This past Sunday I shared a message with our local church that challenged us to become the "mature ones" of God - true sons and daughters of God. It is one thing to be born of the Spirit and another to be a daughter who has come into maturity. I have spent hours the past week on my face before God receiving revelation of my own childish ways. There have been tears as I have embraced truth and sought to learn the way of maturity in these areas of my life. It has been a deep work of the Spirit, but so wonderful. Change is coming to me and I rejoice in it!
One of the most impacting verses thus far for me personally has been Proverbs 16:32
"He (she) who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his (her) spirit than he (she) who takes a city."
In the eyes of our Father, it is better to be slow and patient, taking a lllooonnnggg time to get angry, irritated, or displeased than to be the strong or winning one in a conflict. It is better to rule/govern/have dominion over our own spirit - our life,anger, emotions, perceptions, and our rational being with all of its' functions and expressions - than to win an entire city for Him.
Ouch.
I'm growing. I've got a ways to go. I'm learning new ways. I'm determined to leave my childish ways behind. I'm willing to hear and embrace truth if it allows me to resemble my Father more in character, speech, and behavior.
How about you?
A CALL TO PRAYER...
In June of 2009, I received the following email from Pastor Niki. It came following Pastor Azuka Gbogboade sharing at our Sisters of Mine Fellowship in the month of May.
"After Pastor Azuka spoke on Saturday at fellowship, I felt a stirring within me to have a corporate women's conference or gathering at our church...I felt compelled to bring us together as women for worship, prayer and preparation - we have a role to play in bringing His glory forth in our city! That night, I had a vision of a gathering...entitled Sisterhood 2009. There were no special speakers, just the women's leaders of the church - women pouring into women, sisters loving on sisters...We interceded for our families, our church, our children...I saw a weeping, a gathering of wailing women."
Now is the time. Sisterhood 2009 will be the Sisters of Mine Fellowship on Saturday, October 17th. I am personally asking/inviting all of you to attend this one-day event for women. At 10 a.m., we'll have an open forum training opportunity for women who know they need to grow in prayer and worship. I'll facilitate the time, answering questions and share simple teachings that will help us to become women of prayer together. We will have lunch together and then gather for the time of worship and intercession at 2 p.m. in Room #4.
There is an old saying: The family that prays together stays together. I pray you will be able to join us for Sisterhood 2009!
Much Love,
Pastor Carla
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2 comments:
I, too, have been hearing from the Lord about my anger and self-worth. He has been very patient with me and teaching me to lean more on him and let go of past hurts and new ones. I thank Him for His love and Grace.
Isn't it wonderful to have others who are sharing this journey with us? We are never alone...
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