November 2024 Devotional: Fully Known

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By Major Gaylene Yardley
Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary – Southwest Division

Begin by singing or listening to the song “He Knows My Name” by Paul Baloche

Scripture Passage: Psalm 139:13-14

This portion of scripture is a favorite of mine.  It came into my life at a very important time as a corps officer in a very challenging corps.  I often felt like I didn’t fit into this place or the appointment.  I asked God what He was doing and why He put me in a place where I was the odd one out.  Many things happened in this corps that I could write a book about.  It was a place that I learned the power of God and His will for my life.  It didn’t happen overnight.  It took quite some time, but God is faithful, even when I am not.

Psalm 139 is so important as it tells us how important we are to God.  He is our creator and the one who knows us best.  We are fully known because of His love in creation.  Genesis 1:27 tells us that “God created us in His image Male and female ~ He created us.”  Because of this we can know that we are fully known. 

Have you ever created something with your hands?  If you are like me, it never seems to come out as I saw it in my mind’s eye, but it still is a creation that I made and therefore it is important to me as the creator of it.  Creating something from nothing gives us a feeling of accomplishment and achievement.  We did that and it may not look like we thought it would, but it is our creation. 

Psalm 139:13-14 reads; “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Look at all the ladies sitting around you today and the difference there is in each one of us, but even in those differences, we are created in His image.  He knows us fully as He is the one who created us.  Psalm 139 tells us so many wonderful things that God knows about us.             

  • He knows when I sit and when I stand.
  • He knows my thoughts.
  • He knows when I go out and when I lay down.
  • He is familiar with all my ways.
  • He knows what we are going to say before we say it.
  • He knows where I try to hide.
  • He knows I cannot hide from Him.
  • He knows my frame or body because He was there when I was created.
  • His eyes saw my unformed body.

What a wonderful list this is and how almost unbelievable it is that He could love me so much that I was made by His own hands.  I am fully known!  Known, because He is the maker, creator of who I am. 

I began by telling you that this chapter came to me during a very challenging time in my life as a mother, pastor, officer, daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.  It was a time that a young woman of my corps became pregnant and told me first.  Her mother didn’t speak English and she wanted me to talk to her mother and let her know that she was pregnant at the age of 14.  I was so sad for her, and I was so nervous to try to talk to her mother as we had no common ground, no common language.  I went into my office and asked God to help me be a messenger of truth and peace in this situation. 

 I went to see her mother and to talk to her about the uncomfortable situation.  The mother was understandably upset.  She yelled, she cried, she became angry, she had all the emotions a mother would have in this situation.  She immediately told the young girl that she should go and have an abortion.  I only know that because the young girl was translating for her mother and for me.  The young woman cried and ran off.  What was I to do?  Lord, help me with this.  I need you now. 

I opened my bible to Psalm 139 and read it, in English, and asked God to speak to this mother as I read the words that said, “You knit me together in my mother’s womb, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”   After I finished reading the chapter, I excused myself and left the house.  The next day the young lady came into my office and told me that her mother had changed her mind and that she could have the child and give it up for adoption.  I told her that I would help her anyway I could.  After going home that night I told my husband and we agreed that we would take the baby and offer to adopt it. 

The young lady gave birth to a beautiful little girl and decided to keep her.  For the first two years of her life, my husband and I were able to help her and to see tis little one grow and to be nurtured.  She was at the corps every program that she could be, and we were able to speak truth and Jesus into her life as well as her mother. 

This scripture is so important for each of us as God has a plan for us.  Something that He has ordained for us to do and to be.  He is our creator and because of that, we are fully known!

Prayer:  Father, we thank you for knowing us because you created us for your pleasure.  We thank you for the differences we all have and for the things we share that are alike.  We love you for your great love for us.  Your sacrifice of Jesus shows us your perfect love.  We thank you that we are fully known because your word tells us so.  Thank you for all you are to each of us!  Amen.

Download the printable version of this month’s Devotional, Craft & Bible Study:

November 2024Download

Battle Cry!

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Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, World President of Women’s Ministries shares this letter:

As followers of Jesus, we are called to be salt and light in our communities, bringing hope, healing and transformation wherever we go. Battle Cry is a movement that seeks to empower and mobilize women to engage in local acts of social justice; it is our response to the call of Isaiah 1:17: ‘Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed.’

The Salvation Army has always been home to women involved in social justice and action that positively impacts the world. I think of my friend in New Zealand who, having recently retired from a long nursing career, is seeking a space to continue her ministry of care among those in need of judgement-free guidance and medical attention. I consider the 19-year-old who combats period poverty among peers through fundraising events that partner local stores with community centers. Her thoughtful intervention has helped many female students.

These examples remind us what is possible when women use their gifts and skills for the greater good. This is nothing new for Salvation Army women, but we have a responsibility to intentionally nurture, tend and guide this organic, missional work for all generations. This is where Battle Cry comes in!

To engage in Battle Cry is to identify a social need – no matter how big or small – and to feel released to respond to it. It is an invitation to rally your team of friends, colleagues, mums, daughters and granddaughters together, and consider how to serve as a uniquely placed and gifted group of women. Work to your strengths – if you can sew, then sew; if you can teach, then teach; if you can cook, then cook; if you can network, then network. Use your skills to connect with people beyond your usual corners. Step outside your church building and do something beautiful for others, in the name of Jesus!

Globally, The Salvation Army recognizes the role of women in addressing social justice issues. Our desire is that, through these first Battle Cry resources, we will see more women stepping confidently into their calling as agents of social justice. A devotional plan will be released over the coming months and, later in 2025, online courses will educate and equip those who are interested in exploring informed justice response.

Though we may doubt that our offering will make much difference and it might seem easier to leave things to the professionals, we must remember that, as is the way of the Kingdom, we each have a part to play. Start simple. Start small. Start with what you know. There will always be a place for high-level, trained and coordinated responses, but your contribution to creating a better world is also needed. We are stronger together.

My prayer for you is this: ‘May God bless you with discontent with easy answers, half-truths, superficial relationships so that you will live from deep within your heart. May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, abuse, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, equality, and peace … May God bless you with the foolishness to think you can make a difference in the world, so that you will do the things which others tell you cannot be done’ (Sister Ruth Fox, 1985).

I invite you to join us in this important work. Together, may we be bold in speaking out with wisdom and grace, and may we be courageous in our pursuit of justice.

Grace and peace to you,

Bronwyn Buckingham

Commissioner
World President of Women’s Ministries

International Headquarters has re-launched the Battle Cry resources from the International Women’s Ministries Department.

On their website – https://salvationarmy.org/ihq/battlecry-resources – you will find resources such as a variety of Battle Cry posters and an information brochure that can be downloaded and used at all levels of our global movement. This site will be continually refreshed with resources, stories, and translated materials.

International Headquarters hopes that this information will be used to stir the hearts of our women and girls to step out and engage with our communities to positively impact the world.

We need to be bold in our response to the needs in our communities. Florence Booth was when she began the ministry to women many years ago. We too are called as Salvationists to do something. This is our chance! Let’s rise to the challenge and help to sound the Battle Cry for all women and girls.

For more information check out IHQ’s website: https://salvationarmy.org/ihq/battlecry-resources

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

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

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 who’s 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.