How Wide is Your Circle of Generosity?

"Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." As I read those words from 2 Corinthians 9 this morning my heart overflowed with thanksgiving for the people who have so generously sewn into my life. I have a rich, Christian heritage filled with people who loved, taught and lived the Word of God. My Mother is my greatest example. Her life was not easy working as a waitress, mother, wife, housekeeper, cook, laundress, and spiritual model to three children. But through it all she tenaciously went after God. Consequently, her children were blessed by her generosity and we are all now serving the Lord. In the morning she left before sunrise for work but her Bible was left open on the table. At other times we could hear her praying behind closed doors. We gathered for family devotions taking turns reading the Bible. Going to church together was as normal as clockwork -- if the doors were open, we were there. Singing together as she played the guitar was one of our favorite times together. Mom taught Sunday School but more was caught by her loving attitude and obedience than any words she spoke. Because she had been in the Word, practiced the presence of God in prayer, went to church to be taught and be in fellowship she was able to sow generously into the lives of her children, neighbors, co-workers, friends, and later others she visited and brought to church when her own nest was empty. Freely she received, freely she gave. The circle of her influence reached far and wide in Newark, Delaware. Our neighbors were saved and their children and some of their grandchldren. Many other children were saved and discipled under her care who are now mothers and fathers passing on the generosity of my Mom. I believe her generoslity reaches out even now through me to you. "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift -- my Mom and grace." Women, are we sowing sparingly or generously into our family or looking out for number one? How wide will our circle of influence reach? "Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. " (Read 2 Corinthians 9.) You can never outgive the Lord.

Mind Your Mind

Saturday night I had the distinct privilege of speaking at the Gold Medal Award Ceremony for Rebecca Torsky and Theresa Kaehler – two of our teenagers. To get this award they had to graduate with honors from the five Missionette clubs of the Assemblies of God. They are two of twenty-two in the nation who have achieved this goal and we are very proud of them. I challenged them to live the Missionette Code; "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, (honest)whatever is right, (just) whatever is pure,whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, (good report)if anything is excellent (virtue)or praiseworthy, think about such things."

I probably use that verse more than any other while coaching, counseling, or just plain encouraging. Right thinking produces right feelings and right living. If our thinking is stinking then so will our feelings and actions follow, I’m always asking myself, “what am I telling myself.” “Is it true, or am I making an assumption?”

We tend to allow our thinking to wander pretty much where ever it happens to fall. In a negative, depraved culture it can wander down some pretty dark paths assuming the very worst of ourselves or others and our situations. But I discovered that I can be intentional in my thinking – I can choose my thoughts. I can pay attention to what I’m saying in my head and choose not to think negative, dark, critical, improper, polluted, unwholesome, undignified, dishonorable, unethical, insane, ugly substandard, unacceptable thoughts.
We have a choice, ladies. Praise God! The Word tells us that we “have the mind of Christ.” We can choose to think out of His true, pure,right, lovely, noble, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy thoughts. Read Romans 12:1-2. Paul reminds us to “be transformed by the renewing of our minds.” God does the transforming as we do what only we can do – renew our minds with the Word of God. Read it, memorize it; think, speak and act on the Word of God and your thoughts will change. Don’t’ just let the enemy have a heyday with your mind. Take charge. Be intentional in your thinking. Mind your mind.

I Cry Holy

This morning I was awakened by my mind and spirit singing Dennis Jernigan's song "I cry Holy" -- Holy is the Lamb, Holy is the Lamb, Holy is the Lamb! The presence of God was very palpable and all I could do was worship. I arose out of bed, went downstairs, put the dogs out, made the coffee, put the "I Cry Holy" CD on and worshipped on my sunroom. It was easy to pray and hear God's voice. I wish it was like that everyday -- so easy to fend off any distractions, easy to concentrate, and enter into the Holy of Holies; but it isn't. So, I'm always grateful for His manifest presence when it comes and awakens me and keeps me company. I know God is always there but I don't' always feel Him like I did today. Today, it was as if He desired my company so much that He awakened me with a song. It's like my beloved had come to the window and called my name but this time there was no dallying, no excuses, no turning over for a few more winks -- just immediate response to His call -- "Here I am, my love."

I guess the glow from Sundays worship was still with me. Dennis has a vulnerable, intimate relationship with the Father that pulls you with him into the throne room worshipping at the feet of Jesus. What an impact he left with our church through his life, his music and his ministry. But you know, the Father desires to do the same through us. It will cost us something just as it has Dennis. It wasn't until he gave up his old identity that Dennis was able to receive his new identity and then the music (pregnant with possibilities for those of you who heard the talk) started flowing from his heart to the father and then to the rest of us. Ladies, it's' going to cost us something but it will be worth it. Lets keep pursuing, keep praying, keep believing God to birth His will and purposes in us.

(For some responses to Dennis Jernigans ministry on Sunday, check the comments under the previous post - "God bless Edna Gooden".

God bless Edna Gooden!!!

Today we celebrated Calvary Assembly of God's 53rd Anniversary of minsitry in the Dover/Kent County area. To think that it was a woman who started the church in her kitchen with a few people and now the church is over 1500 while in a city of 35,000. I doubt very seriously that Edna ever imagined the magnitude of responsibility she held in her heart when she said "yes" to God and to the dream He placed in her. She was pregnant with possibilities and the possibility of a church had been fluttering in her for a long time. Then it began to kick and she couldn't ignore the call to birth a church. I wonder what would have happened if Edna had been concerned about how clean her house was or that the people might track in dirt and mud. I wonder what would have happened if she had let her insecurities get the best of her. Where we would be today? I wonder if she doubted God's call at times or her ability to fulfill it. She's one of my heros. She listened to the desire placed inside of her and went against all the obstacles and doubts and opened her heart and home to Dover. As a result thousands of lives have been saved, marriages restored, teenagers pulled from destruction, children set on the foundation of truth, lives turned around through deliverance and transformation. That's a pretty good dividend for her investment of time, energy, prayer, and obedience. What desire is fluttering within you? What dream is kicking to get out? What would God birth in you? No matter how small or insignificant it may seem, open your heart to its call . Push through the fear, let go of all excuses, replace the doubt with faith and just go for it. God's call will not lead you where His grace cannot keep you. Be an Edna Gooden.

Psalm 4 Devotional

Psalm 4 Devotional

While reading the Word I often stop and pray about what I’ve read. I thought I would give you a sample of it with Psalm 4 which I was reading on Saturday. The scripture is in italics and my prayer for us is in regular font.

Psalm 4 (The kind of persons God will answer)

David:

“Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.”

Jehovah: “How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Selah

Our Prayer: Keep us from turning your glory into shame and from loving delusions and seeking false gods. Show us where we may be exchanging your glory for the shameful deeds of darkness. Expose our delusions that I may cast them off. Keep us pure and holy in your sight.

David: “Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him.

Our Prayer: Set us apart unto yourself. Cause us to see ourselves as yours – bought with your blood, cleansed from the stain of our deepest sins, redeemed from its power. I consecrate myself to you, O Lord. Cleanse me from any hidden sin. Hear when I call to you.

David: “In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah”

· Lord show us how to express our anger appropriately without sinning. Show us why we’ve chosen anger as a response. Is the problem really in us? Where is the anger coming from?. Help us to deal by asking the questions and dealing with the real problem – many times our expectations are unrealistic, our pride has been injured, our all or nothing thinking frustrated or our sin exposed. Help us to be honest with ourselves. Let us not turn the anger inward or allow it to harm others. Give us “deal with it” grace.

“Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord.”

· If I’m trusting you Lord – confident in your love for me, resting in your grace, I will offer the right sacrifices.

· Teach me to trust you more. I choose to know you more intimately by communing with you, listening and obeying your voice , your Word.

· Help me to offer sacrifices that cost me something – my pride, my time, my energy, my agenda, my self-centeredness – myself.

· Help me to offer sacrifices of praise and worship in my lifestyle that honor and glorify you.

· I present my “body” as a living sacrifice. My body is your temple – I give it to you as your dwelling place.

“Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and and wine abound.

I will lie down and sleep in peace for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

· Write out your own prayer.

Have a blessed week as we continue to fast, pray and believe for spiritual breakthroughs for ourselves, our church, community and nation -- Angela

Uniquely His Workshop

Some of you have been asking for a Uniquely His Workshop so I have scheduled one for Saturday, June 23, 9:00 - 3:30 pm in Room 205-208. The cost will be $10 to cover the bag lunch and workbook.

In 1988 after a year of what I call "spiritual surgery" I was supernaturally enabled to let go of the identity that had kept me stuck in shame and defeat. Receiving my identity in Christ was as life changing for me as my salvation. I was baptized in God's amazing grace and I'v'e never been the same. Understanding, receiving and walking in our Identity In Christ is one of the most crucial aspects of our Spiritual formation as a Child of God. Without it we cannot move on in continual victory and growth. I now rest, stand and walk out of God's grace. I continually experience new levels of freedom and growth. I haven't "arrived" but I'm confidently pressing forward to attain in my earthly life that which Christ has already attained for me as His.

You may register at the office during the week and at the event table in the foyer on Sundays. Child Care is not provided. If you have any questions feel free to post them as a comment here or email me at uniquelyhis@comcast.net.
We will have future workshops so don't worry if you cannot attend this time.

Welcome to your Blog -- Calvary Circle of Friends. Some of you are wondering "what is a blog?" Technically, it's a web log of shared information. A blog can be used to share information, thoughts, inspiration and encouragement, devotions, recommendations, answer questions or a myriad of other things - except maybe bake a cake. It could be used as a diary of thoughts. For our purposes, we will use it to help network and connect as women in process of growing into the likeness of Christ and becoming all God has designed us to be. It is a place to learn and grow, be encouraged or challenged in your walk. We will also keep you up to date as to what is happening with the women of Calvary. What classes are being offered? What events are happening? Any new small groups. Recommendations for books to read or websites to visit.
As you regularly log on there will be new posts to read. You can choose to post a comment as a thought or question. Who are the " Calvary Circle of Friends?" While our blog is aimed at the women who attend Calvary Assembly of God in Dover, Delaware, you may be included in our Circle of Friends. We welcome all women to join the journey to knowing and experiencing Christ fully. Let the journey begin...