September . . . nearly over, but I’m still excited about the changes this month brings. Fall. I was feeling somewhat nostalgic the other morning, seeing the children standing on the corner waiting for the school bus. I loved that time of life when my kids were excited for the first day of school!
And that’s me on the first day back to our first class in Precept Bible study – one of those don’t-ever-take-for-granted opportunities just to gather together with about fifty sisters in the Lord every Thursday morning to study His Word. And it’s a great Word this semester – the book of Acts. As we approached the first chapter of Acts and throughout the overview, I was reminded of how women were such an instrumental part of the early church. They were present in the Upper Room, gathered in prayer with the apostles, leading up to the famous moment of Pentecost. And Peter said right there, the Holy Spirit called women as well as men to speak. (Acts 2:17).
God calls women to leadership.
There are shining examples of female leadership throughout Scripture. Those that come to mind first may be Esther, the orphan who became queen, called to save the Jewish people. Or Deborah, the only female judge, who led the Israelites for several years (Judges 4). Lydia, a merchant, the head of her household and Priscilla, teacher and tentmaker. All leading ladies.
Every one an inspiring example, but I relate a little more to the bravery and kindness of Ruth, who despite being an impoverished foreigner faithfully traveled with her mother-in-law Naomi, to a strange land. She definitely turned out to be a leading lady included in the royal line of Jesus. And then there’s the Samaritan woman, one of my favorite girls, who met up with a Man that told her everything she ever did and after having a theological argument with the Messiah and a miraculous change of heart, went out to wildly preach the Word of God to a whole town. Every one a leader . . .
Throughout time, God has used His daughters as servant-leaders in motherhood, household management, church and community and certainly in the marketplace.
In addition to the great privilege of gathering together with ladies to learn the Word of God, I also have a greater privilege of sharing the Word with other women through Women’s Ministry. I’m grateful to Jessie Seneca, gifted and called leader of the Lehigh Valley (and dear friend) who has founded the SHE LEADS Conference that is coming to our area this weekend. This one-day event equips and motivates women in all walks of servanthood to spread the passion of Christ in their homes, church, community and marketplace.
And here’s a sweet share – the Greek meaning of ministry is not only to serve, but to kick up dust as one running an errand.
So come, kick up dust and be part of the ministry to others and register at: http://www.moreofhimministries.org
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has given me strength that He considered me trustworthy appointing me to service. 1 Timothy 1:12
Verna
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