January 2025 Bible Study: Beauty Redefined

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By Major Angela Strickland
Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary – Golden State Division

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”
Proverbs 31:30

Explore how we see ourselves vs how God sees us, through the lens Scripture.

Physical looks are what people typically think of when considering what beauty is. There was a recent news story about the perfect face having a certain symmetry…eyes, nose and mouth spaced just right. They even suggested specific actresses that fit the bill for that perfect look. I giggled out loud after having just read several biblical affirmations regarding the kind of beauty we should actually strive for.

Webster’s Dictionary defines beauty as “a combination of qualities such as shape, color, or form that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight; a beautiful woman.“

How do you define beauty?

What does the Bible tell us about beauty?

You will find answers in both the Old and New Testaments

  • Read 1 Samuel 16:7 (Outward appearance vs the heart)
  • Read 2 Corinthians 3:18 (Transformed into His image)

What does the Lord look at?

(Read the Message version of 2 Corinthians 3:18 for a slightly different perspective)

There were several women that were called beautiful in the Bible – Job’s daughters, Rebekah, Bathsheba, Sarai, Esther, and more. However, we are reminded that the virtuous woman of noble character surpasses all.

Based upon what his mother taught him, King Lemuel in the book of Proverbs gives a clear description of a beautiful woman. He writes about a wife of noble character who is more valuable than rubies.

  • Read {Proverbs 31:30 (A woman who fears the Lord

Name 5 characteristics of a Proverbs 31 woman.

Some of the descriptors are still quite valid for us today.

  • Read 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV) (Beauty of great worth)

The Message version talks about our inner disposition and cultivating our inner beauty – “the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in.”

Inner beauty is reinforced in 2 Corinthians as we learn that outwardly we waste away, but inwardly we are renewed daily.

  • Read 2 Corinthians 4:16 (Inwardly renewed daily)

How can we cultivate inner beauty?

  • Practice compassion for yourself and others
  • Be authentic
  • Develop positive relationships
  • Cultivate the fruits of the Spirit
  • Pursue holiness

As you reflect Christ and grow in your faith, your inner beauty will shine through.

You are one of a kind!

You were uniquely designed by God – who created rainbows, sunsets and that amazing scent after an Arizona rain. Not only were you “fearfully and wonderfully” made, but David reinforces God’s design by saying that God’s works are wonderful. Meaning His creation of you is wonderful.

  • Psalm 139:14 (Fearfully and wonderfully made)
  • Read Ephesians 2:10 (God’s workmanship) (NIV/NLT)

When looking through the lens of God’s eyes, what types of beauty can be found in all people (list some ideas)?

God made all things beautiful. That includes you. God says you are so valued that He sent His Son to die for you.

  • Read Ecclesiastes 3:11a (He has made everything beautiful)

How does the world’s view of beauty differ from the biblical perspective?

  • Read Matthew 10:29-31, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (NIV)

What aspects about yourself do you appreciate as God’s Creation?

Can you think of someone in your life that needs to be reminded that they are valued?

Can you write down one characteristic that you like about yourself and thank God for it?

Prayer: Father, thank you that I am your beloved creation! Help me to understand and to see true beauty in myself and in others. Please help me to live out your beauty in ways that would honor you and help others. Continue your transforming work in my life as I seek knowledge and wisdom that would enable me to have a better self-image. Help me to remember that I was created in your image.

Download a printable version of this Bible Study:

Beauty RedefinedDownload

Enjoy this song by Bethany Dillon, and be reminded that you are “Beautiful”

January 2025 Craft: Created In His Image Mirror

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By Major Peggy Helms, Riverside, CA Corps
& Major Angela Strickland, Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary – Golden State Division

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV)

Don’t be swayed by the thoughts and comments of others. Understand who’s you are and how much God loves you – so you can understand and love yourself. God wants you to give Him the places in your heart that you won’t let others see. When you look into the mirror, allow the reflection coming back to be whom God sees – as you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” – Psalms 139:14.

Materials:

  1. Small mirror (handheld or stand type)
  2. Butterfly or flower stickers (3D style)
  3. Colored chalk markers (reversible tip)
  4. Clean cloth and water or glass cleaner

Directions:
⦁ Choose mirror style, handheld or stand type (Dollar/discount shops have them)
⦁ Wipe mirror so that it is free of dirt and smudges
⦁ Write “You Are Beautiful” on the mirror (you can print vinyl stickers with Cricut)
⦁ Decorate the mirror with your stick-on butterflies and/or flowers. You can also use a hot glue gun for items that are not stick-on.

Additional Scripture:
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:7

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Colossians 3:5-10

Download a printable version of this craft:

Created in His Image WM Resource CraftDownload

Enjoy this song, “Mirror” by BarlowGirl to remind you that the mirror does not define you.

January 2025 Devotional: Beauty from the Inside Out

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By Major Angela Strickland
Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary – Golden State Division

Beauty is only skin deep…Beauty is in the eye of the beholder…common things we’ve heard said about beauty.

Our 18-year-old daughter is at that age where wearing make-up and styling her hair have become a bit more “needed” (job interviews, leading worship, youth group outings) than it was a few years ago. I am at that age where my hair is turning gray and the wrinkles that used to be in my clothing are now also on my face.

We are both acutely aware that with the emergence of social media websites such as Tik Tok and Instagram, things like lash lengthening mascara ads, plumped up lips and perfect eyebrows are given high status and warrant “likes” and comments from others.

It tends to make us look at ourselves in the mirror and measure our worth against what we presume society thinks is important. This can cause internal conflict resulting in low self-esteem or a lack of confidence.

Thankfully, we have a deeper sense of the value our Father places on us. What is on the inside is more valued than outward appearance.

Proverbs 31 is well known for its description of what a woman should consider about beauty. Specifically, verse 30, which tells us that “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (NIV).

There is nothing wrong with outward beauty. Outward beauty is temporary, but inner beauty is described throughout Proverbs 31 about a woman who isn’t built solely on charm and beauty. There is a little more to this woman. She is wise, a provider, works hard, has a good sense of humor, helps others, she is strong and so much more. A woman who fears the Lord has characteristics of one who fears being separated from God. So, she lives her life worthy of His calling and commands.

His Word reinforces for us that true beauty is found on the inside. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 3:3-4 that “your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

The next time you pass a mirror, don’t think only about what your physical image reflects, but consider whose you are and how you can reflect the beauty of His holiness.

Let’s Pray…

Father, thank you for looking beyond our outward appearance and for seeing our internal beauty. Allow us to see ourselves as you do and reveal in us areas that need transformation so that we may reflect the true beauty that is found in our relationship with you. Help us to look beyond the surface in others, and to acknowledge the godly qualities you have blessed them with. May our lives exemplify your love and grace so that others might draw closer to you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Enjoy this song by Jamie Grace, that you are “Every Bit of Lovely”:

January 2025 Newsletter

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You are Priceless! You are Beautiful! That is the theme of this month’s newsletter.

You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you. Song of Songs 4:7

Included in this month’s newsletter is a devotion, prayer idea, conversation starters, and a Bible reading plan that emphasizes what the Lord wants His daughters to “wear,” to look and act like Christ. Also included are “Identity Statements,” verses that proclaim who you are in Christ for you to memorize, meditate on and claim in your life.

Download this month’s newsletter:

Newsletter January 2025Download

Listen to this song by Megan Woods, and be reminded of “The Truth.”

Flourishing in Our Identity: You are Beautiful!

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By Colonel Genevera Vincent

Have you ever met someone, and your first thought was, “wow, she is beautiful!” and then she opened her mouth and suddenly her beauty fades as her words give way to negativity, gossip and foul language. Flourishing in our identity in Christ is having a healthy understanding of beauty. We have all heard it said, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” There’s a tremendous truth in that statement. We can all look at the same thing but have very different ideas and opinions on its beauty status. What I consider beautiful might be simply mundane and boring to another. So, suffice it to say, beauty goes much deeper than a nice hairdo, nice clothes and make-up. While it is okay to ensure that our appearance is appealing…actually, it is strongly encouraged…it is of paramount importance that we tend to the inner beauty of our lives, for that is what makes us truly attractive.

The Bible teaches us that a quiet and gentle spirit is beautiful. What makes us beautiful is what we possess on the inside, strength, dignity and character.

Just this past summer, I participated in a funeral service for my cousin’s wife. She was fifty years old and died very suddenly from a heart attack. We were all shocked and deeply saddened by Lisa’s passing. As we gathered for her service, everyone had the same thing to say about Lisa and it was this: “Lisa was beautiful inside and out.” It truly described who she was. There was no denying physical beauty. Far beyond that, however, was a woman who was kind, compassionate, loving and sincere. She was beautiful, inside and out.

That is what God seeks for his beloved children. The final verses of Proverbs 31 speak of a godly woman. Verses 10-31 speak of a woman of character, a woman of worth, value, goodness, hardworking, compassionate, strength, dignity, wise, blessed. Nowhere in this passage does it speak of physical beauty. Yet, as I read Proverbs 31, I picture a beautiful woman, and she is beautiful indeed. She may have been beautiful to look at, maybe she wasn’t. Her attractiveness was not tied to physical beauty but to her character. After King Lemuel describes the beautiful characteristics of this woman of noble character, he concludes with these verses, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate“ (v. 330-31). In the final analysis, our inner beauty will far outlive our physical beauty.

I would propose that for those reading this blog, our desire is to foster in our lives the qualities that make us truly beautiful. The fruit of the Spirit outlined in Galatians 5:22 is what we should be aiming for, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Paul goes on to say, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit“(v. 24-25).

Have you ever reflected on what you want your legacy to be? What do you want your children, family members and your friends to say about you when you are gone? We are not concerned that physical beauty even makes the list. We want to be remembered for our character. We want to be known and remembered as people who loved deeply, who cared, who made a difference for good in this world.

As a woman of God, flourishing in our identity in Him, remember, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL! May God always help us cultivate the beautiful character qualities that make it so!

December 2024 Newsletter

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You are Priceless! You are Saved! That is the theme of this month’s newsletter.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Included in this month’s newsletter is a devotion, prayer idea, conversation starters, and a Bible reading plan that traces the salvation story through the lives of women. Also included are “Identity Statements,” verses that proclaim who you are in Christ for you to memorize, meditate on and claim in your life.

Download this month’s newsletter:

December 2024 NewsletterDownload

During this holiday season, spend some time meditating on this beautiful Christmas song, and think about how God chose to save the world.

Be sure to check out our Spotify Playlist to hear more great songs that speak of our identity in Christ. WM 2024-2025 Priceless

December 2024 Craft: Lighted Garland

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By Major Jessyca Carr
Education Officer
College for Officer Training

There are so many different combinations of fabric or ribbon and lights; you can check out YouTube for other options. Using fabric is the MOST economical way to do this craft, but it may take more time. I had several rolls of Costco ribbon, so I used what I had. Last year I used a combination of fabric and ribbon. That was pretty too. NOTE: If you plan to do this with your ladies, I suggest precutting the ribbon/fabric. I had our ladies bring me their selections two weeks before the meeting. I cut all the ribbon/fabric and placed them in baggies for each lady. During our meeting, we began our garland and got 1/3 done. (We chatted a lot!) What was not finished during the meeting they were able to complete at home. Below are instructions to make a 100 Light Ribbon Garland. You can follow these instructions for the fabric style, just the sizes used will be different. See fabric notes at the end.

Supplies:
⦁ Christmas lights – 100 lights
⦁ 12 -15 small zip ties (You can use yarn)
⦁ At least 400 8”-10” strips of ribbon – This will vary depending on the size of the ribbon or fabric.

⦁ Pictured: 7 ribbons used – 5 were 2.5’ and 2 were 1”. If you use a smaller ribbon, you will need more strips.
⦁ If you use a set of 50 lights you will need fewer ribbons/fabric.
See below for Fabric details.

Preparation:
⦁ Cut the ribbon – I removed the wire from my ribbon that was wired.
⦁ Place the ribbons in a pattern you like best.

Process:

  1. Fold the strand of lights in half.
  2. Using zip ties or yarn connect the two sides of the lights together.
  3. Cut off the excess zip tie or yarn.
  4. Begin to tie the ribbons around the two strands of lights – only one knot.
  5. Keep the pattern going until you reach the end.

Fabric notes:
⦁ ¾ of a yard of at least 3 coordinating fabrics.
⦁ Use pinking shears or a rotary cutter to cut fabric 1” strips.
⦁ In the picture I didn’t use traditional Christmas lights. These are battery-operated.

Download the printable version of this craft:

Lighted Garland InstructionsDownload

Here is a coordinating devotional, way you can pray for people as you make this craft.

As we prepare for the holiday season, consider adding a homemade decoration that also helps you focus on the Reason for the Season! Do you ever think to yourself, “Man, I have a lot of people to pray for lately”? Do you need a reminder to pray for those people you said you would lift up in prayer but actually forget to pray for? Or perhaps you want to spend some significant amount of time in prayer but are easily distracted. This craft may just help you. Using fabric and or ribbon, tie a knot around Christmas lights for a beautiful fabric garland.

Prayer Focus Options:

As you tie knots you can:

  • Designate each color for a different prayer focus.
  • Designate each set of knots to a prayer focus.
  • Designate each light to a different prayer focus.
  • As you tie the knots pray for the person you plan to give the garland to as a gift.

Color Example:

Red – Pray for the Salvation of those who don’t know Jesus.

Green – Pray for the spiritual growth of those who do know Him.

Gold – Pray for the corps.

White – Holiness within yourself, Your walk with God.

Patterned – Pray for your community.

Each time you look at the garland throughout the season, you will be reminded to say a quick prayer for those who you covered in prayer as you made the garland.

Enjoy the song “God Came to Save Us” as you make this beautiful craft.

December 2024 Devotional: Lighted Garland Prayer Ideas

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By Major Jessyca Carr
Education Officer
College for Officer Training

NOTE: This devotional is connected with this month’s craft – Lighted Garland Craft.

As we prepare for the holiday season, consider adding a homemade decoration that also helps you focus on the Reason for the Season! Do you ever think to yourself, “Man, I have a lot of people to pray for lately”? Do you need a reminder to pray for those people you said you would lift up in prayer but actually forget to pray for? Or perhaps you want to spend some significant amount of time in prayer but are easily distracted. This craft may just help you. Using fabric and or ribbon, tie a knot around Christmas lights for a beautiful fabric garland. Check-out the details of how to make the Lighted Garland Craft.

Prayer Focus Options:

As you tie knots you can:

  • Designate each color for a different prayer focus.
  • Designate each set of knots to a prayer focus.
  • Designate each light to a different prayer focus.
  • As you tie the knots pray for the person you plan to give the garland to as a gift.

Color Example:

Red – Pray for the Salvation of those who don’t know Jesus.

Green – Pray for the spiritual growth of those who do know Him.

Gold – Pray for the corps.

White – Holiness within yourself, Your walk with God.

Patterned – Pray for your community.

Each time you look at the garland throughout the season, you will be reminded to say a quick prayer for those who you covered in prayer as you made the garland.

December 2024 Bible Study: You are Saved

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By Major Rutendo Masango
Director of Continuing Education
College for Officer Training

Do you know you are loved by our Creator? You are valuable and you are such a huge part of this world. When God created Adam and Eve, he put them in the garden of Eden, a beautiful and perfect place, they could talk with God at any time. Well until the serpent came to distract that perfect life. We read in Genesis 3:

“Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1

Of course the serpent twisted God’s command and with that Eve fell into the temptation, together with Adam. Sin entered the world through our first parents which means the rest of humanity has inherited this sin. But we have a God who is so loving and kind, that even though we were separated from him, he had a way for us to stay connected to him, he sent his one and only son, Jesus Christ to the earth, as a baby and grew and yet his mission was to die on the cross for the sins of all humanity.

What an amazing plan of redemption that is, for God is truly amazing!

Well this Bible study theme is: You are saved. And really the important reminder is that God saw that sin separated us from him and his plan was to send Jesus to save us. John 3: 16 we read: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son into the world, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”

What a beautiful promise that if we believe in him we will be saved. Being saved also include turning away from sin, confessing our sins to God and asking for forgiveness and truly believing that we are saved.

Maybe you are here are struggling with really accepting that you are loved and that your sins are forgiven, I would like to encourage you to know and believe that yes you are forgiven. 1 John 1:9 says: “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to purify us from all unrighteousness.” The enemy may whisper inside your heard that you are never forgiven, how can God love a sinner like you? You are not worthy to be saved, or any other lies, well I would like to encourage you that there is no sin that is too hard for God to forgive.

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18

Digging Deeper:

1. What does 1 John 5:11-12 mean to you?

“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

2. We are not saved by our good works. What does this verse mean to you?

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

This Christmas season, as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us be reminded about the reason why he came to this earth, he came to seek and save the lost.

3. Read Luke 2:25-32

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

What do these verse tell you about God’s faithfulness and his promises?

Today, be encouraged and know you are loved and God cares enough for you that he sent his son to save you and me.

Download a printable version of this Bible Study:

December Bible StudyDownload

Conclude your Bible study celebrating the fact “There is a Savior”

December 2024 Bonus Craft: Thank You Cards

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By Margaret Grieco
Territorial Women’s Ministries Department

Philemon 1:4-5 – “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus.”

The celebration of our Savior’s birth always brings along with the season a beautiful sharing of gifts with those we love and cherish. As a special “thank you” to our family and friends, why not create a card for them that’s personal and very unique!

Supplies:
Plastic gems (I use 1-inch in size, but you can go smaller too)
Cardstock (8.5 x 11 – in any color)
Glue Dots (or Tacky Glue)
Gel Pen (or calligraphy pen)
Envelopes (4 x 6 – thicker paper would be better for mailing)
Paper Cutter
Ruler (optional)

Step 1:
Turn your cardstock to landscape and use a paper cutter to cut each sheet down the middle.

Step 2:
Turn your half sheets longwise and fold them in half (the fold should be a top).

Step 3:
Using a ruler, mark the center of the top of the card and line up your gems as you would like them to look on the card. Using Glue Dots, place a Dot on the back of each gem and secure it to your card, placing the gem where you lined it up originally.

Step 4:
Starting at the top of the card, draw a line (straight or curvy) from the top to the card to the gem and add a little bow anywhere on the line.

Step 5:
You can write “Thank You!” or “Thank You So Much!” at the bottom of the card, write a simple note on the inside and place it in your envelope for mailing to your intended recipient.

Each card will be unique and a fun surprise for those who didn’t expect a fabulous “Thank You” card!

Download printable instructions of this craft:

Christmas Thank You Cards_Website Craft_December 2024Download

As you write out your thank you cards for all the wonderful gifts that you receive during this Christmas season, spend some time thanking God for His salvation.