Thursday, March 30, 2017

#GirlPower

I believe without a doubt in my mind that God made women powerful from the beginning of time. Remember the Bible story of Adam and Eve? Well, the story in the book of Genesis, tells us about a serpent (which signified the devil, our enemy). The serpent seduced Eve into eating the forbidden fruit and in return Eve also convinced Adam to eat as well.

Have you ever wondered why the serpent spoke to Eve first instead of Adam? Perhaps Adam would have also fallen for the serpent's seduction, but wouldn't have been so successful in convincing Eve to join him in eating from the fruit. Instead the serpent chose Eve, not because she was weak and would fall for its lies, but because Eve was powerful enough to convince Adam to do what she wanted.  Powerful women know what they want and they know how to get others to follow.  Don't you agree?

Women have a special gift from God to be great influences in the lives of others. There's a popular saying that goes "The hand that rocks the cradle, is the hand that rules the world." As women we have a responsibility to be good influences to the people around us.
  
It is important to live intentionally. To look for opportunities to help others. To give hope to other women that are struggling, to provide opportunities for young girls to succeed. As women we have the power to influence others to create bridges that unite and not divide.  

Ladies, let's accept one another for who we are. Women of different races, ethnic groups, marital status, education, different professions and social backgrounds. Let's join forces to make a difference in our world. There's power in unity and there's power in you. #GirlPower

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Romans Rules for Love. - by Diana Elam


Love is a commitment to hard work. A true relationship is two imperfect people refusing to give up on each other.

All year long, but especially during February, consider Romans Rules for love.

The Apostle Paul gives us good advice on how to love one another in Romans 12:9-18.
  • Love must be sincere.
  • Cling to what is good.
  • Be devoted to one another.
  • Honor one another above yourselves.
  • Never be lacking in zeal.
  • Be joyful in hope.
  • Be patient in affliction.
  • Be faithful in prayer
  • Share with God’s people who are in need.
  • Practice hospitality.
  • Bless those who persecute you.
  • Rejoice with those who rejoice.
  • Mourn with those who mourn.
  • Live in harmony with one another.
  • Do not be proud.
  • Do not be conceited.
  • Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
  • Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
  • As  far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone
When I look at that list, my first thought is that it’s telling me how I should treat my friends, or people in general. Love can be defined as “friendship that has caught fire.”
It is a quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing & forgiving. It is a loyalty through good & bad. It settles for less than perfection & makes allowances for human weaknesses.

If married, here are some questions to think about.
Do I love my spouse well?
Do I adore the person God has given me?
Am I admiring them as a child of God?
Am I appreciating them for who they are instead of what they could be if they lived up to my expectations?
Am I giving my heart freely or do I make him or her feel as though he or she constantly has to earn my love?

Prayer for Married People
Lord, it seems that sometimes I am more careful about loving my friends than I am my own spouse. Help me to show them kindness, respect, affection, and forgiveness.
Help me to remember that my marriage is the most important earthly relationship that I have. Bring to mind ways that I can show my spouse just how much I still love them.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Prayer for Single People
God of Love, I pray that I will love others well today. I pray that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I can overflow Your love to those around me. I know that loving
others is Your most important command. Help me to keep that foremost in my mind and actions this day.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen

Application
Either write out or print off the Roman rules. Carry this list with you and glance at them often. Check up on yourself several times and see how you’re doing!