A NEW YEAR... Sunday

(Today's devotional will be the last for 2013; we will return again in one week!):

2014

The Writing Staff of Women's Focus Ministries 

wish you a Happy and Blessed New Year 

Women's Focus Ministries

will be closed from 

12/30/13 - 1/5/14

Look for us on Sunday, the 5th

for our newest devotional.

God bless!

A NEW YEAR... Sunday devotional for 12/29/13

It is the end of the year, 2013.  We soon will be ushering in the new year, some of us with great celebration, others with significant trepidation. How do you feel about the year to come?

We cannot fully know what is in store for us.  But we can be certain of one thing - God will be with us.  Because of that knowledge we need not fear anything that is to come.

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8

And what does God desire of us in the new year and every day?  He knows what he has planned for us, and he wants us to turn to him in faith and prayer, no matter what the circumstances.  He wants us to praise him for all our blessings, and to ask for relief and help in times of distress.  Even to question him when confused or lost is acceptable to God.  He hears us every time we pray in faith and understands our hearts even when we don't know what to pray.  Just come to God with all your heart and you will find him!

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.  You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you, declares the Lord...  Jeremiah 29:11-14 (ESV)

written by Jan Andersen

DWELL IN SAFETY...Saturday

12/27/13

"I will like down and sleep in peace, for you alone, 

O Lord, make me dwell in safety."

Psalm 4:8

     The world certainly isn't a safe place for anyone anymore.  There are so many stories of evil every day in the newspapers and on television news that sometimes we turn it off -- tired of hearing about it.

     Modern technology, for all of its benefits, has also created a problem with internet theft and telephone monitoring.  We have no privacy and thus no safety anymore.  So what is a person to do?

  

   Find your safety and security in the only one who is really able to guarantee it -- our heavenly Father.  Seek His presence daily in His Word.  He will give you direction.  He has already been in the future and so knows how to wisely guide you.  Say a prayer when you feel in danger and His angels will surround you with their protection.

     God's promises are sure and certain in our uncertain and ever changing world.  Lie down at night and put everything into His hands as you fall asleep.  He will guard you.

Written by

Carol Steficek

Here is music for you to listen to..."A Beautiful Prayer"

 

Disappointments...Friday

12/26/13

One thing about our lives on earth that is a guarantee is that we will always have disappointment when we have any type of interactions and relationships with human beings.  I have been on a “Jesus High” for a few months now.  Nothing could get me down.  I had energy and a joy that would not stop.  Then, the human factor comes in, a promise from a friend that was not kept, and an expectation from my employer that didn't happen for the first time in my nine plus years of employment with them.  I felt like Clark Griswold in Christmas Vacation when he didn't get his Christmas bonus; except, I didn't even get the “Jelly of the Month Club”.

Disappointments; a certain constant in this life, it is all about how we react to them, or more accurately, not react.  Yes, I was very discouraged, and even more than that, extremely hurt by both situations.  However, what I did differently this time is not explode with anger, nor did I blame others for ruining my plans.  Even though being hurt, there is nothing that I could do to change either of the situations or the humans involved in them. I went about my life as best I could with what I had, knowing that all will be just perfectly fine in the end.  Just as this prayer has gotten me through many, many bumps in the past and will continue to do so in my future, I hold it in my heart and my head always…as well as the love of God and my knowing that there is never a disappointment when I focus and put my trust in  Him.

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life  and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen. --Reinhold Niebuhr

Kings will be your foster fathers,
    and their queens your nursing mothers.
They will bow down before you with their faces to the ground;
    they will lick the dust at your feet.
Then you will know that I am the Lord;
    those who hope in me will not be disappointed.

Isaiah 49:23
New International Version (NIV)

Written by

Kelly Dobyns

Here is a song by Jeremy Camp....
"Enough"

"For Unto us a Child is Born"...Thursday

12/26/13

For unto us 

a child is born; 

unto us a son is given; 

and the government shall 

be upon his shoulders.  

These shall be 

his royal titles: 

"Wonderful, Counselor," 

"The Mighty God," 

"The Everlasting Father,"

 "The Prince of Peace." 

Is 9:6

The word "wonderful" means to excite amazement, wonder and admiration. Our Jesus makes our life wonderful.  In ancient Israel a Counselor was portrayed as a wise king, such as Solomon giving guidance to his people. In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Col 2:3.

 

"The Mighty God" the one with the unlimited power.  The unlimited power that lives within you.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13.

 "Everlasting" means to  continue forever.  How comforting to know that our God, our Jesus and the Holy Ghost will be with us forever.

"The Prince of Peace" is the spiritual harmony that was brought to us by reiteration with God. We have been restored to the Kingdom of God by this little babe born over 2000 years ago. We have the peace of God that passes all understanding living within us. Phil. 4:7  

What a great and marvelous gift we have been given. 

These four names Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father and The Prince of Peace describe our Jesus, our Messiah.

Merry CHRISTmas to all!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVm96d2ilTk#t=23

by Kathryn Hanson

"Jesus Love Always Wins"...Wednesday

12/27/13 

To our readers 

God bless you mightily

from 

The Writing Staff

Women's Focus Ministries

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What a beautiful time of the year that we as God's people can share the love of Jesus in an even more prevalent way! There tends to be a lot more freedom to openly share God's love, for people all around us are preparing and celebrating Christmas. And what a better way to share that gift of love that Jesus is for us by giving gifts and spreading His love.

As we give those gifts, we can joyfully remind others 

that Jesus is a gift to us and He so desires us to 

receive Him into our lives. 

That gift is the gift of salvation 

along with so much more that 

He has made available to us.

God's love letter tells us in 1 Peter 4:8 "And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins." Regardless where a person is coming from in their life, you can be assured as you purely love them as Jesus does, His love will win out every time! Now that is the kind of love I am talking about.... for you know that Jesus Love will always win above everything else!

In His Bountiful Love, 

Sandy Billingham

Every Time A Bell Rings.....Tuesday

Folding up a few dollar bills, the young mother leans over, explaining to her 8 year old daughter to take the money and put it in the red kettle where the Salvation Army bell ringer was greeting the store patrons with a smile. I watch the girl follow her mother's instructions with a shy smile on her face as she experiences the joy of giving.

I have heard it explained that God doesn't need our money - it is our privilege to give and participate in the miracles He does in blessing others. When we give from the heart God will bless it. As a young mother I would make myself be generous with what I had, even if it was just milk and peanut butter. As I look back, I see that we always had the basics.

Every time I hear a bell ringing, I think of the people the Salvation Army helps every day of the year through rehabilitation programs, work training, and many other programs. No matter where I am living, what I am driving, or what I am eating or wearing, I know that He has been very good to me. I thank the bell ringers for helping me to remember how blessed I am as I put some money in the kettle.

Happy is the generous man,

the one who feeds the poor.

Proverbs 22:9

If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—
    and He will repay you!

Proverbs 19:17 NLT

Dear Lord, thank You for Your blessings this Christmas. Please help me to remember the poor are with us every day and always need our care. Even when I am feeling financially challenged may I remember to do what is right and keep my trust in You. In Your Precious name, amen.

An oldie but goodie performed by Glen Campbell, written by Bob Bennett: "Unto the Least of These"

Written by Mary M. Wilkins

Hope Arrived That Night...Monday

12/23/13

This is a wonderful season to praise God. Everything seems a little sweeter, a little brighter, a little bit warmer as we study it in the light of the Christmas star that appeared on that amazing night so many years ago. By then the miracle had already happened. The angel had already appeared to Mary and then to Joseph. The trip to Bethlehem had been made. The night of the birth in the lowly stable had passed. More angels had appeared to tell the shepherds to go into Bethlehem to worship the divine baby. For a time Bethlehem shone ad then

had gone back to sleep. Most people were unaware of what happened. They still accepted the poverty and violence thinking that nothing could help them. Life was very short on hope during the age when Jesus was born.

It did not seem to change much at first. The shepherds went back to their fields. The angels went back to heaven. Still on one fine day a group of travelers who had been on the road for months, riding camels and carrying gifts headed off to find the baby that had been born. A star appeared in the eastern sky that shed light on the miracle that had happened. The light of the beauty in that spectacular baby began to shine on a world filled with despair.

Did this story change anything? Well the answer is “yes and no.” It is true that there was and is still poverty and violence rampant in the world. However, Jesus was born to die for our salvation. The big change that happened was Hope for people who chose to believe in Him. That kind of hope helps us to have joy when we may not be happy, to know love when we may be living alone, and to have peace in a violent world.

Jesus is the Reason for this season and for all the seasons of our lives. When we celebrate His birth we see more clearly what God was willing to do for His people. If we take the time to slow down and contemplate all that is involved in what we celebrate we will have an ecstasy that we do not always  experience. There is gentleness, generosity, and gratitude in our hearts and behavior. The scripture below becomes more special and meaningful as we navigate through this weary world rejoicing and filled with hope.

 “For God so loved the world,
that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish,
but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Written by

Corinne Mustafa

Here is a song for tonight..."Oh Holy Night." sung by Mercy Md.

                                               

                                          

THREE TREES... Sunday

Devotional for 12/22/13

There is an old legend of three trees that perhaps you have heard before.  I want to share it here for those who have never heard it and to refresh the memory for those who have: 

"The Tale of Three Trees"

Author unknown

retold by Angela Elwell Hunt

---

Once upon a mountain top, three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up. The first little tree looked up at the stars and said: "I want to hold treasure. I want to be covered with gold and filled with precious stones. I'll be the most beautiful treasure chest in the world!" The second little tree looked out at the small stream trickling by on its way to the ocean. "I want to be traveling mighty waters and carrying powerful kings. I'll be the strongest ship in the world!" The third little tree looked down into the valley below where busy men and women worked in a busy town. "I don't want to leave the mountain top at all. I want to grow so tall that when people stop to look at me, they'll raise their eyes to heaven and think of God. I will be the tallest tree in the world."

Years passed and the little trees grew tall. One day three woodcutters climbed the mountain. The first woodcutter looked at the first tree and said, "This tree is beautiful. It is perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining ax, the first tree fell. "Now I shall be made into a beautiful chest, I shall hold wonderful treasure!" the first tree said. The second woodcutter looked at the second tree and said, "This tree is strong. It is perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining ax, the second tree fell. "Now I shall sail mighty waters!" thought the second tree. "I shall be a strong ship for mighty kings!" The third tree felt her heart sink when the last woodcutter looked her way. She stood straight and tall and pointed bravely to heaven. But the woodcutter never even looked up. "Any kind of tree will do for me." He muttered. With a swoop of his shining ax the third tree fell.

The first tree rejoiced when the woodcutter brought her to a carpenter's shop. But the carpenter fashioned the tree into a feed box for animals. The once beautiful tree was not covered with gold, nor with treasure. She was coated with sawdust and filled with hay for hungry farm animals. The second tree smiled when the woodcutter took her to a shipyard, but no mighty ship was made that day. Instead, the once strong tree was hammered and sawed into a simple fishing boat. She was too small and too weak to sail to an ocean, or even a river. Instead she was taken to a little lake. The third tree was confused when the woodcutter cut her into strong beams and left her in a lumberyard. "What happened?" The once tall tree wondered. "All I ever wanted was to stay on the mountain top and point to God..."

Many, many days and nights passed. The three trees nearly forgot their dreams. But one night, golden starlight poured over the first tree as a young woman placed her newborn baby in the feed box. "I wish I could make a cradle for him," her husband whispered. The mother squeezed his hand and smiled as the starlight shone on the smooth and the sturdy wood. "This manger is beautiful," she said. And suddenly the first tree knew he was holding the greatest treasure in the world.

One evening a tired traveler and his friends crowded into the old fishing boat. The traveler fell asleep as the second tree quietly sailed out into the lake. Soon a thundering and thrashing storm arose. The little tree shuddered. She knew she did not have the strength to carry so many passengers safely through the wind and the rain. The tired man awakened. He stood up, stretched out his hand and said, "Peace." The storm stopped as quickly as it had begun. And suddenly the second tree knew he was carrying the King of heaven and earth.

One Friday morning, the third tree was startled when her beams were yanked from the forgotten woodpile. She flinched as she was carried through an angry jeering crowd. She shuddered when soldiers nailed a man's hands to her. She felt ugly and harsh and cruel. But on Sunday morning, when the sun rose and the earth trembled with joy beneath her, the third tree knew that God's love had changed everything. It had made the third tree strong. And every time people thought of the third tree, they would think of God.  That was better than being the tallest tree in the world.

So the next time you feel down because you didn't get what you want, just sit tight and be happy because God is thinking of something better to give you. +

Below are the Bible verses that speak of these vessels made of wood.  We are soon to celebrate what that first tree carried as the manger.  But the most important tree in the Bible is the Tree of Life, Jesus Christ, who was carried by these other trees.  And now He carries us!

And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.  Luke 2:6-7 (ESV)

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”  And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him.  And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.  But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”  And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”  And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”  Mark 4:35-41 (ESV)

As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry [Jesus'] cross...  And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots.  Then they sat down and kept watch over him there.  And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”  Matthew 27:32, 35-37 (ESV)

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.  And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.  His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.  And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.  But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.  He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.  Matthew 28:1-6 (ESV)

written by 
Jan Andersen

MY SALVATION...Saturday

12/21/13                                                  

"Surely God is my salvation; 

I will trust and not be afraid.  

The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; 

he has become my salvation." 

Isaiah 12:2

     What a wonderful Bible passage!  There are few things we can count on in life.  There are many things today which can cause us to be fearful -- the world situation, the job market, the fluctuating financial situation throughout the whole world.  Then there is what is happening on the personal level -- health concerns, family conflicts, and many other things.

     We certainly cannot trust the promises of the people who govern our country and rule in our courts.  So whom can we trust?  God!

     Believers rest in the mighty arms of God.  He has created us, redeemed us through the blood of His Son, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit fills us with the wisdom needed to walk in this world.  This truly is something to sing about!  Our salvation is sure.

Written by 

Carol Steficcek

Here is a song by Maranatha Music
          "Rock of my Salvation"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cMcsS2nOII

The Gift of Gifts...Friday

12/20/13

The Gift of Gifts

It is the season of gifts.   We are all thinking for the perfect gift at this time of year, what to give to make our loved ones happy.  I love seeing the expressions of the recipient as they are opening their newest surprise.  It warms my heart and makes me smile!

Just imagine how happy God is when he sees us use the gifts he has given to us.  He has chosen gifts for each and every one of us.  Gifts that He knew we would use to bless everyone we cross paths with during our daily journey through life on earth. 

1 Corinthians 7:7

New International Version (NIV)

 I wish that all of you were as I am. 

But each of you has your own gift from God; 

one has this gift, another has that.

One of my gifts is smiling.   For as long as I can remember, if I have not had a smile on my face, people have asked me to smile.  It used to really anger me when someone would tell me that.  I guess because I was such an insecure person, I felt as if something was wrong with me for them to have to tell me to smile.  It wasn’t until a few years ago, that I realized my smile was a gift.  By my greeting someone with a smile and a sincere “How are you”, it can change their day and the smiling gets passed on to another person.  The biggest blessing of all is that this keeps me smiling and wanting to share my happiness with all the persons I meet.  I have noticed lately, more than once, that when I am walking through a store and a stranger will be across the aisle, look over at me and they will get a smile on their face.  It so warms my life to know that the love I feel in my heart is coming out on my face.  Apparently it has become a natural fixture there.  God is so amazing!

Romans 12:6-8

New International Version (NIV)

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Written by

Kelly Dobyns

Here is a song about the greatest gift God gave us...

VERSE 1: As little children we would dream of Christmas morn Of all the gifts and toys we knew we'd find But we never realized a baby born one blessed night Gave us the greatest gift of our lives CHORUS: We are the reason that He gave His life We were the reason that He suffered and died To a world that was lost He gave all He could give To show us the reason to live VERSE 2: As the years went by we learned more about gifts The giving of ourselves and what that means On a dark and cloudy day a man hung crying in the rain All because of love All because of love CHORUS: We are the reason that He gave His life We were the reason that He suffered and died To a world that was lost He gave all He could give To show us the reason to live BRIDGE: I finally found the reason for living It's in giving every part of my heart to Him In all that I do every word that I say I'll be giving my all just for Him, for Him CHORUS: We are the reason that He gave His life We were the reason that He suffered and died To a world that was lost He gave all He could give To show us the reason to live

Provision...Thursday

12/19/13

Lesson 1

"In the Beginning"

Genesis 1:1-26

The word provision derives from the word provide, which means to supply.  The word provision means to prepare.  Example- In the beginning our God made provision for man.

Provision comes in many shapes and forms.  Many different packages.  There is story after story in the Word showing us God's provision.

Lets start with creation.  Before man was even created every provision was provided for him.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Light for day and darkness for night. Then He God said "Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters. Then God said, "let the earth" bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind. Then God said, "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens (stars) to divide the day from the night: and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth. Evening and morning were the fourth day.  Our God provided an abundance of living creatures in the waters and birds to fly in the firmament of the heavens.  God also said "let the earth bring forth the living creatures according to its kind:  cattle and every kind of reptile and bugs."  Yes even the bugs have a purpose. 

And THEN God made man.  Oh what a glorious God we have.  He took care of all the needs of Adam and Eve before he created them.  Every detail was put into place before he put man on this earth.  Our Provision started way back in the beginning of time.

Written by 

Kathryn Hanson

Here is "The Creation Song" by Kate Simmonds

Please move the curser to 1:30 minutes

The song starts after that point

Celebrations…Tuesday

12/17/13

When I think of how we celebrate at Christmastime, there are plenty of things to think about. Of course there is the fact that Jesus is the reason for the season. Thoughts of Him and what he did should be kept at the top of the list of what Christmas is all about. I started off Advent with the plan that everything I did on the secular side to make it mean something on the spiritual side as well. It is not difficult to do this; we just have to keep it in mind. As we write our Christmas and get them ready to mail , as we shop for presents and wrap them, as we entertain people in our homes we can turn those activities into conscious tribute and thanks to the King who came to be the Messiah.

One of the wonderful things about the season are the things we do to be together with family and friends during the Christmas season. God has put us into families and He has also put people into our lives that enrich them and bring us joy. The things we do bring us closer to each other, and, through that we become closer to God. I have a friend who makes an annual trip with her adult children, their spouses and her grandchildren. The time spent together builds traditions that also have Jesus as a part of them.

Last Friday night we had our River Into Words Writers Group. It was an elegant evening with dinner, fellowship, reading our writings and exchanging gifts. Every year we get closer and closer to each other. We are sisters of different mothers that God has made us. Saturday we had our Women’s Ministry Luncheon and that was another time of sisterhood and fellowship.

Tonight there was another party…a pot luck. We ate, played some over the top games and exchanged presents again. On the surface it would seem that this is totally outside the celebration of Advent and Jesus birth. However this is not actually the truth. Christmas brings people closer and they come together with a new goodwill that blesses us all. We become more sensitive to others and acts of kindness abound. All because this little child was born in Bethlehem, people become family to each other.

Written by
Corinne Mustafa

The Miracle of Christmas...Monday

12/16/13

Matthew 1:18-21

New International Version 

Joseph Accepts Jesus as His Son

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about:

His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, 

but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant 

through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband 

was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her 

to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord 

appeared to him in a dream  and said, “Joseph son of David, 

do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, 

and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

I am simply in awe of the miracle of Jesus’ birth.   There have been many a Christmas that I have not slowed myself down long enough to take in the reality of what it is we are celebrating.  Yes, I have had passing moments of celebration and gratefulness for the season, but, more of stress and worry about doing everything right, and my desire to please everyone.  With the addition of a lack of funds during many of those years there have been days and weeks of high blood pressure, resentments and tears.

This Christmas season I have a great peace within myself.  Along with that peace is a sense of pure joy for the miracle of Christ’s birth. The Son of God was sent to us through the Holy Spirit.  Our Father loved us so much that he sent His son to live among us and save us from ourselves and our sinful nature.  All we have to do is believe and we will have the greatest gift of all, Jesus, which translates to “The Lord Saves”.  What an amazing reason to be so grateful for this season. I know I truly am enjoying the miracle this year, and, with the innocence of a child.  Loving and treasuring each moment, relishing in the sweetness of friends and family that have been placed in my life through the love of my Father above.  For that I say with insurmountable pleasure….Merry Christmas to all!

Isaiah 9:6

New International Version 

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Written by 

Kelly Dobyns

Here is a song called Child of Peace...