April. May. June 2018 Edition
Be Still 4
The Way of the Heart
IPHC Women’s Publication
18
Favorite Spring Cleaning Secret 16 4
12
Be Still
Mercy
8
16
Stop the Wrestling Match
Tragedy to Triumph
Spring Purging
The Way of the Heart
11
18
20
Gleaning While She Waits
22
All Generations Abiding Together
24
Project Kid
Designers: Lindsey Snider & Meredith Light Photo Credits: Unsplash.com, Fotolia.com
- GPS 2 -
A Note From Sam Samantha Snipes
Director IPHC Women’s Ministries Ssnipes@iphc.org
Be Still
How are we responding to the opportunities life presents us? If they are good, we get excited but when they are bad, we are dismayed. Who knows the ending line of our story, and how it intertwines with His grand narrative! With God, there is not a detail dropped or unnoticed. We can say, “Lord, I don’t have the answers, but I know you do. My life is yours. Because your story is the best version of me that I can live with you.” He has plans for us, to give us hope and future. He uses all things for the good of those who love Him. We are in the palm of His hand. I want to encourage you wherever you are today, know that He has got this. He has a plan, and it is amazing!
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- GPS 3 -
Be Still
I
n the midst of the hustle and bustle of life, do we
got this. We don’t know how or why but somehow, He will use
take moments to be still and know that He is God? A
this to get us to the desired destination.
translation of Psalm 46:10 says to learn that He is God.
We cast off into our days, and then as life goes, a storm
Something happens in the action of stillness. We learn. I
comes up, what can we do? We have several options when this
have hanging on the wall a sign that says, “Be Still and Know
happens. We can respond in fear, respond with “why, God?”,
that I am God”. It points to my source of peace, my source of
or we can respond in faith. We can be recalibrated to walk
provision, and my source for life. It reminds me that life is in
in faith, even if our first response was one of the others. God
constant flux and change is inevitable but there is One who
is so good to walk with us in the hills and the valleys, always
gives perfect love and peace. Perfect love removes all fear.
teaching and guiding us as we listen to His voice to direct our
His peace passes all understanding. It is not determined by
way. He never leaves us or forsakes us. He did not abandon the
circumstances or events, but is evident despite them. It is what
ship in the middle of the storm, nor does He abandon us in life’s
we do. We can learn that in stillness, God is God. And He is at
storms. He commanded it to hush. And there was a calm and
work in our lives.
perfect peace. He was at peace in the storm and caused peace.
Imagine a boat casting out into the sea sailing to get to the
Psalm 4:8 says that our sleep can be sweet and peaceful
other side. Suddenly, a storm comes up threatening to sink the
because we know the Lord is with us. He directs us to Him
boat and thwart all plans of getting to the destination. Even
so that we can be still during the busyness of life and the
thoughts of death and not reaching the shore flash through the
circumstances that try to drown us. Where does our help come
passengers’ minds as the water splashes over the sides and fills
from? It comes from the Lord Almighty who is strong to save.
the boat. There is panic and people running around uncertain
Romans 8:28 reminds us that He works all things for good for
what to do. But one. One passenger was taking a nap during all
those that love Him and are called according to His purpose.
the commotion. He was resting as he was tired and needing a
Father, our prayer is to have the “Be Still” presence to know
respite. How could it be that He sleeps, while they were about
we can be at peace because in the hustle and bustle and in the
to sink to their deaths? The Sea was Galilea, known for its
storms; You have got this. You foresaw the storm coming. It can
sudden raging storms, and the one taking the nap was Jesus,
be used to cause Your will to happen. We trust You and are at
the ultimate example of how we can live our lives! The
peace. We are presently taking this moment to be still because
one we look to, to gain wisdom of how we are to respond in
we know that You are God.
circumstances. He was genuinely human and tired. He was also genuinely an omniscient God. Knowing that there was about to be a storm, He still directed them to cast off into the sea. So, when they woke Jesus they said, “Teacher, do You not care that we are about to die?” And He got up and [sternly] rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Hush, be still (muzzled)!’ And the wind died down [as if it had grown weary] and there was [at once] a great calm [a perfect peacefulness].” (Mark 4:38-39 AMP) God said there would be storms and trials. He also said that perseverance would cause us to grow and mature and be complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:12) Who is steering the ship of our lives? Who have we given our life to? Have we given it over to our own selfish desires? Is it that we let the ship go wherever it may take us, or have we given it over to the master sailor? The one who has already set the course and has it charted out. (Jeremiah 29:11) He is fully aware that there will be the storms that come. They are not meant to steer us off course but to get us to the destination. We can look at our circumstances and be afraid, or we can have faith that He has
We can look at our circumstances and be afraid, or we can have faith that He has got this. SAMANTHA SNIPES
Samantha Snipes serves as the the IPHC as the director of Women’s Ministries. She served her church as the women’s ministries and missions director prior to moving to OK. She and her husband have owned businesses and worked in ministry together since 1994. She was director of operations for a design firm and worked with ministries all over the world on their marketing. She has a passion for activating and mobilizing people in their faith, to see them realize their mission in life, experience the great commission to win souls, and connect the passion and love of Jesus to the world. She loves having fun and traveling with her husband, Todd, and their two sons Cole and Skyler.
- GPS 5 -
Stop the Wrestling Match!
- GPS 8 -
T
here are so many crushing epidemics in our
If you are still struggling with things in the past, today is
world today: heart disease, cancer, diabetes,
the day for you to walk in the freedom of God’s forgiveness.
arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, etc. These 5 diseases
Stop struggling with the baggage of your past and walk
have one singular cause in common: chronic inflammation.
in the power and boldness of the Holy Spirit to turn away
It seems that all of America is in a health stranglehold
from each one, leaving it in the ‘sea of forgetfulness.’ Psalm
and the wrestling is not going to stop, because chronic
103:12 says that He has taken our sins away from us, as
inflammation won’t let go without a fight. Perhaps you or
far as the east is from the west. Today is the day. Stop the
someone you know and love is wrestling with one (or more)
wrestling match and just enjoy the life of freedom that
of these debilitating diseases. Thankfully, research has
Jesus Christ died for you to live. It is for freedom that
proven profitable and the recommendation has been made
He has set you free; an abundant life, to the fullest, until it
for a secret weapon that protects against inflammation.
overflows!
That secret weapon is the spice, pure curcumin! Knowing this, we don’t have to wait until tragedy strikes to start conquering this inflammation problem—if you will get the edge on inflammation, it could help save your life and stop the wrestling match with chronic inflammation! At times, we find ourselves in a spiritual wrestling match as well; trying to pay for our sins when Jesus has already paid the price! Just as curcumin is the spice for chronic inflammation, the blood of Jesus is the spice for life! The research is in, the remedy discovered, and all we need to do is accept His forgiveness and leave our sin behind. Stop the struggle! For some, God’s way of just asking and simply receiving His gift of love and forgiveness seems too easy. Then for others it’s hard to believe that true forgiveness is even possible. After all, we can’t totally blot out a memory, right? That’s true, but we can make sure it is no longer a life issue that we deal with every day. We ask for His forgiveness, and He gives it…that’s it…wrestling match
Stop struggling with the baggage of your past and walk in the power and boldness of the Holy Spirit to turn away from each one, leaving it in the ‘sea of forgetfulness.’
over…really! What Jesus did on the cross is more than enough! There’s no need for us to make additional payments by doing anything. Just apply the blood; the cure! “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” Micah 7:19 is clear about God’s attitude toward our sin, “Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean.” The Holy Spirit does not need our help when it comes to dealing with sin. There is no need for us to revisit confessed sin, or “go fishing” in the waters of our past. Scripture is clear about God’s attitude when one of His children repents and seeks His forgiveness. Isaiah 1:18 says, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as
BRENDA GRASTY Rev. Dr. Brenda Grasty is serving as the Assistant Director on the IPHC Women’s Ministries Board. She is the Cornerstone Conference Women’s Ministries Director, Director of Deborah’s Daughters for Women’s Ministries, and Missions Director for the Cornerstone Conference. She also serves on the Falcon Children’s Home Board. She is an IPHC Ordained Minister with a Doctorate of Theology degree who teaches, preaches, and sings for conferences, revivals, and other events. Brenda and her husband, Rick, have four children and three grandchildren.
snow. Though they be as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
- GPS 9 -
- GPS 10 -
Spring Purging JANICE MARSHBURN
Janice Marshburn is an IPHC Ordained Minister in Jacksonville, NC, were she serves as the Women’s Ministries Director for the IPHC Good News Ministries. She preaches God’s word nationally and internationally. She serves as the North Carolina Conference, Women’s Ministries Director, Director of Deborah’s Daughters, and serves on the IPHC Women’s Ministries Board. Janice has a heart for God’s power to heal bruised and battered women, and those who are merely existing to walk out of their spiritual grave and experience new life in Jesus.
I
recently read that a popular saying was “Encouraging
us that “Not everyone who keeps saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will
Purging” with the emphasis on “throwing away a bunch of
get into the kingdom of heaven, but only the person who keeps
stuff from your house that you do not need, and frankly
doing the will of my Father in heaven.” (NIV) Therefore, through
never needed to begin with.” Seeing this was like a punch in
the urging of the Holy Spirit I sense the need to invite the Holy
the gut. When I look in my bulging closets, I see far too many
Spirit into the closet of my heart and ask that the blood
clothes I have not worn in years, some are too large, some
of the Lamb purge my heart of hidden procrastination,
too small, and some still have store tags on them. Confession
misplaced priorities, ungodly thoughts, or habits, and even
is good for the heart, but I am not feeling much better yet! I
buried unforgiveness.
walk from room to room and see stacks of books I have long intended to read but just seemingly have not found the time. For me purging is about timing. I cannot get motivated to
It is my desire that God pardon all spiritual impurity from my heart so that I will have the discernment to recognize and minister to women who are struggling. God gives us the
tackle the task until, as we say in the south, “I get in the notion.”
power to speak directly to sickness in the authority of the
As I write this article, I realize spring has sprung. I certainly need
name of Jesus. Isaiah 53:5 says that by His stripes we are healed
the urge to purge my cupboards, closets, and attic, and share
and we can declare it in His name. Sicknesses, oppressions,
this stuff with my Women’s Ministries group as we are preparing
addictions, and diseases must flee!
for a yard sale to raise funds for the ministries supported by the IPHC Women’s Ministries, and our local women’s shelter. But the urge to purge should go deeper than eliminating
I pray as we purge our physical bodies as temples of God, according to I Corinthians 6:19, that we will invite the Holy Spirit into our daily lives. May salvations, healings, and deliverances
excess clutter in our house. Current events are parallel with
become normal occurrences in our Women’s Ministries
the prophesy of Revelation 22:12, “Behold, I am coming soon!
meetings. Once you purge the old, you will have room more for
My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to
God’s gifts. Now, stop putting off the unpleasant and get that
what he has done.” (NIV) Along with, Matthew 7:21 which warns
cleaning done!
- GPS 11 -
Mercy
- GPS 12 -
T
his is the first work of God—that He is merciful to all
my work as a Chaplain in a Psychiatric Hospital. I could not have
who are ready to do without their own opinion, right,
been entrusted with this job without a personal understanding
wisdom, and all spiritual goods, and willing to be poor
of receiving God’s mercy for my life and then giving God’s mercy
in spirit.” – Martin Luther The dictionary meaning of mercy is: “compassion or
to others. I love the song by Phillips, Craig and Dean called, “Mercy
forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s
Came Running.” Let the words minister to your soul and allow
power to punish or harm”. That is such a description of our God.
mercy to catch you!
He has the power, the authority, and even the right to punish humankind for their continuous rejection. Mercy originated in the very heart of God. It describes a
“Once there was a holy place. Evidence of God’s embrace And I can almost see mercy’s face pressed against the veil
quality of God that we should emulate. Mercy is a powerful
Looking down with longing eyes, Mercy must have realized
word that transforms the very life of the one who receives
That once His blood was sacrificed, Freedom would prevail
it. But it also transforms the life of the one who gives it. Just
And as the sky grew dark and the earth began to shake, with
hearing the word evokes emotions in my own heart. Where
justice no longer in the way
would I be if it weren’t for the mercy Christ extended to me? Every time I hear the word mercy it takes me back to one of
Mercy came running like a prisoner set free
my husband’s sermons that significantly impacted my life. He
Past all my failures to the point of my need
entitled his message, “The 4000-Year-Old Prisoner.” This prisoner
When the sin that I carried was all I could see
was named Mercy and could not be released until Jesus paid the
And when I could not reach mercy, Mercy came
price for our sins on the cross. Mercy’s face was pressed against
running to me”
the veil waiting to be set free. When the veil was ripped in two from the top down, mercy was free.
Songwriters: Don Koch / Dave Clark / Dan Dean Mercy Came Running lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Universal Music Publishing Group
We see a beautiful picture of mercy when we examine the Ark of the Covenant. In 1 Samuel 6:19, we read where God struck down some of the men of Beth-Shemesh, putting seventy of them to death because they had looked into the ark of the Lord. The people mourned because of the heavy blow the Lord had dealt them. We know according to scripture that the articles inside the Ark of the Covenant were Aaron’s rod that budded, manna, and the law. (Hebrews 9:4) In order for these men to see inside, what was the first thing they had to do? They had to remove the mercy seat! The mercy seat of God covered the Law even in the Old Testament before Christ died for our sins. Anytime the mercy of God is removed from the law, death
We experience death in our lives when we refuse to offer the mercy God has shown us to others and to ourselves.
is imminent. We experience death in our lives when we refuse to offer the mercy God has shown us to others and to ourselves. In my personal walk with God, I had to face the harsh reality that I was removing the mercy of God over my own life when I refused to forgive myself. It was much easier for me to forgive others, but when it came to forgiving myself, I fell short until this revelation of mercy found me. I prayed and asked God to give me the ability to forgive myself so I would not reject the power of his mercy on my life. The results have been life changing. I now walk in a greater fullness of His power and grace over my life. I needed that change to be effective in
DEBI ADAMS
Debi Adams lives in Greensburg, PA and serves on the River of Life Conference Women’s Ministries Board, where her husband serves as Bishop. Debi serves on the IPHC Women’s Ministries Board. She is the Assistant Director of the Treasured Women’s Conference at LifeSpring Christian Church, where she and her husband are pastors. She is passionate about her ministry as an Ordained IPHC Minister, and she works as a Board-Certified Chaplain at a State Psychiatric Hospital. Her passions include deploying to disaster areas as a Rapid Response Chaplain, and helping people in crisis.
- GPS 13 -
Tragedy to Triumph
H
ave you ever watched a movie and found yourself
then sold into slavery to an Egyptian officer. Then he was falsely
yelling at the screen, “Don’t open the door!” or “Grab
accused of rape by his master’s wife and thrown into prison. But
the gun!” or “Run the other way!”? You’re looking
in each circumstance, the Bible says, “But God was with him and
from a different angle, so you’re able to shout that, but the character doesn’t understand the inevitable tragedy that’s about to happen because they’re usually left in the dark. More often than not, the lead character is rescued and there’s a good ending. In the book of Genesis, Joseph’s story is filled with tragedy.
blessed him.” Eventually, Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and became the second most powerful man in all of Egypt. You know the story; he ultimately came face to face with his brothers—his abusers— and instead of repaying evil for evil, he offered mercy and forgiveness. He told them “Don’t be afraid, God sent me
He came from a very dysfunctional home—11 brothers, 1 sister,
here to preserve your lives so a great nation would come
his father, and 4 wives. His mother died when he was young. He
from you. God turned into good what you meant for evil.”
was hated by his brothers, thrown into a pit, left for dead, and
God didn’t make the brothers hate, abuse, or sell him into
- GPS 14 -
slavery. God didn’t make Potiphar’s wife falsely accuse him or
raised her as our daughter. I immediately understood WHY I
her husband throw him into prison. But God did take all the
had suffered such abuse. While God didn’t cause the tragic
messy parts of Joseph’s life and make something beautiful out
events, His grace redeemed my disgrace, and He used me as a
of it.
tool to help heal our daughter. I would go through it all again,
I find so much comfort in this story—the least likely place that Joseph would have expected the God of Israel to be was
knowing what I know now. Perhaps you are in Egypt, or in a PIT—pretty intense trial, or
in Egypt, and in the pit of the prison. Yet God was there! And
you’ve experienced great pain in tragedy. I hope that you will
He blessed Joseph there! Egypt and the prison pit represent a
trust that God is with you and He will bless you. He is working
place of oppression, bondage, pain, and tragedy.
behind the scenes, making something beautiful out of the
Psalms 41:11, “You have not let my enemies triumph over me.” Jesus, our Redeemer, is full of grace, and will redeem every disgrace. Our son, Ryan, recently released an album and one of the songs is called “Only Jesus.” It says, “Who commands the wind and waves? Who can speak in galaxies and wonders? Who can calm the storm in me? Who can spin a tragedy into triumph? Who’s the God above all things? Who’s the God of suddenly
broken pieces of your life. If He could take Joseph from son to slave, from the pit to the palace, He can turn your tragedy into triumph as well. The tragedy doesn’t get the last word, God does—it’s HIStory. Whether He redeems your mess on earth or in Heaven, He will do it. Romans 8:28 “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose for them.”
and faithful? Who’s the One that died for me? Who has bore the gravity of all my sin? His love invites me in. Jesus, only Jesus. He is Jesus, precious Jesus. Majesty have Your way in me; You are all I need and the song I sing.” Providence is the unseen hand of God in the events of your life. Each circumstance comes for a purpose and is bound by God’s grace, love, and plan. God takes every piece of your broken story and your broken life and He makes something beautiful out of it. I had some major dysfunction in my life growing up. My dad left my older sister and my mom, while she was pregnant with my twin and me. Eventually, she remarried and shortly after that, I began to suffer abuse at the hands of my stepfather. It lasted for 8 years. I used to ask, “Why me, God?” as I was in the darkness of my tragic story. God didn’t make my dad leave nor
IF HE COULD TAKE JOSEPH FROM SON TO SLAVE, FROM THE PIT TO THE PALACE, HE CAN TURN YOUR TRAGEDY INTO TRIUMPH AS WELL.
my stepdad abuse me, but He did make something beautiful out of my story. Two years after I married my husband Mark, we attended an “Encounter with God” event, and I was able to forgive my deceased stepdad for the abuse and my father for abandoning me. The freedom that came over me was like nothing I had ever experienced. One year later, I led my father to the Lord and was used as a tool to unlock freedom in his life. Not too much later, my husband and I learned about some tragic circumstances that a young lady in our youth ministry was facing. After praying together, we brought her into our home and family and
NICOLE HAMMOND
Nicole Hammond currently serves as the Pacific Western Network Women’s Ministries Director and serves on the IPHC Women’s Ministries Board. She loves to help women discover their purpose, participate in ministry, pursue their passions, and live boldly for Jesus as they go about their daily lives! She and her husband, Mark, are partners in life, ministry, and business. They enjoy life with their four children and two granddaughters, who all reside in Modesto, CA.
- GPS 15 -
What is Your Favorite Spring Cleaning Secret ?
I am by design... a visual person. There is truth that out of sight is out of mind. Do you have to send your family on a jungle hunt for that twin size set of sheets that fits that blow up mattress when company comes? Then perhaps this tip is for you. To keep everything visible (even in closets) consider investing in clear storage cases. It may be an investment up front, but if you value your time, it can help save time down the road. Tuck the whole sheet set inside the pillow case and put it in a clear case marked twin. I take it a step further though. You’ve heard the phrase, “there’s an app for that.” Well, my kids will tell you, “Yep, she has a spreadsheet for that!” For instance, I have a Christmas spreadsheet for my decorations that lists exactly what is in each box. It is done room by room! I even have a sketch for our new attic and have it divided into sections. About half of those sections are for my Christmas cases. I even have a section up there for Power Chicks with items we’re saving for the event next year!
Irvina Parker
Girls Ministries Director
Here are a few...
When Cleaning... out your closet, have at least 3 boxes with labels such as: “give to a friend,” “donate,” or “throw away.” Handle each item only once. Either leave it in the closet for future use or put it in the applicable box. Do not second-guess your initial decision. When in the box, leave it in the box!
Janice Marshburn Women’s Ministries Board Member
1. The best refrigerator cleaner is a combination of salt and soda water. The bubbling action of the soda water combines with the abrasive texture of the salt to make a great cleaner. 2. The best way to get rid of lime buildup around the faucet is to lay paper towels over the fixture, soak it with vinegar and let it set for an hour. The deposits will soften and become easier to remove. 3. Clean screens with a scrap of carpeting. It makes a powerful brush that removes all the dirt. 4. Clean windows with a rag and soapy water, and then dry them with another rag. You can also go to an auto-parts store and buy a windshield squeegee, which cleans very well. 5. If drapes are looking drab, take them out of the window, remove the hooks and run them through the airfluff cycle in the dryer along with a wet towel (to draw off the dust) for 15 minutes. Hang them back in the windows immediately.
Brenda Grasty Women’s Ministries Board Member
- GPS 16 -
- Leader’s GPS 17 -
The Way of the Heart - GPS 18 -
M
any of my friends know that I often ask, “how’s
to be awe-struck, it gives insight that we don’t have revelation.
your heart?” This isn’t something one can ask a
The love of God should always ignite wonder in the soul.
casual acquaintance, but knowing the way of the
We are made to respond and though our love is small, weak, or
heart is key in our relationship with God and others. Love is the launching place for everything. The truest of love can only be
immature at times, it is real. Most don’t function well when there is a chasm between
understood through the face of our God, who is love. We have
the head and heart. The Hebraic understanding is that the
to be awakened before we encounter and experience. We must
head and heart are connected. We are whole people in God,
receive to give. Love is attainable, available, and accessible
not fractured, not secular verses sacred. In fact, one of the
because He first loved us.
names of God, Yahweh Shalom, means that the fragmented
John Eldridege shares in his book, Waking the Dead, “This
pieces come together in wholeness. We give our heart to God,
we now know: the heart is central. It matters deeply. When we
even in pieces, and He heals, binds up, and loves our heart into
see with the eyes of the heart…awakened, we discover that
wholeness and freedom.
things are not what they seem. We are at war. We must fight for
The key to identity is intimacy with God — our heart
the life God intends for us, which is to say we must fight for our
awakened in the knowledge that we are loved, chosen, valued,
heart, for it is the wellspring of that life within us.”
and cherished. In this, we understand that we have purpose,
Jeremiah 17 says that the heart is deceitfully wicked and
destiny, a calling, and a voice to offer. Yet even beyond these
it’s true! Unredeemed and unsurrendered, it can lead us all
truths, we are loved simply because we are His. The way of
over the place. Yet, God creates in us a clean heart, as David
the heart in God is ransomed, redeemed, restored, and
prayed in Psalm 51, and He gives us a new heart (Ezekiel
resurrected. The new heart He gives us, the core of who we
36:26). To experience this, we must connect to the source.
are is made for love. We are made for communion with God.
Being tethered to Jesus, truly alive in love, is freedom,
We are made to be wholehearted — fully given, fully known,
unencumbered by soul trappings. Freedom is our portion,
and fully belonging because we are chosen in Him. He gave
“it is for freedom that Christ set us free.” John 15 gives insight
Himself as a ransom for us. He gave it all to have a rightful
to us, finding our rest in the abiding place of God’s love. He
place of relationship with each of us. Our hearts find their rest,
invites us to make ourselves at home in His love. If your heart is
when they find their home in God’s vast, unsearchable, lavish,
disconnected from its source it will not thrive. As humans, we’re
extravagant, fully-given, freely given love. Ask yourself, “how’s
looking for home. Ultimately, it’s not about the place you live.
your heart?” Let the light of His love unveil this mystery.
Home is about relationship, belonging, and safety. We desire to be with Him. It is an innate longing for home in His love. The heart is the core, the nature of who we are, our personality, and Jesus redeems all. God does not despise our humanity. He loves humanity so much He wrapped Himself in humanity. The beauty and mystery of the incarnation is overwhelming. Yet there is a concept that anything of the natural realm is unholy. This belief of dualism carried to the
The love of God should always ignite wonder in the soul.
extreme can lead to the trap of self-hatred. God created us for His pleasure and delight. He loves us where we are no matter how far we run. Just look again at the story of the prodigal son. All that the son squandered didn’t take the love of the Father away from him. Likewise, the elder son, could not fully accept the love of his father, and was always trying to earn the love that was freely given. Both sons had difficulty receiving the father’s love. There was nothing they could do, good or bad, to earn or keep him from loving them. It takes God to love God. We must interact with God through faith. When there is truth that doesn’t cause our heart
Michelle Hilliard
Michelle Hilliard is a graduate of Emmanuel College and an ordained minister in the IPHC. She is the founder and director of the Lavish Love retreat ministry, a board member of Ekklesia International Tanzania, and serves as a Prayer Consultant for the IPHC World Intercession Network. In the past, she served at the International House of Prayer in Atlanta where she led internships, offered pastoral oversight, and taught.
- GPS 19 -
Gleaning While She Waits - GPS 20 -
A
nd Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, ‘Let me go to
hoping for something better. By no choice of her own, tragedy
the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind
threw her from provision to destitution. Once, she had a
anyone whose eyes I find favor.’” Ruth 2:2
husband; now, she didn’t. Once, she was provided for; now,
Often while reading about Ruth, the little girl in me finds
she wasn’t. Once, things were simple; now, they weren’t. But
the romantic, fairytale elements of her story so captivating
how did she respond? She humbled herself and took action.
that I inadvertently gloss over other key details that lend to
Nowhere in scripture is Ruth recorded complaining about her
the power of this narrative. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love
circumstances. Rather, in poverty of spirit, she chose to glean
that part of the story! Ruth finding her kinsman redeemer
while she waited and hoped. And she did it faithfully, at that.
(ancient Israel’s version of a knight-in-shining-armor) will
So, how do we apply this gleaning principle to our own
forever remain a beautiful picture of God’s provision and
lives? Perhaps our circumstances aren’t what we would like.
redemption. However, as I’ve studied this story again, I find
Maybe, we’re waiting, wishing, longing for something better.
myself particularly drawn to the word, glean. Before we get to
Some of us even may be trying to just make it from one day to
that, though, let’s have some back story.
the next. But instead of giving ourselves over to despair while
When we first meet Ruth, she’s a destitute Moabite widow
we wait, let us do what we have to do, in hope. Be encouraged!
living with her equally destitute, Jewish mother-in-law, Naomi,
In every season, good or bad, there’s an opportunity to
who is also a widow. Stricken by misfortune and having no
glean and place our hope in God’s compassionate love for
husband or sons to provide for her, Naomi decides to return
us. It may be challenging or require bravery we don’t feel we
to her homeland, Israel, insisting that Ruth return to her own
have. There may be days where we can’t seem to find the end
land. But, as the story goes, Ruth surprisingly and adamantly
of the tunnel. But just as God saw Ruth gathering wheat, He
insists on returning with Naomi, rather than parting ways.
also sees you in your field gathering what you can and being
After some deliberation, Naomi consents, and the two women
faithful in that. God’s provision will meet you where you are.
travel home to Bethlehem together. When they arrive home,
Glean while you hope.
their misfortune leaves them with severely limited options. Desperate for relief, Ruth takes to gleaning left-over wheat from the fields of one of Naomi’s remaining relatives, Boaz. And from there, I’m tempted to fast forward to the good parts. But Ruth’s gleaning is what I’d rather focus on. What do we know about gleaning? For starters, when it was time to harvest wheat and barley, by Israelite law,
Rather, in poverty of spirit, she chose to glean while she waited and hoped.
landowners were not allowed to harvest the edges of their fields. Additionally, any wheat that fell to the ground while harvesting other sections of their fields were to be left so that the poor could gather them up. It’s also important to note that gleaning in those days was no easy task. In many ways, gleaning was harder than regular harvesting. The corner of the fields lay in heavy thicket, and the fruits that remained were usually few, harder to find, and harder to pick. Couple this with the fact that Ruth lived in Israel during the time of the judges, when great moral corruption and lawlessness ruled the people, in many ways this put her at risk. However, these gleaning laws were poignant evidences of God’s compassion for the poor, the widow, and the foreigner. Our main character, Ruth, easily fits into all three of those categories. Of the many lessons we can learn from Ruth, one in particular stands out to me: she did what she had to do while
ERICA CAMPBELL Erica Campbell graduated from Emmanuel College in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in the School of Christian Ministries. She works as an Administrative Assistant at LifePoint Ministries overseeing Communications and Event Planning. She also serves as the Girls’ Ministries Director and is the Advisor of Revive Dance Team at Emmanuel College. She is presently serving as secretary on the IPHC Women’s Ministries Board. She and her husband, Jon, live at Emmanuel where he serves as the Assistant Director for Residence Life and the Residence Director for Wellons Hall. Erica’s passion is to encourage women of all ages to reflect the heart of Christ, to embrace her world by serving the Kingdom of God in every season, and to constantly be in pursuit of knowing Jesus Christ – the true purpose of every disciple.
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All Generations Abiding Together T he Girls’ Ministries theme, Abide, will continue until
“Blending the Generations,” a chapter in the Community
the new school year begins this fall. However, the
Momentum Leadership Development Unit used by IPHC Girls’
IPHC began a new focus in January based on our
Ministries, say we must learn to focus on the things that the
fourth core value, “We prayerfully value all generations.” These
generations have in common. We are all created equally, we
two themes work hand in hand. John 15:10 reminds us that
all need Jesus in our lives, and we all need the power of the
if we keep His commandments, we will abide in His love. The
Holy Spirit to move in our midst. We were all created to be
Scripture reference the denomination is using this year is Psalm
in a relationship with God and others. If we focus on those
100:5 which reads, “For the Lord is good and His love endures
aspects of like-mindedness, the potential for bringing the
forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
generations together is tremendous.
You can easily insert the word “abides”s in this verse: His love ABIDES forever; his faithfulness ABIDES through all generations.”
I love the promotional video that the IPHC used to introduce the core value of all generations (https://vimeo.
The IPHC declares: “We honor those who have gone
com/259061309). It features a piano and shows the hands of
before us and empower those who are following. The
a mixture of generations coming together to learn, to teach,
contribution of each generation is welcomed and
to enjoy. I think it spoke so poignantly to me because I came
encouraged as we pursue our God given destiny.” The
from a family where music was central. My own mother’s hands
church must lead the way in reaching out to every generation.
so often intertwined with mine and my sisters’ hands on the
There are currently six generations living in America. From the
keyboard. It didn’t end there, though. When the grandchildren
GI Generation born between 1902 and 1926 to the youngest
and great- grandchildren climbed onto the piano bench with
Generation Z born after 2001, we bring a massive array of
her, she would gently guide their fingers, rarely cringing when
differences to the table. While it may seem like an impossible
their creative style clashed with her rendition of the song she
task, we can (and must) bridge the generational gaps that exist.
was playing.
We must observe generational tendencies and find creative
Neither did it stop with music or at home. I was fortunate to
ways to knit the groups together in a tapestry of worship and
grow up seeing the same concepts and attitudes in the church.
growth. Only when we value each other can we function as
Perhaps it was because more often than not, the churches I
God intended for His Church to function.
attended were either churches my parents were planting or
In order to bridge the generational gap, the authors of
smaller churches they pastored, but if you had a talent, you
- GPS 22 -
used it for God. Age didn’t matter! My parents believed that you
of my favorites is an older book by Don and Katie Fortune called
were never too young to participate. My sister Rebecca had a
Discover Your Children’s Gifts. It helps us understand that what
teacher’s heart, even as a teenager, and it didn’t take them long
we might tag as personality traits (even negative ones) point to
to give her a job as a Sunday school teacher in a younger class.
a gift. Once we learn how to use that knowledge in a positive
It helped her solidify her life-calling to teaching school.
way, we are able to help develop those gifts for God’s intended
Cultural shifts have impacted society and even the church.
purpose. The same is obviously true for many adults in the
There are dissonant chords ringing out. People often don’t
church who, for whatever reason, have never quite figured out
feel valued by other generations. Deep down, they long to
where they fit into the body of Christ. They need others in His
learn from each other. My mother would have never dreamed
body to come alongside and open doors of opportunity.
of pushing her child or grandchild off the piano bench just
When I think about that piano video, I see my late mother’s
because of the struggling sounds. Instead, she endured, she
hands. However, a newer image is emerging. I see the hands
instructed, and she encouraged practice until a blending of the
of my nephew, Ashton Brown, who after the passing of his
music came through.
great- grandmother discovered his own gift for “tickling the
The IPHC video stresses that whether you are young, or old,
ivories.” Just as they were from two distant generations, their
or somewhere in between, you have a purpose. Whether you
experiences were unique. My mother learned to play on an old
are new to the faith or pillars of the heritage, you have a voice in
upright piano. My nephew has memories of sitting beside her
the body of Christ. We must focus on the fact that Jesus is our
and loving the music she played. After her passing, he began to
common, unifying factor. Each one of us has a purpose in His
pursue the gift he knew God had placed within him. He started
Church. It is our mission to help each person find and fulfill that
teaching himself how to play the electric keyboard. He searched
purpose. So, what does that look like for Girls’ Ministries?
for computer apps to teach him how to play. And he was (and is) diligent about learning. Some of his greatest encouragement
We must focus on the fact that Jesus is our common, unifying factor.
has come from great church musicians who recognized his gift and offered to help him expand that gift. Some were from his own local church and one was from my church, who spent hours with him when he visited a year ago. They all took time to pour into him, and he opened his mind to receive. Now, at the age of just 14, Ashton is one of the keyboard players for a large, vibrant congregation with multiple services. He is still learning from those God continues to place in his life. I can’t think of a better picture of multiple generations coming together to learn, to serve, and to enjoy the
Clearly, a ministry to girls will automatically involve a
presence of God while the music flows! God is ready to open
couple of generations, the youngest generation and an older
doors in your church. Are you ready to give of yourself? Are you
generation. However, the challenge is to make sure we include
ready to receive?
women (and men in the case of the co-ed classes) from all generations. Find creative ways to encourage participation from each generation. Even if they don’t feel gifted to teach a class, help them understand they still have a responsibility to share their God-given gifts with the students. Help them think outside the box. They have stories to tell, experiences to share, and a wealth of knowledge about a multitude of topics. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to go about bringing the generations together. Work with the parents in your congregation to guide their children in finding and using the gifts God has given them. One
IRVINA PARKER
Irvina Parker serves as the director of IPHC Girls’ Ministries. Prior to accepting this position, she worked for IPHC World Missions Ministries. Irvina is a third generation IPHC member. She has served the IPHC from the Global Ministry Center for more than 43 years. Irvina and her husband David live in Oklahoma City and attend River of Life where they serve as directors of the River Reach World Missions team. Irvina loves writing, scrapbooking, snow skiing, going on missions trips, and spending time with the grandchildren.
- GPS 23 -
TOOLS for the FAMILY HomeFront Magazine
>>PROJECT KID >>QUESTION “My 12-year-old daughter has social media. How can I talk with her about healthy boundaries?”
>>ANSWER by Student Ministries Team Leader, Stephen Jones I would suggest starting with a definition of “healthy boundaries”. As parents, it is our responsibility to express and explain safe and appropriate online behavior to our children. We cannot expect our children to automatically know or understand the dangers of the internet. So, when we give our child an internet-enabled device, we should also define which sites are appropriate to visit, when it’s acceptable to be online, what information is safe to share, what content is suitable for consumption, and where the danger lies when they “surf”. We should treat that device like a set of car keys; don’t let them access the information super-highway without Drivers-Ed and a “license.” Healthy boundaries require consistent enforcement. Much like the Highway Patrol monitors motorists on the highways, it is our responsibility to supervise our children when they’re on the web. We can utilize built-in device safety measures like parental controls, or password-protection access to certain apps or webpages, or even install a web-filtering software—but none of those measures will ever surpass the value of simply picking up the device and examining it personally. Check out the history of the web-browser. Maintain access to all their apps and accounts, and review those feeds regularly. Ask questions about their contacts, and any interactions with people you don’t recognize. Set curfews for using their device, and recharge it outside their bedrooms. Don’t assume that parental controls or web-filtering software are enough to safeguard your children anymore than guardrails are enough to keep your car from going over a cliff. Beyond boundaries and consistent enforcement of those boundaries, it is critical that we stay current with the technology we give. It might sound impossible, but there are tons of resources available to help us keep up to date with what’s out there, and how we can keep our children safe online. For more information and practical tips, start with Andy Crouch’s book, The Tech-Wise Family, and give your “drivers” the education they need to navigate the super-highway. Send your questions to kids@iphc.org!
IPHC Discipleship Ministries is excited to partner with Homefront Magazine, a digital and/or printed magazine full of articles, ideas, and encouragement for parents, grandparents, and anyone with opportunities for influencing kids. Each magazine is divided into two sections: Family Time and Inspire, Equip, Support. Family Time articles are created to equip parents to engage with their children on a weekly basis.- striving to make each gathering unique and remembering to have fun! Inspire, Equip, and Support articles are parenting stories, devotions, and ideas to encourage parents as they take on the role of the spiritual leader of their children’s faith. This is a FREE RESOURCE for the entire IPHC church family. To download this free resource, go to iphc.org/homefront
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