Iron Rose Sister Ministries

Written by Liliana Henríquez, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colombia

In the previous blog post, I told you that sometimes there are situations or people that we turn into idols that end up occupying God's place in our hearts, our minds, and even our agenda. That's a serious mistake! As Christians, our priority should be God and following Him, not other things.

I am very fond of remembering the promise in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (NIV). God promises us that if we seek Him, He is faithful to give us what we need. The challenge is to understand that the peace and joy that God offers us is far greater than that offered by the world. It is also important to remind ourselves that we need God's support to be able to cope with life's challenges—not something we can do with our own strength.

A job, a husband, children... they will never be able to fill the space that only God can fill.

In June 2023, I received an invitation to support a mission project in another country for a couple of weeks. That really got me excited! However, there was a "small" problem... my passport was expired. What a great frustration! However, I remember that Matthew 6:31-33 came to my mind and gave me strength. I like how it appears in the Easy-to-Read Version:

Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ That’s what those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. Don’t worry, because your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need. (ERV, emphasis added)

A relevant fact that I must share is that I am Venezuelan and I live in Colombia. At that time, there was no Venezuelan consulate in all of Colombia, so the only way to get the passport was to go to Venezuela, stay for a month or two there until my passport was ready, and come back. And that definitely wasn't an option for me.

So I, in my conversations with God, asked Him: How am I going to get my passport if there hasn't been a consulate in Colombia for five years?

I answered myself, based on verse 32: Liliana, only those who do not know God try to achieve these things by their own means. Take it easy.

That same month, the first Venezuelan consulate in Colombia opened its doors (Miracle 1). It was located in the city of Cúcuta, which is 16 hours by bus from Bogotá (where I live). I got my appointment very quickly and without difficulty (Miracle 2). I went in August and the whole process was successful. Now all that was left was to hand over the passport. Since the consulate had just started operations, they had not enabled the option of sending the new passport to other cities. So as soon as I was notified that the passport was already printed, I traveled to Cúcuta again to pick it up. In October, I returned home happy with my new passport, ready to be used (Miracle 3).

On that occasion, I confirmed once again that when we obey God, He takes care of providing and opening doors that may have been closed for years. All He asks of us is that we truly commit to Him and make Him our priority.

Written by Marbella Parra, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Honduras

Gratitude is a powerful virtue that often goes unnoticed in the midst of our busy lives. However, gratitude not only transforms our perspective, but it also invites us to experience deep joy, just as the apostle Paul teaches.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Php 4:4 NIV)

Paul does not call us to rejoice when all is going well or only on happy days. He invites us to rejoice always, a term that includes both times of joy and sorrow. This attitude of gratitude is an intentional decision that uplifts the soul and opens the door to authentic joy. It is here that thankfulness becomes a powerful tool to connect with the peace and joy that only God can give.

I must admit that, in my life today, gratitude is not something that flows naturally. I'm at a point where daily responsibilities and challenges have led me to feel overwhelmed. There are days when, even though I know God is present, it seems hard to see the reasons to rejoice. I find myself constantly struggling with frustration and burnout, and Philippians 4:4 feels like a challenge that I still can't fully meet.

However, I'm in the process of working on it. Recently, I decided to start practicing intentional thankfulness. I started a gratitude journal, although I have to admit that it has been harder than I thought. There are days when I feel too tired or worried to see anything positive. However, I am committed to trying every day. Sometimes, the list is limited to very simple things: a moment of silence, a ray of sunshine in the morning, or a message from a loved one. I don't always manage to write down three things, but even with just one small thing, I try to remember that this is part of my effort to live the call to always rejoice.

This exercise has shown me that thankfulness is not something I necessarily feel right away; it's rather a practice I'm trying to cultivate. Although I have not attained that full, constant joy that Paul describes, I have noticed small glimpses of change in my attitude. I realize that when I make an effort to be grateful, no matter how small the reason, my day takes on a slightly different tone. It's not that my problems go away, but I feel a small spark of peace that gives me the strength to keep going.

This stage of my life has taught me that gratitude does not always arise spontaneously; Sometimes, it is a conscious decision. Choosing to be thankful in difficult times does not mean ignoring problems but recognizing that, even in the midst of adversity, I can find reasons to rejoice. When I focus on what God has done and continues to do, even if it is still a challenge, I discover that thankfulness can be the channel that will lead me to a fuller, more joyful life.

Paul understood this very well. Despite writing from prison, he was filled with gratitude and joy. He knew the transformative power of thankfulness and how it could bring people closer to deep peace in the Lord. By applying this teaching in our everyday lives, the act of giving thanks not only changes our perspective but also strengthens our faith.

How Can We Practice Daily Gratitude?
     1. Make a daily gratitude list: Take five minutes a day to write down three things you're thankful for. These can be as simple as a delicious meal, an uplifting conversation, or the warmth of the sun on your skin.
     2. Express your gratitude to the people around you: A sincere "thank you" can strengthen relationships and create an environment of love and respect.
     3. Pray with thankfulness: In your prayers, take time to thank God for His goodness and faithfulness. Make gratitude a central part of your spiritual life.

Gratitude is a habit that is built. In doing so, I discover that my life can be filled with joy and rejoicing, not because everything is perfect, but because I am learning to see God's hand in every detail, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

What are the little things you can be thankful for today? How can you make thankfulness a daily practice that brings you closer to God and helps you experience true joy?

Written by Liliana Henriquez, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colombia

I'm one of those people who, when they like a song, listen to it a thousand times throughout the day (or several days) until it doesn't excite them anymore. I can literally search on YouTube: "An hour of... (title of the song)" and play it all day long. It becomes the first and only song I listen to for a long time. It becomes the soundtrack or the main song of my day (or days) and I enjoy it very much.

This reminds me of when we decide to obey the gospel and get baptized. Converting ourselves to Christ and everything that has to do with the church is our priority. We are excited to learn the lyrics to all the hymns we sing at service, attend all church activities, read the whole Bible, and know all the verses. We are passionate about Jesus!

How wonderful it would be if we maintained that same passion for the rest of our lives as Christians!

As expected, life goes on, and with it comes new decisions, challenges, and stages such as marriage, children, new jobs, university studies, travel, migration... and generally, these tend to diminish the passion for Jesus that we felt at the beginning. I don't mean that we stop loving Jesus or being His disciples; I mean that the cares of life are sometimes so heavy and challenging that they distract us from what is important, to such an extent that we could make the grave mistake of giving them the first place that only God deserves.

You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me. (Ex 20:4-5 NIV, emphasis added)

As I read this passage, I am struck by these three words:

"MAKE": It leads me to understand that anything taking the place of God is an idol that we ourselves have the power to create.

"BOW DOWN": Everything we idolize causes us to take on an attitude of submission. Therefore, we yield our will to that idol.

"WORSHIP": We respect and give a place of preeminence to what we put first.

It's important to remember that we have a jealous God and we need to be very aware of that. He wants us to seek Him, to choose Him, to worship Him above anything else created in the world. Our life is hidden with Christ in God (Col 3:3) and we are to honor only Him.

I invite you to ask yourself: Is God the theme song of my life today?

I hope so. He is our King.

Written by Naijuvelin Díaz Leal, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Venezuela

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Php 2:5-11 ESV)

How many times have we heard or read about humility—that character that, although difficult, is not impossible to reach? The apostle Paul invites the Philippians to develop this character by taking Christ as their model. He presents this virtue to us as a reason for obedience and the consequence of exaltation. Humility, then, is an act of obedience. On another occasion, Peter would cry out, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God" (1 Pe 5:6a). We see how important it is and the effect that this condition always has on the Christian in any circumstance. Jesus Christ, being the Son of God, did not cling to that status, but lowered Himself, showing His meekness by bearing every scourge, confrontation, disappointment, emotional pressure, and betrayal.

Jesus showed the virtue of humility, full of grace and integrity; He was a model for the disciples and an example for all humanity. He willingly gave up His exalted position as the Son of God to bow down. He made manifest every good work that came from the Father. As His son, He bore suffering to teach us obedience and show us that in all obedience, there is a blessing. Christ is then presented to us as the model of humility in the following ways, while still not relinquishing His status as the Son of God:

• At His coming to earth (2Co 8:9).
• In His humility (Mt 11:29)
• In His submission to God's will (Jn 6:38)
• In His sufferings (Isa 53:1-9)
• At His triumphal entry (Mt 21:5,7)

Every perfect gift comes from above. Developing humility is a blessing, and executing it yields great benefits. When we are humble, we can attain salvation from God (Ps 18:27; 1 Co 1:26,29) and receive His grace (Pr 3:34). God honors the humble (Pr 15:33) and lifts them up (Job 5:11; Mt 23:12; Lk 1:52).

But what is humility? How do I recognize it? Is it a state of mind? A condition? Or a state of material poverty? Humility is acknowledging and exalting God's will over our own in our lives, gifts, virtues, and strength (Jn 5:19). When we constantly seek God and fully trust and accept His plans, that makes us humble and meek before Him. It is an attitude of the heart which goes beyond the external. To submit every thought or desire to Christ—to bring our cares and anxieties captive to Him—is to acknowledge His supremacy by recognizing His power and sovereignty.

Facing situations in which I must bend my will is a great challenge. It is a continuous challenge to know how to accept what God has determined. "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will" (Mt 26:39b) is an example Jesus set, reminding me to be humble in many moments of my life, and strengthening me in all areas.

Amid struggles, the apostle Paul continued His service in humility despite the sorrows that beset Him because of the Jews (Ac 20:19). He bore the marks of Christ on his body and bore them with patience and meekness. He exhorts us, too, to put on that garment that identifies us as God's chosen ones (Col 3:12).

Taking up this appeal allows us to live more committed to Christ, worthy of the vocation to which we were called, and the God of peace will guard our hearts in Christ Jesus.

Are you willing to develop this great virtue or spiritual strength?

Written by Alina Stout, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Oklahoma

Imagine a moment when you were scared, anxious, or nervous about what was to come. Was it a bad storm? A meeting with someone? A phone call? A news report? A new job? A move to a new place? At that moment, you might have felt both emotionally and physically stressed. It is difficult to face a challenge when you feel so apprehensive.

Joshua had one of these moments, too. Israel’s fearless and humble leader Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt and through the wilderness until they were finally ready to enter the promised land. God appointed Joshua to succeed Moses, and this was a good choice because Joshua had proven himself faithful forty years prior. He was one of the spies who visited Canaan, and he had faith that the LORD would deliver the enemy into the Israelites’ hands even though the Canaanites were a military threat (Nu 14). However, Moses was a great leader, and it would be difficult to succeed someone like him.

Joshua was now in charge of an entire nation of people who did not have a home and who had to fight in order to settle down. He had trusted in his youth that God would deliver the Canaanites into Israel’s hands, but would he trust that God would deliver the Canaanites into his hands, the leader of Israel? The people of Israel certainly would not be courageous if Joshua wasn’t.

God knows the hearts of all, and He spoke to Joshua on this matter when He appointed him. God reiterates to Joshua five times to “be strong and courageous” (Dt 31:6, 23; Jos 1:6, 7, 9 ESV).

God is not just telling Joshua to be a good leader. There is a way for Joshua to actively strengthen his heart and mind so that he is ready to face the challenges that lie ahead. God tells Joshua to be “careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded,” to “not turn from [the law] to the right hand or to the left,” to not let the “Book of the Law… depart from [his] mouth,” and to “meditate on it day and night” in order to be “careful to do according to all that is written in it” (Jos 1:7-8). God makes it clear that this is the only way to succeed in their conquest.

God also ensures him of two promises: God will give Israel the promised land, and God will be with Joshua wherever he goes (Jos 1:3, 9).

When God gave His Book of the Law to Israel, His intention was for the law to inspire spiritual change in those who meditate on it. The law revealed a person’s sin and provided a chance for repentance. The law helped the listener understand God’s heart for the marginalized, such as foreigners, the poor, women, and victims. The law also helped the listener understand God’s insistence on giving justice to those who deserve it. Reciting and memorizing the law would help Joshua internalize God’s will. Obeying the law would affect Joshua’s daily personal choices and leadership decisions. Meditating on the words of God would help clarify Joshua’s vision, fortify his mind, and purify his heart.

How did Joshua respond to God’s command? He obeyed. Joshua might have still been apprehensive of what was to come, but he chose to obey God. Being strong and courageous was a choice that would lead to a positive outcome. In the following chapters of Joshua, we see how Joshua immediately continued forward with God’s plan. His faith in God when he spied in the land forty years prior had become the faith that he was living out.


So, in those moments where you feel scared, anxious, or nervous for what is about to come, remember God’s words to Joshua. You too can become strong and courageous by fortifying your heart and mind with God’s word. When you meditate on the Word, you begin to understand God’s heart, God’s justice, God’s will, and God’s promises. You grow in faith and will trust God in your every step into the unknown.

Think about your Iron Rose Sisters and their struggles as well. You might be able to help encourage each other as you walk this path with God.

For what do you need to become strong and courageous in your life?

Written by Kristi Bond, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. (2Co 5:13-15, NIV)

The most memorable lesson I learned in college did not take the form of classroom instruction. It didn’t come from a book, and although I am grateful to my parents and professors who set me on a course of faithful service and academic excellence, this particular lesson was not theirs to give me.

During my first year in college, I worked at a Mexican food restaurant. It was hard work made even harder by the fact that I didn’t have a car for a while, so I had to catch rides from co-workers. I left campus as soon as I was finished with classes, and I arrived back at the dorm late at night with hours of studying still to do. My earnings were hard-won, and I intended to use them well. God knew how to use them better.

One day as I was reflecting on what it might mean to live for Christ, I decided that no matter what happened that day, I was going to have a positive attitude. I hitched a ride to work with about $50 cash in my jacket pocket, expecting to add some tips to it that night, I clocked in and hung my jacket on the pegs in the kitchen and worked my shift. Later that night, I realized the money was gone. I looked everywhere but couldn’t find it – it had not fallen out of my pocket; it had been taken.

I had a decision to make. Was I going to let this event make me angry, or was I going to stick with my earlier decision to let the peace and joy of Jesus Christ reign in me no matter what? Whichever of my co-workers that had taken the money was living for self. But God used that moment to teach me to live for Him —I made the right decision and went back to the dorm with a cheerful heart. It was the best $50 I ever “spent” because it has given me a better perspective not only about money but also about maintaining a positive attitude even when things go wrong.

Martin Luther wrote: “Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to His beloved is that of overcoming self.” It is a gift to leave behind our selfishness and enjoy relationships and actions we might not have taken otherwise. It is a grace from God that allows us to hand over our fears, our failures, and even our trauma to One who can help us function through them. Living for self leads to entrapment in our own misery, and living for others results in enslavement to their actions and values. But living for Christ transforms all of who we are and all of our relationships, creating space for even tough situations to bring peace and abiding joy.

When we overcome self to live for Christ, we don’t have to react negatively or take offense at others. We can seek peace in challenging conversations instead of responding with hateful words – especially on social media! We can see chores and daily tasks as part of something bigger than ourselves and do them without complaint. Every moment is an opportunity to honor God – even when someone takes our hard-earned money.

What does overcoming self and living for Christ look like in your life today?

Written by Wendy Neill, Advancement Coordinator for Iron Rose Sister Ministries

Do you have a favorite book? It might be from your childhood or something you’ve read as an adult. There’s a good chance you’ve been through it several times, and you love to recommend it to others. It might be a fictional story or a nonfiction book that changed your life. Impactful books are written by authors endowed by God with a special gift for words.

Is the Bible your favorite book? I hope so. We’ve probably all had seasons in our life when it was and seasons when it wasn’t. The author of Psalm 119 had a deep, abiding love for the Word of God which remained steadfast even in difficult seasons (see vv. 81-93). Let’s learn from him.

This author definitely had that God-given gift for masterful writing. He wrote Psalm 119 as an acrostic poem. When you were in school, did you ever have to write an acrostic poem where each line started with the next letter of your name? I was terrible at those. The poem always sounded forced.

Psalm 119 is divided into eight-verse stanzas. Within each stanza, all eight verses start with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet! It is hard for us to see that artistic form since we aren’t reading it in the original Hebrew. Can you imagine writing eight verses that all begin with a difficult letter, like “X”? This author does it seamlessly and it doesn’t sound forced. He utilizes his exquisite skill and the entire Hebrew alphabet to express his love for God’s Word.

Keep in mind, he is not talking about the full Bible as we know it. He is referring to the first five books of the Old Testament: God’s laws, decrees, statutes, commandments, and ordinances. Here are some ways he describes God’s law:


• Great spoil/treasure/riches - vv. 14, 162
• A delight - vv. 24, 77, 143
• A path - v. 35
• A comfort - v. 52
• A light to our path - v. 105
• Sweeter than honey - v. 103
• A refuge and shield - v. 114
• Better than pure gold - v. 127
• Eternal - v. 160
• A source of great peace - v. 165

I can say that about much of our Bible, but those descriptions aren’t how I would personally describe Leviticus or Deuteronomy. This guy understands that God’s laws are meant to bless us, just as a wise, loving parent’s rules allow a child to thrive in a safe environment.

Throughout this psalm, the author alludes to listening to God through Scripture.

• Teach me your decrees so I can teach others. - vv. 12-13
• I spoke to you and you answered me. - v. 26
• Direct me in the path of your commands. - v. 35
• Teach me knowledge and good judgment. - v. 66
• The law from your mouth is precious. - v. 72

I encourage you to listen to God through His Word this week. Ask Him to teach and direct you. Read Psalm 119 first, then the next day, read from your favorite book of the Bible.

1. What is God teaching you as you commit to listening through His written Word?
2. How can you fall more in love with Him and the decrees He has set because He loves you?
3. Is there someone to whom you can recommend His Book?

By the way, because this author loved God’s statutes so deeply—and used his talent to glorify Him—God added this man’s ode to the Scriptures for all future generations! What an honor!

Written by Amanda Santos, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in João Pessoa

When I was a child, my mother always said, “God gave us two ears and one mouth because we should listen more and speak less.” Although most of the time she was just reprimanding me for being a child who talked too much during classes and services, she was paraphrasing James 1:19: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (NIV).

Today's theme says that “listening is an altruistic act.” If we search for the meaning of altruistic we find that it refers to someone who cares about others and acts voluntarily to benefit them. The Bible contains several verses that talk about altruism such as Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others." And John 13:34b says: "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." The act of listening is the same as loving.

We live at such a busy pace that we even set audio messages we receive on communication platforms at advanced speed to hear and solve things faster. How many times do we watch a video of a class, even a sermon, and put it on “2x” because the faster we listen, the better? It seems like stopping and listening carefully to what someone else has to say will cost us so much. I put myself in this position. I've always liked to do things quickly, think quickly, and resolve things quickly. How many times have I chosen a cooking video to watch, and before the cook got halfway through the recipe, I decided that I had already heard everything I needed and could make the rest myself. Almost every time, I failed and had to go back and watch the video again to find out where I went wrong.

I remember a teacher who asked me a question in class: “Did you hear what I said, Amanda?” and I promptly answered yes. Then she asked again: “Okay, but did you listen to what I said?” Maybe at first you will have the same reaction as I did, “But aren’t those the same thing: hear and listen?” And the answer is no. Hearing is the capture of sounds by the ear, a mechanical and natural process that does not require interpretation. But listening is the action of paying attention, understanding and interpreting what is heard, and making use of it. How many times have I heard people but didn't listen to them?

It takes effort, attention, and dedication to fulfill the role of listener.

Effort is required because we need to break this bad habit of speeding things up. If you've gotten used to hearing everything very quickly, you'll find it strange and even uncomfortable having to listen to someone who speaks slowly. So yes, we need to put in effort to be good listeners.

Attention is necessary because our mind easily takes us away from the conversation. We remember that we didn't take the clothes off the line, we forgot to defrost the meat, or so many tasks that if we are not centered and paying full attention, our mind will ramble and we won't actually be listening to our sister.

And of course, listening takes dedication. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” We need to dedicate ourselves day after day to being good listeners. Remember, listening to your brother or sister in Christ is an act of love. It is an act of service to the Kingdom of God.

When we are willing to listen to what a sister has to say, we are giving her a safe and trustworthy space where she can share her problems, confess her sins, and share her prayer requests with God. Being open to being that person who listens with an open heart and loves her sister is serving the Lord. If a sister comes to you to talk, she believes she will be in a safe place, without judgment, and with lots of love.

May we be attentive and available to be God's instruments in the lives of our brothers and sisters, and may our ears be open to listen to what they need to tell us. May our hearts be ready to love and exhort when necessary. And may only the Word of God come out of our lips.

Written by Michelle J. Goff, Founder and Executive Director of Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

The natural wave in my hair helps it stay compliant when properly styled. However, left to its own devices, my hair has a style of its own, starting with the wispy baby hairs that frame my face, pointing in every direction. Every one of those hairs chooses its own chaotic path overnight, creating the effect of an untamed mane when I look in the mirror first thing in the morning.

After chuckling at the added disparity between my brown and gray hairs (my God highlights), I determine how to tame my tresses. I never leave it exactly how it looked after waking. That would be foolish. Instead, I do at least something about it with my brush.

James 1:22-25 states:

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. (ESV)

Listening and doing. Hearing, seeing, understanding, and obeying. It is an ongoing process that requires commitment.

As James illustrates, when we listen to the Word, we are looking into a spiritual mirror. We are called to do something with what we hear. Dedicated commitment permits us to listen again and act on it, like when I catch a glimpse in the mirror later in the day and reach for my brush or adjust a hairclip.

“Listen first and twice.” That listening exercise from Called to Listen: Forty Days of Devotion reminds us of the importance of listening first to God (and to others). We seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness through His Word and His teaching (Mt 6:33; 2Ti 3:16-17; 2Pe 1:20-21). We listen first to others by holding our tongue and thinking before we respond (Jas 1:19).

Of equal importance is to listen twice. We think we know what we heard. Our confidence regarding our understanding of that original message can lead us to barrel through without confirmation. Or we may lack confidence in what we heard, leading us to doubt. In both instances, it is always wise to listen twice. “Then David inquired of the LORD again…” (1Sa 23:4). Throughout that chapter and in other instances, David listened at least twice.

Jesus demonstrated committed listening first, twice, and always, through consistent, intentional communication with His Father. He constantly rededicated Himself to listening and to speaking only what the Father said (Jn 12:49).

The practice of listening requires commitment. Listening is a practice because we are always learning. No student can perfectly play a piano the first time she sits down at the keys. But the more she practices and plays, the more she learns, and the better she gets. It is a choice to persevere, especially after making a mistake.

A commitment to listening requires ongoing dedication and a determination to practice. When we do it imperfectly, God lovingly invites us to repent and do it better the next time. We hear His mercy and grace. And the more we practice listening to Him, the more we want to hear His voice and follow His lead.

The more we listen, the more we deepen our relationship with Him. The more we listen, the more we fall in love with the One who calls us to obey what we hear. And our commitment to listening is strengthened.

We would love to help you renew or strengthen your commitment to listening! Check out our latest Bible study book: Committed to Listen: Forty Days of Dedication.

Thank you for your commitment to listening through our blog, as well! May God use us as His instruments to encourage and inspire each other to listen and act on what we hear (Jas 1:22-25). We appreciate your feedback and responses. We “listen” to each one.

Written by Michelle J. Goff with shared inspiration by Chrys Goff

Faith is funny, elusive.
We place it without thought.
We put it in things we tangibly see
And in ones that we cannot.

Faith in what is faithful
Would make a lot of sense.
But we be stupid sometimes.
In fact, we often dense.

Little g’s can’t be faithful.
It’s not in their DNA.
We should kick them to the curb
Because they only make us pay.

The price of following little g’s
Is steep and full of gall.
Let’s humbly fall at the gracious feet
Of the One who made it all.

The OG is our Creator,
Our Father, Faithful One
Who crushed all the little g’s power
When He sent His only Son.

The OG models faithfulness
And invites us to do the same.
His heart breaks every time
Those little g’s get in the way.

Please heed The OG’s warning,
Since we all get a choice.
We can follow empty little g’s
Or we can hear The OG’s voice.

“Be faithful my child, I love you.
My promises are faithful and true.
I AM faithful, my child, I AM YHWH.
My Spirit yields faithfulness in you.”

Written by Michelle J. Goff, Founder and Executive Director of Iron Rose Sister Ministries

Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (1Pe 1:17-19 NIV)

In the following chapter, the apostle Peter encourages his friends, the people of God, to live their lives as foreigners and exiles (1Pe 2:11). Sinful desires surround us, bombard us, implore us, distract us, confuse us, and wear us down. However, they also attack in much more subtle and deceptive ways.

While living as a foreigner in another country, especially at the beginning, it was immediately obvious what belonged to the local culture and what belonged to my home country. Confronted by my own cultural biases, I was forced to step outside my comfort zone. It was a challenge to determine when I was clinging to my own perspective, which areas were uncomfortable simply because they were different, and what things were based on a goal of Kingdom living.

Prayer was my lifeline for support and guidance. I did not navigate things perfectly, at all. As
time passed, I assimilated into the local culture and became less attentive to identifying any important distinctions. I needed to be intentional about striving to live not as a North American foreigner in a South American country, but rather as a redeemed Christian foreigner, living in this perishable, broken world.

Our time here on earth is short, a vapor or a mist (Jas 4:14). We are merely a dot on the length of a timeline. Kingdom time and Kingdom living keep the trajectory of our lives and how we live them in perspective.

Kingdom time “makes the most of every opportunity” (Col 4:5).

Kingdom living has a “mind governed by the Spirit” (Ro 8:6).

Kingdom time beats to the rhythm of eternity that He has set in the human heart (Ecc 3:11).

Kingdom living dies to self and lives for Christ (Lk 9:23-24; Gal 2:20).

Kingdom time goes and makes “disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that [Jesus] commanded you. And behold, [He is] with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt 28:19-20).

Kingdom living “walks by faith, not by sight” (2Co 5:7 ESV).

Sisters, may we remember and proclaim, “I’m a foreigner living on Kingdom time.”

How are you going to use your Kingdom time to be all about Kingdom living?

Written by Ilca Medeiros, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Brazil

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Mt 22:36-40 NIV)

When we are called to talk about love for God, we almost automatically begin to talk about His love for us. We can do this excellently because it is a perfect and spotless love. When we become aware of such great love and such an impactful example, we come across a commandment (Mt 22:36-40), which would not make sense to us if it did not come from God: “Love”! It is not a love of only feelings, but of action. The Bible says that we should love Him above all things and this love is a reflection of God's unconditional love for us. First John 4:19 says, “We love because he first loved us.” When we feel this love for God, we want to please Him, obey Him, and serve Him with a heart full of gratitude.

The first source of love for God according to Matthew 22:36-40 is the HEART.
A clean heart without bitterness and resentment is a fertile land for cultivating love, which spreads to everyone around us. Whoever loves God with all their heart longs to be with Him, draws closer to Him, and develops intimacy through prayer, communion, and His Word. We like to be around those we love. So it should be with God. He doesn't need anything we have. Not even our love. Now we can imagine our Creator rejoicing in the fact that we love Him with all our hearts! I know that we are capable of feeling such love, of being side by side with Him every day, because He Himself promised in Matthew 28:20 that He would be with us every day. On good days and bad days. Just hold His hand.

God knows how much we love Him by the way we treat our brothers and sisters. How we are connected to each other, how we see each other, how we care for and serve those in need. “...Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister” (1Jn 4:21).

The second source of love for God according to Matthew 22:36-40 is the SOUL.
Our soul is the center of our attitudes. It leads us to practice what comes from the heart. It's feeling in practice! The word soul comes from the Latin animu which means “that which animates”. It reveals our personality; it is the center of our will. Loving God with our soul means leaving behind everything that imprisons us and prevents us from serving. It's denying ourselves when love requires sacrifice and change.

When we love God in our souls, we seek communion with our brothers and sisters even when our bodies are tired and we don't want to go to church. We still strive to offer God the best of ourselves with attitudes that please Him.

What our soul feels reflects in our body and our actions. We cannot forget to feed our souls with good things so that every offering of love to God has a sweet aroma. We become weak in our souls when we leave God out of our battles.

The third source of love for God according to Matthew 22:36-40 is UNDERSTANDING.
When we make the decision to serve God, we are asked if we understand the importance of our decision, and we say yes. We understand that from then on, our lives are linked to God for eternity. Once the initial thrill has passed, it is worth reflecting on: Who is God for us? What difference does He make in our lives? Are our relationships influenced by Him?

The way we understand our new life in Christ makes us grateful, happy, and full of hope. We return to God a love that comes from Him. To understand His love, it is necessary for Him to live in us, as there is no other source of understanding this love other than in Him. The same God who loves us in practice, commands us to love Him. We are not obligated, but motivated to love Him by understanding that He is everything in us, knowing that He is our Creator, Father of Love, and Protector.

We love God when we understand the size of the connection we have with Him. We love not only in moments of blessings received but based on His feelings for us. Constant, continuous, and unconditional.

We can make a list of things we still are not doing to demonstrate our love for God. This love must be contagious. May everyone around us know how much we love Him, and may they want to know Him.

Written by Deanna Brooks, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

Psalm 119, the longest psalm—written in alphabetic acrostic form, using a letter from the Hebrew alphabet to start each section of eight verses—is thought to have been written by David, not in his usual manner, but with bursts of exclamations about our Holy God. While some scholars suggest other authors, my opinion is that it sounds like David’s other writings, so I will be referring to him as the author.

When I read Psalm 119, I think of the time in 2 Samuel 6 when the ark of the covenant was brought back to Jerusalem and David was leaping and dancing in the street. Psalm 119 is full of this kind of joy and spontaneous delight despite trials and hardships because of the trust the writer had in the Lord.

Matthew Henry describes Psalm 119 as “a collection of David's pious and devout [expressions], the short and sudden breathings and elevations of his soul to God… a chest of gold rings, not a chain of gold links.”

David mentions these attributes of the Lord… attributes which lead to his and our love for God and trust in Him, which then take us to an obedient life:
       Trustworthiness (v 42)
       Righteousness (verses 7, 62, 75, 106, 123, 138, 144, 160, 164, 172)
       Faithfulness (v 86)
       Truthfulness (verses 43, 142, 151, 160)
       Unchangeableness (v 89)
       Light (v 105)
       Purity (v 9-11)
       Eternal (verses 90, 152)

David writes of slander, persecution, and taunts against him, but his confidence is in the Word of God, described throughout the psalm with these words:
       Law
       Precepts
       Testimonies
       Statutes
       Word
       Commandments
       Judgments
       Ordinances

Psalm 119 reminds us how sufficient the Word of God is as it expands on Psalm 19:7-9 (ESV):
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.

David begins Psalm 119 with a blessing for those who walk in the law of the Lord and seek Him with their whole heart, reminding us of words written in Psalm 1:2, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.”

He then continues in Psalm 119 with other verses that lead us to loving, trusting, and obeying our Lord:

“Oh that my ways may be steadfast” (v 5).

“With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (v 10-11).

“I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word” (v16).

“Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works” (v 27).

“I have chosen the way of faithfulness” (v 30).

“I will keep your law continually” (v 44).

“In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.” (v 88).

“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day” (v 97).

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (v 105).

“Consider how I love your precepts! Give me life according to your steadfast love” (v 159).

“I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight” (v 174).

When David wrote this psalm, we see the love, trust, and desire for obedience in his heart.

Similar thoughts are found in Psalm 33:4-5, 22:

For the word of the LORD is upright, and all His work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD…Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

1 Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22 call David a man after God’s own heart. I think in reading Psalm 119 we easily see that the writer longs to do the will of the Lord as he praises and delights in His commands.

For us: Do we have that intense longing to do God’s will? Do we hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt. 5:6)?

Written by Deanna Brooks, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

In the fall of 1965, my grandparents moved to Junction City, Arkansas, to work with a small congregation. Grandad was 73; Mama Dee was 68 and completely blind from diabetic complications. They moved into a house across the street from the school, and, like they always did, began making friends with neighbors.

About three years later, a family moved into a house on the school property. My grandparents noticed four-year-old Alan, and he could often be found at their house eating cookies and drinking milk while Mama Dee told him about Adam and Eve, Moses, Joseph, David, and most importantly Jesus.

The family did not go to church anywhere. The father was an alcoholic who drank much of his school teaching salary. Alan never missed going to church with my grandparents, and as soon as his younger brothers were able to go, he brought them along, too. Grandad taught Alan to read scripture in public, lead singing, and lead prayer.

There were times when I was visiting, and my grandmother would make a pot of soup or roast and potatoes to take across the street to the family.

Occasionally the mother accompanied her children to church. The father was hostile and told my grandad not to take his family to church, but Alan would slip away with his brothers while his dad was away or sleeping drunk and come anyway.

Then, the family moved. My grandparents grieved, and they often prayed that the boys would not follow in their dad’s, Phil’s, footsteps. When the family moved, the dad’s sister who was a faithful Christian lived nearby and was able to be more involved, and she enlisted the help of the local preacher.

The day came when God got Phil’s attention, and Phil was willing to listen. A few days later my grandparents got a letter from Phil, thanking them for loving him and his family, even though he had been a “no-good heathen.” He wrote about being baptized for the remission of sins and said that he wanted to tell others the good news.

A few years ago, I received a message from Alan who said he had told the story of Jim and Dee Layton all over the world… how they reached out to a small child and began telling him simple truths from the Bible, leading him to faith in Jesus. My grandparents lived 1 Corinthians 9:19b: “I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them” (ESV). They saw a need and quietly met that need.

Phil, his son Alan, and Phil’s other sons have spoken at events over the last 45 years or so, reaching people who would never come into the door of a church building. They have taken the gospel message outside the walls and have told the message of salvation to countless thousands.

All of this started with an older couple who noticed a small child and opened their home and hearts to him. I am reminded of Jesus who said, “Let the little children come to me” (Mt 19:14a).

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Eph 2:10). My grandparents had been doing their good works for many years wherever they were, and the love they showed Alan and his family was just the way they lived life.

Paul wrote to Timothy: “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2Ti 2:2).

An older couple… neither of whom finished high school… a young boy… a sister… another preacher… and the Word of God combined to bring a family into the fold, and that family has been able to reach out to many others.

We look around and see people who don’t know the message someone taught us. Will we be part of Paul’s admonition to Timothy to teach faithful men (and women) who in turn will teach others also?

Written by Kat Bittner, volunteer and Board member for Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colorado

“Love is a great master. It teaches us to be what we never were.”


(Jean-Baptiste Poquelin aka Molière)

I really do appreciate those words. I appreciate them because they exemplify relationship with Jesus. You see, love invokes a sense of action. It calls on us to do things that, albeit good and wonderful, are often out of our nature. Love calls us to do things we may never have done and to be what we may never have been. Personally, I’ve not much patience for folks who are ill-tempered or self-centered. If someone has wounded my family or friends, it can be considerably troublesome for me to be kind. It is nearly impossible for me to forgive the wicked and ungodly who violate children. And I’m not generally eager to abandon my addictive, gluttonous behaviors with food. I do love those carbs and sugar. A lot!

If I am to do anything to be what I’ve never been—to let love be a great master in my life—I have to be like Jesus. Jesus is love, characterized by all the things that love does (1Co 13:4-8). I must be mastered by Him rather than be mastered by my selfish inclinations. And while there can be no perfection in me for whatever I choose, I can certainly aim to do my best and allow Jesus to guide my path.

“A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” (Pr 16:9, NKJV) 

I have spent most of my life struggling with morbid obesity, an addictive and unhealthy relationship with food, and a latent self-loathing. I was especially good at denying the animus I had with my body. It’s only been in the last several years that I’ve come to realize the former declarations of “I’m happy” or “I’m not insecure” were actually lies that allowed my struggles with food to master my life. I wasn’t happy in my obesity. I wasn’t happy when I binged. And I wasn’t happy or confident in my body despite my proclamations to the contrary. Rather, I was being mastered by my manipulative tendency instead of letting Jesus master me.

Scripture tells us that “the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other so that you are not to do what you want” (Gal 5:17, NIV). Doing what I wanted—consuming food to extremes for my emotional pleasure—was contrary to the Spirit. It was the sin of gluttony, too, and for an extraordinarily long time, I denied that as well. I wasn’t being mastered by Jesus. In truth, I was being mastered by sin. I was among those “… whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ … headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite” (Php 3:18b-19a, NLT). Wow! I was convicted after God lovingly but firmly reiterated in His word that I needed profound change. That change could only come through letting Jesus master my life rather than my god of food.

“God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and ‘All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil’” (2Ti 2:19b, NLT).

If I were to emulate Jesus, I needed to give up the sin (evil) in my life to be what I never was before. And once I stopped denying that I was being mastered by food, I could begin to be mastered by Jesus. I needed only to give it fully to Him.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1Jn 1:9, NKJV).

Owning my addictive behavior and self-manipulation was a first step. Along with support from friends and family, wise counsel, and a good amount of weight loss which resulted in the resolution of all my co-morbidities, I am a different person. I am better because of a change in my thinking. I am better because of renewed focus. But more than those, the thing that has made me better is Jesus!

Jesus is the great Master! He teaches us to be who we never were before. Who will you be that you have never been before with Jesus as your Master?

Written by Amanda Vilela, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Sergipe, Brazil

The gospels narrate facts about the life of Christ, from His birth to His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. The book of Luke gives us particular details about the first events in Christ’s life on earth. He tells us that Mary was the woman God chose as the instrument for the coming of Christ into the world.

Mary decidedly makes herself available to do God’s will. It is important to remember that Mary was an ordinary young woman, subject to the same weaknesses and challenges that life imposes on us, but she understood the greater purpose of human existence: to give glory solely to God, and worship and serve Him only (Lk 4:8). How beautiful is her example of obedience to God; how sweet were her words:

My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. (Lk 1:46-50 NIV)

The figure of Mary is frequently inaccurately interpreted by many who do not understand that glory and praise should be given only to God. All of us humans, even though the Lord is merciful with us and trusts us with great missions, are merely instruments in His hands.

We can extract valuable lessons and teachings from Mary’s story. After all, what made Mary special? Why did the Lord choose her for this mission? Mary had the same thing Sarah, Deborah, Ruth, Abigail, Lydia, and many others who were used by God in His work had: a heart surrendered to the Lord and willing to live in accordance with His will—ordinary women who loved God’s commandments.

Reading the Bible, I admire the way that men and women placed God’s will before their own, as is made clear by the way they presented themselves to the Lord: “Here am I” (Isa 6:8), “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Sa 3:10), and “I am the Lord’s servant” (Lk 1:38).

Mary understood that obeying God would cause radical change in her life. As a result, she ended up becoming a target of persecution. We see this clearly when Mary and Joseph, guided by an angel of God, flee to Egypt fearing persecution from Herod. Obeying God means living a life of self-denial and trust. We are convinced that God will fulfill our needs as He fulfilled those of Mary and Joseph. Even though she carried the Messiah in an “uncomfortable” way during the end of her pregnancy, they continued traveling, trusting in God’s care. They surrendered their lives in obedience to the Lord, with the certainty that His promises would be fulfilled, “For no word from God will ever fail” (Lk 1:37).

Mary trusted that God would be her defender in the face of possible accusations with respect to her integrity as a woman. Above all, Mary’s good example teaches us to put ourselves in the position of servants. Her example teaches us humility, virtue, loyalty, obedience, and a God-fearing heart.

Mary was a woman chosen by God to bring the Savior into the world, and she was at the foot of the cross. She followed His steps and walked with Jesus in His mission, being an example of faith and obedience—a woman after God’s own heart. May Christ help us to walk with faith and to respond to our call as Mary did. “May your word to me be fulfilled” (Lk 1:38).

Written by Ana Teresa Vivas, volunteer for Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Canada

At the risk of emphasizing the obvious, I'm going to repeat the title of this blog post: "Men and Women Who Followed in Jesus' Footsteps" and emphasize the highlighted phrase because I want to focus on it.

In the gospels, we can learn the names of the apostles— the twelve closest followers of Jesus. Additionally, we can learn something of their lives and their example as imitators of Him. But there were also other men and women who followed Jesus, if not so closely or from the beginning of His ministry, but still with the same great love and commitment to Him and His work.

We cannot identify them all specifically because there were multitudes who followed Jesus, although many also abandoned Him (Jn 6:66), but we will not talk about these today.

Let's look at this short list:

Luke 19:1-9, Zacchaeus
John 4:46-53, King's Officer
Mark 15:40-41, Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James the younger and Joseph, and Salome
Matthew 12:15, A crowd

Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples. (Lk 8:1-3, NLT)

These are people, just like you and me, who believed in Jesus. We don't know in detail about their lives as disciples. We only know of their encounters with Him, and we can see their examples of commitment.

Look at the example of the women mentioned in Luke 8:1-3. It impresses me to think of myself in the place of one of them and imagine walking after Jesus two centuries ago. No way! I have so many questions for them, such as what it was like being a woman and living within their culture. And what about the issue of female grooming? They were very confident about who to follow and why. That alone explains their investment of energy, time, and money in Jesus and His evangelistic campaign.

With these people, we can identify and "chew on” what a follower of Jesus looks like and how I can represent that in the 21st century.

Someone who follows in the footsteps of Jesus is willing to change their values (Zacchaeus), is not afraid of threats (Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward), and risks their position (the king's official).

There are many more examples of men and women following Jesus in the gospels, and from all of them, if we stop for a few minutes, we can learn something if we look closely— if we get into that "movie" of the life of Jesus.

Who is a follower then? From the examples that we can find in the four books that narrate Jesus' life, we can conclude that these are some of the characteristics of His followers: they are willing to change their lives, to invest their monetary gains in the work of Jesus, to invest energy and time, and to sacrifice comforts. These are some of the ways those early disciples showed their commitment and set an example of how to follow the Lord.

What other ways can you identify that they were fully engaged? What other things did they sacrifice? How do you see yourself as a follower of Jesus?

Add your answers to these questions in the comments or make any other observations based on the topic of this blog post.

I encourage you and me to look to Jesus 24/7, 365 days a year, and get from Him the motivation to be His faithful followers.

Written by Marbella Parra, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Honduras

In my Christian life, I have gone through different stages. There have been times when I have felt that I was doing things for God, but I didn't really feel close to Him. More than once, I have wondered how I can diagnose and evaluate my spiritual life. Have you ever felt the same way or asked yourself the same question? What method can we use to evaluate our spiritual life and our relationship with God? In this blog article, we will analyze the teachings of the apostle Paul in Galatians 5 and Romans 8 to define what spirituality is and learn how to create our own thermometer to analyze our relationship with God.

When we talk about spirituality, we tend to confuse some aspects. Many times, we qualify as spiritual, someone who practices spiritual disciplines, that is, someone who prays, meditates on the Scriptures, and attends services, among other things. However, while spiritual disciplines lead us to spirituality, they are not the definitive sign that we are truly spiritual. As we read Romans 8 and Galatians 5, we note that the apostle Paul describes a spiritual person as one who is led by the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit (e.g. love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self-control in Gal 5:22-23). In this sense, being spiritual is not so much about a set of activities we perform but about a state: a level of connection with God. At this level of relationship with God, the Holy Spirit greatly influences us, enabling us to have attitudes that reflect Christ's character and abandon carnal attitudes.

Unfortunately, many of us have reversed the formula. We believe that through great willpower we must reach a level of perfection that allows us to be worthy of God. However, the good news is that even though we are unworthy, through Jesus' sacrifice, we have the opportunity to be forgiven and receive the Holy Spirit. In the letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul states that we are adopted as children of God and receive the Spirit by which we can call Him "Daddy." What a powerful and consoling message! This means that if we want to develop the character of Christ, the only way to do so is to seek God with a humbled heart and entrust ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The formula is that the more we seek Him and humble ourselves before Him, the closer we are to God, and we are transformed and empowered by His Holy Spirit.

We can then say that a heart that is close to God is one that humbles itself before Him and rests in the grace received through Jesus. The result of this is a person who is in a process of sanctification through the guidance of the Holy Spirit to live in the image of Christ. With this in mind, our actions are a sign of our nearness or distance from God. If a person is close to God, he will reflect Him through the fruit of the Spirit, but also, a person who is far from Him will reflect Him through the fruit of the flesh. In short, my sinful actions are the symptoms of drifting away from God, and my good deeds are the symptoms of becoming close to Him.

From this, we can create a personal spiritual thermometer that helps us identify in ourselves how close or far we are from God. A thermometer needs a positive measurement scale, so for this part, we will use the fruit of the Holy Spirit as a reference. We also need a negative measurement scale for which we will use the fruit of the flesh. Our diagnostic process (which should be daily) involves evaluating our attitudes, thoughts, and words throughout the day and seeing in which direction they move. Are my actions, thoughts, and words a reflection of the fruit of the Holy Spirit? If the answer is no, this is a symptom that our heart is not close to God. At those times, let’s set aside time to seek His presence, repent, and ask for His guidance and the control of His Holy Spirit. If the answer is yes, let us give glory to God because we know that the good that is in us does not come from our effort, but from the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, so we must continue to seek Him daily to continue to be perfected in Him.

Would you be willing to use this spiritual thermometer every day? Do you think it would help you grow in your commitment to God?

Written by Deanna Brooks, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

Be perfect. Be holy. These words ring in my ears over and over… and I hurt, because I know my weak spots. Can you identify? Have you had those feelings?

First Peter 1:15-16 tells us: “…as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’” (ESV).

The Savior said, “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48).

I see these commands as the path our lives should take so we better understand our Heavenly Father's desire for us to follow Him. We sin… none of us are righteous (Ro 3:10), but when we obey Jesus and are baptized for the remission of sins, His righteousness covers us (2Co 5:21; Php 3:9; Gal 3:27; Eph 4:24).

God told Samuel that He looks on the heart (1Sa 16:7).

At Antioch, Paul told those present that David was a man after God’s own heart (Ac 13:22).

When I read this, I think of David as a man who wanted more than anything to do God’s will, despite the battles he sometimes had with Satan… and David, like we do, sometimes lost those battles with Satan.

A verse that is special to me is Psalm 25:7, where David writes: “Remember not the sins of my youth.” All of us understand that as we grow in our relationship with God, we realize we made some poor decisions in our earlier lives that we would not make now simply because of the experience we have in life. We have to learn how to deal with peer pressure, to learn to control desires when something looks good but is wrong, and sometimes by simply learning it is ok, and right, to say “no.”

In Psalm 51 David cries out for God to “create within [him] a clean heart.” The Hebrew word David used for “create” is the same word in Genesis 1:1… something only God can do.

What do you think God looks for in a heart that seeks Him? I think of the following:

1. God wants my heart to love Him. “…Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Dt 30:6b). ”…Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Mt 22:37b).
2. God wants my heart to put Him first. “You shall have no other gods before me” (Ex 20:3).
3. God wants my heart to serve Him. “…serve him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Dt 11:13b).
4. God wants my heart to keep His Word. “This day the LORD your God commands you to do these statutes and rules. You shall therefore be careful to do them with all your heart and with all your soul” (Dt 26:16).
5. God wants my heart to seek Him. “And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul” (2Ch 15:12). “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (Jer 29:13).
6. God wants my heart to follow Him. “…My servant David, who kept my commandments and followed me with all his heart, doing only that which was right in my eyes” (1Ki 14:8b).
7. God wants my heart to praise Him. “I will glorify your name forever” (Ps 86:12b).
8. God wants my heart to trust Him. "For our heart is glad in Him, because we trust in His holy name” (Ps 33:21). “In God whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” (Ps 56:4).
9. God wants my heart to have unwavering faith in Him. “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” (Jn 11:25, 26).

I believe God said of David: “I have found a man who cares about the things I care about.”

I need to ask: What am I doing in my life to make sure the things important to me are the same things that are important to my Heavenly Father?

Written by Rianna Elmshaeuser, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colorado

One of the most comforting memes I’ve ever seen says, “When God put a calling on your life, he already factored in your stupidity.” When God calls us to something, it can be exciting and terrifying all at once. Feelings of “I want this but I have no idea what I’m doing,” and ”What if I mess it up and souls are lost because I was mistaken about my calling” race through our minds. To put my favorite meme another way, God knows everything about you; good and bad, your level of competence, the family you’re from, the church you attend, your deepest fears and failings, the questionable and sometimes destructive patterns in your life. He looked at all of that and He said, “You. I pick you.”

When God called Isaiah in Isaiah 6, the prophet was distressed because he wasn’t perfect and had sinned. After pointing this out to God, Isaiah was cleansed of his guilt and sins. God called again and Isaiah said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isa 6:8b NIV). If we have obeyed the gospel and are followers of Christ, we are in the same position as Isaiah. I know people like Isaiah who have something put on their hearts by God and are able to seize the opportunity placed before them without hesitation. God says, “Jump,” and they say, “How high?”

I wish this were the case for me, but it is not. On the spectrum of taking a leap of faith, I fall a lot closer to Moses than I do Isaiah. Let’s look at Moses’ calling by God which started with a miracle and goes on for two chapters. After witnessing the miracle of an ever-burning bush, Moses is told to go to the elders of Israel and convince them, who already believe in God, to go to the king. God tells Moses exactly what he should say and what God will do to convince Pharoah to let the Israelites go. I want to pause and just note that, wouldn’t that be great? Not only would you have a whole crowd of people with you to confront the most powerful king in the world at the time, but God says, “Here is the game plan and how the future will play out.”

Moses argues and argues even after more miracles are performed for him until God gets angry. He is being told to speak again and again and again by Almighty God of whom he has the good sense to be very afraid and he still asks Him to send someone else. But in Exodus 4:14, we see that God already knew that Moses, in addition to being the meekest man that ever lived, had an unmatched and unrivaled fear of public speaking for all of time.

Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, ‘What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you’”. (Ex 4:14)

God wanted Moses to trust Him, but He knew how hard that would be, so He called Moses’ brother out to the wilderness before His conversation with Moses.

It is easy to look at Moses’ story and shake my head in awe at his stubbornness. But then when I look at my own life, I know that I need constant reassurance from God in my calling. God is patient and faithful and always provides it, but when will I push Him too far? Take a look at your own life. Is there something that you feel pushed to do but have found reason after reason after reason not to do it? God has demonstrated and documented His ultimate power for all of us yet somehow we manage to believe that He cannot overcome our individual personality flaws.

I recently started my Master’s program to become a counselor and on the first day of class, the professor asked everyone why they chose Denver Seminary. The stories everyone told were fascinating. There were people from Asia, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and all over the United States. Each person had a unique story. Some were not sure exactly how they wound up at this school. Some had dreamed of coming there. There was one person who had desperately tried to leave the area to get away from home but wound up five minutes from her house.

What I am taking away from the stories shared and from Isaiah and Moses is that when God puts a calling on your life, trust Him. He knows what He’s doing, and He picked you for a reason.