen.
“Connecting Women to Women with God’s Love”
Here is some sad news: Approximately 40 million Christians never vote. If you are not registered in the state of Arizona, there is still time to do so. Registration deadline is Monday, October 7. Early voting begins Wednesday, October 9. Last day to request a ballot by mail is Friday, October 25. Mail your early ballot back by Tuesday, October 29 (or before). Last day to vote early in person is Friday, November 1. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5. Let your voice be heard and vote in this very important election.
VETERAN’S DAY-NOVEMBER 11
Thank you to all veterans for your service to our country and for defending our freedom.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Thank God for all He has provided for you. Share the holiday with family and friends. Celebrate life’s blessings. Make lasting memories. Play some games.
Donate your time to serve a meal to someone less fortunate.
Create a thankful tree. Take a family photograph.
Merry Christmas
Attend church every Sunday during December.
Exchange Christmas greetings with fellow members.
Come to the Choir Musical “The Greatest Story Ever Told”
Invite family and friends to join you at church this month.
Attend Cookies and Carols event in December.
Celebrate Christ’s birth at the Candlelight Christmas Eve Service.
Put Christ first in all of your Christmas celebrations and enjoy.
ou do know what would have happened if it had been three wise WOMEN instead of men, don't you? They would have asked for directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole, and brought disposable diapers as gifts!