January 2022 Inspire Newsletter

December 28, 2021/in Resources /by Beth Desplancke

Happy and Hopeful New Year! A new year is 365 days of new opportunities and freshness. Check out this month’s newsletter for an inspiring devotional reminding us that we have new opportunity for forgiveness of sin each and every day of the year.

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12

A new year is the opportunity to forge a new direction in life. Check out this month’s trivia on people who were redirected in life.

Also included are some inspiring quotes to start 2022 off right!

Inspire-January-2022 Download

Need previous issues of the INSPIRE Newsletter? They can be found at the following links: December 2021, November 2021, October 2021, September 2021, August 2021, July 2021, June 2021, May 2021, April 2021, March 2021, February 2021, January 2021 December 2020, November 2020, October 2020, September 2020, August 2020, July 2020, June 2020, May 2020, April 2020, March 2020, February 2020, January 2020, December 2019, November 2019, October 2019, October 2018-September 2019

She Leads… With Purpose and Grace

December 17, 2021/in Resources /by Beth Desplancke

By Captain Jan Pemberton
Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary – Cascade Division

When we think of the call the Lord has put on us, we cannot discount those that spoke into our lives. There are many leaders, friends, and loved ones that speak into our lives daily. Sometimes we realize it, and sometimes we do not.

There are many aspects to consider when looking at the leadership perspective of growing the kingdom of God. As the early church women did, we women of today need to lead with our strengths and come together to complete the whole. If the development of our women in our corps is done with intentionality, we can grow beyond our expectations.

As a leader, we sometimes need many other hands to complete the mission of God. We are not Jesus, and even though He could spread the gospel message all alone, He did not. He chose twelve others to help Him spread the word of God to the nations. When we need others to help us lead, we need to be patient and select our people carefully. Spend time in prayer for the right person to come along to help you lead. It’s a process that takes time, and sometimes we are overworked, overwhelmed, and all the above, but this is an important step. Jesus took time in prayer before selecting His disciples, as it says in Luke 6:12-16. Remember to choose your leaders with wisdom, care, and prayer.

When we as women leaders are looking for others to help us with our ministries, we have to keep in mind that we need mission-minded people, and as we lead and develop, others set them up for success by leading with a purpose a clear vision. This requires time, tough to hear, but it is true. Time is a precious commodity we sometimes do not have, but it is vital to leading successfully. People don’t develop leadership skills just by sitting in a boardroom, reading a book, or attending a class; we need practical hands-on experiences to develop leadership skills. When we lead by example, others buy into the mission, ministry, and helping others in their communities. We do this by leading with unconditional love. Will we get aggravated, upset, hurt, and such? Yes! But we as leaders need to show grace even when it is the last thing we want to do. Even when the twelve hid or denied Jesus, He still showed love. Sometimes it’s tough to show those that hurt you love them, but it is necessary for their growth and ours, too. Remember, Jesus did not only love using words, but He used actions too by redeeming and restored others.

When we look at Jesus’ teachings, we see that He taught practically. From healing the sick to casting out demons, He taught, showed, and expected results. Long story short, allow your leaders to lead. When our people take the leadership role, we must confront them when needed. Each person is different. This is when knowing your people is critical. Some people are good with the direct approach, but others may need a little sugar to swallow correction and redirection. Like Mary Poppins said, “A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, in the most delightful way.” Directive and discipline help others when grace is shown.

After we have worked developing our corps’ leaders, we need to empower them, trust them with responsibility, and let them have ownership of the program but with guidance. Once our leaders are developed, taught, prayed for, send them out into our community to reach the lost for the kingdom. We must move outside our buildings and get into our neighborhoods. We need to connect with those that don’t know Christ and His unfailing love and forgiveness. Remember, the best return is measured in lives that are changed and led to Christ.

When we look for a model leader, there is none better than Christ Jesus. He is the Son of the living God who came down from heaven to become a humble servant. He showed more grace, humility, understanding, and unconditional love more than anyone before or after him. We will fall short, but with Jesus as our cornerstone, we will be solid leaders. Remember, friends: when we love God and others, everything else falls into place.

January 2022 Craft: Pom-Pom Wreath

December 17, 2021/in Crafts, Resources /by Beth Desplancke

By Captain Allison Struck
Nampa, ID Corps – Cascade Division

Theme: Awakening to God’s Call

This wreath is a fun, inexpensive craft that can freshen up a room, with soft, neutral colors.

Talking Points:

“ See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19

The New Year can be a refreshing new start or can feel a little bit discouraging if we choose to focus too much on the past.
We can choose to look at the New Year as a chance to “awaken” to God’s individual calling for each of us. That His call can motivate us to devote ourselves to a new thing- serving others, deeper family relationships, better self-care.
Let this be the year that we awaken fully to God’s call and devote ourselves to letting Him do a new thing within us and through us.

Alternate/Addition: A new decoration in our home in the New Year can be just what we need to let the old things go and allow God to do something new in us as we awaken to His call for each of us. A new decoration that we create ourselves, from simple items, is a great way to get the creativity flowing for a great new thing!

As you make the pom-poms, maybe they can form your prayer list for the New Year. Use each one as an opportunity to pray for your children, your co-workers, church leaders and more. Or, let them represent some of your plans for the New Year- the small ones can represent your goals and hopes. As you look at them throughout the next few months, let them be an encouragement to you that God wants to keep making us new as we respond to His call.

Supplies Needed:

2 (364 yard) skeins of yarn ***The saver (economy) yarns tend to work better for this project than some of the fancier yarns because they are stiffer. $3/skein is about the price you can expect to pay. This is also a great project for using up yarn.
Clover Pom-Pom maker (pictured below) **There are cheaper versions of the pom-pom maker on Amazon. They are not recommended, as they are not as sturdy as the Clover brand.
Wire wreath form, pictured below (8 inch recommended)
Sharp scissors with a fine point
Ribbon for bow, if desired

INSTRUCTIONS
**This most likely cannot be made in one session. If doing as a group class, use the time for demonstrating how to use the pom-pom maker and how to tie them onto the wreath.

(1) Using directions from Clover, wrap the yarn around the plastic maker. You will want at least two sizes of pom-poms for your wreath.
a. An 8 inch wreath will need about 25 pom-poms to look full
b. Two or three colors is fun, but an all-white wreath is a really pretty, neutral decoration

(2) Before tying the pom-poms down onto the wreath, set them on top of the wreath form to make sure you have enough of each size to go all the way around the wreath and cover any gaps.

(3) Using leftover yarn, slide a piece of yarn under the pom-pom and then tie it tightly to the wreath form. After tying a few, it may be necessary to tie them together in the back to hold them up. This just takes a couple of tries to get the pom-poms tied tightly enough to stay upright.

(4) After all pom-poms are on the wreath, make sure there are no remaining gaps and then attach a bow to the top, if desired.

Clover Pom-Pom Makers
https://www.amazon.com/Clover-3129-Maker-Multiple-Pack/dp/B07R187DT2/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=clover+pom+pom+maker&qid=1627425024&sr=8-2

Wire Wreath Forms
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wire+wreath+form+8+inch&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

Download the printable version of the directions for this craft.

Pom-Pom-Wreath-Jan-2022 Download

January 2022 Devotional: Awakening to God’s Call – Devotional Life!

December 17, 2021/in Devotional, Devotionals /by Beth Desplancke

By Tawyna Stumpf
Coos Bay, OR Corps – Cascade Division

Imagine, if you will, a woman about to enter a journey of love – a journey not only with her heart but also with her soul, mind, and strength. A journey into a wonderous relationship so great that she will experience an “Awakening to God’s Call – Devotional Life.”

As ministers of God’s Word, as women, we understand and believe that “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man/woman of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2Timothy 3:16). These scriptures are life to us. So, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman/woman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of Truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). My question to you is simple, “how do you handle the Word of Truth?” What do you do with the Scriptures you read?

How do you handle the Word of Truth?
What do you do with the Scriptures you read?

We all have offices. In our offices are the normal office equipment such as desks, phones, computers, and file cabinets. Now imagine you have a 4-drawer file cabinet for the Scripture you read. The drawers start out as letter-size, and each drawer is labeled. The top is for all the Scriptures that relate to your heart (emotions). The second is for Scripture related to your mind (thoughts). The third drawer is labeled for the soul (moral compass), and the bottom drawer is appropriately labeled strength (ambition). This file cabinet can/could/will grow to have 4-drawers that are legal size … eventually, it can become a drafting size file cabinet! But, only with use.

Each and every time you read and/or study your Bible, the Scripture is placed in the appropriate file drawer. Your subconscious does this with the help of the Holy Spirit. When you want to apply it to your life, it can be quickly accessed. If you want to share it with someone who needs to hear supporting scripture, you can share it. The more you read and devote your life to the Word of God, the more your files fill up, gain size and strength. Remember, Philippians 4:8 says: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.” Just think, you might even get good at pulling out Scripture without giving it too much thought as to what drawer it was correctly filled in.

When was the last time you used Scripture to pray over your congregation, soldiers, volunteers, and yourself? Let’s face it; sometimes, we don’t know how to pray or what we ought to pray. I realize that Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit “groans” for us when we’re at a loss for words. Fortunately, we don’t have to think up words or how to present them. Scripture has already done that for us. Taking a Psalm and personalizing it is incredible. Another scripture that transforms our relationship with God and can be used daily is Colossians 1:9-14. I will personalize this for you from the NIV translation:

“… God, please fill me with the knowledge of your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And I pray this in order that I may live a life worthy of you Lord, and may please you in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of you, God, and being strengthened with all power according to your glorious might so that I may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified me to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For you have rescued me from the dominion of darkness and brought me into the kingdom of the Son you love, in whom I have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

To build upon the foundation of Christ, use Scripture. Just get it in there. The Holy Spirit will help you learn God’s promises. Then, He will help you use God’s promises. This, then, supports the storing of God’s promises, building upon God’s promises.

The Truth will move you beyond imagining a journey of love – a journey not only with your heart but with your soul, your mind, and your strength. A journey in a wonderous relationship so great that you will experience an “Awakening to God’s Call – Devotional Life.”

January 2022 Bible Study: When the Promise Tarries

December 17, 2021/in Bible Studies /by Beth Desplancke

by Lt. Omoduni George-Kawaley
Portland Moore Street, OR Corps – Cascade Division

Text: Genesis 18:6-15

Overview of the Passage
Sarah was promised a son, and his name was to be called Isaac (Gen. 17: 19). God would establish His covenant with him. Even though Abraham had received this promise from God 24 years earlier, this is the first time God clearly states that Sarah would be the one to bear this covenant child. Before this encounter, Sarah had given up hope of conceiving because she had passed the age of childbearing. This led her to give her maid Hagar to Abraham so that the “promise” could be fulfilled. But God had other plans. His promise was to both Abraham and Sarah, so God again appeared to Abraham in the form of three men. Abraham recognizes that these were no ordinary visitors and treated them with reverent hospitality.

And Abraham ran unto the herd and fetched a calf, tender and good, and gave it unto a young man, and he hastened to dress it. And he took butter and milk and the calf which he had dressed and set it before them, and he stood by them under the tree, and they ate.
Genesis 18:6-8

Imagine:
You are Sarah, unexpected visitors show up in your house, and without consulting you, your husband invites them to stay for dinner. Then he asks you to quickly prepare a very specific dish without inquiring whether you have the necessary ingredients.

Questions:

How prepared are you to welcome and entertain uninvited guests?
How do you react when others make decisions that has a direct or indirect impact on you without consulting you?

Read verses 9-12
9 “Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him. “There, in the tent,” he said.
10 Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah, your wife, will have a son.” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him.
11 Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing.
12 So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?”

Imagine:
Abraham had told Sarah about his encounters with God and God’s promise to him. For the first time, Sarah gets to hear firsthand the promise that not only was God going to give Abraham a child but that she was going to be the mother. It gets better! God gave the specific gender of the child – a Son – and the exact time of his birth – in a year!

Questions:

If you were Sarah, what might you have thought and felt when you heard this news?
Why do you think Sarah laughed?

You may think that Sarah was eavesdropping. But remember that in those days, it was customary for men and women to sit in separate groups. However, it was expected that the women stay close in case they were needed. As to her laughter and question, Sarah was only stating the obvious…. barren women, especially those who are way past menopause, do not get pregnant! That was Fact, not Faith speaking!

Reflections:

What’s promises are still unfulfilled in your life?
What are the facts in your situation, and what role does faith play in your waiting period?

Let’s read the remaining verses:
13 Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’
14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”
15 Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.” But he said, “Yes, you did laugh.”

Imagine:
Sarah did not speak out loud. She thought to herself. But these “visitors” apparently heard her thoughts! Weird, right? The guests not only showed up uninvited and ate your food; now they can hear your thoughts too. Moreover, they question your faith in God: “Is there anything too hard for the Lord?” If we can grasp the greatness of that truth, we can understand what it means to walk by faith.

Questions:

Why did God ask Abraham and not Sarah directly?
What does this tell us about God’s principle concerning the family? (Read Ephesians 5:22-33).

God did not question Sarah! His questions were to Abraham: Why did Sarah laugh? Is there anything too hard for the Lord? Remember, God’s covenant was with Abraham! Sarah was only a vessel that He would use to carry the seed of His promise. Even though she was not addressed, Sarah felt so guilty that she tried to cover up by lying. How naïve – if God could hear her thoughts, could a laugh be hidden.

You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. Psalm 139:2

Reflections:

How do you respond when someone tells you your faults?
Are there any secret sins you are covering up?

Key Takeaways:

God will always fulfill His promise, no matter how long it tarries because that is His nature.
God understands our humanity and shows us mercy even when we make mistakes. God did not punish Sarah for lying or change His mind about His promise. He showed her mercy.
God does not want us to cover our faults but rather to repent and enjoy His mercy.
Nothing is too hard for God to do!

Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, help us to trust you even when things appear to be hopeless. Always remind us that nothing is impossible with you. Amen.

Download the printable version of this month’s Bible study.

Jan-2022-Bible-Study Download

New Year Letter from Commissioner Rosalie Peddle

December 17, 2021/in Blog /by Beth Desplancke

By Commissioner Rosalie Peddle
World President of Women’s Ministries

Dear Women of God,

Greetings to you all in the strong name of Jesus!

We are celebrating a new year, 2022 is upon us! We take time to reflect on the past year and many of us will continue to experience emotions beyond our understanding. The Covid-19 pandemic continues to grip the world with force, and our various losses cause us to carry deep pain and an overwhelming feeling of helplessness.

Yet through it all God remains faithful. His promised presence continues to surround us. His love is deep and full and wide, reaching into the very depths of our world and our hearts. His grace is indescribable, incomparable, and amazing. God still has the whole world in his hands and if we take time to rest and reflect, we can see evidence of his miracles all around us.

So, as daughters of the King, we lift our hearts and heads to God. We lift our eyes to the Creator who saw us while we were still being formed. We lift our eyes to the Sustainer, who knows when a single sparrow falls, clothes the flowers in the field and anticipates our needs and worries. We life our eyes to our Saviour, who invites us to be a part of his Kingdom work here and now. His word equips us to see our world through his perspective and recast all our days in light of eternity. We remember who God is, and in him we find renewal and confidence. He is the Resurrection. He is the life. The best part? This is all available to us if we take hold and believe!

In Philippians 3:12-21, Paul shares that the future holds out hope, and we need to reach for it. We can reach out in hope because the future belongs to God, and we belong to Heaven, not earth! As women who serve Jesus faithfully, let us also be a forward-looking people. As we look upward to God for strength, courage, and hope, let us look forward to the new things that God is going to do in our lives and in the lives of others. The prospect of the new is what motivated Paul, and I trust it will motivate us today to aim for the highest when it comes to our mission and ministries. As we welcome in the New Year, I believe that God is calling us to a lifestyle of spiritual awakening. With a fresh faith and the help of the Holy Spirit, we can push through whatever obstacles stand in our way. We can penetrate the barriers Satan has built to bind us, breaking free and moving forward in faith and victory! Let us stop allowing our failures to cloud the glory of what God is doing in our lives and daily practice the presence of God, setting our hearts on Heaven.

Friends, I charge you to march forward into this new year with confidence, no matter what is ahead. Now is the time to make a difference in this world.

It’s time to love God more.
It’s time to love one another more.
It’s time to go the extra mile.
It’s time to reach the lost, least, and lowest.
It’s time to work harder for the Kingdom.
It’s time to worship the Lord.
Now is the time for us to be the Church.

We want the world to see Jesus in and through us, right now today! We pray that as we embrace others with love and compassion and as we fight the injustices that plague our world today, we influence others to seek the Lord. May God help us to be women of influence today.

I wish you a blessed and happy 2022! God is with us!

Shine for the Light Has Come

November 30, 2021/in Blog /by Beth Desplancke

By Major Beth Desplancke

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. Isaiah 60:1

Satan filled the world with sin – a victory he thought he could win.
Heaven opened, the Son He did give, so that whosoever may live.
Immanuel – God with us- came; the world would never be the same.
Now those who have been walking in darkness, have seen a great light.
Eternal life is available – a future that is bright!

Shepherds disturbed in the night, by a bright, shining light.
Heavenly angels sang of this wondrous gift; the Savior has come to give the world a lift.
Interested they went, to encounter the Savior that had been sent.
Near to the Lord they came; they left, never the same.
Excited and eager to proclaim, their encounter with the Savior – Jesus is His name!

Seekers from afar, came searching, by following a star.
Having worshiped on bended knee, they knew who He would be.
In humanness He came, in order that the world would never be the same.
Not seeking fame or His own story, but did all for the Father’s glory.
“Eternal life I give. Through Me you may live.’

Son of Man came to save the lost; not once did He consider what it would cost.
His needs and comfort He did not care; my sins He came to bear.
In agony and pain, never once a word did He complain.
Nailed on a cross, He suffered death and loss
Easter morning came! The world would never be the same!

Satan was defeated; Christ’s work was completed.
Heaven’s door is open; salvation is available for everyone.
Invite Him into your heart and He’ll change you from the start.
Now go, and proclaim His love; share this amazing gift from above.
Exclaim Him! Reflect Him! And the world will never be the same.

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

December 2021 Inspire Newsletter

November 18, 2021/in Resources /by Beth Desplancke

Merry December! It’s that time where we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Can there be a more hopeful month? Jesus is the Savior of the world! Jesus is the hope of the world! Jesus is the light of the world! This month’s symbols of hope are the beautiful Christmas lights and candles that decorate so many of our homes.

The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:4-5

In this month’s newsletter is a great Christmas devotional, candle craft ideas to make to decorate your home or make as gifts for someone else, and Christmas trivia questions.

Inspire-December-2021-1 Download

Need previous issues of the INSPIRE Newsletter? They can be found at the following links: November 2021, October 2021, September 2021, August 2021, July 2021, June 2021, May 2021, April 2021, March 2021, February 2021, January 2021 December 2020, November 2020, October 2020, September 2020, August 2020, July 2020, June 2020, May 2020, April 2020, March 2020, February 2020, January 2020, December 2019, November 2019, October 2019, October 2018-September 2019

December 2021 Craft: Wise Men Seashell Ornament

November 17, 2021/in Crafts, Resources /by Beth Desplancke

Submitted by the Intermountain Division

This craft is incredibly versatile in that it can be adapted for any age and as simple or complex as you would like it to be and adapted to fit any budget.

Some variations include Cardstock with sticker shapes for the Wise Men, Felt and felt pieces, instead of shell for older groups use a piece of stained wood.

Supplies Needed:

Half of a large, scalloped seashell (purchase on Amazon or from a local hobby store)
Decorative small seashells (purchase on Amazon or from a local hobby story)
Hot glue gun with glue sticks
2-inch-think Twine to hang ornament; cut into 5-inch lengths.
Strips of fabric or ribbon
Materials for floor such as sand, twine, branches, etc.
Foam or bead star

Directions:

Step 1: Wipe out large seashell with water and dry thoroughly.

Step 2: Select and sort into groups for Wise Men which small shells you would like to use.

Step 3: Glue down flooring. This can be glitter glue, sand, yarn, etc. I dried corn husks.

Step 4: Glue down Wise Men. Make sure to loop ribbon, fabric etc. around the body before gluing the head and crown. This can be any color or type that you want.

Step 5: Glue down presents. These can be small boxes like I used, square pieces of other material, etc.

Step 6: Glue star to the top of the shell.

Step 7: Wrap twine three times around to create a stronger loop. Put a dab of glue on the side that is being glued to the- shell to hold the pieces together.

Step 8: Glue twine to the back of the shell. To hide the glue on the back of the ornament, choose another shell to place over the area where the twin is affixed.

Allow craft to dry flat for at least 24 hours.

Download printable directions of this craft.

December 2021 Craft Download

Note: Check out this month’s devotional, A Gift of Significance and the Wise Men Seashell Ornament craft that coordinates with this Bible study.

She Leads…By Getting Out of Your Head and Leading from the Heart of God

November 17, 2021/in Resources /by Beth Desplancke

By Lt. Felecia Pederson
Billings, MT Corps – Intermountain Division

After the Wise Men had listened to the king, they went on their way. The star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them. It finally stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. The Wise Men went to the house. There they saw the child with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures. They gave him gold, frankincense and myrrh. But God warned them in a dream not to go back to Herod. So they returned to their country on a different road.” Matthew 2:9-12 (NIV)

“I can’t do this!” has been said under my breath more times than I can count. On some occasions it has been accompanied with tears of frustration, some anxiety and even a little resistance. One of these times, while in a women’s ministries meeting, I excused myself and went for a quick walk around the church to calm my anxiety. I was feeling helpless, frustrated, and unable to do all that I felt was required of me. Has anyone else experienced feeling trapped in their own anxiousness or feel consumed with that overwhelming feeling of inadequacy?

Now, let me just clarify, the women did not do anything to cause this reaction. So then, why did I feel the need for a quick escape? Well, as a perfectionist, a planner, an introvert, and a doer, I feel I need to have things in a certain order for a good program. I also want to admit that I am a service addict. My happy place is when I am able to make everyone feel loved and cared for by meeting their needs. This takes a lot of energy. When I let the program itself or what I feel the expectations of what is needed for the program lead me, or when things don’t go as planned, I can easily feel like a failure. This leads to spending so much time listening to the expectations of myself or others that I miss out on what God is urging me to do.

God and I have had many conversations about this and He has shown me that when leading people to Him, my biggest stumbling block is in my own head. In my little trip outside the church, when I was caught up in my fears and worries, I was letting my feeling of insecurity cripple me from doing what God has called me to do. When we allow the expectations of ourselves or others to dictate how things should be, we can stop the Spirit of God from moving freely.

The story of the Wise Men being led to Jesus is a great analogy of getting out of our head and being led by the heart of God. These men knew many things but they were humble enough to listen to God’s voice and be led in little ways that made a big impact. They knew the stars and prophecies that helped them navigate their way to Jesus, but they were sensitive to the voice of God through a dream. King Herod had different plans for Jesus and the wise men. Take a moment and think about what would have happened if the wise men had rushed back to share with King Herod the location of baby Jesus. I think we all understand that if the wise men were more interested in pleasing King Herod than listening to the voice of God, this story may have had a very different ending. Thankfully, they listened to God and obeyed His leading.

God does not use us because of our ability. He uses us in our humility. When we humbly seek His heart by prayer and reading His Word, He gives us the peace and clarity that we need. He has already given each of us talents and abilities and these can be “treasures” that we give back to Jesus. For the wise men, these “treasures” were gold, frankincense, and myrrh. For us, it may be hospitality, the ability to sew, paint, crochet, or cook. Some of us are teachers. Some of us are great listeners. Whatever your ability, gift, or treasure, all of us have been called by God to lead others to Him. This begins when we humbly ask Him to help us be the leaders that He wants us to be. As we recognize the need for Him to be the center of all we do, and as we lay our treasures and gifts at His feet, He will strengthen us for every good work.

I have a different approach as I plan for our weekly women’s meeting. I have more freedom to delegate programs to other women because God has released me from the need to have everything done to my standard of perfection. I listen to the needs of the women and instead of rushing to please them, we go to God together and pray for one another. I take time to plan but ask the Lord to use the time of our meeting to do His plan and His work. Getting out of my head has allowed me to be able to enjoy these women’s meetings as we create things together, serve others together, study the Bible together, and share our hearts and pray together.

Today, there is freedom from anxiety in the heart of Jesus. Join me in asking Him to help us get out of our heads and lead with His heart.

December 2021 Bible Study: Seeking the King

November 17, 2021/in Bible Studies /by Beth Desplancke

By Mistie Lamb
Intermountain Division

Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. We know that Jesus wasn’t born on December 25th of course, but this is the time we set aside to celebrate His birth, his first physical appearance on earth. The miraculous birth of this small baby is the introduction to world of the one true King. His birth and the reaction of those we see in this bible passage are important reminders to us of how we should continue to seek Him even still. While there are many distractions especially in this special season, we are reminded in this passage of scripture that we can get back on track and that we will be rewarded by His very presence when we do. Let this season be an opportunity to seek Jesus, our King, above all else.

Matthew is the first of four gospels which opens the New Testament. Written by Matthew (Levi) shortly after Jesus walked the earth. Matthew was called by Jesus to be one of His disciples as he was busy collecting taxes (not the most honorable or favored career). Matthew wrote this account of Jesus’ time on earth in hopes of confirming to the Jewish Church that Jesus was, in fact, the Messiah by showing the fulfillment of many, though not all, of the Old Testament prophecies. Chapter one begins with the lineage of Jesus and ends with His birth. Our study, Chapter 2, verses 1 – 12 leads us into the visit of the Magi and King Herod’s plot to destroy Jesus. This portion of Scripture speaks to us about two kings. The earthy ruler of the time, Herod, and the King of Kings, Jesus. Let’s follow along as these men, seek their King.

Read Matthew Chapter 2:1-12

Verses 1-6
The Magi, or wise men, arrive in Jerusalem and inquire as to where they can find the Messiah since they saw His star, and followed it to worship Him. However, when King Herod hears this news, we see he is troubled and asks where he, too, can find the Messiah.

Many people seek the Messiah, but not everyone has good intentions. King Herod knows of the prophesy and understands that Jesus is the rightful ruler. He is undoubtedly concerned. The Bible says he is “troubled” at the birth of the Messiah, and he is sure that Jesus will one day want to take possession of the throne while either he himself sits on it or his offspring. However, we also see these three wise men, travel a long distance, from the east, to find the Messiah. They have come to worship Him. One looks to destroy the Messiah and the others look to worship Him.

What is your motive in seeking the King?
What is the benefit of checking our motive? (see Proverbs 21:2, 1 Corinthians 16:14)
What are some ways we can help others to seek Him?

Verses 7-12
In the second half of our study, we see that Herod is determined to find the Messiah. He calls the Magi to him to get more information about when exactly they first saw the star, then he sends them to go find Jesus and then report back to him, under the guise that he, too, wants to worship the Messiah. After leaving Herod, the wise men continue to follow the star, which brings them to the exact spot where Jesus is. When they come into the house, they fall to the ground to worship the true King and offer their gifts. God then warns them in a dream not to return to Herod but to go home via a different route.

I’m struck in this last passage by the Magi’s interaction with King Herod. It was not in their plans to take this detour on the way to seek the Messiah, yet they find themselves rerouted. Distracted by this earthly king, whose motive we know is not actually to worship Jesus, but to destroy Him. Nonetheless, they get back on track and eventually make it to Jesus. Their journey to seek the King does indeed end successfully. How many times in our own journey have we been re-routed, distracted, or waylaid by the enemy?

I often find that when I intentionally set aside time to worship or study or seek Jesus, that the distractions are at their strongest. However, we can be encouraged by the steadiness of the Magi, that if we get back on track, despite the detours, that we, too, will have our time to worship. God is not hiding from us. He put a large, bright star in the night sky pointing the wise men straight to Jesus. The second half of Hebrews 11:6 tells us that he rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Just as the Magi were rewarded by being in the very presence of the Messiah so, too, can we find this same reward.

What are some distractions or detours that try to keep you from worshiping?
What can you do to get quickly back on track after a distraction or detour, however long?
What are the rewards of remaining faithful in our journey to seek the King? (See Matthew 6:31-33, Psalm 34:4)

There can be many distractions through the Christmas season. Parties to attend, gifts to buy and wrap, volunteering to be done, memories to be made, but we can see that even in the midst of distractions and detours, God is not hiding. In fact, we read in Luke 19:10 that Jesus came to seek and save the lost! Us!! So, as we go about celebrating this season of Jesus’ birth, let’s remember to be intentional seekers of Him. Let’s be reminded to check our motives as we do all the wonderful things that make this season so beautiful.

And finally, if we do find ourselves distracted, or re-routed, we can easily get back on track and find that our journey to seek Him will eventually lead to Him, and we can enjoy His goodness and presence.

Prayer
Lord, as we read these verses today, I ask that You speak to our hearts. Teach us the importance of seeking You and of doing so with a right heart. Help us to set aside the things that try to distract us and route us away from You and to focus on the true meaning of this season. We are so thankful, Jesus, that You willingly came as a baby and made the way for our redemption. We give You all the glory and honor as we worship You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Download the printable version of this Bible study

Dec-21-Seeking-the-King Download

Note: Check out this month’s craft, Wise Men Seashell Ornament and this month’s devotional, A Gift of Significance that coordinates with this Bible study.

December 2021 Devotional: A Gift of Significance

November 17, 2021/in Devotional, Devotionals /by Beth Desplancke

By Captain Betzy Hanson
Colorado Springs, CO Corps – Intermountain Division

Read Matthew 2:1-12

What the Wise Men Brought to Jesus
If you ever watched the movie, The Nativity Story, when it was released in 2006, then you would have witnessed the scene when the wise men brought their gifts to Jesus. As the wise men lay their gifts before Jesus they explain the significance of each gift. Here is the quote from the movie. “Gold for the King of kings, Frankincense for the Priest of priests, a gift of myrrh to honor thy sacrifice.” As I watched this scene I was overwhelmed with tears. The writer who developed this scene did a great job of explaining what each gift represents.

Here is a brief explanation of each gift that was given: First, Gold is a precious metal, but it is also a sign of wealth and royalty. Frankincense is an incense that was sprinkled on sacrifices offered to the Lord and was also used in the tabernacle (Leviticus 24:7). The last gift was Myrrh which was used for embalming and has some healing properties as well.

Now, let’s look at the significance of each gift. When we look at Solomon’s Temple in the Bible, we read that his goblets and household items were made of gold. This is because if it was anything less than gold it was considered unworthy for a king (2 Chronicles 9:20). Gold was given to Jesus because He is greater than Solomon. Gold is not a typical gift for a child unless he is a king. So, the wise men knew the child they were visiting was going to rule and shepherd Israel. They knew he was King.

Frankincense is a priestly fragrant oil used throughout the Old Testament for sacrifices. When Jesus was born, he became the High Priest. Hebrews 4:14 says, “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.” Frankincense was not given by coincidence; it had a significant reason of why it was given to Jesus. Jesus was going to give His life as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Which brings me to the last gift . . .

Myrrh. Through this gift we see the humanity of Jesus. It is shown in this gift because we know that Jesus died on the cross. In the book of John, we read that a mixture of myrrh and aloe was put on him and then his body was wrapped in cloth (John 19:38-40). According to scripture these gifts were chosen through prophecy. “But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel” (Micah 5:2-4). The wise men knew that Jesus’ birth was fulfilling prophecy so they prepared their gifts for the Ruler who was born to save the world. These wise men knew that hope was not lost for God’s people. They knew that Jesus’ birth was going to bring change. These three gifts were of great significance, because they show Jesus as King, High Priest, and man.

My Gift of Significance
My life completely changed when I found out I was pregnant with my second daughter, Adaline. Because of secondary infertility, and the loss of two babies, my husband and I were not able to grow our family like we wanted, but God had other plans. Adaline came to us as an unexpected but pleasant surprise. This pregnancy was truly a miracle from the Lord. Eden (my first born) was born in October 12, 2004 and Adaline was born on June 20, 2019. Yes, my girls are almost 15 years apart. When time came to get ready for the new baby, I realized I had nothing. I was starting all over.

Thank God my family and friends gathered to throw me an amazing baby shower. Some gifts were typical gifts like clothes, a stroller, a car seat, diapers, and burp cloths. But as the party came to an end, I received a very significant gift. My grandmother slowly walked up to me near the end of the party, hugged me and then handed me a very small pair of pink shoes. As she handed them to me, I immediately recognized them. They were my fist born Eden’s, baby shoes. As I held these little baby shoes, I cried. I cried because I thought all hope of conceiving another child was gone. I cried because the significance of this gift meant that I was going to have a little baby to fill these shoes. I cried tears of joy, rejoicing over what God had done in my life.

Your Significant Gift
God doesn’t want only the gifts of time, money, or your service to others. God wants all that we are. He wants the hidden, the seen, the bad, the sad and the hurt. He wants it all. This may sound cliché, but this is what God wants, our complete life. What significant gift will you bring to Jesus today. Will you surrender all your life? He wants us to bow down and present our lives before him. Romans 12:1 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

Have you taken the time to prostrate yourself before God to give all your life to him? Sometimes in our busy life we see service to others as more valuable than laying all we are before God. We may not say it, but by our actions, and the way we spend our time to get the job done, we show it. God wants us to know him deeper, and the way we do this, is by spending time with Him. So today I encourage you to lay your gift of significance before Jesus. Take at least five minutes of your day, put some worship music on, and just soak in God’s presence. The wise men bowed down and worshiped Jesus. “Then they opened their treasures and presented him with their gift.” (Matthew 2:11). Let’s bow down and worship the King of kings, the Priest of priests and the hope of all the world that was born to save us so that we can have freedom and eternal life in Him.

Note: Check out this month’s craft, Wise Men Seashell Ornament, and this month’s Bible study, Seeking the King that coordinates with this devotional.

Thanksgiving Verses and Quotes

November 8, 2021/in Blog /by Beth Desplancke

As we focus on the celebrating Thanksgiving, let’s remember that Thanksgiving isn’t just about one day where we join with family and friends for lots of delicious food, fellowship, and a good football game (or two). May these verses and quotes remind you about what true thanksgiving is.

“Be thankful. God has commanded it – for our good and His glory. God’s command to be thankful is not the threatening demand of a tyrant. Rather, it is the invitation of a lifetime – the opportunity to draw near to Him at any moment of the day.” Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

“As a matter of fact, God isn’t asking you to be thankful. He’s asking you to give thanks. There’s a big difference. One response involves emotions, the other your choices, your decisions about a situation, your intent, your step of faith.” Joni Eareckson Tada

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 107:1

“The thankful heart sees the best part of every situation. It sees problems and weaknesses as opportunities, struggles as refining tools, and sinners as saints in progress.” Francis Frangipane

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“A spirit of thankfulness is one of the most distinctive marks of a Christian whose heart is attuned to the Lord. Thank God in the midst of trials and every persecution.” Billy Graham

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise him name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:4-5

“Grumbling and gratitude are, for the child of God, in conflict. Be grateful and you won’t grumble. Grumble and you won’t be grateful.” Billy Graham

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

“It is one thing to be grateful. It’s another to give thanks. Gratitude is what you feel. Thanksgiving is what you do.” Tim Keller

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 3:17

“Genuine thankfulness is an act of the heart’s affections, not an act of the lips’ muscles.” John Piper

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1

“Thanksgiving with the mouth stirs up thankfulness in the heart.” Joh Piper

I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High. Psalm 7:17

“God doesn’t want us to just feel gratitude, but for us to show it by giving thanks to God with our lives.” R.C. Sproul

…Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:19b-20

If there was ever a secret for unleashing God’s powerful peace in a situation, it’s developing a heart of true thanksgiving.” Lysa TerKeurst

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

November 2021 Bible Study: 10 Reasons to Praise the Lord

October 22, 2021/in Bible Studies /by Beth Desplancke

By Major Beth Desplancke
Territorial Women’s Ministries Program Secretary

Bible Study on 1 Chronicles 16:8-36

INTRODUCTION
It is November, and here in America we focus on the celebration of Thanksgiving, a time when we gather with family and friends and eat too much food and share what we are thankful for. The Bible tells us to be thankful, but it also tells us to praise God. What is the difference?

Author Mark Alan Williams explains the difference between thanksgiving and praise (https://www.markalanwilliams.net/post/2018/11/19/the-subtle-but-significant-difference-between-thanksgiving-and-praise/). He explains that “thanksgiving focuses on benefits bestowed to us… Whatever we are thankful for, we are grateful because of the blessing brought to US. The focus is on US… Praise focuses on the character of God and our love for Him. While thanksgiving focuses on blessings bestowed on us, praise focuses on God. We praise Him for His character, His attributes and His abilities.” The command to praise God appears approximately 250 times in the Bible. Praise should be a significant part of the believer’s life.

“10,000 Reasons” is a song by Matt Redman, about blessing the Lord through praise. The premise of the song is that we have so many things to praise the Lord for we couldn’t even begin to count them. Begin your time of Bible study by singing this son or watching the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtwIT8JjddM

In 1 Chronicles 16, God’s people are celebrating because they had just safely brought the ark of God, which represents God’s presence with His people, back to its rightful place. In this chapter, let’s discover not 10,000 reasons but 10 reasons to praise God today and every day. (Note attributes are based on the New Living Translation of 1 Chronicles 16)

Praise God because He is Great, v. 8, 25.
Great meant you did something well, or fantastic. God is great because He does everything well. Everything He does is fantastic! Remember that: everything He does is great, including what He does and is doing in your life right now. It may not feel great now, but eventually God will make it great.

Another way to think about great is in size. When we say God is great, we can say He is big, enormous. He is great over everything He created. When you think of the billions of people in this world it is a great big number, but God is bigger than that number. When you think about the size of the universe, God is greater than that. What that means is God is bigger than anything or anyone we face. Any problem we have, any struggle we go through, any addiction we have, God is greater.
Praise God because He does wonderful things, v. 9, 24.
What God does is glorious and amazing. God doesn’t do anything half-heartedly or mediocre. All that He does is wonderful. Just take a look at creation – all the beauty He made. Did He have to create so many varieties of flowers in so many colors? No! did He have to create the sunset or sunrise to be so beautiful? Of course not.
Everything He does is wonderful, glorious and amazing. The same is true in how He works in our lives. He is doing something wonderful, glorious, and amazing to make you the man He wants you to be. By bringing you here He is doing something amazing and wonderful in your life – you’ve just got to allow Him to work because at times it doesn’t always feel or even appear amazing or wonderful.
Praise God because He is holy, v. 10, 19, 35.
God is holy means He is without sin. He is perfect and everything He does is perfect. Think of it – He isn’t going to make a mistake in how He works in our lives. For example, because He is without sin means He isn’t going to blow His top and lose His temper because of something we do. He isn’t going to hold a grudge because of something we did. He is holy and perfect, and therefore, not a subject to the whims of misjudgments that would be made in sin. That means everything He does is perfect – the way He is working in your life is perfect. He isn’t punishing you because you got drunk too many times. He isn’t paying you back for your life of sin. He is holy and perfect and works perfectly in our lives to make us like Him – holy.
Praise God He is Strong, v. 11, 27-28.
Remember the song, “He’s got the whole world in His hands?” God is organizing, governing, and watching over the entire world. V. 30 says the world stands firm and cannot be shaken. This is due to God’s strength. He holds the universe in His hand. God is strong and powerful; He is stronger than anything in this world.

We are weak but God is strong. In any problem or difficulty we face, God is strong enough to handle it. We think we can handle some on our own, but God is much stronger than we ever can be, so what is a challenge to us is nothing to a great big God, who is strong enough to bring order to the universe.
Praise God because He is faithful, v. 15-22, 34.
God is a promise keeping God. He is going to be faithful to all His promises. What promises does He make to us? The Bible is full of them. Here are just a few promises God has made, and He will be faithful to keep: He promises salvation (Romans 10:9), He promises forgiveness (1 John 1:9), He promises His presence (Hebrews13:5) and He promises us that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39)
Praise God He is our Savior, v. 23, 35.
He saves us. This is good news. This is great news! God is holy and without sin and because of His holiness He can’t be around sin. We are sinners – all of us. We could never be in the presence of God because of our sin. God decided to solve our problem of sin for us. He sent His perfect Son – Jesus Christ – to die in our place for our sins.
Praise God He reigns, v. 31.
To say God reigns is to acknowledge that God is King and He is the Ruler. God is ruler over all the earth. He is in control. Nothing will knock Him off His throne. We can trust God to reign according to His nature, which we’ve already mentioned.

In The Salvation Army Songbook (21016 edition) song #16 says, God is still on the throne, and He will remember His own; though trials may press us and burdens distress us, He will never leave us alone. God is still on the throne, and He remembers His own. His promise is true, He will not forget you; God is still on the throne.
Praise God He is our coming judge, v. 33.
This is a two-fold praise. We can praise God that His Son is returning someday to take His children up with Him to heaven. This is exciting because this world isn’t all there is. God hasn’t forgotten about us. He will come again, someday, we just don’t know when. We have something better to look forward to.

But why is He coming? He is coming to judge. He is coming to judge the righteous and the wicked. But if we have received Christ as our personal Savior, we need not fear our judgment. Romans 8:1 tells us now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. If we belong to Christ, we won’t be condemned!
For those who haven’t received Christ as their personal Savior, the should fear judgment. If your name isn’t written in the Lambs Book of Life, you will be thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15) – which is hell.

All of the things we have thought unfair when the wicked seemed to get away with doing wrong, will finally get what they deserved. Read Psalm 37;1-2, 37-38 to see what happens to the wicked.
Praise God He is good, v. 34.
God is good – all the time. All the time – God is good! Everything God does is out of His goodness. It may not seem good at the time, but if we remember that God’s very nature is good, and He has our best good in mind, when those unpleasant things come our way, we will remember it is all good! It doesn’t mean it always feels good, but we can trust that God is working good in your life in even the most unpleasant of circumstances.
Praise God He is eternal, v. 36.
God is everlasting. He’s the same today as He was yesterday and He’ll be the same tomorrow. God forever will be how He is described in this passage of Scripture. I’m not going to wake up one day and discover God is no longer there – because He is eternal. He has always been and always will be. I’m not going to wake up one day and discover God is different, for He is everlasting and forever He will be who He is. Things come and go, leaders change, rules change, circumstances change, but God is eternal and remains the same every day.

CONCLUSION
In the devotional book, Be Still and Know (© 2016 by Broadstreet Publishing), the reading for August 17 is entitled, “Continual Praise” and it says this:

What would it look like to be people who praise God from the time we awaken each morning until the time we fall asleep each night? Not only would it be pleasing God as we worship him constantly, but we would also effect an incredible change in our personal outlook.

Intentional, continual praise can only naturally result in intentional, continual joy. When we choose to look at each moment as a moment in which to be thankful and worshipful, then we will find in each moment, beauty, joy and satisfaction.

What a challenge, to be women of continual praise. Can you come up with a top-ten list of what to praise God for? Close your Bible study time with the song “Great Are You Lord,” by All Sons & Daughters https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHJuzehKt8s.

Download the printable version of this Bible study.

10-Reasons-to-Praise-the-Lord Download

Note: Check out this month’s devotional, The PERFECT Thanksgiving, and this month’s craft, Edible Thanksgiving Turkeys that coordinate with this Bible study.

She Leads… With Humility

October 22, 2021/in Resources /by Beth Desplancke

By Captain Deborah Breazeale
Albuquerque, NM Corps – Southwest Division

In Matthew 20: 25-27 Christ admonished his followers, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.”

This is hard for natural born leaders. We know how we want things done and sometimes it is just easier to do it ourselves or micro-manage those who work with us. This comes with unrealistic expectations of perfection, which no one can obtain. The result, feelings of frustration, failure and often a breakdown of relationships.

This is not leading with humility; this is not even good leadership. My interpretation of effective leadership is leading by example; to get right down there with your people, get your hands dirty, work alongside them, ask for their ideas, (they might just be better than your own!), and finish as a team.

Effective parents are those who understand the value of teamwork. Parents often assign their children chores to teach them responsibility. Cleaning their rooms, taking out the trash, feeding the dog. This can lead to anger, frustration, and tears when the children fail to follow through. However, if the parents come along side and say, “Lets get this done together!” and offer to pitch by helping to pick up books, toys, or to bag the trash and go with them to the dumpster, the kids join in the work and it becomes an opportunity to have a good time together. Showing the children that work can be fun.

The same goes for people we work with at the Corps. When we willingly pitch in to help, show that we are not asking them to do anything we ourselves are not willing to do, the project or work gets done quickly and we have a great time together.

The Albuquerque Corps has a Prayer Breakfast once a month and I used to fix the meal myself early on a Saturday morning, sometimes not with a happy heart. A couple of people started coming early asking if they could help and I would try to find things for them to do, (LOL!). One of the ladies asked if she could provide part of the breakfast one month. I hesitated, after all, that was my job! But I said okay.

Over the months she has picked up more and more of the task, providing and preparing the food and she has blossomed! She loves helping and doing and I have a new friend. Now, she askes me to scramble the eggs! I love it! We have such a great time together, serving the people of our Corps.

Here are three tips for cultivating humility:

Embrace your humanness-accept your limitations; it’s okay to not be perfect all the time.
Practice mindfulness and compassion.
Express gratitude-gratitude can make us less self-focused and more focused on those around us-a hallmark of humble people.

“The key to humility might just be seeing life as a journey towards cultivating those qualities that bring out the best in others and we and make this world a better place.” Vicki Zakrzewski

Mick Ukleja, PhD, founder and president of LeadershipTraQ gives six attributes of healthy humility: (https://www.success.com/6-attributes-of-healthy-humility/)

They acknowledge they don’t have it al together.
They know the difference between self-confidence and pride.
They seek to add value to others.
They take responsibility for their actions.
They understand the shadow side of success.
They are filled with gratitude for what they have.

One additional attribute is LOVE -spend time listening to others.

A scripture I will leave you with is one I really love to read when I’m feeling indispensable, (not humble): Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. (Romans 12:3)

November 2021 Craft: Edible Thanksgiving Turkeys

October 22, 2021/in Crafts, Resources /by Beth Desplancke

Submitted by the Southwest Division

Ingredients
1 cup of chocolate chips or premade chocolate frosting
30 candy corn candies
6 chocolate sandwich cookies
6 mini peanut butter cups
6 malt balls
1 cup of red frosting
6 chocolate sandwich cookies with top cookies removed
Red frosting in a piping bag

Directions:

Place the chocolate chips in a medium stainless steel or glass bowl. Set the bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate has melted, about 4 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly. Or to make your life easier, simply use premade chocolate frosting.
For each turkey, push 5 candy corn candies, tip side down, into the cream filling of a chocolate sandwich cookie to make the feathers for the turkey. Lay the cookie on a work surface.
Dip the flat, larger end of a peanut butter cup in the melted chocolate allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Place malt ball above the peanut butter cup to make a head of the turkey.
Dip the flat end of the white candy corn tip into the chocolate. Place on a malt ball, to make the turkey beak. Refrigerate until the chocolate has set, about 10 minutes.
Place the red frosting in a piping bag. Using scissors, cut a small opening in the end of the popping bag. Pipe a small piece of frosting under the malt ball to make the turkey beard.
Place a cookie (with top half removed) on a platter. Stand the turkey upright into the cream filling. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Note: Check out this month’s Bible Study, 10 Reasons to Praise the Lord, and this month’s devotional, The PERFECT Thanksgiving, which coordinate with this craft.

November 2021 Devotional: The PERFECT Thanksgiving

October 22, 2021/in Devotional, Devotionals /by Beth Desplancke

Southwest Division

For most Americans, Thanksgiving is a joyous time of celebration. It is a time when we gather around a table that is overflowing with turkey, stuffing, potatoes, pies, and all sorts of delicious foods. It is a time for football, parades, and all-around mirth. As Christians, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and give thanks to God for abounding love and faithfulness to us.

For many, however, Thanksgiving brings about vastly different emotions. It is a time of stress, anxiety, and depression. It reminds them of their failure and imperfections. Thanksgiving is not a thankful holiday for these people. Why is that? What is it about this holiday or this time of year that causes these emotions?

I often think about these questions as I mentally prepare myself for the stress of Thanksgiving, and the main answer I come back to is societal expectations. When I consider the holidays and what society has told me they look like, it is overwhelming. The perfectly set tables brimming with food. The lavish decorations, and perfectly cleaned house. The children with perfect manners, and the husband who is watching the perfect game in his perfect recliner. The expectations are crushing.

These expectations are not anything new either. I often look back at the story of Mary and Martha. Read Luke 10:38-42.

Two sisters seeking to enjoy being in the presence of Jesus. Enter the expectations. Mary casts aside the expectations of a host and simply sits at Jesus feet. Martha, however, seeks to be a good host while also wanting to be a part of the festivities. In most teaching and sermons, Martha is portrayed as a busybody and complainer. However, I believe that what she is experiencing is very real. She wants to live up to what society has said is a good host. She wants that PERFECT Thanksgiving.

I think that when Jesus tells her that Mary has chosen what is better, he is inviting her to forget the expectations and simply be with him. HE isn’t telling her that she is wrong or that she is worse than Mary. He is telling her that it is okay if the dishes wait, it is okay if the turkey is dry.

Thanksgiving is a time to simply be reminded that Jesus loves us. We give thanks to God, not because of the food, decorations, or visiting guests, but simply because he loves us.

Questions to Ponder:

What are some of the stresses that you experience during Thanksgiving?
How do you deal with your stress during the holidays?

Challenge:

Starting on Thanksgiving Day, try to keep a gratitude journal. Each day write anywhere between a sentence and a paragraph of the things that you are thankful for that day. Don’t overthink it, you are the only one looking in this journal.

Note: Check out this month’s Bible Study, 10 Reasons to Praise the Lord, and this month’s craft, Edible Thanksgiving Turkeys, that coordinates with this devotional.

November Bible Study: Authentic Thanksgiving

October 22, 2021/in Bible Studies /by Beth Desplancke

Authentic Thanksgiving Bible Study By Anna Stone Pathway of Hope Director, Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division The Apostle Paul admonishes us to be thankful in all circumstances. (1 Thessalonians 5:18). […]

November Devotional: Thankfulness

October 22, 2021/in Devotional, Devotionals /by Beth Desplancke

Thankfulness By Anna Stone Pathway of Hope Director, Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the […]

November 2021 Inspire Newsletter

October 22, 2021/in Resources /by Beth Desplancke

November is the time when we celebrate thankfulness. God gives us so much, and thus, we have lots of reasons to be thankful, and that is what this month’s newsletter is all about. This month’s “symbol of hope” is the cornucopia, which is always full and overflowing with harvest blessings. May we be people who are overflowing with praise and thanksgiving for all that God provides for us.

In this month’s newsletter besides a devotional, there is an easy edible cornucopia craft to decorate your Thanksgiving table and Bible trivia about times when God miraculous provided for people in need.

Philippians 4:19 reminds us And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Download this month’s newsletter.

Inspire-November-2021 Download

Need previous issues of the INSPIRE Newsletter? They can be found at the following links: October 2021, September 2021, August 2021, July 2021, June 2021, May 2021, April 2021, March 2021, February 2021, January 2021 December 2020, November 2020, October 2020, September 2020, August 2020, July 2020, June 2020, May 2020, April 2020, March 2020, February 2020, January 2020, December 2019, November 2019, October 2019, October 2018-September 2019

October 2021 Inspire Newsletter

October 22, 2021/in Resources /by Beth Desplancke

It is a new program year in The Salvation Army and this year’s theme is “Hope for the World.” How fitting of a theme for such a time as this.

Each issue of the Inspire Newsletter is going to focus on one symbol of hope. Did you know that red, orange and yellow are considered hopeful colors? This edition is all about the beautiful fall leaves that a lot of places get to enjoy. Included are some fall leaf craft ideas and a new feature of our newsletter, Bible trivia, and this month it is all about leaves.

The focus verse for this month is Romans 15:13 which says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.“

Inspire-October-2021 Download

Need previous issues of the INSPIRE Newsletter? They can be found at the following links: September 2021, August 2021, July 2021, June 2021, May 2021, April 2021, March 2021, February 2021, January 2021 December 2020, November 2020, October 2020, September 2020, August 2020, July 2020, June 2020, May 2020, April 2020, March 2020, February 2020, January 2020, December 2019, November 2019, October 2019, October 2018-September 2019

She Leads… by Seeing & Seizing the Day

October 15, 2021/in Resources /by Beth Desplancke

By Commissioner Debi Bell
Southwest Division

See and Seize the Day!
(We need leaders, who seek, see, and lead using valuable insights gained in the search.)

We can discover countless gems buried in the myriad lists found 1 Chronicles. This gem is one of my favorites because it gave a tip of the hat to leaders who had vision.

“From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command.” 1 Chronicles 12:32 (NIV)

General John Gowans addressed a group of leaders and asked us to rethink the word “seer” to try to erase the negative connotations that equate it with the dark arts of sorcery. Then apply a more true understanding that seers are people who have a clear vision for the future. Seers and prophets are similar types of people. We also tend to mystify the terms prophet and prophesy. In the Bible, many prophets and seers spoke of future events that seemed obscure and clouded in mystery. Even today we look at prophesy and realize the same vision has many applications.

Prophesy is listed as one of the gifts of the Spirit. It is defined as both foretelling and telling forth God’s message. A prophet, seer, will also have the gifts of discernment, wisdom, and knowledge. Prophets and seers who use their gifts for personal power, gain, or amusement are in grave danger. People who misuse their prophetic gift are false prophets, who mislead people, and will answer to God for this misuse of their gifts.

Seize The Day!
(Looking for women of passion and potential)

Are you a woman who has a passion for The Lord and for extending His Kingdom? Then you are most likely a seer… a person who clearly sees what is most valuable in life and you pursue it. This verse from Proverbs will speak to your gifting.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

As a true seer, you will see the importance of keeping your purpose and priorities in line with God’s priorities as found here in the words of Jesus.

“Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV)

See the Day!
Women of Purpose

“And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14c NIV

Leaders, who see, understand that they have a purpose, but life is not “all about them.” Esther was a leader for her day because she did not dwell on the things that happened to her but understood those things had equipped her for the role and purpose God gave her. Imagine if Esther had used any of the negative circumstances of her life define her. Esther could have been the orphan, sad and forgotten. Esther could have been the prisoner of war exiled in a foreign country living as an alien. She could have been the sex trafficked victim living in the prison of the king’s harem. Esther could have chosen to be defined as a religiously persecuted woman with no rights or power to change things. Yes, all those things happened to her, but she discovered her purpose was to trust God and use her role as queen to intercede for the Jewish people and preserve the line of David so that in the fullness of time Jesus, the Messiah, would be born. Esther means star, whether or not she could foresee the day when a star would appear to herald the birth of the Messiah, she could see her purpose in God’s plan.

The things good and bad that happened to you do not define you, but they equip you for God’s purpose if you choose to trust and see beyond them.

Hi C the Day!
Women Who Program

“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

The book, Strengths Finder by Tom Rath, is a good tool to use in your quest to become a better leader. There are other similar resources to explore. With the “Strengths Finder” tools, you learn what your strengths are and how to better use them for God’s purpose for your life. I learned that I am an “Ideaist;” creativity is my superpower. Sometimes I forget that coming up with ideas for programs is not easy for everyone else. When I look at the phrase, “seize the day,” my mind automatically begins to mine it for ideas and words that sound like words in the phrase. Images that go along with the word play in my head. I jot down these ideas because I see them. Are you like that? Then you may be a seer.

However, your strength could be as an Achiever or Activator because you can see how to make it work. Then you may be a seer. On the other hand, your strength could be as a Developer who can help others see the idea and how it can work for them. Then you may be a seer. To program and make a program work takes all kinds of seers. Effective seers are people who see and do what God shows them. Like Esther, your purpose creates waves and ripples in the sea of time that makes a difference long after you have come and gone. See the day and seize it.

“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests. Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; He answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:4-7 (NIV)

Seas the Day!
Women Who Pool Resources

“Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.” Psalm 105:1-5 (NIV)

Leaders know that they cannot do it all by themselves. Esther called upon her friends and family to pray for her before she began to execute her plan. She did not just blurt out everything at her first meeting with the king. She waited for God’s guidance and trusted Him.

What are the challenges of your appointment? What are the challenges in your family or personal life? Get others to pray with you and for you. Ask God to show you His plan. Pool your resources. It is important to build good healthy relationships that build your resources rather than tear them down. This is very difficult to do in ministry, however work at building life-long friends.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)

Seize the Possibilities
Women Who See Possibilities

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

One of our biggest challenges in life is change. Change happens whether or not you are ready for it to happen. There are events in history called sea changes. Sea changes are likened to the waves of the ocean. The tide goes in and out dictated by the cycle of the moon and other atmospheric influences. People who surf learn that waves come in patterns. The best surfers learn to see the pattern so they can catch the best waves when they come. The best surfers are like leaders who see-seers. You understand the times and know what to do. You are not bogged down in circumstances, but you seize the possibilities. You lead change.

See and Seize the Day!
Women with Purpose (Lighthouse Keepers)

“For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV)

Lighthouse keepers and surfers have a lot in common. They both read the waves. However, a lighthouse keeper has a better perspective and more information. The duty of lighthouse keepers is to prepare for storms that arise. They light the light that guides people around the dangerous rocks. They sound the alarm. They help rescue the ones who have wrecked. Sometimes it is hard to be a lighthouse keeper. It is hard to be a prophet/seer when people do not want to listen to your message and warning.

“But I said, ‘I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing.’ Yet what is due me is in the LORD’s hand, and my reward is with my God…This is what the LORD says: “In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances, to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’ “They will feed beside the roads and find pasture on every barren hill. They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat upon them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.” Isaiah 49:4, 8-10 (NIV)

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

“The light of the righteous shines brightly…” Proverbs 13:9 (NIV)

Lighthouse Keepers, enlist your praying friends and family – pool your resources. Draw strength from those who understand you. Seek them out and build the friendships. Most of all trust in The Lord because you see the purpose He has for you will eventually bear fruit. Let your light shine.

We need leaders who see and seek the Lord with all their hearts, minds, souls, and strength. God bless you. Seize the day and lead the way.

She Leads…With Courage

September 17, 2021/in Resources /by Beth Desplancke

By Major Tracie Hartt
Santa Rosa, CA Corps – Del Oro Division

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

When I think of powerful women leaders in the Bible, I cannot help but think of Esther. Esther was used by God to save a nation. In a time when women were not leaders and when her ethnicity was frowned upon, she stepped up. She was an orphan that became Queen of Persia and then in obedient courage she was used to save her people. I can imagine how scary this situation must have been for her but despite that she did not waver.

In my own life I have seen courageous leadership in my mom, Vicki Roberts. My parents are retired Majors for The Salvation Army. My mom has suffered from kidney cancer, heart issues and she had a stroke. She has had years of being in and out of the hospitals and has faced some extremely tough times physically. This is enough to turn anyone anxious and fearful. She has amazed me with her strength and spirit to do all she can until the Lord takes her home. Even in the hospital when things were uncertain, she was witnessing for the Lord and praying for the nurses. As she was house bound for the past few years, she has made it a point to not stop her ministry. She joins as many Salvation Army Livestream Worship Services possible from home. She began a Zoom Bible Study and daily uses her cell phone to lift others up and point them to Christ. Her leadership never stopped! Her ministry didn’t retire! Her zeal for the Lord has only increased! What an incredible example.

This past year and a half have been difficult for many of us. In the face of the unknown with the pandemic I personally faced a time of anxiety. This surprised me as I have generally been confident and strong. I had times of struggle. I honestly wanted to stay home and felt like shutting down. I knew this was not possible nor was it Gods will. I needed to lead and there were so many that needed help. I knew that in my ministry, and in my life, that I had the only, true, hope that could transcend the fear and anxiety that I (and millions of others around the world) was feeling. Like Esther, I had to walk into a situation, daily, that was full of unknowns (which was, and is, totally against my nature). I had to trust God and push through the anxiety because our employees, our congregation, and our community needed the hope that only Christ can bring. It took me being intentional in my personal walk with the Lord and I really learned to walk by faith in God and not by sight.

Through the years I witnessed that the courage that comes from the Lord is powerful. When I have had to walk through a door in the hospital to pray with someone who was dying, when I have taken the step to stand in the gap for the person who could not stand for themselves, when I have had to love someone that is angry and broken, when I had to walk through the doors of our corps despite the fear…God’s presence was evident and His strength sustaining. As I embrace a new appointment and walk into unknown areas, I have a choice to make as a leader. Being a leader can be hard but the beauty of relying on the Lords strength in the storms is empowering and beautiful.

I am so encouraged every time I think of Esther. She was a young Hebrew girl who was taken captive (along with her people) and trust into a situation where she had to abandon herself, entirely, into the hands of God…not knowing what would happen to her. All she knew about God was the testimonies of His work in the lives of those men and women of Israel who came before her time, and their declarations of His faithfulness to them.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

We are on this amazing journey as leaders and how incredible is it that we get to do this! He will sustain us and fill us with power and strength as we minister for Him and lead in courage.

October 2021 Devotional: I See You. God Sees You. You Matter

September 13, 2021/in Devotional, Devotionals /by Beth Desplancke

By Lt. Mony Oregel
Stockton, CA Corps – Del Oro Division

One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. Acts 16:14 (NIV)

Ten years ago, my life was a hot mess.

I attempted to numb my childhood hurt, pain, and rejection with anything and everything —alcohol, drugs, food, men. You name it, I tried it. But nothing worked.

My wounds screamed you are nothing: I wasn’t good enough or pretty enough. Life was dark. Soon the police were involved, threatening to take my kids away. My life was a disaster, and chaotic and I didn’t know what to do.

During my mess and crazy life, I called a friend (I call her my angel), a friend who walked the same road I did. I didn’t know her well, but there was something different about her. She wore this polyester blue uniform every day and, on her name, tag it said, “Welcoming Sargent.” She would invite me to church every week. I said to myself. What kind of church is that? I don’t want any part of it. I laughed and brushed it off over and over. I would tell her “next time!” Something in her eyes and her smile said: I see you. God sees you. You matter. You are not alone.

That evening, my angel listened to my story and then spoke four simple words: “Mony, you need Jesus.”

Since I’d tried everything the world had to offer and still felt empty inside, I figured I didn’t have anything to lose. In 2013 I walked in to the Oakland Garden street Salvation Army. Those officers and soldiers welcomed me with open arms. I felt safe and at home. I invited Jesus Christ into my heart and to take control of my life.

Everything changed for me at that moment, starting with my angel. She noticed this lost girl and introduced me to the One who opens His arms wide — no matter the size of the mess I was in.

Today, my life gives hope to others and a testament to the fact that no one is too far gone from God’s amazing grace.

This former drug addict now leads a beautiful Corps in Stockton and an amazing community is focused on telling men, women, boys, and girls about God’s amazing love.

But what if my angel had been too busy or distracted? What if she’d looked away?

The Apostle Paul also knew the power of seeing others — not just as who they were, but who they could be. Paul understood the transforming power of Jesus, which made him the perfect ambassador to share God’s love and light everywhere he went.

In Acts 16, as Paul passed through Macedonia, he took time to see Lydia and her friends sitting by the river. Lydia was a successful business owner. But selling purple cloth didn’t fill the void as she searched for spiritual purpose and potential. All the money and connections couldn’t satisfy her deepest need for love and belonging. That day on the riverbank, though, everything changed.

Three ambassadors of God sought His lost children. I bet that day Paul, Luke and Silas were gentle in their demeanor. I bet they smiled and made eye contact that said: I see you. God sees you. You matter. You are not alone.

The Bible tells us the three men did not ignore the women sharing the riverbank with them. (Acts 16:13) Paul stopped. Sat. Shared. Unintimidated by the fact that not one single person for miles around believed in Jesus Christ. Not one. Then there was a miracle on the fishy-smelling, shore. One of God’s lost girls was found! “…The Lord opened (Lydia’s) heart to respond to Paul’s message” (Acts 16:14). She listened, and her heart was opened to God’s love his promises and the Good News of Jesus. Because Paul and his friends looked up from their lives and really saw Lydia, she was saved.

What about you, friend? How often do you look up and really notice people God places in your life? How might you break out of your comfort zone and engage with someone?

Let’s remember: We might be the difference between someone being lost and being found. We might be the light in someone’s dark chaotic world. Let’s be that light – the light God calls us to be.

Dear God, I acknowledge You as the God who sees me. You know me and understand me when no one else does. Forgive me for the times I’ve missed the Men, women, boys and girls here, near and far who need Jesus. Give me Your eyes and heart to seek the lost and be that light and show them Jesus and His love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Check out this month’s Bible Study, Seeds of Potential and this month’s craft, Sand Jar Craft, which coordinates with this devotional.