Iron Rose Sister Ministries

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Published: 13 April 2016

• wisdom

Sunday, April 10 marked the 11-year anniversary of the baptism of Jhonny Frias, my Venezuelan son, who still calls me “Mamá.” It is hard to believe that it has been that many years, but what a joy to see the fruit of seeds planted and watered. This news is especially joy-filled considering Jhonny’s continued leadership in the East Caracas church and the current political and economic situation in Venezuela, where many are moving to other countries.

Earlier on Sunday morning, I was blessed to hear some good news from the previous day’s activity, as well…

The preacher at the Village Church of Christ plays pickle ball with several of the men from the Village. Through this relationship, many of the men come to church, but some of their wives are less excited to attend.

Saturday, one of those wives decided to attend the Denim & Pearls Ladies’ Day, where I shared lessons about the durability of God’s love, like denim, and the pearls of wisdom God has blessed us with through his Word. She and many other visitors were among the two hundred women who came and enjoyed the day’s activities.

This wife had such a great time on Saturday that she joined her husband at church on Sunday! What a blessing to be a part of seed planting, watering, and seeing how God brings the growth!

Some additional blessings from the weekend were

·      Having my mom, Jocelynn Goff, and new IRSM volunteer, Carole Gastineau, help with the booth.

·      Conducting a Ladies Day where Katie Forbess, Board President, and her family attend.

·      Introducing our new Rose Cards in honor of spiritual moms and in support of our growing Intern Program, just in time for Mother’s Day.

The moral of the story: God has called us to plant seed and to water it, but he is the one who brings the growth. Thanks for celebrating with us in the growth God has brought about in individual lives and for Iron Rose Sister Ministries!

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Published: 12 April 2016

• wisdom

At the end of each year, I choose a prayer theme for the upcoming year. As December was approaching, I started studying and praying for direction in the 2016 prayer focus. Frustration set in as the turn of the year approached.

“Okay, God. I thought I was supposed to start these prayers on January 1st. Although I recognize that dates don’t matter to you in that way, I thought I would have an answer by now. I really need your guidance and direction…”

My prayers continued and then it hit me: What I had been was praying for was wisdom. And so, my prayer focus for this year: Wisdom.

And while God promises to grant wisdom to those who ask for it (James 1:5), we must do our part to seek it and seek him.

Therefore, I committed to going straight to the source. Wisdom doesn’t just descend upon us like a heavenly cloud carrying a light bulb of understanding. Rather, we have to seek it—listen to the voice of the author of wisdom.

Here are some of the ways in which I am seeking additional time in the Word and the wisdom that only comes from God:

• One Year Bible for Women, NLT (nightly)
• The Story, NIV, edited by Randy Frazee (weekly)
• YouVersion Bible app, ESV (study and additional reading)
• BibleGateway.com, for study and quotes
• Additional reading in various Spanish versions of the Bible

As you may notice, I am using multiple versions of the Bible for my devotional reading and study. Using more than one version provides added insight and can highlight a portion of the living Word that we may have never noticed before.

How are you currently spending time in the Word? What is your favorite version of the Bible and why?