Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Teaching Today's Youth in Our Community

A NEW DIRECTION CLASS AT THE CROSSING 


A couple of our women have begun to step out and mentor others. We are excited when we see the fruit of our labor turn into more fruit! John 15:8 says "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." After meeting with the Director of the school, he was delighted that a ministry group would come in to volunteer to work with the troubled students. His question to me was, "Where's the church?". I understood what he was saying. At times the church has not been very accessible or visible in our community. The objective of Daughters of Naomi Embraced is to be a light to our community and serve by going beyond ourselves to reach out and teach those that are in need. Teaching today's youth is a challenge, but they are our future.

The time we have invested in the lives that come to us is priceless! Paul said his life was poured out as a drink offering. Never will you begin to understand this saying until you begin to live it out. My husband and I often encounter those that society rejects, overlooks or doesn't want to notice. But the compassion of Christ says, you could be there or you once were there . . . love your neighbor. The quote "There for the grace of God go I" has a little deeper meaning when you've been redeemed. As we were at a local eatery last week, my husband noticed a man sitting seeming very despondent. My husband said to me, "I'll be right back" as I started to ask where he was going, he got up and walked over to the man. I knew. I knew God spoke to my husband to go and love on that man.

He introduced himself, asked the man if he was going through something, the man told my husband his name was Jeremy and that he had nowhere to go and had just been released from the hospital. He told the man he wanted to pray with him. Jeremy reached out his hand. Then after talking with him a little longer, he came back to the table. Not a few minutes went by and my husband got out his wallet, opened it up and proceeded to give the man financial assistance. I don't tell this to toot his horn, but to testify of the Word that compelled him to act - James 2:16 If one of you says to the, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?

Faith without works is dead, the next verse of James chapter 2 sums up what God expects of believers. If we claim the name of Jesus Christ and identify ourselves as His followers we should show that in our actions. I am compelled by Christ's love because I know He died for all. No matter where you are or who is around you - show the love of God to others. For the greatest commandment is to love God and love others as yourself. Especially those who are hurting, need direction and without hope, we need to be the light and salt to bring healing and words of wisdom and faith to them. Encourage someone today - make your days count!!

Monday, April 2, 2018

Testimonies from our Group


Our group of ladies are available to give testimonies . . . 

We have traveled to different churches in our area (and across the state) to share our stories. The importance of testifying we find in Revelation 12:10-11. In these times we live, being able to share with those who have no hope that the God of all hope has changed my life from sin to sanctification by his blood is vital. The time is short to do our Father's work and we believe it is more important now than ever to spread the good news!


No matter the backstory, the outcome is the significance of telling what God has done in our lives. We have seen those that have been out of church, hooked on substance & in ungodly lifestyles changed by the power of testimony! When you can relate to what someone has been through it gives you sense that if they made it, I can too!!


There are many sources of walking away from God or never truly knowing who He is and how He loves us. Rejection, fear, abuse, abandonment - just to name a few. Making right decisions out of those type of circumstances can be difficult. Without a foundation in truth, many fall victim to Satan's lies. When women learn the truth, they get set free!!!


When a woman finds freedom in Christ they begin to heal from wounds that He brings to the surface and touches with His healing hands. The scripture says, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony . . . " Learning your worth according to the Word of God empowers those that never heard who they are in Him. Knowing your authority as well as how to use the spiritual weapons provided to you is key to not allowing the enemy to control your thoughts and actions.


The beauty in knowing who you are in Christ gives a hope that His promises are true. His love for us covers us and His blood redeems us. God has purpose for our lives and to know the calling on you life will direct you on the right path. If you allow the Holy Spirit to teach you there are endless possibilities. How sweet to know not only your worth, but your purpose!

Update on Freedom in Christ study

 What a better way to experience the freedom Christ brings than seeing a soul set free spiritually and naturally?! We celebrated Lisa's ...