Written by Johanna Zabala, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Venezuela

Hope is an important part of the richness of the human heart, as it prepares us for the spiritual fruits of patience, faith, and peace. This means that, when thinking about hope, it ties us to faith and the love of God which are preciously linked. 

When I think about hope, I feel like God’s heir through the firm conviction that there is eternal life (Tit. 3:7). This motivates me, through the Holy Spirit, to overcome difficulties and all kinds of obstacles that arise in this earthly life, thus living out total consecration to God. 

Daily, we observe a society in turmoil due to so much evil, suffering, adversity, and problems. I believe this has caused many people to lose hope, not recognizing true hope in the Author of salvation, Jesus Christ (Heb. 12:2). 

With this in mind, I would like to share an example of the current situation that we live in my country, Venezuela. Day after day, people suffer from the economic crisis: lack of sources for work, electricitye rationing by the State (between 2 to 4 hours a day), lack of basic food in many homes, including Christian homes. There are health care centers in poor condition, declines in the educational system, deterioration and lack of attention in various State institutions, and repression and persecution of anyone who opposes the government system.

Each of these situations has forged in us the spiritual character and the understanding that we should not put our trust in a political system or an earthly power, nor in the things we see or surround us since if we do, we will lose out conviction and hope of how real the promise of eternal life is. This situation has strengthened my spiritual life as a daughter of the Most High God, by trusting in His will at all times and having that intimate relationship with Him through prayer and study of His Word, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide me to live in the spiritual and to do the will of God, with the peace and quietness of spirit that only He can give me (Rom. 5:1-5).

I should not put my hope in the things of this world (1 Co. 15:19). In my opinion, hope is certainty in the present and a firm expectation for the future, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ. It is for this reason that I emphasize lovingly bringing the hope of eternal life to everyone who is hopeless, and preaching to them the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of their soul. 

When I begin to experience and understand God's plan and purpose in my life, I develop a deep relationship with Christ. I trust in His will, and I begin to take firm steps even in the midst of storms, for we were called to one hope (Eph. 1:18). Beloved sisters, we must understand that hope is a bond and an essential element that allows for a spiritual transformation, strengthens our faith, and gives us security and confidence in the power of God.

I encourage you not to lose hope because it brings spiritual blessings to our lives and the lives of our families, reflected in the following ways:
   1. It leads us to praise and glorify God.
   2. It causes us joy and rejoicing.
   3. It renews us day by day.
   4. It inspires us to live a life of holiness.
   5. It inspires us to persevere.
   6. It inspires us with security and firmness.
   7. It inspires us with peace and tranquility.

Considering each of these aspects, we must not risk losing these blessings but rather live in holiness and obedience to please our God, longing in anticipation for His glorious coming, which is the foundation of our faith and hope. 

Currently, as daughters of God, every first day of the week in each of our congregations, we announce the long-awaited coming of our Savior Jesus Christ through the worship service when we participate in the memorial of the Lord's Supper, which the apostle Paul speaks of in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, especially in verse 26, where he mentions that we wait, anticipate, and announce His coming or return. So, do you joyfully await the return of our Lord Jesus Christ?

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

One Sunday many years ago in “early marriage days,” my husband came up to me after church saying, “See that man over there? I invited him for lunch.” “You did what?!” I asked incredulously as I looked at the man who had just walked into the church building that morning. He looked like he had slept in his ill-fitting suit. He had huge dandruff flakes all over the shoulders of his suit and in his eyebrows, in other words, a less than appealing presence of a man. I said, “He’s a stranger and we’ve got a baby to think about.” My husband replied, “I thought of that. That’s why I invited the preacher and his wife for lunch as well.” Again, my reply was, “You did what?!” I only have a one-pound meatloaf in the oven. We don’t have enough.” My husband gently said, “We have plenty. This man has $2.32 to his name and needs a bus ticket and ride to the bus station to get to his family. He came to the church for help.” Oh my! I was immediately humbled and changed my response to a prayer. “Dear Lord, please forgive my harsh, immediate judgment and please provide enough for us to share as You did with the small boy’s lunch of five loaves and two fish.” This was my prayer all the way home from church as I was also thinking of what else to add to the one-pound meatloaf.

When we arrived home, I got the meatloaf out of the oven and noticed that it had actually shrunk, not grown. “Oh my! Dear Lord, we still need a miracle multiplication here like You did with the small boy’s lunch.” I added to the meatloaf meal three cans of green beans, two boxes of macaroni and cheese, and a can of fruit cocktail with a sliced banana. Then I sliced the meatloaf and served the meal.

Everyone was served some of everything: meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, green beans, and fruit salad. We had pleasant conversation over lunch. The preacher and his wife agreed to take the man to the bus station and the church would pay for his bus ticket so he could go home to family.

After lunch and everyone had left, I cleared off the table and noticed the meatloaf. Do you know what? I had meatloaf left over! Everyone had been served, yet there was meatloaf left over. I remember in Mark’s account of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, “They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish” (Mark 6:42-43 NIV).

So, the next day as I ate a sandwich made with leftover meatloaf, I was again reminded of my prayer for God to multiply the meatloaf as He did with the loaves and fishes and He did, and He gave me leftovers as a reminder of His abundant provision.

My reflection afterward was also for the scripture, Hebrews 13:2, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” While I do not know if this man was an angel, I do know that this event and every time I remember it causes me to reflect on this verse and consider the real meaning of hospitality. We often think it’s opening our home to our family and friends. Actually, that is fellowship.

Fellowship is when connectedness or relationship is shared among those with a common aim or background. Hospitality is providing an act of service of welcoming, receiving, hosting, or entertaining guests or strangers. It’s an act of service often to the least of these. In Matthew 25:40 Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” As I’m sure you, like I do, want to serve Jesus Himself then we must learn to serve the “least of these.” This provides the greatest blessing to them, to us, and is Kingdom living.

Written by Cecília Santana, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Salvador, Brazil

Throughout my Christian walk, I’ve understood that obeying God comes down to relationships. I can already hear you saying, “How so?” Hold on, I’ll explain! In Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus says to love first the Lord God with everything we have and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. In practice, these two commandments mean that we need to be in relationship with God first (praying and meditating on the Bible) and this relationship will influence all of our other relationships.

We can only love who we know, and to know, we must spend time together. In Acts 2:44-46 we see that the first Christians regularly did things together. Sometimes in the current digital age, virtual friends get more attention than real friends. As Christians, we must be mindful to not neglect time with each other, especially post-pandemic where even church services became virtual, and the practice of hospitality is running the risk of being forgotten.

The Bible talks a lot about the importance of hospitality and today I want to cite two reasons to exercise this gift:

1 - God gave the first example for us to follow.

God wanted to be in relationship with us so He created a “perfect home.” The Garden of Eden had everything we needed and, most importantly, God walked with us there (Gen. 2:15-25). However, we know that this relationship was broken by the sin of Adam and Eve and they were forced to “leave home” as a result (Gen. 3:23,24). Soon after, God as a Loving Father brought about the renewing of His relationship with mankind through Noah when He told him to build a “safe house” free from evil, better known as Noah’s Ark (Gen. 6-9).

But again, disobedience distanced us until God once again restored our relationship, this time through Abraham, and the first step was to “leave home” (Gen. 12:1-3). This relationship was so deep that we see God revealing his plans for Abraham’s descendants. They would be guests in another country for a while (Gen. 15:13), but then they would have their own home; a land flowing with milk and honey (Gen. 15:18-19 and Deut. 6:3). Abraham was an exemplary host when he received the angels (Gen. 18:1-8), as was his nephew, Lot (Gen. 19:1-3). In both cases, these visits proved to be huge unexpected blessings!

The promise made to Abraham (Gen. 12:3) has reached all the way to us as daughters, by faith through our relationship with Christ who came down from Heaven to live on earth with us for 33 years (John 3:16) and continues to live in us through the Holy Spirit. The most beautiful part of this relationship is that Christ prepared our eternal dwelling (John 14:2-4), so we know that we are foreigners in this passing world and we cannot become attached to anything here. Everything is borrowed from God and should be used to bring others to Christ.

2 - Hospitality is an opportunity to exercise practical love.

Through our earthly home entrusted to us by Christ, some of us have the opportunity to show His love to the residents (parents, kids, spouse) who need a welcoming place, a “little piece of Heaven” in this dark world, where they can renew their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual strength. Whether we share our home with others or live alone, this love should extend to neighbors, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, and even to strangers! (Rom. 12:13; Gal. 6:10)

As wise women, we have the responsibility to maintain our homes (Prov. 14:1), be good managers and attentive to how everything is going like the “exemplary woman” of Proverbs 31. Our doors need to be open to teaching the Word as Lydia did (Acts 16:14,15, 40) so that Jesus can enter and transform lives as He did with Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10).

I am grateful to the woman who opened her home through which my husband and I came to Jesus and were converted more than 20 years ago. Therefore, my advice to those who think their homes are too small or too ugly is to let go of this idea because all guests need is for us to show them God’s love.

To conclude, I want to share three practical tips from the scriptures and my personal experience:

• Don’t complain! 1 Peter 4:9-11 tells us that we should practice hospitality without grumbling. I have had the opportunity to serve by helping with domestic tasks in homes where, even with problems, my merciful hosts were hospitable. I have also received guests who were challenging, and I learned to be more meek, patient, and self-controlled.
• Never expect anything in return! Everything we do is to glorify and honor God (1 Cor. 10:31). Our reward is eternal (Matt. 10:42). It is much better when the initiative to reciprocate is free and spontaneous, as it was with Elijah in 2 Kings 4:8-32. Be like the Shunammite woman— do your best and God will bless you— and if you are the guest, be a nice surprise!
• Finally: Rejoice, be generous and grateful for the opportunity to serve! Hospitality continues to be God’s powerful means of deepening relationships and changing lives!

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

We chose to commit our hearts to God. Good! Now, are we guarding our hearts from whatever might try to take it from God?

Let us think about Solomon, a man who was faithful in his earlier years of life but who turned his heart away from God as he grew older.

Solomon was born because of God’s mercy. His father was David, and his mother was Bathsheba. David had Bathsheba’s husband killed after having an affair with her. As a consequence, God did not allow their first child to live (2Sa 11-12). However, once David repented (2Sa 12:13, Ps 51), God allowed them to have a second child named Solomon (2Sa 12:24).

God loved Solomon, and Solomon loved God (2Sa 12, 1 Ki 3:3). God appeared to Solomon one night in a dream to encourage him to ask for a gift. Solomon, out of humility, asked for a wise and discerning heart. God granted him this and much more, including wealth and honor (1 Ki 3:5-15).

God gave Solomon one condition: “If you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life” (1Ki 3:14, NIV).

Solomon built the temple of God (1Ki 5-6). Out of humility, he prayed that God would let His Name dwell there. God answered and rested His Name on the temple. (1Ki 9, 2Ch 7).

God reiterates to Solomon His one condition: “If you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart…I will establish your royal throne over Israel…But if you…serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them” (1Ki 9:4-7).

We expect Solomon to be thankful for God’s blessings and to glorify God. But something changed. Solomon, despite having a discerning heart, made a mistake that would turn his heart away from God.

As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been.(1Ki 11:4)

Solomon married 700 women of royal birth and had 300 concubines. Some of these women were Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites. He allowed his wives to worship their own gods and began to worship their gods, too (1Ki 11:1-3).

Three gods are mentioned by name: 1-Chemosh, the god of the Moabites, was a god of war who would grant victory in battle to those who sacrificed to him (Jdg 11). 2-Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonians, was also called the Queen of Heaven. She was a goddess of fertility and was Baal’s wife (Jer 44). 3-Molek, the god of the Ammonites, was worshiped through child sacrifice (Lev 18:21). Solomon’s devotion to his wives became a devotion to success, fertility, and child sacrifice. Once Solomon introduced these gods to Israel, Israel continued to worship them for generations (1Ki 11:33).

Solomon is an example of someone whose heart was committed to God but whose commitment became divided. He did not guard his heart, and both he and Israel would face the consequences of their actions. If only Solomon had listened to his own wisdom in Proverbs: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Pr 4:23).

God was angry with Solomon, and He told him that the kingdom of Israel would be torn in two (1Ki 11:9-11). Unlike his father David, Solomon did not repent. In a sad irony, David’s repentance allowed Solomon to live, but Solomon’s lack of repentance led to the downfall of the entire nation of Israel.

Despite Solomon’s actions, God mercifully promised to save one tribe of Israel and Jerusalem (1Ki 11:12-13). That tribe, Judah, is the tribe that Jesus was from.

There are two lessons that can be learned from Solomon’s life.
     1. Guard your heart for God from anyone or anything else that might try to steal it.
     2. God’s heart is committed to you.

In order to keep our hearts committed to God, we need to frequently evaluate our own lives to see whether we are letting anything else lead our hearts astray. Lean on your Iron Rose Sisters through this process.

What do you need to let go of so that you can let God have your whole heart?

Written by Brenda Davis, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas

“Above all, love each other deeply.” (1 Pe. 4:8a NIV)

God did not create us to go through life alone. I am blessed to be surrounded by people that I love and by those who love me. God’s Word is filled with reminders that we need to love each other. Jesus spoke plainly about how we are to love. “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” (Jn. 15:12).

But is simply loving enough? Paul tells the Romans that they need to “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Ro. 12:10 ESV). I love this concept. Imagine how the world would be if everyone tried to outdo one another in showing honor? Peter also goes above and beyond encouraging us to love when he says we need to love each other deeply.

This deep love is demonstrated in the relationship between Paul and Onesimus. The two became such close friends that Paul refers to Onesimus as “my very heart” (Phm. 1:12). Another touching story of this kind of love is that of David and Jonathan found in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel. Their relationship was built on loyalty, trust, and love so deep that Jonathan even risked his life to protect David from his father's anger.

If you Google “How to deepen your spiritual relationships” you will get about 293,000,000 results! Thankfully, the Scriptures provide ample guidance for how to develop this deeper kind of love.

Begin by focusing your relationships on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Php. 4:8). As 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Encourage one another and build one another up.”

Here are three additional suggestions for developing deeper love in our relationships.

Stay in the Word Together
Deep relationships are based on Biblical truths. When we are not digging into the Scriptures to see how to love deeply, it’s hard to build a relationship based on truth and honesty. But when we let the Scriptures guide us, our relationships will grow and reach maturity, as Paul states in Ephesians 4:15 (NIV). "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

Have Deeper Conversations
Conversation with someone we love should edify us and “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:24b). But we often spend entire conversations talking about our children, current events, and social activities, ignoring opportunities to dig deep into each other’s life instead of sharing our stories, struggles, and dreams.

To go deep, these conversations often mean delving into difficult areas, and we may be presented with some hard truths. Messy conversations are part of spiritual growth, and the more truthful we are, the messier and more painful it can be. But “wounds from a friend can be trusted” (Pr. 27:6a). Depth takes courage!

When you love someone deeply, it's almost like there's nothing you can't share with them. You can tell them how you truly feel, knowing that you will not betray each other’s trust. "A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret" (Pr. 11:13). You know they won't judge you, and when you experience this lack of judgment, you'll feel safe and secure.

In addition, you can bring up touchy subjects with them because you know that you can be open and honest. Are you an honest friend? Do you only tell those you love what they need to hear, or is it more important that they like you? When we love deeply, we tell them the truth when we see them going the wrong way, even if it may hurt at first.

Listen
At times, you can communicate more with just your presence than with words. Deep love means giving focused attention without interrupting. Maintaining eye contact and actively listening to what the other person has to say and responding with sincere facial expression and body language sends a strong message of love.

James exhorts us to be “quick to listen,” and “slow to speak” (Jas. 1:19-20). In Proverbs 18:2 we read, “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion” (ESV). So, Paul says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Php. 2:3-5).

Dear sisters, love deeply! “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you” (1 Th. 3:12).

Written by Ana Cardoso, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Ecuador

The Word of God says: “For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Ps 100:5 NIV).

Currently, the concept of love is totally distorted by the world, compared to the love that God teaches us. The love we learn from the world is based on the law of giving and receiving in which for you to receive, it is necessary to give. Often, we Christians follow this pattern.

God's love is eternal, faithful, and incomparable. Many times in my life, I have come to doubt God's love, thinking that because I had given in to sin, God would no longer love me and that perhaps He was tired of my excuses, but I have learned over these 19 years that God's faithfulness never ends. He loves me so much and never fails me. Even knowing this, I continue to make mistakes, yet He continues to love me and teach me about His infinite faithfulness. I often compare myself to the people of Israel, who disobeyed God again and again, and I see that God remained faithful to the Israelites, and still does to us to this day.

But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. (Dt 7:8-9)

If, like me, you feel that God is no longer willing to forgive you for the sins you have committed, remember what John said: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1Jn 1:9). This is one of the promises that God made to us; we just have to confess our sin and believe in the Word.

In 2023, I was in a training program for young missionaries, and at the end of the year, I discovered that my missionary field would be in another country. At the time I didn't have a single dollar saved to buy the ticket. It was at that moment that I saw that God never abandoned me and remained faithful, even if I didn't deserve it. There were days when I let despair overcome me and I didn't remember who was on my side. It was a unique experience where I was able to have the pleasure of seeing the power of God. As I said, I fail with my faithfulness, but God has never failed and will never fail.

Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. (2Tm 2:11-13)

Dear sisters, I encourage you to seek to know more about God's love and faithfulness, and most importantly, put it into practice. After I started looking more into this, my perspective changed when I saw challenges appearing before me. Now I can say that I finally understand that God's faithfulness has always reached me, and it reaches you, too.

No one can be perfectly faithful, but our God can! When we are not faithful, He remains faithful because He maintains consistency. And, if God is faithful, we have confidence that we will receive the reward He promised us.

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

When I was growing up, my daddy sometimes told me, “It’s hard to hear God’s voice when you’ve already decided what you want Him to say.”

The Hebrew writer tells us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb 12:1 ESV).

Picture a runner strapping on ankle weights and a heavy backpack just before an important race. Do you think he will have a good race? This is what the author of Hebrews is talking about when he tells us to lay aside that which can slow us down.

Sin is a weight that slows down or interrupts our walk with Jesus.

We all know how difficult it is to talk to someone through a closed door. When we talk to or listen to our Heavenly Father, we need the door open wide with nothing to hinder communication.

Sin is a barrier…like a closed door…between us and God.

1. Sin often comes with pride…and pride prevents us from listening because we want to be in control. We may have decided what we want God to say.
2. Sin deceives us into thinking God has moved away from us and no longer cares.
3. Indifference, fear, or shame about our sin will close our ears to His voice. The evil one wants us to concentrate on our sin. However, God has told us to give our sin to Him, and He will wash it away.

Contrast the response of Adam and Eve with David when each were confronted about sin. Adam and Eve were afraid and hid. David responded, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2Sa 12:13 NIV).

Have you experienced the pain of avoiding a friend because of “something” that happened?

Now, let’s apply that to our relationship with God. Whether it is an obvious sin that we are aware of, or we’ve simply quit putting God first in our lives and we know things aren’t right, we feel the barrier, and we are no longer hearing Him.

The prophet Habakkuk wrote: “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing” (Hab 1:13). Our Heavenly Father wants us to avoid sin.

The most important thing we need to remember is God will never leave us. We find this promise throughout Scripture. We find it first in Deuteronomy 31:8: “He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Our God pursues us to protect us from sin.

Sin is always the barrier that separates us from feeling connected to God.

Isaiah wrote: “Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God” (Isa 59:2 ESV).

God knew this and understood it. This is why He tells us over and over in Scripture to bring our sins before Him so we can be cleansed.

Think on the following Scriptures…about how they give us hope and assurance:

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

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Rom 8:1,2).

“The blood of Jesus, his Son purifies us from all sin” (1Jn 1:7).

“But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One” (1Jn 2:1). Jesus, our Redeemer, is standing beside us as we approach the Father.

With those promises that show the Father’s loving-kindness towards His people, we need to ask ourselves what we are involved in that may hinder us from hearing the words of our Heavenly Father.

Written by Karla Dourado, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in João Pessoa, Brazil

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col 3:17 NIV)

Gratitude is an attitude that transforms lives and the way we relate to each other and to God. Words are important. They can edify, encourage, and convert. But true gratitude goes beyond what we say—it is demonstrated by our actions. James 2:17 says that faith without works is dead. Therefore, gratitude must be shown through our attitude.

Gratitude is action: Serving others, helping someone in need, or even carrying out community tasks are good examples of how we can manifest what 1 Peter 4:10 says: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.”

Colossians 3:17 invites us to reflect on the way we live our daily lives and the importance of recognizing and thanking God in every aspect of it, recognizing the blessings we receive, even in the smallest things. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (1Th 5:18).

As I write, I remember the times when I went through difficulty in an area of ​​life: I could only focus on the problem. For some time now, I have been trying to practice gratitude. With this change in mindset, I have been able to defocus from the problem and see lessons for myself that I can share with others.

It was a simple choice, but it has had a huge impact on my life and consequently on those around me.

The depth of this biblical guidance continues to impact my life. The idea that everything I do must be done in the name of the Lord makes me realize that I need to be constantly vigilant so that what I say and what I do are aligned because this represents the faith I profess.

Two years ago, something happened in my life—a really challenging moment. Before, I would have let impulsiveness dominate me... but for two years I have been asking God: How can I act in this situation in the name of Jesus? With this, I have been choosing patience and empathy, rather than anger and guilt.

Instead of getting into arguments, I now choose to wait for God to act, with gratitude for everything that happened in these two years. It is not easy, but it is not impossible when we let the Lord direct us. Breathing and letting God act is rewarding, even amid difficulties.

Today, I can see God's care unfolding in every situation and I can thank Him with sincerity from my heart.

I encourage everyone who reads these brief words to be grateful in any circumstance and experience God's care no matter how complicated the situation seems to be.

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

After the Israelites left Egypt, God told them:

You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God. (Ex 20:3-5a ESV)

We don’t know when man first turned to idols, but Joshua tells us, “Long ago, your fathers lived beyond the Euphrates, Terah, the father of Abraham and of Nahor; and they served other gods” (Jos 24:2b).

Later, when Jacob took his family back to his homeland, Laban came after them, accusing them of stealing his gods (Ge 31). In Genesis 35, Jacob tells his household to put away all their foreign gods and purify themselves, Then, they go to Bethel to build an altar to the LORD, whom Jacob affirmed had been with him wherever he had gone.

In Egypt, the Israelites were exposed to the gods of the Egyptians, so when God led His people out of slavery, He wanted them to understand there is one God.

The Israelites were constantly tempted to worship the gods of surrounding peoples. It was not until the Babylonian captivity that the Israelites became mono-theistic. That captivity cured them of worshipping idols.

What do we think of when we hear the word “idol”? A simple definition is anything or anyone that we love and desire more than God, our Heavenly Father, our Creator.

Jesus addressed this desire when He said: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Mt 5:6).

Most of us know what it is to be hungry and thirsty. Jesus wants us to have that same longing for righteousness.

So, what becomes an idol in our lives? Bowing down to a golden calf is not something most of us do, but is it possible we have other things that take the place of God?

It is sometimes said that there is a “God-shaped hole” in our hearts, and we seek to fill that hole. Satan tempts us to fill that hole with something other than God. People attempt to fill that hole with family, job, money, possessions, and many other things, but only God can give the peace and fulfillment that fills the heart.

When Jesus was talking to His disciples in the upper room, He told them, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (Jn 14:27).

A few minutes later He prayed, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one” (Jn 17:15).

We live in the world, and many things attempt to take our focus off of Jesus, of doing His will, of making Him LORD of our life.

When we hunger and thirst after righteousness, striving to do God’s will, the peace Jesus left will fill our hearts.

In 1772, William Cowper penned the words to “O for a Closer Walk with God.” One of the stanzas reads:
         The dearest idol I have known,
         Whate’er that idol be
         Help me to tear it from Thy throne,
         And worship only Thee.

We turn our hearts toward God, seeking His righteousness to fill our hearts. Second Chronicles 12:14 says of Rehoboam, “He did not set his heart to seek the Lord.”

The question we need to answer is, “Do I value anything more than my relationship with my Heavenly Father and my Redeemer?” If we answer “yes,“ what changes do we need to make so we hunger and thirst for righteousness?

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 Lindsay Richardson, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Tennessee

As a missionary kid with a love for travel, I’ve had abundant opportunities to see different parts of the world and to experience a variety of service and volunteer opportunities. I have too many stories to share here, but just this last March I had the chance to go as a volunteer Spanish interpreter on a medical mission trip to Baja, Mexico.

As 1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (NIV).

I am not in any way connected to the medical world, but knowing two languages has been a blessing that God has given me with which to help others.

Here are some testimonies and stories from my week in Mexico:

• We had a patient whom I prayed for in Spanish, and at the end of the visit, and afterward, he said he had tried everything for his pain: doctors, chiropractic care, physical therapy, and medication. But this prayer helped more than anything else had.
• Another patient came to us with rashes all over his body, hungry, and with no place to sleep. We scrounged through our backpacks, gave him our granola bars and water, and found him a blanket.
• I prayed with an older man and as I was praying he would interrupt me with his requests: “oraciones para mi trabajo” (prayers for my job), and ”encontrar una mujer” (that he would find/meet a woman). I had a good laugh.
• A man came in carrying heavy emotional burdens in addition to his sickness and red, burning eyes. He was shaking and sobbing and said his wife left him and took their kids and he has no support system left. He said someone invited him today to the church where the clinic was held and I was able to assure him that he did in fact have a support system and family in Christ there. (I barely made it through that prayer because at the end, I got choked up.)

What a humbling experience! It truly has given me a new perspective on being “the hands and feet of Jesus.”

I have also been involved in some weekly opportunities to serve here in Nashville. I’ve been a part of a Christian organization called People Loving Nashville that provides food and clothing to the hungry and those in need. It’s been an amazing ministry to witness so many people in our city serving and loving each other. I’ve learned so much about humanity in addition to my own heart for others. It’s been a true perspective shift!

In Matthew 25:35-36 it says,

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Hearing heartbreaking story after story as I’ve been able to interact with people personally in my own city has also allowed me to feel closer to the heart of God as I allow Him to use me in small ways to help make a big impact in the Kingdom. People come to us every single week just because they know they will be loved and cared for in a special way that can only be explained by our relationship with Jesus. May we never underestimate the power of how we can be used by God! We are all simply seed planters, and He is the waterer.

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

Proverbs 27:17 reads, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (ESV).

For iron to sharpen iron, there must be two pieces. One piece cannot sharpen itself. We NEED each other. In the beginning, God saw it was not good for man to be alone, so He created woman. This was before the fall… before sin…so, think how much more important it is now in our sinful nature to have someone we can depend on.

Most of us have had the experience of sharpening a kitchen knife. A knife is a small saw with a micro-serrated edge. When it is sharpened, any uneven spots or “burrs” are removed, and the sharpness is restored. Often, it is polished to make it shine.

We all have uneven and rough spots and have become dull because of the ups and downs of life. We need encouragement, admonition, and even confrontation from someone who cares about us. That’s iron sharpening iron.

Think of lessons we learn from Scripture.

DAVID… in 1 Samuel 25 David asked Nabal for food for his men. It was sheep shearing season, and David’s men had been protecting Nabal’s sheep and workers. Even so, Nabal refused to feed David and his men. David was angry and took 400 men, intending to kill Nabal and the males in his household. Abigail, Nabal’s wife, heard and went to meet David with gifts of food, stopping him from this bloodshed.

Jonathan, son of King Saul, protected David, comforting and making a covenant with him when Saul sought David’s life (1 Sam. 23:16-18).

The prophet Nathan confronted David (2 Sam. 12) after his sin with Bathsheba, making him stop and think about what he had done and God’s laws he had broken… coveting another man’s wife, adultery (possibly rape), and murder. Only someone David respected could have said, “YOU are that man!”

Three friends with different types of help… three ways iron sharpens iron.

NAAMAN (2 Kings 5) was a commander of the Syrian Army… a gentile… a pagan… an enemy of Israel… and he had leprosy. The Syrians had captured and enslaved a young Israelite girl who told Naaman’s wife there was a prophet in Samaria who could heal him. When Naaman went to Elisha, he became angry at being told to dip in the muddy Jordan River. He had cleaner rivers back home. He had his reasons for not doing what the prophet instructed. BUT… Naaman’s servants confronted him, encouraging him to follow Elisha’s instructions… and he was healed. Again, iron sharpens iron.

SAUL… the early believers were afraid of him… with good reason. In Acts 9 Barnabas stood by Saul’s side, introducing him to the Jerusalem church who knew him as one involved in the death of Stephen and persecution of Christians, and telling them what happened to Saul on the road to Damascus. Where would Saul have been if there had not been a friend to stand by him? In Proverbs 18:24b we read: “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” We see iron sharpening iron in friendship.

JOHN MARK was given a second chance by his cousin, Barnabas. Because he left the first missionary journey early, Paul refused to take him on another missionary journey (Acts 15:36-41). Barnabas parted from Paul and took John Mark. If it had not been for the encouragement of Barnabas, we might not have had the gospel of Mark. An older relative who cared… iron sharpens iron.

There are many ways that “iron sharpens iron.” Confrontation, encouragement, support, kindness, and rejoicing, all done in love can heal relationships with others as well as with God.

We can share ways we have persevered through the storms of life. When there is an established friendship, people are generally more willing to listen. Let’s work on building relationships that focus on the important things in life… so we have someone to turn to when life’s storms come.

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 Nilaurys García, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Canada

When we think of Joshua and Moses, probably the first thing that comes to mind is that because Moses could not enter the promised land, Joshua was chosen by God to lead the people as it says in Deuteronomy 31:3 (NIV), "The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the Lord said."

Joshua carried a great responsibility on his shoulders, and for that God prepared him, giving him Moses as an example and mentor. Even the people recognized this, as we read in Joshua 1:16-18.

Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses. Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!

I would be a little afraid if I were Joshua having to carry the responsibility of leading a nation, even with God's help.

The interesting thing about this relationship is that Moses did not believe he was prepared for everything that God called him to do. But God also put people in Moses’ path from whom he learned, and he then passed on his knowledge to Joshua. For example, he learned from his father-in-law Jethro that he should teach about the law and delegate the task of being judges to the people (Ex. 18:13-26). In addition, he learned to recognize Jehovah's sovereignty and that His promises are always fulfilled as expressed in Joshua 23:14-16.

I think what strikes me the most about Moses' example was that he accepted a task that he did not think he was qualified for. Moses reminds God that it is not easy for him to speak, as if it were necessary to tell the Almighty God something about His own creation, and God responds that HE created him that way.

Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”(Ex. 4:10-12)

Moses' life is a constant reminder that God is in control of everything; his birth to being raised in Egypt gave him the tools necessary to carry out God’s purpose.

All that Moses went through served as an example to form the character of Joshua, who, at the death of Moses, had to lead the people and assume the position that his predecessor had before. In addition, he had the privilege of being called, "Moses’ aide" in Joshua 1:1. "After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide”. God also reminded Joshua that just as He was with Moses, He will also be with him. "No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Josh. 1:5).

Joshua had to apply all these teachings when he led the conquest of Jericho in Joshua 6:2-5 so the Israelites could take possession of the city. They were to march around the walls once a day for six days, and on the seventh day, when they marched, the walls would fall at the sound of the trumpets and the cry of the warriors.

I believe that just as Joshua had Moses, we all have had key people that God has placed in our lives to learn from. Their teaching and example helps us draw closer to our Heavenly Father. Do you remember who these people have been in your life?

#IronRoseSister #teachthroughrelationships #learnthroughrelationships #mentoring #learnfromamentor #MosesandJoshua #blog #guestwriter

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 Rayne Paz, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Salvador, Brazil

In 2019, I participated in a mission program. I was sent to Peru with a team of fellow Brazilians. We knew that we would have the opportunity to build relationships with the Peruvian people. In fact, we had been trained to do so, and we knew that we would have the assistance of a coordinator in the field to instruct and help us in this new environment.

Having someone to learn from was of the utmost importance so that my team could build good relationships. Our mentor, along with his wife, guided us in the language, the city, contact with the brothers and sisters, and many other activities. However, for this to be successful it was necessary for us to have certain attitudes as learners. I would like to share some of them with you.

1. Willingness to learn — Building relationships can be costly — we cannot relate to others without setting aside our fears and opening ourselves to learning. In the Bible, we see this in the mentorship between Moses and Joshua. God encouraged Joshua so he would not be afraid when relating directly to thousands of people. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9 NIV).
2. Humility and submissiveness — Unfortunately, we often misinterpret the concepts of humility and submission, causing us to not be faithful in living out these practices. However, the light of the Scriptures provides their correct meanings. When we submit ourselves and humbly learn, we can better apply the teachings that we receive because we know that they are effective and reliable. Of course, that confidence can come from a mentor inspired by and devoted to the Lord, and who desires to faithfully convey His will to us. During the battle against the Amalekites, Moses instructed Joshua to gather men for the fight and Joshua submitted, knowing that Moses was a prophet of God. “So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered” (Ex. 17:10a).
3. Patience to observe — During our mission, we had to be very careful to observe the customs, language, and behavior of that new environment. Our advisor strongly recommended that we do this so that instead of venturing out with no direction, we would be able to understand first, and only then carry out whatever activity we had planned. This helped us a lot, especially in avoiding situations that could become barriers in the process of building new relationships. Before becoming the leader of his people, Joshua learned from and assisted his mentor, Moses, for 40 years. This certainly contributed to the later development of his own ministry.
4. Readiness to put into practice — True learning can only occur when accompanied by practical action. After a few weeks on the mission field, my team and I started to put into practice everything we had learned and everything we were learning day by day. We were able to start conversations, be in small groups in homes, evangelize, spend time in fellowship, and serve the congregation. Day by day we developed relationships and bonds that, beyond a shadow of a doubt, will carry on throughout the rest of our lives. Our coordinator was then able to watch over us from a distance. If we needed him, he would be there, but at that point, we were independently developing good fruits. When Moses had to go, it was time for Joshua to put into practice what he had learned. The challenge was tremendous, but the Lord was with him. “Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, ‘Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance.’” (Deut. 31:7)

Mentorship is a mutual and blessed learning process for both the mentor and mentee. This exchange allows us to develop and serve in a most personal way. We need to take advantage of opportunities and hold onto people that teach and instruct in a way that is faithful to God, who are mature, who welcome us, and who transmit to us what was once taught to them. In the same way, we will pass on these teachings so that there are more and more mentors and apprentices of the Lord Jesus. Above all in this relationship, there will be learning from the Supreme Mentor: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:29).

Have you ever approached someone to mentor or be mentored? Think about the exchange of blessings that will be yours in this relationship.

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Written by Johanna Zabala, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Ecuador

Developing meaningful relationships that are guided by the Heavenly Father has resulted in the growth of my knowledge of Him and in my desire to continue to serve the Lord Jesus Christ at every moment of my life in this earthly space.

As I grew from childhood to adolescence, I gained knowledge and developed increasingly significant beliefs, even as a result of making mistakes. I remember that making mistakes in the innocence of childhood was involuntary. Later as I matured, my mistakes were often voluntary when I deliberately made sinful choices. But I didn’t know how to accept them as steps in learning.

As a child, I had few interpersonal relationships. Establishing connections made me very insecure. Because of this shyness, some events triggered uncertainty, loneliness, and frustrations that at that moment I did not understand, and that became obstacles to my relationships.

When I was of school age, I remember that I always went unnoticed and when I made a mistake, I became very frustrated which prevented me from learning from these experiences. As time went by and as I got to know Jesus, I came to understand that each mistake was part of my growth and helped me to understand Romans 8:28 (NIV), “In all things God works for the good.”

Beloved sisters, if we realize that we can learn from our mistakes, we can encourage each other. We’ll know that when we make a mistake in a relationship, it provides an opportunity to grow and mature in faith and achieve the stature of Christ to which the apostle Paul exhorts us in Ephesians 4:13, “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” 

I still need to keep learning, and I'm sure you do, too. As human beings, we know that mistakes are normal and frequent in both our secular and Christian walks each time we think or do things we should not. But these struggles can become part of our spiritual growth when we accept that we are imperfect beings in the hands of a perfect God who perfects us every day in Christ Jesus.

Let’s not forget that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). This promise teaches us that as human beings when we make a mistake, we will be forgiven and purified if we immediately repent—that is, change our attitude towards God—confess, and ask for forgiveness. It is necessary to humble ourselves, recognize the sinful nature that fights in our weakness from within, and beg to be transformed by the Lord's discipline.

Finally, whenever trials, weaknesses, and mistakes come, let us live Romans 8:28, knowing that the Almighty God intervenes with His infinite wisdom in everything, giving us the strength and experiences to help us when we do not dwell on the bad. Beloved, I hope you share this same spirit and that we will all continue towards this goal.

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