I went to a ladies' retreat this past weekend and had an awesome time!!!! I enjoyed a wonderful day surrounded by phenomenal women in an atmosphere of gorgeous sunshine and clear, blue skies on a peaceful Saturday afternoon. I am so very lucky that my friend, Pat Collins, invited me to go with her. The views around Traber Center are breathtaking; I loved just getting to enjoy walking around the grounds or sitting in the gazebo spending time with Pat as I discovered even more of God's creations which were also enjoying the lovely weather. It was a was a superb experience! (Yes, even the bees! LOL)
Hazel called this topic, Women of God, because it was a womens' retreat, but when you read through the post you will see that it is really information for all of God's people and could just as easily been called People of God.
Anyway, back to my topic at hand...the speaker, Hazel Sensenig, shared with us the Biblical scriptures for being a woman of God's heart. I want to share these things with you, my wonderful readers. Since all the information I gleaned from the speaker were covered in 3 sessions, then I will at least have to do that also.
So on this blog, I will cover the first session now, with each of the other two sessions following on subsequent days.
First we must realize God's purpose:
1. He wants you to be a person who will reflect His glory and will be His own.
Revelation 4:11 You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.
Do you understand this? God created you, he chose you and custom made you. He planned everything about you from birth until the day you die.
2. He wants to conform us to Christ.
Romans 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
God brings us to Himself and then He makes us like Himself. Get it?
3. He wants us to love His people as He does.
I John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are!
How about that? No greater love could be known than this...that He lavishes His love on us...how wonderful and amazing!
4. He wants us to accomplish His plan for good.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
God works all things for good in our lives. Faith is believing in advance and knowing that though He disciplines us and will not spare us; He loves us so-o-o much!
What is our purpose for God?
1. We should love God and others. The fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
These are by-products of Christ's control--we can't obtain them through our own works; these are character traits found in the nature of Christ. If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us then we must join our lives to His. We must know Him, love Him, remember Him and imitate Him.
2. We should wait on God with hope.
Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
We should wait with hope. The definition for wait is stay in place. We should be expectant with joy, just like so many before us, like David, Abraham, Sarah & Jeremiah, and Zechariah & Elizabeth.
3. We must trust God even through our suffering. You must surrender yourself and your loved ones to God.
Psalm 130 Psalm 121:2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth.
Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
If we love God and obey His laws, we will have "great peace". Trust in God who stands above all the pressures and suffering of the world. God always has a purpose and a plan even during your affliction--these things here on earth will pass and we will move into eternal glory!
4. We must serve God with reverent fear.
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
This does not mean to be afraid of the Lord. Instead it means to live in reverence with respect to the Lord.
God's purpose for us is to live with the assurance that He is purposely involved in our lives. Remember, if it matters to you; it matters to Him.
So, the characteristics of a Godly woman can best be summarized by the passage in
Romans 12:9-21
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
These verses summarize the core of Christian living. When we have experienced God's grace, we will want to pass it on to others. Grace is an undeserved favor, so when someone is different from us or hurts us, we should recognize that and love him in spite of his sins--just like Christ did for us!
Continued in the next post...
No comments:
Post a Comment