Miriam was a woman who witnessed firsthand the awesome power of God many times in her lifetime. This trust was fostered in her as a young child by the women of faith close to her. Miriam trusted that God would be faithful and keep his promises to His people. She was taught to trust in spite of the challenges.

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”  Psalms‬ ‭32:7-8‬ 

Miriam knew about hiding. She helped her mother hide her new baby brother for 3 months hoping his cries would not be heard and his life snuffed out per Egyptian decree. She knew about trouble. She was born into slavery in Egypt and being a slave was a hard life under the cruel reign of the Egyptian Pharaoh. 

But, she also knew about deliverance. Just a child herself, she watched as the Egyptian princess fetched her baby brother from the river and decided to save his life. She boldly approached this royal entity, playing a vital role in returning Moses to the care of not just his loving mother and siblings but the care of his Israeli culture and heritage. Instead of growing up among Egyptian idol worship, he would be taught to worship the one, true God.

She knew trouble again as Moses returned to free his people and Pharaoh’s heart hardened, denying them freedom time and time again. But, yet again, she witnessed the deliverance of God in an amazing way. With the war chariots of the Egyptian army hot on their heels God parted the sea for their safe passage,then closed it upon their pursuing enemy. 

“Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing. Miriam sang to them: “Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea.””

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭15:20-21‬ ‭

Miriam gave all glory for deliverance to God and she taught by wisdom and example, leading the women to do the same. She knew that God was trustworthy and would help her. She taught the women that God was their strength and the source of their joy. As the Psalmist also knew, God hears His people and wants to help them. This should be cause for joy and celebration.

Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.” Psalms‬ ‭28:6-8‬ ‭

Miriam sets a good example for us today. God has delivered us from the power of sin through our Savior, Christ. In this fallen world, we will face troubles just as the Israelites did in Miriam’s day. But God desires us to know the richness of His love and blessings. We can encourage other women to trust in God with hearts of praise and gratitude. 

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians‬ ‭3:15-17‬ ‭

Strangers are friends you have yet to meet. ~Anonymous

Have you known the blessing of a genuine, loving , Christian friend? John had such a friend. His name was Gaius and the short book of 3 John is actually a letter he sent to this treasured friend. In this letter, he commends him for reaching out to others and including them. “Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you.” (v5). 

I remember 5 years ago when I moved to NC. It was a very hard transition for me. I was lonely, grieving what I left ( family, coworkers, friends) and I was unsure of what my future would hold in a new place. My husband and I decided to visit a local church. This church was much bigger than what we were used to and I remember feeling like I was lost in the bigness and overwhelmed by so many unfamiliar sights, sounds, and faces. And then, I met Holly. 

Holly wasn’t just a person giving me a quick greeting and then not a second thought.  No, from the first moment she saw me, Holly was intent on being my friend. She got to know me and she also introduced me to other women, who took me under their wing and included me in a bible study out of one of their homes. In a time of deep personal struggle, God surrounded me with the love of genuine sisters in Christ. And, I also had the women of this ministry, praying for me, emailing me, calling me, and encouraging me. 

Reaching out to others with the genuine love of Christ is powerful stuff. God wants to use the bonds we form with each other to deepen our spiritual growth and transformation.  The value of friendship is found throughout God’s Word.

“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”Proverbs‬ ‭27:9‬ ‭

“Be devoted to one another in 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 the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  Romans‬ ‭12:10-13‬ 

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalms‬ ‭133:1‬ 

Unfortunately, within the same body of fellowship that we find Gaius, there was a man named Diotrephes who did not want to welcome new believers. John described him as one who “loves to be first”. The love of God is not focused on self but others. It involves leaving our comfort zone to recognize and intentionally seek to minister to others. Christian love is not exclusive  but inclusive. We have to be careful to not form   social “clicks” that push others away. That’s what Diotrephes was doing.  “....he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.” (v10)

Oh, dear sisters in Christ, I pray that we will be like Gaius and not Diotrephes. May we  have a great burning passion to recognize that all around us are people who have needs. We are the ambassadors of Christ to a broken, needy world. From our willingness to reach out to others, God can minister His love, compassion and understanding. If making friends with others is not easy, don’t be disheartened. God can bring the right person, the right moment, the right opportunity your way. Just be willing when that nudge from Him comes and remember... Strangers are friends you have yet to meet. 

God bless you my wonderful friends! 

Saturday, October 20, 2018

There is so much here to write on, that I’ve struggled for several days trying to decide on what I should write about until I was finally given the “go-ahead” from the Lord to write on what I’m most passionate about. And you’ll see this is one area where Paul and I each share the same heart!! He starts right off with it here in chapter 2 with, “So you, my son, be strong and empowered in the grace that is [to be found only] in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard me teach in the presence of many witnesses, entrust [as a treasure] to reliable and faithful men who will also be capable and qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2:1-2)

• Be in agreement with one another (Rom. 12:16).
• Accept one another (Rom. 15:7).
• Instruct one another (Rom. 15:14).
• Greet one another (Rom. 16:16).
• Serve one another (Gal. 5:13).
• Be kind and compassionate to one another (Eph. 4:32).
• Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Eph. 5:21).
• Admonish one another with all wisdom (Col. 3:16).
• Encourage one another, and build each other up (1 Thess. 5:11).
• Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another (James 5:16).

About this time last year, I became convicted by Jesus’ command in Mt 28:18-20. Suddenly I, as the “clay”, could no longer tell the “Potter” that I was too busy and not interested in making disciples, so I surrendered my time and will to Him and sent out an invitation to “friends” on Facebook. I committed to investing in as many as He would send, and six women accepted the invitation, making a group of seven. We started out as an eclectic group of strangers; some single, some married, some with children, some without! Most of us are living in the same town, but one lives thousands of miles away and joins us through the internet each time we meet. (She has also made a few trips down to join us in person as well)

First Photo of All of Us Except Ginger. (Sandra's On the iPad)

As soon as our group was set and even before our first meeting, I set up a group text as our main form of communications during the week. This way everyone receives the information all at the same time. The group started off quiet, but it wasn't long before we were texting throughout the day; some serious needs and some craziness. I think this has been one of the best means to draw us together as one.

Women's Conference We Attended Together

I feel I must reiterate however, this has been The Lord's group! From the very beginning, He brought us all together, and He has blessed us incredibly since!! I liken my role as leader as throwing a tiny atom into the mix and watching the whole thing mushroom! I think the neatest part as a leader is being able to watch the Lord work in each life, and collectively as a group! From the very first night, the level of sharing dropped down into such a level of intimacy that you don't often reach in other groups.

Our Whole Group Together Again Sept '17

We started out in January of this year as strangers and now we are forever sisters! Only God can make that happen in such a short time! Our faith has grown tremendously over these months as we've each leaned on the Lord and one another to help us step out of our comfort zones in order to grow! We've each given and received unconditional support that has helped us all to move further along on this journey!

 I have loved this journey and have been so incredibly blessed this year by all the Lord has done and continues to do!! Nothing would please me more than to encourage all of you to take this step of faith and begin to form your own groups for next year!! I've listed a bit of the dynamics below to get you started, and I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have! This is truly of the Lord, for only the enemy would hate for you to be blessed as we've been, therefore the first step is always one of surrender and looking to Him to fulfill the desire now planted in your heart! <3

Group Dynamics:

• • Find a time that works for all
  • Each commit to meeting together every week for one year unless providentially hindered.
• Commit to keeping everything shared in the group confidential.
• Begin a group text so that all of you can keep in touch throughout the week.
• Supply 3-ring binders for everyone divided into sections with pockets (prayer, evangelism, Scripture memory, journalling, etc.)
• Each person commits to a daily Bible time including prayer and journalling what God is saying to you each day (You can use the study on WitW as a guideline. This way you’re all studying the same chapters)
• At some point write out and share a 3 minute testimony as to how you came to faith in Christ.
• Each person has the same verse(s) of Scripture to memorize each week.
• Each read one chapter from a book selected to be discussed during your meeting.
• Books should include one on discipleship, one on prayer, one on evangelism - different areas of our walk as Christians. Two, I’d recommend: Growing Up- by, Robby Galenty and Reclaiming Surrendered Ground- by, Jim Logan

1. Reciting memory verse to one another.
2. Share how God has been speaking to you this week.
3. Share any prayer requests
4. Book discussion
5. Close in prayer

1. Your willingness to give cheerfully is more important than the amount you give.
2. You should strive to fulfill your financial commitments (your household expenses)
3. If you give to others in need, they will, in turn help you when you are in need.
4. You should give as a response to Christ, not for anything you can get out of it.  How you give reflects your devotion to Christ.

•  How long have you been at the church you attend?
• Do you ever feel like you’re on this journey alone?
• Do you ever feel like an outsider within it?
• How many members truly know what’s going on within you? (The struggles you’re dealing with on a daily basis?)
• How many within your church community can you get beyond a surface conversation with?
• How many are you comfortable with asking for personal prayer needs?
• How many in your church confide in you about what THEY are going through and not what someone else is going through?
• How many are you comfortable enough with to confide in that will also hold you accountable in order to grow your faith?
• How many can you count on to be there when you most need them?
• How many will go the extra mile with you on this amazing journey with Christ?

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the very end of the age.” –Mt 28:18-20

• This group would create an atmosphere for fellowship, support, encouragement and accountability.
• It would make the perfect environment where God could work.
• The purposes would be for each of us to grow in our relationship with Christ and guiding others in their relationship with Him.
• At the end of the year each member would take on 3 more women and then the following year 3 more and so on and so on! This was God’s plan for building His church modeled for us through our Lord Jesus Christ.

• Paul (an older more mature woman pouring her life into us)
• Barnabus(s) – friends who teach, encourage and hold us accountable
• Timothy(s) – younger believer(s) in whom we can begin to invest in.