Women of Worship

Good Doer

2009-11-12T08:26:00.003-08:00

Why do we do the things we do?

Scripture reminds us numerous times of the importance of caring for the poor, clothing the naked and providing shelter for the homeless. But above even that, it talks to us about our purpose. Why do we do the things we do? Are we glorifying God or ourselves?

It is very easy to get in the trap of being a good doer. Being the one who is always helping, always volunteering, available for every function and every need is rewarding. It makes us feel needed, important and accomplished. To some of us it even gives us a sense that we are making up for the wrongs we have committed. Who is getting the Glory? If all of your good deeds are doing nothing but filling you up with purpose then they are being done out of selfish ambition.

1 Timothy 6: ¹⁷Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. ¹⁹In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Yes, we are called to serve but your good deeds aren't the point. Be the light of Christ to the world not the light of the good doer.

Veteran

2009-11-11T06:25:00.003-08:00

Someone's son or daughter chose to fight for you. They stepped out in faith and duty and chose to fight for your freedoms. A selfless act that comes not out of personal or political gain but out of a desire to serve and sacrifice. Give thanks today for the people with strength and courage to serve in battles we are not strong enough to fight.

^{Hebrews 11:32}-40 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.

These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

Not alone. It is a surprise when reading Hebrews 11 to come to the last two verses. With all the faith they had to fight the battles they had not known Christ but together with us they will be made perfect.

Despite all of the service, sacrifice and faith it is still about us as a whole. It isn't about the individual, it is a battle won together as a Body of believers.

^{1 John 5:3-5}This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Be A Slave

2009-11-10T09:38:00.002-08:00

Often times it can be hard to see the purpose in all of it. You do all that is expected, you do it with care and no one recognizes or acknowledges you. If they never did, would you continue to do it?

A heart to serve is difficult to have all the time and while not a requirement for grace, it is a response to the One who sacrificed all for us.

^{Matthew 20:26-28}Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Today when you do that thing that someone needs from you, remember it is sacrifice. It is a choice you make to love and be the light Christ has called you to be. It is time for all of us to stop wondering what we get out of it and just be willing to volunteer our services for one another.

What is it that you can do to serve someone today? Will you do the laundry? Will you take the garbage out? Will you teach or coach or clean for someone else? Can you do it with no expectation?

Volunteer

2009-11-09T10:16:00.002-08:00

–verb (used with object)

11.	to offer (oneself or one's services) for some undertaking or purpose.

12.	to give, bestow, or perform voluntarily

13.	to say, tell, or communicate voluntarily: to volunteer an explanation.

Isaiah 58:6,7
⁶ "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
⁷ Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Father~ You sent your son to serve. May each of us this week decide that Christ's example of service is the one you have set for us to follow. Lord, may each of us learn to step beyond ourselves into a place of true honor to You. May be learn to empty ourselves and come humbly before you with a desire to love the least. ~In Your Precious Holy Name

Uzziah, a King, but not THE KING

2009-11-06T08:55:00.003-08:00

Uzziah, a King, but not THE KING

by Heather Collver

Are there days we would rather do something else? Have you been called to one area of your life and decided that there must be some other area you can be used in? God is an awesome God and he knows what we are capable of and he knows our future. If we are so set on not using the tools and the calling he has given us now, there is a good chance we will never be satisfied with who we are, God's creation.

The following scripture passage has become life like to me as I read through scripture. Uzziah didn't pay much attention to the truth in line two of the 21st verse of Daniel. He was too focused on himself.

Daniel 2:21-22
21 He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.

Praise and Prayer

Lord, I pray that this week was an eye opener for many of us. That we would be okay with what you have called us to be. May we focus on you and not on ourselves, not on our own understanding, but on the wisdom you give us. HC

I went to the urgent care yesterday. I have pneumonia still/again and have been put back on another antibiotic. I am thankful I didn't have to be admitted to the hospital or anything major. I pray that I will truly get better this time. HC

With the downpour, I was reminded that I had not finished getting our yard ready for the fall/winter. The high winds are knocking around a few things that need to be taken care of in the yard and I am praying that I will get better and be able to take care of those things. HC

My husband responded to one of his teens yesterday who had found his mother dead that morning. His name is Alex. Please pray for him. It is thought that she died from complications from Swine Flu. His dad is in and out of jail and his older sister is trying to get custody of him. Please pray for that situation and for his family and the grieving. HC

~Please pray for the Canvas Women's Retreat. Pray for all the Daddies that will be spending time with their kids while the mommies are gone. Pray for God to move and change us.~Please pray for my friend Jacque. Her sister Holly has been diagnosed with cancer. She will be having an entire hysterectomy next Thursday.~Please pray for a young teenage girl, Stephanie in need of direction and support. ~My testimony is going to be shared at Canvas this weekend. Pray that the words from my story can be used by God. AS

just wanted to let it be known, I praise god today with tearful joy.......after 6 yrs of being separated from my oldest daughter,25, because of bad issues from the past,she called us today-total respect-says she works at a place of homeless teens, and from her words/tone, she now knows what we went through with her as a teen. she was never homeless, but was very rebellious. my faith just grew. BE

Please pray for JoAnne Adams. She is beating the odds. Please pray for her health during this time and that she will be able to get all her details in order for her trip in December. (family)

Pray for McKayla and the details for her to go to Disneyland for her 16th birthday. HC

2009-11-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

Uzziah, Seperated

By Heather Collver

There is a promise for us. It is the promise of eternal life. I don’t know about you, but I am not taking anything with me. I am going to leave it all behind. So I don’t put a whole lot of value on things of this world. Two years ago that would have been a different story. It wasn’t until I had a major garage sale that I realized there isn’t much value in our things unless we are emotionally attached. What one thing would you take with you if you could, what carry on would you bring with you? Most people answer this question with a who, not a what.

Uzziah was struck with Leprocy in God’s judgement against him. He was forced to live his life separate from what he had built up, from all that he knew. From everything he had.

At this time, his son was appointed the ruler over Judah while Uzziah was still alive.

He was separated from the temple of the Lord.

2 Chronicles 26:21King Uzziah had leprosy until the day he died. He lived in a separate house —leprous, and excluded from the temple of the LORD. Jotham his son had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land

Yikes!!! I think that would be close to his own personal hell. To have to be separated from everything you had placed so much value on. To watch as it is ruled by your own son, to be so unpopular that you are banished from your life. I think I would rather have died if I were him.

Without trying to be too morbid here, what things in life would you have trouble watching someone else take care of, enjoy. Would it be unbearable. Again, I think now is a good time to suggest that if there is anything in the darkness that needs to be brought out in the light, then do it now. Get on it. Now is better than when God decides it is just enough, that you are far more important to him than your stuff, title, popularity. You were created as a tool for him. No use in being a pencil if you were made to be a keyboard. (corny illustration).

Dear lord, okay, now that the big old pit has been dug into my soul, can I ask that you fill it up with you. What an uncomfortable feeling. The one that brings me to my knees in repentance from the things that do not please you. Let’s face it, flat on my face is not low enough for what sins I know I have committed against you and your Kingdom. I pray, Lord that I will not let pride build me up and that my focus is not on things, but on the people that you created for us to love, ultimately that I would do everything for your glory, I would focus on you.

Please share with us your stories of joy, praise or prayer. We are here to lift up your burden to God and to carry it along with you to ease your suffering. May you know that we are here for you and that God is ever present in all things. I look forward to sharing Praise and prayer tomorrow.

Today, I think maybe we just need some time to pray for God to reveal to us where we may be a bit prideful. It might be hard, but it will help us to see where God wants to reign in our lives. Take the time to listen, just praying is a one way conversation.

Uzziah, Pride

2009-11-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

Uzziah, Pride

By Heather Collver

What is wrong with Pride anyway? Isn’t it okay to be proud of what you have, what you have become?

Uzziah was not satisfied being a mortal king. His success was certainly something to be proud of. He had it all. He had power, security, popularity, armies. He was the “man”, “big daddy”, the “bomb”. Although he sought the Lord for most everything, Uzziah was convinced he had a bigger purpose, he had better things to conquer.

2 Chronicles 26:8 The Ammonites brought tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread as far as the border of Egypt, because he had become very powerful.

Uzziah longed for more power, more influence. He had never destroyed the places of idol worship among those who did not worship God. Did he truly believe there was only one true God. Did he aknowledge his power was the strength of the Lord, by which he was named? Scripture does not tell us. But it does tell us that he was instructed in God’s Word.

2 Chronicles 26:16,18 But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. They confronted him and said, "It is not right for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the LORD. That is for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who have been consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful; and you will not be honored by the LORD God."

It was at that moment God reminded him who he was. In that moment Uzziah was afflicted with Leprocy.

2 Chronicles 26:19 Uzziah, who had a censer in his hand ready to burn incense, became angry. While he was raging at the priests in their presence before the incense altar in the LORD's temple, leprosy broke out on his forehead.

There are other times that God chose to afflict those he put in high positions in order to bring them back down to their mortal levels. Daniel warned King “Neb” to turn from his sins and a year later Neb was afflicted with animalistic behavior with the mentality of a beast.

Can you think of a time you were prideful? What did it take to bring you back down to your mortal level? Are you still struggling with pride? What will it take? Can I be so bold here to suggest that you turn from pride, fast. In fact, why don’t you run from it now, fast!!!

Dear Lord, thank you for your example on Pride. Why we are always looking for something else just baffles me. Why we can’t be completely joyful and overflowing with where we are today, I don’t know. I am guilty of such acts myself. I do know you are asking us to do what we can with the gifts you give us, help us not get greedy. You are awesome, Lord. I praise you.

Please pray for those in your life that need a little knee time with God. Not as a judgement by all means, we all need work with pride. Keep in mind that this is a time to pray for them to be changed by the love of God.

Uzziah, Picking up the pieces

2009-11-03T09:03:00.002-08:00

Uzziah, Picking up the pieces

By Heather Collver

Have you ever picked up where someone else left off? Have you started a new job where someone else ended it abruptly and you were left to pick up the pieces? What about split families, are you a step-parent or someone who is taking care of a foster child? Picking up the pieces isn't always easy, all we have to go with is our own skills, our own experiences to make it work.

Uzziah was only 16 when he took over his father's throne. The same throne his grandfather reigned in years before. It was not new for him, in fact, he was probably groomed towards the knowledge that someday he too would be named King. When he took his Father's place, it was earlier than he probably had planned. He probably didn't feel all that adequate, especially when he also mourned the loss of his Father, who was captured and slain.

Uzziah rose above his feelings of inadequacy and fought back the tears. He built up Jerusalem, cleaning it up and reinforcing it from the battles that had taken place. He built a powerful army, gained Independence from Israel and he was pleasing to the people. He understood his calling as King and reined for 52 years.

Uzziah was a great King, he chose not to dwell on his past.

Both his grandfather and father followed God for a time in their reign as King. It was when they turned from God that they became vulnerable and the Lord no longer offered shelter and protection for them. This rang true for many kings of Judah. Maybe Uzziah picked up on the history and didn't want his fate to be the same as those before him.

His successes were directly related to his spiritual sensitivity. He sought the Lord through a prophet who encouraged him to honor and obey God.

Because of this, Judah enjoyed peace and prosperity.

Has the Lord brought you to a place where you could bring others to peace and prosperity. Are you in a position where you can change the course of a workplace, child's life or other situation? Now is the time to take that job seriously, put away the past, step up to the calling and be on guard. Most of all, obey your God and honor him with all you can, so that you will leave a legacy to those around you.

2 Chronicles 26:5 He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.

Dear Lord, thank you for the gifts you have given us. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for your wisdom and might. You are amazing, may we bless you always and when peace and prosperity surround us, may we honor you and give you the praise you deserve, for it is not by our own works.

Please pray for a situation you may be in, that you can rise above what was left in pieces. Pray for those around you that may be in the positioin to lead, that they would bring peace and prosperity to that situation. Pray for those who are young.

Uzziah, a gift

2009-11-02T10:11:00.003-08:00

Uzziah, a gift

by Heather Collver

2 Kings 15:1-7 Uzziah^a]">[a] son of Amaziah began to rule over Judah in the twenty-seventh year of the reign of King Jeroboam II of Israel. ² He was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother was Jecoliah from Jerusalem.

³ He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, just as his father, Amaziah, had done. ⁴ But he did not destroy the pagan shrines, and the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there. ⁵ The Lord struck the king with leprosy,^b]">[b] which lasted until the day he died. He lived in isolation in a separate house. The king’s son Jotham was put in charge of the royal palace, and he governed the people of the land.

⁶ The rest of the events in Uzziah’s reign and everything he did are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Judah. ⁷ When Uzziah died, he was buried with his ancestors in the City of David. And his son Jotham became the next king.

Uzziah was the son of Amaziah, who ruled Judah. Amaziah worshipped God during most of his reign, but later turned from Him. This led to his death. 2 Chronicles records the lives of the many kings of Judah and God had blessed them when they worshipped Him. This book also records what the Kings of Judah were expected to do during their reign on the throne. They were to obey God’s laws, eliminate places of idol worship and make no alliances with other nations.

Uzziah was crowned King of Judah after the death of his father. At the age of 16, Uzziah had a lot of work to do. God had raised him up as King and gave him the needed gifts to do so. Uzziah was considered wise, pious, and powerful during his 52 year reign has King.

There are times in our lives that we strive for more. We want more power, success, influence. There are so many things we are “shopping” for. Our focus in out instead of up. Our energy is spent wishing and hoping for things we do not have. What would happen if we were to accept that the gifts we are given are to be used for God’s glory. Our gifts are who we are and have been given to us to equip us for a mighty work in His name.

This week you will see the mighty reign of a gifted King. You will see how his focus brought him down to a place of isolation. He wanted more. More than a King.

Dear Lord, I pray that we will truly bind your words on our hearts this week. That we will heed the warning we see in your living Word. I pray that we will not miss the mark or take what we want and leave the rest. That we will truly focus on you and be willing to be the tool you created us to be, not one that is bigger or better or shinier or more powerful, that you would be glorified.

Please pray for those in our lives who, by their own authority, have power over us. May they seek the face of God, and return with great wisdom that will guide their journey as a great person of authority. May our nation be led by one that is wrecked and shaped and molded according to God’s will and not his own.

Sonship

2009-10-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

Paul referred to Timothy as his son on many occasions. Why?

I think it was love, genuine love of Timothy. He desired to see him grow, learn, succeed. He disciplined and encouraged Timothy like any father would.

^{Romans 8:14-17}because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. ¹⁵For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

You are a son, an heir, of God's. He loves you. God sent His son Jesus to die for you.

Abba Father (written by Shaun Groves)

Legacy

2009-10-29T08:35:00.001-07:00

Described at dictionary.com as anything handed down from an ancestor or predecessor. As a culture we don't often talk about our legacies. What have you been handed?

Maybe two generations ago, the idea of leaving something to your children for financial or material gain was a top priority in financial planning. Today, even that mentality isn't evident in our society. We talk of diseases like diabetes, heart disease and alcoholism that run in our blood lines. We mention eye, skin and hair color and which side of the family they are from.

One of my favorite verses is about Timothy and the legacy that had been left to him.

^{2 Timothy 1:5}I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Faith, handed down from one generation to the next, then to Timothy who helped strengthen and grow the Christian church.

I admire Lois and desire to pass that same faith to my children. Besides their curly hair and olive skin I want to pass to them a faith that changes the world. If I were to ask for a legacy to leave my children I would ask God this : Lord, may I ignite a fire in my children to love you, trust you, desire you and know you. May their faith, which started with me, bring you glory and honor. May their faith be tools to change the world around them.

^{2 Timothy 1:6}-7 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Please share any prayer requests you may have to be posted in tomorrows devotional. womenofworship1@gmail.com

Unity

2009-10-28T08:17:00.000-07:00

Do you compete your ministry with the ministries of others? Who has the best attendance? Who is bringing more people to Christ? Who is sending out the most disciples? Who has the strongest prayer meetings?

Do you ever keep your ministry plans secret so no one else will find them out or steal them?

I read a recent quote that said: Would you be upset if someone else's ministry was God's answer to your prayer?

It is pretty evident that Paul shared every secret he had with Timothy. He mentored him, loved him and showed him all the ways he knew to serve and grow in ministry. He warned him of pitfalls, encouraged Timothy in weakness, reminded him of his goal. Paul was the kind of leader we should all set out to be. He was a leader that new that his purpose, the purpose of his ministry and the purpose of those who learned from him was to spread the gospel message.

^{2 Timothy 1:8-10}So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

A spirit of unity. No need to compete, no need to be self-serving. A genuine desire to share knowledge so that it may be passed from one generation to the next, from one ministry to the next. We aren't playing a game. Our Savior is coming back for those that are set apart for Him.

Are we so busy making sure our own competitive needs are met that we overlook the joy in all that may potentially share in His glorious riches?

Failure

2009-10-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we don't get it right. Sometimes we completely miss the mark. Sometimes our best laid plans fall flat and don't do what we expect.

I am not a big fan of failure. In fact, I avoid doing some things in my life because of the "what if I fail" thoughts that go through my mind. I don't know what it is that I am so afraid of. Being frozen in life over such an irrational fear is frustrating. I know deep down that by not doing what I am called, I am sitting stagnant, neither able to fail or succeed. Everyone must fail.

At some point we all will fail. We need to learn from failure. We need to know what it means to deal with the disappoint. We have to grasp that all failure is the step in a process of becoming who we are intended to be.

Timothy failed. Not in a huge way, but he went out to Corith carrying Paul's message. Corinth didn't really respond.

^{1 Corinthians 4:14-17}I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you, as my dear children. Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.

Here is a man that was loved by God and by Paul and yet he still didn't accomplish what he was sent to do. Do you think this had an effect on Timothy? I am sure it did. Just as the failures in my life have changed me. The older I get the more I understand the need to grasp my failures as strongly as my successes. Learn from them, allow them to build on my character and try again. Timothy was sent out many times and Paul continued to trust and guide him.

May I encourage you today to take the step you are afraid of. May I remind you to pick up friends that may be in the midst of failing and give the guidance and encouragement they need. Don't give up on yourself or others when failure is part of the plan.

Character

2009-10-26T07:30:00.004-07:00

How do you know if a person has the potential to be great? Let me introduce you to Timothy.

^{Acts 16:1}-5 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra And a disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek, and he was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted this man to go with him; and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. Now while they were passing through the cities, they were delivering the decrees which had been decided upon by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem, for them to observe. So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily.

Immediately we learn of Timothy's mother, giving her a place of honor. She was leaving a legacy of her parenting by the character that was evident in Timothy. Are you raising up and training your children the way they should go? Do you build in them a confidence in scripture and their faith so that even at a young age they would be willing to stand for what they believe?

Second, we find that he was a man of reputation. While I know it would be great if we didn't have to worry about what other people think of us, truth is, our reputations help tell our story. The way we choose to love, forgive and interact with our neighbors, co-workers and friends tell people a story of who we are.

Last but not least we get a glimpse of Timothy's willingness to sacrifice. Because the Law has been fulfilled by Christ he didn't need to be circumsised. Timothy understood the mission field he was being called to. He didn't have to in order to fulfill any law but did it to be in the world he was ministering to. Timothy didn't want to give anyone a reason to turn from the Truth he was sharing so he chose to sacrifice. What are you willing to sacrifice in order to be active in the mission God has called you to?

Timothy's character was rewarded with the strength and growth in the church.

Heavenly Father,
Reveal to me Lord the character and reputation you wish to see in my life. Show me father the mission field you bring me to and show me the ways I can better be a minster. Show me the places I need to sacrifice. Lord, I desire to love and serve you for what you have given me in grace. Remind me Father that when I proclaim your name, I am representing you. ~In Jesus Holy Name

Sadducees, the missing link

2009-10-23T08:49:00.003-07:00

Sadducees, the missing link

by Heather Collver

Have you enjoyed this weeks devotional? Did you learn something new? Have you resolved not to be like the Sadducees? Would you ever take religion over your relationship with Jesus?

Reading about the Sadducees, it became clear that they were in it for themselves. They were so caught up in themselves that they didn't even recognize Jesus as their Messiah. They condemned him to the cross where he died. But the awesome thing is that they did just as God knew they would all along as it was written hundreds of years earlier in prophecy, yet they missed it. So even though I look at what they did and see all their mistakes, our Jesus, our Savior was crucified because they were more concerned about themselves and then he was RESURRECTED!!!!!

How awesome is that!!!? Anyway, I pray that we don't miss the one link that will give us joy and fill us to overflowing. I pray that we will not ignore our Savior or what he did for us. I know that it is really hard at times to understand and take in all that he did for us, but that is what makes this life so much richer and fuller, our hope, our faith in what is to come. Will we take only what we want from God's Word or dive into it and receive the fruits, the gifts and the wisdom he desires for us?

Praise God, you are so awesome and I fall at your feet today. For it is our relationship with you that makes all things new, all things worth it. Lord you are glorious, you are awesome, you are amazing and I praise you today with all that I am, please empty out this heart that fills with Me and I and replace it with you, Lord. I love you.

Praise and Prayer

my mom is back in the hospital due to blood clots in her lungs. Please put her back on the prayer list. lew

Please pray for our family. Most of us have been ill this week. Pray for protection, healing, strength and good health. HC

Please pray for a woman who is struggling with the loss of a pregnancy. Anonymous

Please pray for Tera Calc to have business this winter, pray for safety among all employees and the owners. Anonymous

Pray for a family who is going through some tuff times. That their daughter will rise above the pain and that God will restore her heart to serve him. Anonymous.

Pray for our business. For direction. For doors to open or shut. New possibilities and opportunities. Anonymous

Praise
A child was given a chance and may now have the opp to be adopted by those who have been caring for the child.

JoAnne's Chemo is working well. She is doing better.

Silencing the Sadducees

2009-10-22T12:08:00.001-07:00

Silencing the Sadducees

By Heather Collver

Have you ever tried to prove your point by opening yourself up for complete criticism? Have you ever used your position to push your views on others? How about thinking that your conclusion is more important than someone elses because you are more powerful or in a higher position than they? Okay, putting it that way would make all of us say no way, but really, I think in a way we all do this, even just a little bit.

I remember a time when my child was in first grade. She had written a paper and it was beautifully written in cursive, it took her quite a while. Anyways, she came home one day and showed me her paper with a big red circle in the middle. She was crying and said that the teacher had told her it was spelled wrong and that she had to write her paper over again. She used the word twice in her paper. I looked up the spelling of the word and found that it was indeed spelled right and that the teacher had made a mistake. I took the paper in the next day and was shocked at what the teacher suggested to me.

In order to preserve her status or position, she asked that I have my child spell the word incorrectly (as the teacher had suggested it be spelled) and that she re-write the paper. If not, then she would grade her according to the mistakes. I was appalled. She said that the student needed to respect her authority and that she needed to do as she was told. Yikes!!!!! I said, I am her mother and I have authority over her teachers and that my child was not re-writing the paper and if she wanted the words spelled incorrectly she could re-write the paper. I immediately took the paper with me to the principals office. I think she may have forgotten that there was a higher power than she. Or she was too busy thinking that she was big and strong over a small child.

How often to people in our society get pushed around because of someone who is status hungry?
What about those who say things that just don't make sense?

One scenario with the sadducees was written in Matthew 22:23-33, Mark 12:18-27, and 20:27-40. It must have been quite the event if all three of the synoptic gospels recorded it.
Read all three here:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2022:23-33,%20Mark%2012:18-27,%20Luke%2020:27-40&version=NIV

The Sadducees approached Jesus with a "what if" question.

Jesus replied with a two part answer stating that they were wrong to suggest that there will be earthly relationships after the resurrection. Next he stated that they were wrong to deny that resurrection exists because God told Moses that He was the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. These three men had died before the time of Moses. He is a living God and they were living, with him.

This conversation ended with an astonished multitude (Matt.22:33) and the Sadducees were silenced (Matt 22:34).

Dear God, thank you for reminding me what happens when we argue with our Lord. May we always be open to the Word of God and look for the answers to our questions. Father, help us to be a people who are willing to learn, not to argue. Teach us Lord all that we need to know, answer the questions we have and help us to glorify you by holding our tongues if we are not clear on an issue.

Please pray for all those who are ill right now, for those who argue with God.

Sadducees: Position, Power and Perception.

2009-10-21T09:37:00.003-07:00

Sadducees: Position, Power, and Perception

By Heather Collver

Jesus was in Constant conflict with the Sadducees.

The Sadducees were wealthy and held powerful positions, including that of chief priests and high priest, and they held the majority of the 70 seats of the ruling council called the Sanhedrin.

They seemed to be more concerned with politics than religion. They did not relate well to the common man, nor did the common man hold them in high opinion. The common man related better to those who belonged to the party of the Pharisees, therefore the Sadducees went along with their ideas to please the common man. As long as they held their status, they weren't responsible to be held to integrity.

They definitely were not perfect in their doctrinal views. The following is a brief list of beliefs they held that contradict Scripture:

1. They were extremely self-sufficient to the point of denying God's involvement in everyday life.

How often does God get his say in your daily schedule? How involved are you and God?

2. They denied any resurrection of the dead (Matthew 22:23; Mark 12:18-27; Acts 23:8).

Do you believe that Christ resurrected from the dead?

3. They denied any afterlife, holding that the soul perished at death, and therefore denying any penalty or reward after the earthly life.

What do you believe? Do you agree that we will not be held accountable for the things we do, say, or think in this life?

4. They denied the existence of a spiritual world, i.e., angels and demons (Acts 23:8).

Have you ever experienced the existence of the spiritual world? What does the Bible say about Angels and Demons?

Because the Sadducees were more concerned with politics than religion, they were unconcerned with Jesus until they became afraid He might bring unwanted Roman attention. It was at this point that the Sadducees and Pharisees united and conspired to put Christ to death (John 11:48-50; Mark 14:53; 15:1).

They were unconcerned. Yikes!!!! They did not want the Romans to know that they were not taking their positions seriously, that they were conforming to the Pharisaic community in order to keep peace and be popular among the people.

The Sadducees ceased to exist in A.D. 70. Since this party existed because of their political and priestly ties, when Rome destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in A.D. 70, the Sadducees were also destroyed.

It's like a mafia movie or something. The Sadducees were people pleasers who were more concerned about their position in life than their moral integrity. I know people like that. Some of which are very close to me. I am not sure if they even realize that they put so much energy into their status. It is very apparent though, how they try to set themselves apart from those who do not carry a title. Notice that the Sadducees ceased to exist. It's true, at one point or another, we will all cease to exist here on Earth. Do we want to leave a legacy of love or of position, power and perception? It's not an easy question to answer at times. Could we be satisfied with who we are in Christ, striving to serve him our entire lives, with or without the big title that is perceived as a status in THIS world?

Dear Lord,
Help us to be content with our current status here on earth. Whatever we strive for, let it be to glorify you, to transfer more power to your name than to our own. Lord, you are Power, you have the highest position and you KNOW all things. Help us to discern in this life what is right and wrong. Help us to be people of integrity and transparency, so that we leave no room for question in our Christian walk. You are amazing and I pray that we continue to pursue you and recognize you throughout each day. Amen.

Please pray for a devotional member who will have surgery tomorrow. Please also pray for all those who are ill right now.

Sadducees, A Warning!!!

2009-10-20T09:11:00.003-07:00

Sadducees, A Warning!!!

by Heather Collver

It's not always safe to take what you hear as truth without first checking it with God's Word. Has there ever been a time when you have heard a spiritual leader say something that just didn't align with The Word? It is important to know the truth yourself as every leader has their own perspective on things, even me.

Matthew 16:5-12 (Amplified Bible)
5When the disciples reached the other side of the sea, they found that they had forgotten to bring any bread.
6Jesus said to them, Be careful and on your guard against the leaven (ferment) of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
7And they reasoned among themselves about it, saying, It is because we did not bring any bread.
8But Jesus, aware of this, asked, Why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? O you [men, how little trust you have in Me, how] little faith!
9Do you not yet discern (perceive and understand)? Do you not remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many [[a]small hand] baskets you gathered?
10Nor the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many [[b]large provision] baskets you took up?
11How is it that you fail to understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But beware of the leaven (ferment) of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
12Then they discerned that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Sadducees were the spiritual leaders of the time, they were the High Council and Jesus warned his disciples of their teachings. Their Doctrine was in the way of the Truth.

Many people ask me what denomination I am, or where I worship. They mainly want to know what I am. It is crazy, since I never became a Christian because of any certain religion or doctrine. I recognized a relationship that was void in my life and I wanted it, I needed to know my creator, so I discovered Him through reading His Word and worshipping with other fellow believers. I am not defined by the denomination that my church falls under. Thank God that our church has a good mix of spiritual leaders, all which stress the importance of a personal relationship with our creator. We have Nazarene, Catholic, Church of Christ, Baptist and other influences in the teaching, but the truth is only what aligns with the Word of God.

So be careful, in any religion, doctrine or gathering, not everyone tells the truth. It is so fun to listen to other perspectives and I have learned a great deal about things by being open to listening to opinion, it has strengthened my faith as I spend those moments checking what my Lord says about certain things in His Word.

Where did the Sadducees fall short, what were they teaching that was so wrong that God warned the others about them? They didn't believe Jesus was the Son of God and they didn't believe in Resurrection. That's a start and I think pretty much enough information to see that they were not teaching truth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFURxgaLxEE&feature=related

Dear Lord, thank you for those who choose to serve you through spiritual teaching. What a HUGE job for them to teach the truth according to your word. At times it is overwhelming to think that there are just as many people teaching your truth as those who are teaching lies. I ask Lord as you prepare the way for us, that we will not get caught up in other's teachings and that we would have discernment to know what is right. May our relationship with you be so deep that we know when others are leading us astray, let us teach others according to your word as well, always speak truth through me, especially in this devotional, do whatever it takes to get my attention if I have the wrong idea about a certain subject. I love you and praise you for your Word, our guide, Your Spirit, our guide. Amazing.

Sadducees, The unbelief.

2009-10-19T08:35:00.002-07:00

Sadducees, The Unbelief
by Heather Collver

Can you actually believe in God and not Jesus? Can only part of the Bible be true? Have you ever read something that contradicts itself in the Bible? Which is more important to you: a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ or a religion? Is believing in a resurrection really all that important?

Sadducees: Jewish religious leaders. One of the two major parties of the Jewish High Council.

The Sadducees believed only the Pentateuch alone (Genesis - Deuteronomy) to be God's Word. This party of religious leaders descended mostly from priestly nobility. John the Baptist criticized this group of leaders for using religion to advance their political position.

Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize,[a] he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. 9 Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 10 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.

The Sadducees were a lot like I was before I accepted the Word of God. They thought that they could pick and choose what was God's Word and that if they were good, then that was all that mattered. How can we know God's word and be fruitless? It happens all the time. Something gets in the way. Either an alternative motive or we truly don't believe. God changes us by his word, he transforms our lifeless limbs to fruitfulness. When the Sadducees came to be baptized it was more for show. They did not really believe in the coming wrath of God, nor did they care. Their outward appearance was more important.

Has there ever been a time when you have used your religious standing to gain more power, advance your political position, or to seem like someone you are not?

Check out this video clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl40wVuCJUA

Dear Lord, I praise you for your Word today. I find the peace that I need when reading it, but feel called to action at the same time. You are the King of all Kings and deserve our praise today. I am reminded of what you went through, the persecution, to save us from our own selves. You have to know each of us by name to do that. To willingly give up your life as our ultimate sacrifice. What an amazing gift. I only pray that I will be fruitful, a sweet aroma to you. Praise God. Amen.

Please pray with me today for those who have not yet heard the Word of God. Who have no idea that we are loved beyond our circumstances, that we can serve a mighty and powerful God who will part the seas for us, who sacrificed his own son on our behalf so that he could spend eternity with us.

Sacrifice

2009-10-16T10:29:00.002-07:00

Is it worth it? That thing that you have given up to follow Christ, is it worth it?

^{Luke 18:28}Peter said to him, "We have left all we had to follow you!"
²⁹"I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God ³⁰will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life."

Even Peter wanted to know if it was worth it. There is no doubt that sacrifice is part of our relationship with God. In today's world there are many opportunities for us to sacrifice for our Savior. Being in this world and not of it can be one of the most difficult. Especially when our wealth allows us comfort and our lifestyles allow complacency.

What have you sacrificed? What is it that you have given up to follow Christ? We are given a promise in Jesus' Words....."receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life". Are you a living sacrifice knowing the promise of eternal life is a promised blessing?

Newsboys: In Christ Alone

A special praise today for my baby girl who will be 10 on Sat. Happy Birthday Madilynn!!

Prayer: I am still sick from the remnants of the pneumonia, really need my energy and my brain back. Please pray for a job that I applied for, that I would be the right one for the job and that I am doing it for the right reasons. Please pray for our new parenting techniques that we have put in place for the kids, they are actually doing really well with it, need protection from Satan. Please continue to pray for our business. It's been a bit of a struggle being sick.

Praises: Hayden is well this week, whatever she had she is over now. Hayley got her babysitting certificate and has a job, she's finally able to make and spend her OWN money. Praise for our business, things are picking up. We celebrate 13 years this winter.

Please continue to pray for Joanne A. May the Lord do a healing in her body.

Please pray for Ginny R. Cancer is back in her right lung. May the Lord touch her and heal her body.

Possibilities

2009-10-15T09:48:00.001-07:00

I am sure at some point this week you ran into an impossible task. Something that you could not accomplish on your own.

^{Luke 18:26}Those who heard this asked, "Who then can be saved?"
²⁷Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

This life is full of impossible moments but we worship a possible God. The Creator of the Universe wants to save you. He sacrificed His son so he could have a relationship with you. He desires for you to live a life marked with the possibilities that come from Him.

I tend to be a person held back by personal fear and inadequate notions. My pastor once said to make plans with the idea that they will only succeed if God intervenes. As I learn to take a steps in faith, He does take care of the rest. I can tell you from experience that the things that weren't really God ideas to begin with tend to fail. Letting God get involved makes impossible; possible. It makes a quite girl from Salem, Oregon ready to do things that only God saw as potential.

If you are in a place, facing impossible challenges, let God be your savior. He is bigger than anything in this life and He desires to be with you and to see you through it. I think, sometimes, we are given more than we can handle so that we learn to trust God and the plan He has for us.

Please email us at womenofworship1@gmail.com if you would like to share your prayers or praise to be posted on tomorrows devotional.

Idolatry

2009-10-14T09:44:00.001-07:00

After proclaiming his goodness, the Rich Ruler gets the answer he didn't want to hear.

Luke 18: ²²When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
²³When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. ²⁴Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

Ouch!! After all of his attempts to be "good" he was still lacking. The rich ruler had put his money before God. He had one thing in his life he didn't want to part with. Greed and Idolatry.

I don't know if I even need to say it. Christ warned us about greed, God warned us about greed, the scriptures say it over and over again and yet, we still struggle. We either have it and don't want to part with it or we don't have it and covet those that do. Such a struggle. Search your heart continually for the spirit of greed. If you find you have put your material things above the things of God, it may be time to make some changes. God is in the business of repairing hearts and when your ready, He is willing to make a change in you and your attitudes about money.

I have to be make a confession here, the words of Jesus scream to me about my own need to repent in the area of Idolatry in my life. I recently heard Mark Driscoll speak about idolatry, he talks about making good things into God things and how it becomes a bad thing. Anything, and I mean anything, that gets in front of God in our lives is bad. Money, Relationships, Our Children, Our Ministries.....

Is there something in your life you would be angry at God for if He took it away? What if it was for your own good, would you be willing to give it up? I am not making any judgements here, I am personally in the middle of being called out for this in my own life by a dear Christian friend. I am putting the feelings of one person above what God is putting on my heart. I love God and want nothing more than a life filled with His glory and yet, I am bowing my head like the Rich Ruler, I don't know how to do this. Pray for me and I to pray for you and the things you choose to put before God. May we all find the strength, the courage, and the humble attitudes required to step out and faith and put God as number one in our lives.

This verse comes to mind as I think about idolatry in my life and I am reminded that there is a transforming power in Christ and He is doing a work in me.

^{Romans 12:1-2 (msg)} So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Good

2009-10-13T09:22:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite attributes of Jesus is his wit. I admire how in one sentence He tells the Rich Ruler that no one is good except God and then lists the commandments. Now, giving the ruler the opportunity to answer, the Rich man responds with how "good" he is.

^{Luke 18: 19}"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. ²⁰You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'"
²¹"All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said.

I have to say, I probably would have responded in a similar fashion. It is all too easy to bring my religion to a list of good and bad. These are the rules to follow and I follow them, that must earn me some points, right?!! Me, you, the rich ruler...Do we earn a special place because we are "good"? I think when he went to Jesus he thought he had already done everything necessary to inherit eternal life. I have known people in my own life that assume they are inheritors because of their goodness. Do you assume?

Christ came and died for us because we aren't good. Plain and simple. There isn't anything you can do to change the fact that without the sacrifice of His son, you couldn't be in relationship with God. The rules and commandments remind us that we truly are unworthy, all of us. We need God and we needed Christ's sacrifice.

^{Galatians 2:16}know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.

Eternal Life

2009-10-12T10:00:00.003-07:00

^{Luke 18:18}A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

There it is..... the question we all ask ourselves at some point or another? What must I do?

We will look into the Rich Ruler this week and undoubtedly find out we are more like him than most of us care to acknowledge. Don't deceive yourself, you know you have asked the question. Here is an answer from Paul's words in Ephesians 2. (emphasis mine)

⁴But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, ⁵even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), ⁶and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ⁸For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; ⁹not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship,created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

It seems pretty clear to me that eternal life comes to us by our faith through the freedom of grace. All the things you are doing to earn it, really have very little meaning. God has a plan for you, no doubt, but that plan is when you are in Christ Jesus. When you are the new creation, born again, God will use you as a tool for His kingdom. Until you believe, your efforts are fruitless. A little faith, a free gift of grace and the inheritance of eternal life is yours.

Quarrel Vs. Love

2009-10-09T10:10:00.003-07:00

Quarrel VS. Love
by Heather Collver

So what option will you choose? Will you hold your tongue? Can you walk away without the last word? Are you in this for you or for the good of all men? Is it really a choice to love?

All these questions. I have to say that even after everything I learned this week, my brain keeps saying "yeah...but". End that thought with "you don't know how bad they hurt me", "I want to be heard", or insert your thought here. There are so many reasons we can logically come up with that would support us causing a bit of a quarrel. In fact I think that must be one of the hardest things between men and women. If we don't understand that a man needs to feel respected and a woman needs to feel loved, we will fight like cats and dogs. I am not saying we are to avoid fighting for our rights as a people, but when it comes to relationships, it's best to practice self control. It's best to let Love prevail.

One thing that I love to share is that my daughter used to pray for Satan all the time. She still does it occasionally, but when she was younger, her little mind said that everyone deserves to be loved and everyone deserves God. So she prayed for him and asked God to help him be better and not so mean. You might not like this, but if we cause strife and quarreling among our selves, we are taking away from God. We need prayer too, just as my daughter prayed for Satan, we need to be sure that others are praying for us and that we choose love above all things, because God is love.

Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up quarrels,but love makes up for all offenses.

Proverbs 17:14 Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate,so stop before a dispute breaks out.

Proverbs 17:19 Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin;anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster.

Proverbs 18:6 Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels;they are asking for a beating.

Proverbs 19:13 A foolish child is a calamity to a father;a quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping.

Proverbs 20:3 Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor;only fools insist on quarreling.

Proverbs 21:9 It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.

Proverbs 21:19 It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.

Proverbs 22:10 Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too.Quarrels and insults will disappear

Isaiah 58:4 What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me.

Romans 13:13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.

2 Timothy 2:24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.

There are so many more verses that teach us not to quarrel. I hope you have a moment to write it on your heart that we must not let our thoughts or our words cause quarreling.

Dear Lord, thank you for your word, I praise you for loving me in the midst of my inadequacies. Help me to know your words, live your word and love all people.

Praise and Prayer

Mom got to come home last night. It's been 3 long months of hospitals, nursing homes and care facilities. But, all is well for right now. Thanks for all the support. LEW

Hayden is feeling much better today, please pray for protection over our family during this flu season with weakened immune systems. HC

Please pray for Jenni, Jake and Nikki. They all are fighting the symptoms of swine flu.

Please pray for Diana and Dan as they recover from an auto accident. Pray for provision for them.

Please pray for a situation where a mother is giving up rights for the better of her child. Pray for her unborn child now.

Please pray for Gil O. Heart. Health.

Please pray for Sierra. young girls struggling with insecurities.

Please pray for Ashley, health

Please pray for Lisa, Roger, Kimberly and Joshua, family, unity, health

Thank you for praying with me for these issues.