The Women of First Assembly: February 2007

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Your MAKER Is Your Husband

For your MAKER is your husband—
the LORD Almighty is his name—
the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;
he is called the God of all the earth.

[Isaiah 54:4]

"It's a foolish woman who expects her husband to be to her that which only Jesus Christ Himself can be: always ready to forgive, totally understanding, unendingly patient, invariably tender and loving, unfailing in every area, anticipating every need, and making more than adequate provision. Such expectations put a man under an impossible strain. The same goes for the man who expects too much from his wife."

[Ruth Bell Graham in her book, It's My Turn]

Monday, February 26, 2007

[PSALM 27:4-6]

ONE THING
HAVE I DESIRED OF THE LORD,
THAT I WILL SEEK;
THAT I MAY DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD
ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE.
TO BEHOLD THE BEAUTY OF THE LORD,
AND TO INQUIRE IN HIS TEMPLE.
FOR IN THE TIME OF TROUBLE
HE SHALL HIDE ME IN HIS PAVILLION;
IN THE SECRET PLACE OF HIS TABERNACLE
HE SHALL HIDE ME;
HE SHALL SET ME HIGH UPON A ROCK,
AND NOW MY HEAD SHALL BE LIFTED UP
ABOVE MY ENEMIES ALL AROUND ME;
THEREFORE I WILL OFFER SACRIFICES OF JOY
IN HIS TABERNACLE;
I WILL SING. YES, I WILL SING PRAISES TO THE LORD.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Are You Real or Authentic?

By Lisa Bevere

Are you looking for something more than the silk-flower version of your present Christian reality?

As I travel, I hear a lot of talk about the importance of being real and I have learned to question whether "real" is actually enough. I realized that something can be real without being authentic. A copy of a Monet is real, but it's not an authentic Monet. Part of being authentic is realizing the value of the original. Originals are the beginning of something. An example of an original is a genuine work of art, not a copy or a forgery. Do you realize there is something extremely unique and original about you? You need to be true to who God forged you to be.

I have grown a bit tired of controlled beauty. I know living flowers cost more to maintain, but I prefer experiencing a single rose over an entire bouquet of silk and plastic. Better yet, give me something alive and growing, and let me be part of making it blossom and bloom. Whether you embrace your uniqueness or live out your life as only a mixed forgery of the lives of others, is really up to you. But know this: the whole world is watching in the hope that you will be an original.

The great news is that to be original, authentic and genuine, we don't have to be flawless! Our flaws actually declare us authentic. In fact, if we represent ourselves as flawless, then we most certainly declare ourselves as a fake. No one is perfect, save God.

(Ladies, my girlfriend, Stacey (Toldeo, OH) came across this article on Lisa's website and thought of US! Whether you know it or not, you are making a difference in this world. There are other women out there who don't even know you, yet they are praying for you and your needs. NEVER allow yourself to feel alone. Be authentic as Lisa challenges and fulfill your life's greatest calling! I love you all! - Melis)

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Colossians 3:17, 18

"And whatever you do in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord."

Dear Woman of Destiny,

Blessings on you and grace for today!
I believe many of us, as women, miss the true meaning of [this verse]. The phrase "as is fitting in the Lord" can be translated to mean "for that is your duty as Christians," "because this is your service," or "this is what the Lord demands." Over the last twenty (plus) years of ministering with my husband, I have learned the true value of my place in the work of the Lord.
Serveral years ago, I had the opportunity to meet one of the most remarkable women in ministry. Her name was Maria. She is the wife of famed Argentine evangelist Carlos Annacondia. It was 1984; and my husband, Steve, and I were visiting Carlos' crusade in the city of Mar del Plata, Argentina, The crusade was electric with excitement over the thousands of miracles, signs, and wonders that had been occurring. There was a large platform that stood six feet tall, set up at the edge of a huge field in the center of the city. On the platform stood the evangelist, with microphone in hand, preaching the uncompromising word of God. Steve and I grew as close as possible.
When we approached the stage area, I heard a rumbling coming from underneath the platform. About that time, someone came up to me and said, "Do you want to know the secret?" Puzzled and curious, I said, "Sure." It was then that he pulled back a curtain that surrounded the base of the platform. To my amazement, There were about two dozen ladies on their faces moaning, groaning, and weeping for lost souls. The kind gentleman then said, "I want you to meet the leader of these intercessors." He called to Sister Annacondia, who was under the platform.
I was embarrassed to have interrupted her intercession, but she gladly greeted me. She was small in stature, but mighty in God. The mother of nine children, Maria Annacondia has found her place in the ministry. I learned a valuable lesson that day. She wasn't interested in sitting on the platform where she could be seen by man. She was interested in sitting hidden, in obscurity, where she could be seen by God. That was her duty; this was fit in the Lord.

Jeri Hill
[Wife of Rev. Steve Hill, Evangelist of the Brownsville Revival in Pensacola, Florida.]