Written by Dr. Anessa Westbrook, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in York, Nebraska 

If you were asked to explain marquetry or pyrography, how would you begin? Likely, few of you even know what these crafts are, so you would probably begin by looking them up. Then, perhaps, you would try to learn a little about the process behind them. When it comes to mentoring, our familiarity with that word can give us a false sense of knowing what it is. It’s like hearing a word in another language and assuming that you know the meaning because it sounds familiar, but then later find out that the meaning is different. Often, we do not take the time needed to reflect on everything that mentoring entails.

Women are specifically told to mentor in Titus 2. Titus 2:3 lays out the personal preparation that must occur beforehand, saying, “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good” (NIV). Before someone begins mentoring, there is a preparation process that needs to take place. According to this passage, mentors need to be reverent, watch the way they talk about people, not be controlled by worldly actions, and be prepared to provide good teaching. These qualities take time to develop. What we see reflected in this verse is inner work that is both countercultural and requires the ability to stand one’s ground. 

We should not underestimate the power of our influence as women. In Philippians 4:2-3, we see Euodia and Syntyche called out both as partners in the Gospel and with a plea for them to get along. They were obviously influential, but their disagreement was causing issues in the church at Philippi. Mentors should be worthy of imitation. Just as Paul called upon Christians to imitate him in Philippians 3:17, a mentor needs to realize the weightiness of her example.Unhealthy practices should be identified and removed from her life, as they could potentially be replicated in the life of her mentee.

Titus 2:4-5 outlines specific topics for mentors to cover. These topics are mainly domestic in nature, but they represented the everyday reality of women at this time. Paul wanted women to infuse their daily work with purpose and faith, so that they could represent Christianity and their faith well. Today’s mentors should take into account the daily work of their mentees, preparing them to reflect God in their work and personal lives.

Throughout Acts, women played important roles as the early church was being established. Right after the apostles watched Jesus ascend into heaven, they returned to the upper room in Jerusalem. Acts 1:14 says, “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers”(ESV). In this small community, women wrestled alongside the apostles with how to apply what they had learned from Jesus to their lives as a Christian community. 

Throughout the book of Acts, we see women stepping up to use their gifts for Christ. We are introduced to Tabitha in Acts 9, who is described in verse 36 as “always doing good and helping the poor.” After she became ill and died, her absence was felt keenly by the widows whom she was caring for, and ultimately resulted in Peter raising her from the dead so she could continue her work. In Acts 16, we see the influential and connected Lydia and her household’s conversion and baptism. In verse 40, we find that Lydia went on to host Christians in her home. And in Acts 18, Priscilla, alongside of husband Aquilla, shares the good news of Jesus’ life and ministry to Apollos, who was boldly preaching about the coming of the Messiah. This transformed his message. These women used their influence in the circles God had given them, stepped up, and served God faithfully in those areas. Mentors should demonstrate this type of faithful service in their own circles, encouraging younger women to do the same. 

Mentoring is not a suggestion or an option; it is what we are called to as women. We should approach our own preparation with intentionality, carefully considering the way we influence and mentor. As you reflect on mentoring, what are some growth areas that you can work on? What type of impact do you think you could make in the lives of other women after working in these areas?

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

Hopefully you have caught on that this year’s blog theme is “Teaching and Learning through Relationships.” But we can’t get to the point of teaching and learning unless we make meaningful relationships a priority.

For most of my life, I have not been good at “friendship,” but Iron Rose Sister Ministries has taught me the importance of investing in relationships with Christian sisters. It takes effort, but if I make the time for friendships, then I learn and am encouraged. With this, I can teach and encourage in return.

Here are some ideas for prioritizing various relationships in your life. If it seems like a lot, don’t worry! It’s great to start small and just pick a couple.

• Christian sisters – Do you have two or three close friends in your “inner circle”? Jesus had Peter, James, and John (Matthew 17:1; 26:36-38). Identify two or three women you’d like to know. To spend more time with them, get lunch or coffee now and then, go on a walk, pray for each other, memorize a scripture passage together, read a book of the Bible over the course of a month and discuss it, or make a pact to avoid “unwholesome talk” about others (Ephesians 4:29 NIV).
• A Christian sister who needs a mentor – Find someone younger than you to spend time with. Don’t view them as a “project,” but show that you truly care what is happening in their life. As appropriate, share what God has taught you in various aspects of your own life. Use some of the same ideas above for this Christian sister.
• Children – Children need multiple adults speaking truth and love into their lives. You may not have children of your own, but I bet you have children around you such as nieces, nephews, or children at church. Give them your undivided attention. Ask what they’ve been learning at church, find out what they do for fun, celebrate milestones, invite them on an adventure or a game night, go to their game/concert, or send them a card. If you have children of your own, schedule one-on-one outings with them once a month. Those are precious times when they will open their hearts to you and will be more open to deep spiritual truths you’d like to impart. Those bonds will carry through your child’s teen and adult years.
• Neighbors –Do you have leftovers from a meal or big gathering? Knock on a neighbor’s door (particularly if they are single) and see if they would enjoy a portion. Invite them for ice cream or dinner sometime. Offer to get the mail, feed the pet, or mow the lawn when they are away. Listen to their stories. You never know when there will be an opportunity for teaching and learning.
• Employees – Remember that those who serve you as waitresses, checkers, and post office workers are people who also need connection and relationship. The time I have invested showing love to two grocery store employees has opened a door to study the Bible with a Hindu! It’s all about relationship. If you work, invest in building relationships with your colleagues, customers, and employers.

You will bless others−and you will be blessed−if you take time to make relationships a priority in your life.

What are two ideas you can incorporate into your week?

Written by Cami Urquidi, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Brazil

When I thought about prioritizing the relationship, the first thing that came to mind was the call of Jesus to his disciples.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. (Luke. 5:4-11 NIV)

Why did I think of this passage specifically? I was recently reading the book of a brother in Christ, who worked in a company. The interesting thing is he related that working in a company was not his first priority (of course it was important to earn a salary to pay the family bills), but what was most valuable to him was using the environment to create relationships and lead souls to Christ.

In thinking about this passage where Jesus calls His disciples and they leave everything to follow Him, I reflected on the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God. Placing Him first in our lives, obeying His word and making it our daily bread, because obviously it's not just getting in the water and voilà, happily ever after. We must relate more intimately with God, get to know Him, show true change and show Jesus in our lives, using the spaces and environments that He gives us in our daily lives (such as work, school, the neighborhood store, etc.) to turn them into opportunities to lead disciples to Christ. It is not just about unifying our own relationship with God, but about creating new relationships with, for and through Christ.

1 John 4:11 says, " Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” So, we must remain in love just as God loved us to the point of giving His own son; and we must understand that loving others also means wanting them to relate to God. In a certain way, a person's love for God manifests itself in love for other people and the intentional desire for these people to relate with Christ. They become disciples who want to follow their Teacher, leaving everything because they recognize that the most important thing in life is to create a true and lasting bond with our Heavenly King.

I currently work as a coordinator of pedagogy in a language school, so my life ends up being quite social. It involves having to interact all day with teachers, co-workers, students, parents, neighbors, supermarket employees, the gas station, etc. add to that church members, etc. I am aware that God gives me opportunities to interact with people. The problem is getting past that barrier of “I want to be your friend” to “I want you to meet my Savior, who can also be yours if you decide to follow Him.” It has been a great challenge for me, but something that has helped me a lot is to remember that I am in this world because He wants to relate to all His children, and it is my duty to help them find the right path to the Father. Therefore, I try to avoid thoughts like “I'm going to work” and instead I imagine: I'm entering the space that God has prepared to show the way of His loving relationship to others.


Matthew 28:19-20 says: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Preparing disciples to make more disciples. It’s not easy, for there will always be doors that close in our faces, but with Christ the path is light.

What opportunities in your life have you taken advantage of so that other people know and have a relationship with Christ?

Written by Débora Rodrigo, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Spain

The past year was full of changes and challenges. Of that, there is no doubt. Much has been said about what 2020 will be remembered for. But here we are facing a promising new year that gives us some hope, although we well know that this year, like any other, will bring its own challenges.

Changes, challenges, and unforeseen events all are parts of life that have their moments, as do times of tranquility and happiness. Many things happened in our lives last year, and many others will continue this year, but all things, as Paul promises us in Romans 8:28, contribute to the good of those who love God. We can be sure that during 2020, God was working in us, refining and redefining us according to His will.

The people of God faced many changes and challenges, and were still going through them after their exile in Babylon and the subsequent rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, led by Nehemiah. God's people had been refined and redefined during times of great difficulty. After returning to Jerusalem, the changes would continue, and they would have to continue facing challenges; but a new stage was beginning. Led by the priest Ezra, the people decided to meet as one in the square and keep silent while Ezra read the Book of the law. The people listened carefully and worshiped God (Neh. 8:1-6).

Changes and challenges may continue in our lives, but as we grappled with them over the past months, we have been refined and redefined and we must continue to walk and move forward with every step we take. It is time to stop, reflect, and check that we have our roots well ingrained, and redefine our steps to ensure we walk in the direction God would have us go.

Written by Tiffany Jacox, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister in Bellevue, NE

Well, here we are...2021! Are you leaping for joy and full of new hope or cautiously peering into the New Year? 2020 was full of turbulence, of that we can all agree. It is customary to take time at the end of a year to look back and reflect on what transpired throughout that year. I urge you, if you haven’t already, to take a few moments to do so. Take inventory of the things you witnessed, the things you experienced, your relationship with Jesus, the choices you made and ask yourself how those things changed you.

You see, we are shaped by thousands of little things each day. Little acts, small choices, big decisions, they all have consequences and our experiences help shape the person of whom we will become. If we rely on ourselves or on the voices of the world, we may not be refined the way we should be or would like to be. In your time of reflection over the past year, and preparation for the year ahead, remember who you should be talking to and from where we should seek advice.

We should be spending time in the Word of God and speaking to Him in prayer daily, asking Him for wisdom. Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) reminds us to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” We will grow and change through our experiences and God will strengthen us through the trials. “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10, NASB).

We can look forward with joy and anticipation to this New Year with a new opportunity to be not only refined but redefined. God uses our experiences to refine us and we are redefined in Jesus. If you are a Christian you have already been made new. If you aren’t a Christian yet, don’t wait! Get to know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the new life only He can give. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Cor. 5:17, KJV). The old has passed away and new things have come; we have been redefined!

As we make our New Years’ Resolutions or plans for the upcoming year, remember to keep God in the center of our planning. “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it” (Ps. 37:5, AMP). We must not dwell on the past or things of this world, they are temporary. We need to keep our focus clear and straight ahead. “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Col 3:2, NKJV). Allow God to be at the center of all you do and He will guide the way, “The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps” (Prov. 16:9, NASB).

God has given us a sweet fellowship in Iron Rose Sister Ministries and a way to be refined, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Prov. 27:17, NIV). No more looking behind, only looking ahead, together, as refined and redefined women of God!

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

Relationships can be difficult to foster. And often they are the hardest things to keep tied. Even the best relationships can be knotty at times. Relationship with God, though, is far less complicated. It’s also the most valuable. A personal relationship with God means unconditional love by Him. It means redemption from the worst we’ve done. It means adoption into a family in which we are heirs of a great inheritance (Gal. 4:4-7; Rom. 8:17). Most importantly, relationship with God means life.

We are given the gift of God’s grace, and we undeservedly receive God’s mercy (Eph. 2:8; Rom. 9:16). And we are also given the hope of eternal life (1 Pet. 1:3). To obtain that life, though, we must enter relationship with God, and we can only get to God through Jesus.

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me“ (John 14:6 NIV).


This is my favorite scripture because it encompasses what I can expect and what I can do to truly live. If I expect to have truth and life, I can only do so by way of Jesus. Because of what God did for me in sacrificing His Son to die on my behalf, I’ve come to acknowledge the need to be more selfless. The truth is, if left to my own inclinations, life would be spent doing all the things that please me. I’d go where I want, when I want, and do what I want with very little consideration for others. Rather than make a home and life for my husband, children, and grandchildren, I would make a home and life that best suits me. I’d be overcome by my addictions (food) and proclivities (controlling). Singing on the worship team, teaching the toddlers’ Bible class, and serving in the women’s ministry at my church would all be meaningless. Ministries near and dear to me like Ciudad de Angelesand Iron Rose Sister Ministries would be inconsequential. My job, my social life, and my pastimes would be centered solely around my personal gain rather than how I can do those things to serve others.

To that end, I rely heavily on my relationship with God. I’ve come to appreciate that my relationship with God keeps me focused on what truly matters. It keeps me grounded on more holy things and ensures those things take precedence because one who “pursues righteousness... finds life, prosperity and honor” (Prov. 21:21).

Through Jesus, I’ve come to know God more freely and intimately. I value my relationship with Jesus because, without Him, I would not know God. Jesus said, “The Father is in me, and I in the Father” (John 10:38), so to know Jesus is to know God. Personally, I don’t know who I’d be otherwise. Lauren Daigle beautifully expresses in her song, “Thank God I Do,” the value of knowing Jesus.

You're my safe place, my hideaway


You're my anchor, my saving grace


You're my constant, my steadiness


You're my shelter, my oxygen

I don’t know who I’d be if I didn’t know you, I’d probably fall off the edge.
I don’t know where I’d go if you ever let go, so keep me held in your hands.
I don’t know who I’d be if I didn’t know you. Thank God I do.

It’s because of Jesus that we “may have life and may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10 NKJV). Life abounds because of Jesus! I relish that thought because it means that while everything is not always good in life, life is always good. And because I am in relationship with God, I can be less stressed when life goes awry. I certainly do try!

“Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.” (1 Thes. 5:16-18 MSG)

As in any valued relationship, we should be mindful of what’s necessary to keep the relationship strongly tied. I grow spiritually when I am seeking daily to know God better. My Bible studies, my prayer time, and my relationships with other Godly women all help foster my relationship with God (1 Tim. 4:13-16; Titus 2:3-5; Ps. 119:1-2; Ps. 18:6; Ps. 15:29). And I have found that the less time I spend fostering my relationship with God, the more likely my life is to become complicated—or at least the more likely I am to become anxious about those complications. Ultimately, it’s a ploy from the enemy to distract me from growing in my relationship with God. God is worthy of so much more in our relationship than for us to worry about life. And no human trouble is greater than God’s power to overcome it.

“Nothing in the affairs of men is worthy of great anxiety.” (Plato)

What strides will you make to draw closer to Jesus? And thereby God?



Written by Abby Baumgartner, an Iron Rose Sister Ministries volunteer in Texas

 In school, did you ever try to grow a plant in a wet paper towel? My elementary school teacher gave each student a small seed, a wet paper towel, and a Ziploc bag. We placed the seed inside the folded towel, the towel inside the bag, and the bag by a window. Over the course of a week, we watched the seeds sprout, but the plants did not last long. A seedling cannot survive in a wet paper towel forever — in fact, the stem snaps if the plant is not rooted in a source of strength and sustenance. A plant cannot live and grow without affixing its roots to something stronger than itself.

This seemingly trivial science lesson rings true in life, too. When we rely on our own abilities to grow, we are successful for a time, but without being rooted in a deeper source of strength, we continually fall short. Scripture reflects this idea, too. When the LORD led the Israelites out of Egypt, they committed to following the living God who performed miracles, brought them out of captivity, and parted the Red Sea. Yet their growth in trusting God had not taken root — they still questioned how He would provide food and water, doubted His protection, and consistently chose their own desires over closeness to God.

But, before I judge the Israelites of old, I must remember that I struggle with the very same things. Scripture says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”(Ro 3:23 ESV). If I were able to fix my own flaws, I would not be in need of a Savior. I see areas of life where I want to grow, but making positive, lasting change is hard work! For example, I struggled mightily with gossip in the past. I wanted to honor Christ and the others by ending my sinful habits, but my willpower was not enough. The good news that I was “justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus”(Ro 3:24). This was not lost on me, but I wanted to grow in my ability to honor Him fully… What could I do?

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul wrote, “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving”(Col 2:6-7 NKJV).

A core temptation of life is to say I can be the source of my own growth, that within me I contain all that is needed to become a better person. While each person must play a part in creating healthy change in their lives, growth only takes root when we are “rooted” in Christ. This passage in Colossians has become a personal favorite because it highlights my humility, Christ’s sufficiency, and our consistency.

First, my humility: Paul says we should “walk” in Christ the same way we “received” Christ (Col 2:6). I received Christ in the humblest of situations. I was aware of my insufficiency and my need for a Savior, and I approached Christ with childlike dependence. In cutting gossip from my relationships, I recognized that my strength could only go so far — I needed to let go of my pride and turn to Christ for help.

Second, Christ’s sufficiency: Christ is more than capable of meeting my needs because when I am “rooted” in Him, I am also “built up” and “established” (Col 2:7). When I focus more on all that Christ gives me, I learn to trust Him to sustain my need for connection that I tried to fill through gossip. Only then could I let go of the fear that drove me to seek connection in unhealthy ways.

Finally, our consistency: Over time, we develop consistency in our relationship with Christ. As I see His work in my life, my roots run deep, and I grow toward “abounding in [Christ and faith] with thanksgiving” (Col 2:7). Now, my life yields the fruit of joy and thanksgiving because my roots are in Christ.

As you go forth today, think: How can you remember your root in Christ, and how can you look for the fruit of that rootedness?

I want to leave you with the words of the song “Grace by Which I Stand” by Keith Green. I absolutely love this contemporary Christian song because it reminds me that any need met, any decision made, any modification of my character can only “stand” and last by the grace of God. Here is how the song goes:

Lord, the feelings are not the same
I guess I'm older
I guess I've changed
And how I wish it had been explained
That as you're growing
You must remember
That nothing lasts
Except the grace of God
By which I stand in Jesus
I know that I would surely fall away
Except for grace
By which I am saved
Lord, I remember that special way
I vowed to serve You
When it was brand new
But like Peter, I can't even watch and pray
One hour with You
And I bet I could deny You, too
And nothing lasts
Except the grace of God
By which I stand in Jesus
I'm sure that my whole life would waste away
Except for grace
By which I'm saved
Well, nothing lasts
Except the grace of God
By which I stand in Jesus
I know that I would surely fall away
Except for grace
By which I am saved

Written by Kat Bittner, volunteerwith Sister Iron Rose Ministries in Colorado

​In the hustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to feel like we are running on empty. We strive to be "good people," to be productive, and to make a difference, but often we find ourselves exhausted and withered. The secret to a vibrant, impactful life isn't found in trying harder—it’s found in abiding deeper.

​While 2 Peter 3 reminds us of the patience of the Lord and the promise of His return, it calls us to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2Pe 3:18). This growth isn't a solo DIY project; it is the natural result of being connected to the Source.

​The Anatomy of the Vine

​To understand our relationship with Jesus, we have to look at the vineyard. Jesus famously said, "I am the vine; you are the branches" (Jn 15:5). In a physical vineyard, the vine is the lifeline. It pumps water and nutrients from the earth into the branches. The branch doesn't "work" to create a grape; it simply holds on.

• ​The Vine provides the identity: A branch without a vine is just a stick.
• ​The Vine provides the energy: The sap (the Holy Spirit) flows through the connection.
• ​The Vine determines the fruit: You cannot produce "peace" or "love" on your own strength any more than a branch can produce an apple by sheer willpower.

​"The branch of the vine does not worry, and fret, and rush here and there to seek for sunshine, air, and ingredients of life... it simply rests in the vine, and the fruit which comes is the vine’s fruit, grown through the branch." — Hudson Taylor

​Why We Invite Others into the Vineyard

​If we are truly connected to the Vine, our lives will naturally hang heavy with fruit. And fruit isn't for the branch—fruit is for others to eat. Second Peter 3:9 tells us that the Lord is "patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." If we have found the source of life, our greatest act of love is to invite others to graft themselves into the same Vine. We aren't just inviting people to a "religion"; we are inviting them to a relationship that sustains them.

​Practical Ways to Invite Others

​Inviting someone to know Jesus doesn't always require a pulpit. Sometimes, it just requires a gardener’s touch. Here are three practical ways to share the Vine:

1. ​The "Taste and See" Invitation: Share a specific way Jesus has helped you through a recent struggle. When people see the "fruit" of peace in your life during a storm, they will want to know where it comes from.
2. ​The Open Table: Invite a neighbor or coworker for a meal. Use the time to listen deeply. As 1 Peter 3:15 suggests, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."
3. The Simple "Come and See": You don't need to have all the answers. Like Philip said to Nathanael in John 1:46, just say: "I’ve found something that changed my life. Do you want to come to service (or small group) with me this week?"

Conclusion

​As we wait for the day of the Lord described in 2 Peter 3, let us not be idle. Let us sink our roots deep into Jesus, the True Vine, and extend our branches wide to a world that is hungry for the fruit only He can provide.

​I encourage you to create a list of five daily "Abiding Prompts" to help you stay connected to the Vine throughout your week.

Written by Sharit Saman Zapata, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Peru

Imagine a tree in the desert that, from afar, seems strong and robust, but when you get closer, you discover that it is dry, without sap or fruit, and rotten inside. Its strength was only an appearance. Now imagine another tree by a river, full of fruits and shiny leaves; it does not struggle to survive, it grows calmly, and that is why it overflows with life.

Which of the two trees is more like our spiritual life?

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.(Ps 1:1-3; NIV)

Many of us, after years in the Church, learn to see ourselves well from afar: we speak like Christians, we move in environments of faith, we master biblical passages and practice disciplines... but inside, something does not grow. The dangerous thing is to stagnate, to get used to living like this, to do the "right" things without satisfaction: we pray, we read the Bible, we surround ourselves with Christians... and we are still empty.

This is a real struggle, but we should not allow ourselves to remain in this state for long or settle. There is a big difference between being busy with things of God and being really rooted in Him.

Some tips we can take from Psalm 1:1-3:

1. Stop walking where you shouldn't.

"the one who does not walk in step with the wicked..."

Before speaking of roots, the psalmist points in the direction: how can we grow in God if we listen to voices and make decisions that lead us away from Him? It is like a tree in dry ground: its fruits, if there are any, will be contaminated. Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other" (Mt 6:24). Many times, we do not grow because we have our hearts divided between obedience and comfort and we do not want to let go of what prevents us from moving forward.

2. Stop "trying" and start reveling.

"whose delight is in the law of the Lord."

Here we are going to find the real problem: it is not a lack of discipline; it is a lack of delight. You can read the Bible every day and still be dry, we can pray and still be empty, all this because God is not looking for routines: He is looking for genuine love. And if we think about it, no one needs reminders to do something they love. Psalm 42:1 says, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." That is our reference, it is not an obligation… it is hunger. If your relationship with God feels heavy, it is not a problem of agenda... It's a heart problem. This is because a tree should not simply visit water, it should live connected to it.

3. Stay, don't just pass by.

"who meditates on his law day and night"

Sometimes we treat God as a quick stop: a short devotional, a prayer before bed, a song on the road, while the rest of our life is disconnected. Jesus says, "apart from me you can do nothing" (Jn 15:5). It doesn't just say a little, it says NOTHING. It is like a state-of-the-art cell phone—although it has all the potential, without being charged or connected, it is useless. So is your spiritual life if you do not abide in Him.

4. The fruit will be inevitable if the roots are real and firm.

"That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season"

Many people get frustrated looking for immediate fruit, but the passage says it will be in due time. Like the tree that stands by its source, without comparing or forcing itself, it only strives to stay at its source, then the fruit comes naturally. In Galatians 5:22–23 we see the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace,... This fruit grows when we are connected. If there is no fruit, the problem is not the fruit, but the roots.

You don't need another spiritual strategy or a perfect plan; you need to decide TODAY where you are planted. You can be busy with Christian stuff or be a really rooted woman by the river. Those two things are not the same. How much longer are you going to settle for a life that seems strong on the outside, but is dry on the inside?

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

When I bake a wedding cake and make roses to decorate it, I set the prettiest roses to the side for the top tier or front of the cake. That is what I want people to focus on, not the rose whose petal folded inward as it was drying. Those roses are set apart for a special purpose.

In the same way, we, as God’s children, have been set apart for a purpose. From the beginning, God has called people out from where they were for a special purpose. “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 ESV).

We have examples of people God set apart from the world:

Noah was called out from the evil world to build the ark to save his family from the flood.

Abraham was called from his pagan homeland to a land God would provide with the promise that a great nation would come from him, including the Messiah.

Moses, after fleeing Egypt, was called from herding sheep to return to Egypt, go to Pharaoh, and say, “Let my people go.” These were descendants of Abraham.

David, another descendant of Abraham, was called from being a shepherd whose heart was turned toward God to become a mighty king.

John the Baptist was born to aged parents and called to prepare the way for the Messiah.

In Deuteronomy 14:2 we read about the Israelites, “For you are a people holy to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”

In each of these examples, there was a purpose— a reason they were set apart— to be His chosen people.

There are dozens of other examples in scripture, and what we need to realize is that God takes us where we are and gives us time to grow into what He has planned for us.

What does it mean for our lives to live as one set apart?

We stand out just as a rose stands out from the thorns. We will look different from the world around us as we make decisions that glorify God.

Jesus told His followers, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).

The world is evil, but light shines brightest in the dark. We live in the world, but we are to be different.

Jesus prayed,

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. (John 17:17,18)

We are set apart by our actions and by our speech. Those are the two things most noticeable to other people. There are two scriptures I think of that encourage our lives to be set apart.

Colossians 3:2, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Just as the roses I set apart draw attention to the cake, so our lives should draw attention to Jesus and bring glory to God.

The words of Peter remind us of our purpose and importance to our Heavenly Father.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9)

Are you living your life as one set aside for the purpose of drawing attention to our Lord?

Written by Ana Carolina Mourão, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Campo Grande, Brazil

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Col 3:1-4 NIV)

I found it interesting Colossians 3:2 was the suggested verse for this blog: Set Your Mind on Things Above. This is a struggle I have with my mind and which has been unfolding for some time. I believe we all face this battle. When I reflect on this verse, I think “If my mind stays and works on things that are from above, then it is filled with what is good and there is no time left for the things of the world.”

Our whole life is for the Lord’s honor and glory. Sometimes we fail, sometimes we judge, but only God is the true judge, and this Judge gave us such grace by sending Jesus to die on the cross in our place.

This is my prayer: Father, I ask you for forgiveness because I sin, but I thank you for your mercy, Lord. I give you my life. I thank you for reaching so many sisters and as long as I live, I believe in your healing. I thank you for the sisters who pray for me, Lord, because I believe in the power of prayer. In the name of Jesus, amen.

A good way to occupy your thoughts with things above is to ask yourself: What do I love to do for the Lord? In my case, it is working with the little ones; playing with them, doing theater, and making fun classes. And you? What is your gift? Invest in it. That's your TALENT. Do you remember this beautiful parable? To each is given their talent, and the one who multiplies it hears, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!” (Mt 25:21).

May our thoughts remain on things above. And what are these things? These would be things that involve the Lord, His church, the brotherhood, widows, and orphans, as this is true religion (Jas 1:27). When we help with visits, women's classes, coffee and tea for church events, and preparing the Lord’s Supper, we are taking care of things from above.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Gal 5:22-23). I would like to highlight one of the fruits of the spirit, kindness, and talk about a brother, Fonseca, the greatest example of kindness I have ever seen on earth. He fought the good fight and left a legacy, three daughters and his wife, with the same good heart. With my own eyes, I saw him buy a bag of food and give it to a family who needed it. His kindness was always immense. Anyone who knew him has to hold back tears when talking about him. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal 6:9-10).

We must always do good to everyone, especially those in the family of faith (Gal 6:10). In fact, it is something which should not need to be mentioned it should be inherent to who we are like in the stadiums where the Japanese collect the garbage without anyone asking.

And think of Jesus, who had all the fruit of the Spirit? With His kindness and mercy, after a life of sacrifice, He died for me and for you. May we keep our minds on things above in preparation for His return!

Written byLiliana Henríquez, volunteer for Iron Rose Sisters Ministries in Colombia

One of the most challenging tasks for a human being is to let go of egocentrism and adopt a position of total surrender to God. We mistakenly believe we are all-powerful, but the truth is that nothing moves without God’s will.

When we look at the life of Jesus, we see that He was obedient in everything, even though, humanly speaking, He faced the unimaginable pain of crucifixion. Who would willingly offer himself to endure such intense physical suffering as dying on a cross? Jesus did! And because of this, you and I don’t have to pay for our sins—we have eternal life. In the pivotal moment of His death, Jesus fully surrendered to God and His will, saying, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Lk 23:46, NIV).

In our daily lives, we must “crucify ourselves” repeatedly, or in other words, set aside our own desires and make sacrifices for a higher good. 

We set aside our desires to prioritize those of our partner...

We set aside our rest to choose to play with our children...

We set aside our comfort to serve others with love...

We set aside what we want and focus on fulfilling God’s calling for our lives.

In the spiritual realm, things operate under the principle of total surrender to God. Those of us who have accepted Christ as Lord understand that we no longer live to satisfy our own desires, but to fulfill Christ’s (Gal 2:20). We know that those who want to be exalted must humble themselves. Those who want to be served must serve. Those who want to be loved must love. Those who want to receive must give.

This doesn’t mean we always agree with God’s plans. Often, we don’t. In fact, many times, we feel upset because we don’t understand why He asks us to do things that seem “illogical” or outside our comfort zone. However, a true servant of God surrenders because she knows WHOM she is serving and follows the example of Jesus on the cross saying, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Lk 22:42).

A true servant does her part with a surrendered heart and in complete obedience to God—and lets God be God. We don’t need to understand everything God does, but we do need to do everything He calls us to because that’s the commitment we made when we decided to be His disciples.

Is your life fully surrendered to the will of God?

Written by Ayane Nayara, Brazil Assistant for Iron Rose Sister Ministries

In the northeast region of Brazil, where I live, we are in the time of year when the fruit trees are full of their fruit. It's a beautiful sight to see; our eyes are filled with the beauty of each fruit, with its different shape and color. After this season, the farmers who care for these trees have the job of cleaning them, removing dead branches and leaves, and adding fertilizer, preparing them for the following seasons so that, in due time, they will bear fruit again.

I once lived in a house with a huge mango tree in the yard. It was beautiful. When I first moved in, I thought, "I'll eat plenty of mangoes when the time is right." The time for that mango tree to bloom came, and it did, just like all the others in the region, but when the time came for the flowers to turn into fruit, they began to fall. While all the mango trees I saw around the city were laden with fruit, the one in my yard was empty. I found out that my tree hadn't borne fruit for years.

Jesus often used illustrations from agriculture and fishing to teach people about the message of the Kingdom and the Gospel, and I particularly enjoy these illustrations because I appreciate this way of life. On two occasions (Jn 15:1-6 and Lk 13:6-9), He tells His disciples two parables. The first is about the true vine, and the second about a fig tree that did not bear fruit. Reading them allowed me to reflect on some points that I want to share with you.

1. If you or I are not bearing fruit, we should repent (Lk 13:6-9)!

We were called to be part of a Kingdom where each one plays their role, and that is a privilege. We were dying, useless branches that by ourselves were incapable of producing anything, and we were connected to a tree that made us capable of producing fruit. So, let's bear fruit! God has given us, through Christ, a new chance, and we cannot waste it. We cannot occupy a space that could be filled by someone who would bear fruit, without bearing any fruit at all. We must be fruitful! Or we will be like that mango tree in my yard, blossoming – pretending that we will bear fruit, but that fruit never comes to be (Col 1:21-23).

2. We need to be pruned of our old habits so that we can bear more fruit, and better fruit (Jn 15:2).

And that is exactly what God wants to do with each of us who are in Christ--To prune us so that we may be more fruitful. But what would this pruning entail?

The Greek term for pruning is also used for cleansing. God, our Father, wants to cleanse us. The reason a farmer prunes trees, removing dead branches and leaves, is so that the plant doesn't waste its energy and nutrients on things that are not worth cultivating and that hinder the growth of the fruit. God wants to cleanse us of what can hinder our fruitfulness. Surely there are some twigs of sin in our hearts that drain our energy and hinder our growth, and that is exactly what God wants to remove from our hearts.

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (1Pe 1:23 NIV)

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. (1Pe 2:1-2)

3. There is no other way to bear fruit except by remaining in Jesus Christ (Jn 15:5).

We can observe that while Jesus speaks to His disciples in John 15:1-6, He repeats the word "remain" at least six times. Clearly, He wanted to convey to them the importance of this attitude. To bear fruit and continue to be cleansed by our great Gardener, we need to remain in Christ. There is no other way to grow. We are incapable of producing anything or even sustaining ourselves alone. Without Christ, we are nothing more than dry and dead branches.

Finally, sisters, God expects from us what we were called to do – bear fruit. This work is a two-way street: our surrender in allowing ourselves to be cleansed and used by our Gardener, and His work in us, pruning and cleansing our hearts of all that hinders our development.

Reflect:
What is hindering the growth of your fruit and needs pruning? Are you willing for this pruning to happen?

Written as an interview between Michelle J. Goff and Johanna Zabala, Iron Rose Sister Ministries Volunteer in Venezuela

       1. Michelle: When you think of small groups, what comes to mind?

Johanna: Today, I consider small groups as very important in our significant relationships. They allow us to interact and learn from one another. Each teaching or learning through these relationships reminds me of the moment when our beloved Lord Jesus selected His disciples with a holy purpose (Mark 3:16-19).

Every relationship brings different learnings and lessons. For me, interpersonal relationships develop internal confidence and trust, and each person in the group develops distinct connections with those around them.

Since creation (Gen. 1-2), when our Heavenly Father said, “Let us,” He gave us the best original example of connection, unity, and a team.

       2. Michelle: What would be some examples of small groups that have this type of connection, unity, or that work in a team today?

Johanna: We are always interacting and learning in our everyday lives. The family fulfills a paramount function in relationships since it is the trigger for ongoing communication. It is through the interaction with those in our environment that provides the opportunity to know and understand the exchange of experiences, knowledge, feelings, and actions for growth.

Within my own routines, I have discovered how useful and necessary it is to be able to count on my support groups and friendships in the various areas of my life. My own family is an example of a small group. My husband has an important role as the leader in our joint direction as a couple, and the direction of our children. Also, as a family, we serve as a group and individually in the church and secular functions.

       3. Michelle: Now that you’ve mentioned how a family can serve as a small group in the church, what other small groups do you know in the church?

Johanna: In the church and other life experiences, small groups are visible in every ministry. Activities are rolled out that are very well structured, as God set in order. Small groups are what work together to realize their results.

Specifically, I love the work with Sunday school classes. Even though they may seem simple, they are to be highly regarded. As a group of teachers, together with the parents, united in the Lord’s purpose, we focus on preparing the child or teen that will later become an adult and will form part of his or her own small group, collaborating in the Lord’s great work.

Then, I love and value my ladies’ prayer groups. Connection is based on direct communication with our Creator. But here, not praying individually but rather as a team, we learn to know each other more in love, forgiveness, and friendship as the Lord commands.

       4. Michelle: I remember that you have a lot of experience with special needs children. I think this can illustrate the grace that we should extend in small groups.

Johanna: Yes. On a secular level, God Himself has granted me education and experience in this branch of psychopedagogy (the psychological study of teaching). For years now, along with the great privilege of being His daughter, on various occasions I have been entrusted with the care and charge of various small groups of children with special education needs.

Those students did not all learn in the same way, at the same time, or at the same rhythm. But they did learn and achieve their scholastic requirements. This prompted me to pray for wisdom, and by loving them in this way, together we could achieve significant learning according to their academic needs.

All of this strengthened the relevance of my friendships in small groups and the transcendental nature of relationships—personal, family, and social—toward the understanding of our expanded communication.

       5. Michelle. True! I agree completely. And if you allow me to share an example… I apply the same concept to my sisters in Christ, those with whom I have shared in small groups: Martha likes it when everything is organized and spelled out in detail. That’s how she communicates. Sue prefers that you give her the overall plan and a green light to do her part. Lisa wants everything to be done with a little song. What a blessing when I learn from their different perspectives and communication styles, whether we are meeting in a small group to pray and study the Bible together, or when we are planning a children’s class together.

       6. Michelle: Sister Johanna, thank you for the illustrations from your own life. Is there anything else you want to share in conclusion?

Johanna: We can see that the congregations of the Churches of Christ [particularly in Latin America and some in the U.S.] are not very large in number. However, we do have love and brotherhood throughout the world, which leads me to understand that united together we are great, to the glory of our Heavenly Father. In whichever of our small groups, it is important to know that we listen to get to know each other, help each other, love, forgive, and persevere with one another in what we believe for the preservation of our souls.

In what small groups are you currently active in your own congregation? Let’s celebrate them!

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

“I need you.” God did not create us to live life in isolation. He knew we needed each other for companionship, for encouragement, and for accountability.

Peter writes that Satan goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8). In the wild, it is the animal separated from the herd that is in danger of being attacked. Predators seldom attack an animal protected by others.

Likewise, a person who does not have spiritual friendships is more at risk of walking the wrong path in life.

Some friends draw us closer to Jesus. They help us become what we know He wants us to be.

If our friends have nothing more to talk about than sports, movies, or other worldly pursuits, then they can’t encourage our spiritual walk. Some friends are constantly daring us to see how close we can walk to sin without getting caught or telling us it really doesn’t matter… pulling us away from the path we are trying to walk.

Scriptures give examples of several friendships.

David and Jonathan – a shepherd and a prince, whose souls were “knit together.” Jonathan did not appear to be jealous that David would be the next king instead of him. When David was hiding from Saul, Jonathan found him, “And he said to him, ‘Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you’” (1 Sam. 23:17 ESV).

Nathan and David – a prophet willing to confront sin and a king willing to accept correction. When Nathan said, “You are the man!” (2 Sam. 12:7), David’s response was, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Sam. 12:13). Nathan continued to be a support and friend throughout David’s life, and we see that closeness when David and Bathsheba name a son “Nathan.”

Paul and Timothy – a missionary who began mentoring a younger man, calling him “my son in the faith” (1 Tim. 1:2 MSG).

Barnabas and Mark – relatives with the older willing to give the younger a second chance in mission work (Acts 15). We all need a second chance at times.

Naomi and Ruth – mother-in-law and daughter-in-law bound together through heartbreak (the book of Ruth). Supporting each other through difficult times creates a bond never forgotten.

Elijah and Elisha – older prophet who trained a younger prophet (2 Kings 2) who would follow in his footsteps.

Then, we also read of friendships that did not bring out the spiritual side.

Rehoboam and his young friends – he was advised to be harsher than his father Solomon, which caused the kingdom to be split (1 Kings 12).

Ahab and Jezebel – husband and wife who seem to have encouraged each other in evil (1 Kings 18-21).

Life has ups and downs, twists, and turns that we often have not planned for and do not expect. When that happens, our focus can become distorted, and we might feel our faith is under attack. A godly friend can help us refocus and work through whatever has happened.

First Corinthians 15:33 tells us, “Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals.” It’s important to choose our companions wisely.

Paul also writes in 2 Corinthians 6:14, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.”

We sometimes walk a fine line between wanting to help (mentor) someone who is struggling and allowing their struggles to affect us. The reality is it is easier to pull someone down than lift them up.

When we have friends who encourage us to think on the good (Phil. 4:8) and to develop the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22,23), we have someone who will help us walk in the footsteps of Jesus and receive the crown of life.

What spiritual relationships are you nurturing in your life?

Written by Jocelynn Goff, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries and mother of Michelle J. Goff

When Jesus was asked what is the greatest command, He replied, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mk 12:30 NIV).

If this is the greatest command, how do we keep the commitment to do this day in and day out, moment by moment? For this blog, I’m going to focus on just the strength aspect of this command.

When I’ve taken personality tests, I usually test very high for loyalty. This can make my strength of commitment in some areas easier, as it’s more natural for me. However! There are still people and situations where my loyalty personality trait will never be enough. Then I am challenged to need help to keep my commitment and sometimes quite honestly my sanity as well.

In situations such as this, how do I keep my commitment? Where do I draw my commitment from? My answer should always be that I look to the LORD and His Word because He promises to answer. This promise is found in Psalms 29:11, “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.”

As a matter of fact, He is looking for those to whom to give His strength. I find this promise in 2 Chronicles 16:9: “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

So, my first thought and action should be to look to my LORD for strength. He promises it to me as His child and I should take advantage of that fact and depend on it, especially, as my own strength is often not enough to meet the challenge of commitment to love my LORD with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. My own heart, soul, mind, and strength will fail. A Biblical example of this is Peter. Jesus warns Peter that his commitment will fail, but gives him hope. This hope is expressed in Luke 22:32 when Jesus says, “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Peter was tested and failed but Jesus knew he’d turn back. Then Jesus gave Peter a job to do—to strengthen his brothers.

Also, we can have trusted, Godly friends to help strengthen us. As I become aware of a deficit in my strength, I can ask for help from a trusted prayer warrior friend. However, it’s easy to reach out to that friend first before I reach out in prayer for God’s strength. So recently I’ve been challenging myself to pray first about a situation before I call one of my prayer warrior friends. This puts me in the right frame of mind, directs my focus and perspective, and gives me His wisdom and His perspective. Just as Peter was urged to do, my friends can help strengthen me but I’ve made it a priority to seek The LORD first before reaching out to my friends. After all, it’s His strength and energy that I need. Colossians 1:29 speaks of “…strenuously contend[ing] with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.”

The apostle Paul understood where his ability to be content in any and every situation came from when he said, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Php 4:13).

When I receive His strength to fulfill my commitment, then I’m rejoicing. I’m writing it in my journal. I’m telling my God story to others. I’m singing much as 1 Chronicles 16:9 says, “Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.” Specific songs that come to mind include the lyrics of The Goodness of God by Jenn Johnson and Bethel Music. “All my life You have been faithful. All my life You have been so, so good. With every breath that I am able I will sing of the goodness of God.” Another one is Everlasting God written by Chris Tomlin. “Strength will rise as we wait upon The Lord, wait upon the Lord.”

What are the challenges that are weakening your strength of commitment to our LORD? Remember, the promise in Psalms 29:11, “The LORD gives strength to his people.” So, He’s ready, willing, and faithful to provide the strength you need.

Written by Eliuth de Valencia, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colombia

Some events that come our way are outside of our plans. In my case—my conversion, my marriage, my help in the ministry, living in a foreign land—none of these were planned, although I desired to do everything right. Throughout my 43 years, when I have been troubled and doubtful, I kept a strong conviction that God was in control.

Scripture doesn't give us much information about David’s circumstances when he wrote Psalm 37, but we can be sure he felt his enemies were winning. Throughout much of the Psalm, the shepherd-king seems to be reflecting on the consequences that will come to the wicked. In verse 5 of Psalm 37, he gives us an answer to what we can do to secure this promise: "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act" (ESV).

This causes me to reflect on the moments of unexpected pain and uncertainty which have strengthened my commitment to Christ so much that they cultivated a peaceful heart in the midst of a turbulent world. I hope you can develop such meditation in this psalm so that these thoughts will be a part of you as you surrender your plans to God.

Surely, when we look around and see the wickedness of this world, we see evildoers. You may see their actions when you watch or listen to the news, at home, at work, or even at church. Are there evildoers in the church? Unfortunately, there are. In my observation, there are people who, instead of centering their lives on Christ, do what they want, even bad and sinful things. So what do we do?

I recognize that this passage is about those of us who are prone to anger, hyperventilation, stress, and anxiety. Suddenly, a kind of anger begins to boil within me that, if I don't handle it God's way, can express itself in ways of speaking and acting that are not pleasing to the Lord. "To be easily irritated can lead me to do evil" (Ps. 37:8 paraphrased).

If you become irritated in response to evil, you can become an evildoer, just like the one who caused you the initial irritation. We want to avoid acting in the same way that people who irritate us do. Then David tells us:

"Fret not yourself" (v.1) Instead, we should look up to God.
"Trust in the Lord and do good" (v.3).
"Commit your way to the Lord" (v.5). He will act on our behalf.
"Trust quietly in the Lord and wait patiently for him." Verses 5, 6, 7, and 8 again talk about looking up.

With a firm resolution not to be irritated and a future full of confidence in the actions of my Lord, whether here on earth or on the day of judgment, all wrongs will be corrected. Things are going to work out. They're going to change in God's timing. God is in control.

"Fret not yourself because of evildoers." Don't stress. “Be not envious of wrongdoers" (v.1), "For they will soon fade like the grass" (v.2). “For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land” (v.9).

Notice the contrast between the future of evildoers and the future of the meek and righteous. What is the psalmist saying? You don't just have to look up; you have to look forward—the promise may be delayed. Think long-term about God's sovereignty and plans. Look to the future. Don't just look at the here and now. Look forward by faith, and God tells you what He will do.

And, by the way, you should look into your heart if you find yourself making bad choices or living an evil, ungodly, sinful life. If your life is not committed to Christ and you resist His lordship in any area of your life, then you are living wickedly. If we don’t repent and accept His grace, things look grim for our future.

But Psalm 37 is a very encouraging passage for those being crushed by the wicked today. Keep your eyes on the goal. Remember what's going to happen. This will help you not get irritated, but trust in the Lord. Remember, looking at life from the perspective of eternity helps us face and endure the hardships and injustices of this life.

Grace and peace.

Written by Elise Siklosi, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

Think of a time when you had to sacrifice something or give it up. Was it an event? A nail appointment or an important dinner? Maybe you had to give up the urge to snag that Snickers bar from the checkout aisle or – as I like to say – the impulse-buying aisle. Or maybe it was something bigger, like a job offering or interview. It wasn’t all that easy, was it?

There’s always that small tinge of discomfort in surrendering something that you have no desire to give up. Perhaps the thing you’re surrendering is much bigger than a Snickers bar. Maybe you’re currently in the process of surrendering an expectation of something that you had very high hopes of. Perhaps you’re surrendering a relationship, the potential for marriage, a loved one… the list could go on. People are, without a doubt, much more difficult to give up than just about anything. Abraham, a faithful follower of God, knows – all too well – what it means to surrender something incredibly close to him: his own son.

Abraham, like the rest of us as believers, was chosen, hand-picked by God, to be the father of many nations to come. There are multiple accounts throughout Genesis when God promises Abraham and his wife, Sarah, that they will have many descendants. In chapter 12, The Lord says to Abraham (Abram at the time),

“... I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And so you shall be a blessing…” (NASB, v. 2).

The funny thing about Abraham and his wife Sarah, is that this particular couple is veryold when they are promised these things. In fact, Sarah was even barren. In other words, there was, supposedly, no possible way that she could have a child. With this, Abraham had plenty of doubts and questions. With an impatient and unbelieving heart to God’s promise for children, he even conceived a child with Hagar, Sarah’s maid, because he was so desperate for His promise to be fulfilled. But God, in His faithfulness, was unwavering from His promise.

In Genesis 17:2, He, again, reminds Abraham of this sweet guarantee by saying, “I will establish My covenant between Me and you, And I will multiply you exceedingly.” In response to this, Abraham “fell on his face and laughed” in disbelief (17:17), for he was one hundred years old at this point in time. Even still, God responded with assurance, saying “I will establish My covenant with [your son] for an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him” (17:19). To no surprise does God fulfill His promise to Abraham in chapter 21. It reads,

“Then the LORD took note of Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him.”

What a beautiful statement! Isaac, the promised son, has finally been born. This just goes to show how unshakeable the faithfulness of our God is. It reminds me of Isaiah 55:11:

“So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”

I mean, wow. The words of God hold such power! While Abraham, with his unbelieving heart, slept with another woman and even laughed in the face of God, the Lord’s faithfulness was unmoved. He provided Abraham with security and safety with His very words. Here’s the simple truth: they do not “return to [Him] empty.” As sweet as this is, the story of Abraham’s son doesn’t end here. In chapter 22, God asks something quite unexpected of Abraham, commanding him to “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and [...] offer him there as a burnt offering on the one of the mountains of which I will tell you” (NASB, v. 2). I’m sorry… what? Did God not just fulfill His promise of a child to Abraham? He even makes sure to mention the fact that Isaac is Abraham’s “only son” that he loves dearly.

Oddly, Abraham responds to this command with obedience. There is no recorded complaint from him, compared to the previous chapters where there was an evident lack of trust in God. If anything, the way he reacts shows that this task of surrendering one of his most beloved relationships is of great importance to Abraham. Genesis 22:3 says that he “rose early in the morning” to prepare for the offering before setting off to the mountain to sacrifice Isaac. As someone who is absolutely not a morning person, this mission seems to me like it was insanely important to Abraham.

After tying Isaac to the altar, he raises his arm, knife in hand, to proceed with the sacrifice. But God interrupts in chapter 22:12, sending a messenger to command him saying, “Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God. since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” He then rewards his faithfulness by providing Abraham with a ram to sacrifice in place of Isaac. I have tears in my eyes as I write this! To reflect on such a deep and resilient love for God absolutely boggles me. What kind of faith surrenders a human life for God? What kind of faith surrenders the one son that had been prayed over for years to God?

Let’s reflect on Abraham’s change of heart throughout his lifetime: He started off as a man whose heart was hardened. With his unbelief, came a lack of trust. And with a lack of trust, came an unwillingness to surrender anything to God… including his own expectations for God to uphold His promise to him.

He slept with Hagar because, to Abraham, “God is not a faithful God worth trusting.” Therefore, he took his own initiative with hopes of fulfilling a divine promise with a human “resolution.” A God-sized guarantee being satisfied by flesh? Never! By witnessing God’s faithfulness displayed through the birth of a son, Abraham’s heart went from hard and unbelieving, to soft and surrendered.

He was so confident in God’s unshakeable power that he was willing to give up anything for God… including Isaac! He found rest from turmoil in the power of God and in the fullness of His satisfaction. Abraham knew that God would sustain him and fulfill every need. Even when he couldn’t see what God was doing in the future, he could still trust God’s deep-rooted and secure plan. If a relationship with the Lord is worth diving this deep into, then surely it must be worth surrendering to with complete trust and confidence!

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #Abraham #trust #surrender #changeofheart #guestwriter

Written by Jelin Robles, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Campo Grande, Brazil

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2Co 10:3-5 NIV)

In 2 Corinthians 10:5 the apostle Paul talks about submitting every thought to obedience to Christ, and he demonstrates this through his life.

Reading the previous verses, we see that Paul defends his authority as an apostle to the church in Corinth. Even though some judge him, he explains that he is not walking in a worldly way, as some had the audacity to say, but even if he did walk in the flesh he would not act in the same way.

Whatever has been said or done against the gospel, our weapons are powerful in God, destroying every stronghold. But how should we proceed? God does His part and tells us that for our part we must take our thoughts captive in obedience to God, and God will provide help.

As Christians we must obey, but with love.

The Lord Jesus teaches us in Luke 6:45 “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Whatever is in our hearts, that is what our mouths will speak. The heart is also a reference to our minds. In Proverbs 4:23 we find this instruction: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” We learn how important it is to be careful about what we think because our life is directed by our thoughts. Linking the two texts, we understand that thoughts leave the mind (or heart as the Jews called it) as the words we speak.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Php 4:8)

In this verse, we are instructed as to the kind of thoughts that should occupy our minds. In fact, we know that if the Holy Spirit is not with us, we will not be able to fulfill this mission. And once we understand that it is our mind that directs the choices we make in our lives, we will fill our minds with everything that is good and praiseworthy, that is, everything that is true, worthy, correct, pure, pleasant, and decent.

In my Christian walk, submitting my thoughts in obedience to Christ has never been easy, and I still work on it. God is transforming me to take all my thoughts captive, as Paul teaches us, and I know that the weapons of our spiritual army are powerful in God.

God bless, and may He continue transforming the lives of all of us. Hugs!

Written byAnn Thiede, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Searcy, Arkansas

Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. (Ps 141:3 NIV)

Ten years ago, I joined a Beth Moore scripture memory challenge, wanting to grow more into a wise woman of faith. The verse above was my first choice. You’ve probably heard the expression “bite your tongue!”. If you examined mine closely, you’d see it’s pretty ragged. I feel at times the verse should say, “set a lock on my mouth”! 

The apostle James dedicated half of chapter three in his New Testament letter, spelling out in graphic language the danger of the tongue. I encourage you to read the whole chapter. It is Holy Spirit truth worth heeding. Verses eight and nine say the following:

But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.

So, is there hope for a wise woman to tame her tongue? Yes, but let’s first delve into his words. 

I’ve fallen into the “deadly poison” trap with gossip. Once, a very dear friend stopped me in my tracks when I started to tell her something about someone. She said, “Do I need to hear this?” I’ve seen and participated first-hand in gossip that hurt relationships, and it’s a “thorn”; a temptation from the evil one, and I do not want him having his way! Better to set a guard on my mouth and use it productively. 

Jesus gives us wise words for relationship repair: 

 Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.(Mt 5:23-24)

Reconciliation presents a healthy, healing way to use the tongue. Getting our hearts right with others gets our hearts right with God more than any offering we could give Him. I’ve experienced others coming to me with a grievance, and thank Jesus for supplying the humility and openness to accept whatever needed to be acknowledged. I’ve also gone to others asking forgiveness for what I believed to be a wrong done with my tongue or actions. It clears the air, leaving no room for the evil one to produce resentment or bitterness.

Another deadly poison of the tongue is cursing instead of blessing. I may not use curse words, but if you looked in my mind sometimes when aggravated, it wouldn’t be pretty, and it would be much easier for unkind words to slip out. Looking at others like Jesus would, not superficially, helps me lift up prayers for their good instead of cursing. Paul said it this way right after calling us to live no longer for ourselves, but for Jesus: “So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view” (2Co 5:16a). Once, I saw a woman screaming at her young children in the grocery store. My first impulse was worldly and judgmental. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit reminded me that I did not know her circumstances, her background, or anything about her, which helped me to pull the “thorn” out of my heart and avoid unkind words.

To help us ‘dig deeper’, Jesus says: “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Mt 12:34b). It would do well for us to meditate on these words of David, a man after God’s own heart: “Search me, God, and know my heart…” (Ps 139:23a). “Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare Your praise” (Ps 51:15). “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Ps 19:14 ESV). James encourages us to “be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry”(Jas 1:19 NIV).

As you look over these thoughts and scriptures, what will help you become a wiser woman of God, blooming and growing in your quest to tame the tongue? I hope you’ll share with another sister in Christ and encourage one another.