November 2021 Inspire Newsletter

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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-2021Download

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

She Leads… by Seeing & Seizing the Day

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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

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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

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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.

October 2021 Craft: Sand Jar Craft

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

Supplies Needed: (You can find everything from your local dollar store)

  • A container – glass or plastic with a wide mouth
  • 3-4 different colored sands (1 should be a neutral, natural color of sand)
  • A spoon
  • A funnel
  • An artificial succulent or any flower of your choice
  • Seashells and/or craft rocks

Check out the following videos for detailed instructions on how to make this craft.

Sand Craft part 1:

Sand Craft part 2:

Note: Check out this month’s Bible study, Seeds of Potential, and this month’s devotional, I See You. God Sees You. You Matter, that coordinates with this craft.

October 2021 Bible Study: Seeds of Potential

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By Major Shannon Murphy
Yuba/Sutter, CA Corps – Del Oro Division

Scripture References: John 15:16, Matthew 13:3-8, John 15:1-4

My oldest son is currently working his second season at a local pumpkin farm, Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm. This pumpkin farm began operations 49 years ago and is well known throughout the region. It is amazing to see the rows and rows of pumpkins, all different shapes, sizes, and colors.

Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm is famous for its oversized pumpkins. Earlier this summer I learned the amount of care and attention put into such a crop. For instance, to produce 100-to-200-pound show pumpkins, each plant needs 80 square feet of space to grow. Smaller variety pumpkins do not near this much space. Since a few seeds will fail to germinate and a few plants will die of various causes (rabbits and squirrels), farmers plant a seed every 3.5 ft in 12 ft rows. At a certain point, farmers must thin out the excess plants so larger pumpkins have enough room to grow reaching their full potential.

This process of producing a bumper pumpkin crop reminded me of how God works in the lives of His people.

God Designed Us With A Purpose

Read John 15:16
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

Similarly, to the farmer selecting which pumpkins to prepare for full maturity, God chose each one of us before we even were aware of it. He is taking the time to care and nurture us to grow according to His purpose for us. Our purpose is to produce fruit, lasting fruit. However, many times we might not want to let Him be in control of our lives. We struggle to allow the adequate amount water (the Holy Spirit), or fertilizer (His Word) penetrate us for growth.

  • Have you fully accepted that God has chosen you?
  • Are you fully trusting in God’s plan for your life? If not, what is causing you not to fully trust in God’s plan for you?

God Positions Us to Reach Our Full Potential

Read Matthew 13:3-8
Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.
In this scripture we are told of how the farmer scattered the seeds. We know the seeds were probably scattered by hand; however, they were not scattered carelessly. The seeds were probably expensive so the farmer would disburse with care and to the best of his ability.

In the first scene, we see the farmer scattered seed along a walking path or road. Some Bible translations say, “some seeds fell by the wayside.” We are not sure why he would sow seeds here. It could be this soil seemed to be just as good the rest of the field. It could have been soil that was good at one point but turned hard overtime.

In the second scene, we see the farmer scattered seed on the rocky place. This does not mean that it fell on rock, but into the ground where the rock was close to the surface. This would not have been seen by the farmer. When seed falls on this kind of soil there is miraculous growth of the seed. But because there is no depth of the soil so the roots cannot go down and all the strength goes into the stalk.

In the third scene, we see the farmer scattered seed and some fell was among the thorns. This soil was good; however, it was infested by weeds. This was also not visible to the farmer as the roots of the weeds and thorns filled the soil but had yet to emerge above ground. The seeds compete for soil as the thorns grow faster than the seeds and the new sprouts soon get choked by the thorns.

In the fourth scene, we see the farmer scattered seed on good soil. This soil is enriched with the proper hydration and nutrients for a healthy crop. However, the seed still must deal with all the hardships and storms before the crop becomes mature.

There are seasons in your life where you may feel out of place or in the wrong position. You may wonder if God got it wrong or if God was careless in His placement of you. But hold on to these truths: you are valued, and God is meticulous where He wants to you positioned. You may deal with seasons of drought or famine, but God positioned where you are for growth and maturing to your full potential.

  • Looking at your life today, what type of soil are you positioned in?
  • What steps do you need to take to be in the good soil?

God Prunes Us To Produce Fruit

Read John 15:1-4
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.  Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

The pumpkin farmer plant seeds near one another, every 3.5 feet in 12-foot rows. As the crops matures the fields quickly become crowded. Some plants are green and leafy but never produce fruit while others sprout pumpkins that are lackluster. So, to produce the best crop of beautiful, full-sized pumpkins, the farmer must conduct some pruning. He must thin out the excessive under producing plants.

There are seasons when life becomes overcrowded by useless and worthless things. If gone unchecked these things can easily stunt our growth and cut off our connection to the Father. God wants to prune and burn away the unnecessary and fruitless things in our lives. This pruning may include the difficult decision of cutting unhealthy relationships or removing negative influences in our lives. When we allow God to complete this process then we can produce the fruit intended for us.

  • What things or people do you need to remove from your life and why?
Seeds-of-Potential-Bible-Study-Oct-21Download

Note: Check out this month’s devotional, I See You. God Sees You. You Matter, and this month’s craft, Sand Jar Craft, which coordinates with this Bible study.

Take It to the Lord in Prayer

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By Major Beth Desplancke

This morning on the news I heard story after story about one crisis or another: the continuing COVID pandemic, the situation in Afghanistan, political fireworks regarding masks and vaccines… the list goes on. It sometimes feels dark and hopeless. But what do I do with the information? Yes, I am upset, but does it stir me to action? Does it lead me to my knees? To be honest, I might discuss it with others briefly, but after the initial shock of the news story, I go on, unaffected and untouched.

Nehemiah responded differently to a crisis in his time. He served as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. On a visit from his brother, Nehemiah asked about his fellows Jews who had survived the exile and about the condition of Jerusalem. Nehemiah got news he probably wasn’t expecting. I am sure when he asked, he was hoping to receive a great report, but in Nehemiah 1:3, he is told some sad news, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the providence are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”

Nehemiah didn’t just say, “Oh, that’s too bad. I am so sorry to hear that,” and then quickly change the subject. No! It stopped him in his tracks! Verse 4 tells us that he sat down and wept and for some days, he mourned and fasted and prayed. The news he had heard touched his heart enough to take it to the Lord in prayer.

Notice, in a crisis moment Nehemiah didn’t panic. He didn’t talk to a lot of people about the situation. I had a Sunday school teacher that always said, “Before you go to the phone, go to the throne.” Instead of grabbing the phone and calling one of your friends to discuss your problem or situation, you should first go to the throne of heaven and talk to God about it.

Instead of talking about the problem, plotting and planning a way of action, fretting and stewing over it, or stress eating and shopping to deal with the feelings, he prayed about it. He turned to the One who could do something about the situation. He doesn’t focus on the problem in front of him; he chose to focus on the One who is big enough to handle this big problem. He begins his prayer with these words, “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments” (v. 5).

Nehemiah didn’t just pray once and move on, but it says he prayed for days. In verses 1 of chapter 1 the Bible tells us that it was the Jewish month of Kislev, which occurs in November-December on our calendars. In chapter 2, verses 1 we read that is now the month of Nisan, which is March-April. That is about 4 months that Nehemiah prayed over the situation and what was to be the God designed solution. Nehemiah didn’t simply pray one panicked prayer but had a pattern of prayer. He prayed continuously and consistently over the situation. I know I am guilty of praying a prayer once, and then moving on as if the situation no longer matters.

Nehemiah is often described as a great leader. He approached the king with a plan, and the king allowed him to go to Jerusalem and provided him with resources, and Nehemiah lead the people to rebuild the wall in 52 days. But Nehemiah’s leadership, plans and skills are secondary. The major thing needed was a deep commitment to prayer. Nehemiah viewed himself as a humble servant, and he was dependent on God for his direction and instruction.
Joseph Scriven penned these familiar words:

What a Friend we have in Jesus,
  All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
  Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
  O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
  Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
  Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
  Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
  Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
  Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
  Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
  Take it to the Lord in prayer;
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
  Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
  Thou wilt find a solace there.

What problems are you facing whether personally or corporately that has stirred your heart lately? How have your responded? May we be women who learn from Nehemiah’s example, and when problems arise, may we be women who pray instead of panic, who focus on the Problem-Solver rather than the problem, and who persistently bring the situation to the Lord until He provides an answer. Whatever burden or care that is on your heart today, take it to the Lord in prayer.

September Craft: Rolled Paper Roses

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By Major Ronda Gilger
Coeur d’Alene Kroc Center, ID – Northwest Division

Pure inspiration!

Learn a simple technique with so many applications.

We’ve added everything you need to make sure that your group has a wonderful experience as they work together around the tables. Truly, some of the best ministry moments are experienced as women share their stories as they create these simple paper roses. And you will be so inspired as you look through the presentation and see how many applications there are for this lovely paper rose.

Will you create a masterpiece for your walls, or scatter them around a table? Perhaps just a few set inside and around the saucer of your teacup.  Imagine events with these inspired decorations, wreaths, or something as practical as cards, tags or package décor. 

This is a craft that can be taught across genders and generations, with relatively low cost which makes this internationally attractive as well.  Share-far and wide!

What you’ll need:

  1. paper (scrapbook paper is good, cardstock has a nice weight-or use a page from a novel, a songbook or ??? so many options!),
  2. scissors,
  3. and a hot glue gun.

In the Video Tutorial you will hear a variety of ideas for Women’s Ministries, as well as tips for leading this craft. 

For any of your women who may be home bound- this might also be a perfect way to share a link with them which they can follow along doing the same craft project as your other women.

Download the 2 page (2 sided) Tutorial handbook which can be printed for each woman in your group.

Paper-Roses-Tutorial-PDFDownload
RolledPaperRosesDownload

September Devotional: Prayer Flag Project

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By Major Ronda Gilger
Coeur d’Alene Kroc Center, ID – Northwest Division

Note: This is a devotional that incorporates a time of prayer and a craft.

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:11

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit speaks on our behalf with groans that words cannot express. Romans 8:26

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your prayer requests before God. Philippians 4:6

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

I want men (and women) everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. I Timothy 2:8

Believing that the world can be changed with prayer, and understanding that our prayers carry the full intent of our hearts and minds to the throne of God… we choose to pray. We choose to move in close – to our Father….to sit in his presence and practice the spiritual discipline of prayer through an “activity” that will unite and focus us.

There are two options for the Prayer Flag Project:
1) The prayer flag banner can be made individually as a “take home” which may become a part of each person’s ongoing prayer life.

2) The prayer flag banner can be made to hang as a larger banner- in your chapel or entryway, a worship center or group room.   As each person comes in they are invited to take part and the project is ongoing for a month or several weeks until the banner is filled with “prayers. You may have a journal there where people can write their prayer requests if they want others to join them.

The simplest directions are included on the handout which can be printed to give to all those participating.

The-Prayer-Flag-Project-Individual-flagDownload
The-Prayer-Flag-Project-Corps-projectDownload

Setting the Scene: Play worship music to create an atmosphere conducive to prayer.

Set up a “materials” table. Twine can be precut and placed at each participant’s seat. Strips of fabric can be precut or torn and placed in a few baskets where the women can choose the fabric they choose to add to their Prayer Flag.

Read each verse about prayer. Ask your women to share a time in their lives when God answered prayer. They may share as a group or as a united group. Encourage your women to keep a Prayer Journal- so they can see the ways in which God is working in their lives. “How He is answering their prayers!” You might even give each woman a small journal or moleskin and ask her to write down some of the prayers that she had as she created her Prayer Flag.

Close your time together in prayer for one another.

Directions:

1. Measure & mark 1-1.5” inch sections along edge of fabric using ruler.
Snip the edge at the marking” cutting 1/2” in from edge.
2. Tear fabric strips to get a rough, straight edge.
Cut strips to 15 “ (1”x 15”) or (1.5 x 15”)
3. Tie your fabric strip around the twine and Knot with a simple half knot in the center of the strip.  *Use a fairly Sturdy Hemp twine measuring 36-40”( or longer if a group project)
4. Tie a small slip knot at each end so that it can be hung. 


5. With each “knotted fabric strip” a “prayer has been added.

September 2021 Inspire Newsletter

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It is easy to look around at the world and all that is happening, and become discouraged and hopeless. But as believers we have hope not in circumstances, but in God. “Just Be…Hopeful” is the theme for this month’s Inspire Newsletter. Included is a devotional about hope, a Bible reading plan, as well as some sunrise craft ideas to remind you of the hope we have in the Lord.

Because of the Lords’ great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:23

Inspire-September-2021-1Download

Need previous issues of the INSPIRE Newsletter?  They can be found at the following links:  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