Our upcoming events for October:
Tuesday, October 13 Topic Meeting- Meet at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, rm 109 at 10 am for a time of fellowship, prayer, and discussion! Childcare is provided.
Friday, October 16 Times of Refreshing Prayer- Meet at Kim Ratcliffe's house anytime between 10am-2pm for a time of prayer. Come, share, and have your needs lifted up to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who sits on the right hand of God to make intercession for you. If you need directions, contact Kim at 304-229-6776.
Tuesday, October 20 Pumpkin Pizazz Party-Join us for pumpkin decorating at 10 am in the Mace building, rm 109. Bring pumpkin(s) for you and your child(ren). For decorating bring paints, ribbons, or any crafts to share with others. For munchies bring a fall snack to share!
Tuesday, October 27 Topic Meeting- Meet at Bethel Assembley of God in the Mace building, rm 109 at 10 am for a time of fellowship, prayer, and discussion! Childcare is provided.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Crumbs from the Master's Table
Leaving that place , Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession". Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, " Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us". He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel". The woman came and knelt before him, "Lord help me!" she said. He replied, It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs". "Yes, Lord," She said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the master's table". then Jesus answered, "woman you have great faith! Your request is granted". And her daughter was healed from that very hour. Matthew 15:21-28
I confess I never understood this portion of scripture. I wondered why Jesus would call this woman a dog. Didn't Jesus love everyone and want to help them? Yet it seems as if he is turning her away. Today however I received a new perspective on this scripture and the attitude with which we are to approach Jesus in prayer.
I believe that when we come to the Lord he is willing to grant whatever we ask when we have faith and believe we will receive it. What is often missing however is humility. This woman was a Canaanite, not a Jew. The Canaanites were enemies of Israel. The term dog was often used when referring to gentiles because it was believed that they were no more likely than dogs to receive God's blessing. Jesus knew their hypocrisy. When he uses the term dog it is to show the contrast between their attitude and his. The Lord is moved by a broken and contrite heart. This woman is not deterred. She falls on her knees before him. She says, that's okay I know who I am in comparison to who you are and I don't expect to receive the same as your chosen people. If you would just toss a crumb my way, I know that it will be enough. You see she got it. She knew that even crumbs from the Master's Table are far better than anything the world has to offer.
I am humbled and ashamed when I compare my attitude to hers. Often I don't know my place. I don't come to God with a true reverence for who he is in comparison with who I am. I am a gentile, not even one of God's chosen people, and yet he died for me. I expect that I should receive more than I deserve instead of realizing he doesn't have to give me anything. I am not thankful that even though I am a lowly sinner that he went to the cross and took my punishment so that instead of crumbs the door was open for me to enter the banquet hall and receive the fullness of God's blessings.
At our prayer gathering Sunday night it was made clear to us the attitude we are to have if we want to enter into the Presence of the Almighty God. That we are to know that we are nothing without him. The Canaanite woman just knew that she was desperate and that without Jesus there was no hope for her daughter. She knew her need and humbled herself before him. By contrast many of the Jews, God's chosen people would reject him because of their pride. A prideful heart cannot draw near to God. It cannot appreciate his majesty and glory or appreciate what God does. Let us look at this portion of scripture today with new eyes and just bask in the knowledge of who Jesus is and what he did for us. Let's give him the glory and honor he deserves and desire to draw close to him.
Kim Ratcliffe
I confess I never understood this portion of scripture. I wondered why Jesus would call this woman a dog. Didn't Jesus love everyone and want to help them? Yet it seems as if he is turning her away. Today however I received a new perspective on this scripture and the attitude with which we are to approach Jesus in prayer.
I believe that when we come to the Lord he is willing to grant whatever we ask when we have faith and believe we will receive it. What is often missing however is humility. This woman was a Canaanite, not a Jew. The Canaanites were enemies of Israel. The term dog was often used when referring to gentiles because it was believed that they were no more likely than dogs to receive God's blessing. Jesus knew their hypocrisy. When he uses the term dog it is to show the contrast between their attitude and his. The Lord is moved by a broken and contrite heart. This woman is not deterred. She falls on her knees before him. She says, that's okay I know who I am in comparison to who you are and I don't expect to receive the same as your chosen people. If you would just toss a crumb my way, I know that it will be enough. You see she got it. She knew that even crumbs from the Master's Table are far better than anything the world has to offer.
I am humbled and ashamed when I compare my attitude to hers. Often I don't know my place. I don't come to God with a true reverence for who he is in comparison with who I am. I am a gentile, not even one of God's chosen people, and yet he died for me. I expect that I should receive more than I deserve instead of realizing he doesn't have to give me anything. I am not thankful that even though I am a lowly sinner that he went to the cross and took my punishment so that instead of crumbs the door was open for me to enter the banquet hall and receive the fullness of God's blessings.
At our prayer gathering Sunday night it was made clear to us the attitude we are to have if we want to enter into the Presence of the Almighty God. That we are to know that we are nothing without him. The Canaanite woman just knew that she was desperate and that without Jesus there was no hope for her daughter. She knew her need and humbled herself before him. By contrast many of the Jews, God's chosen people would reject him because of their pride. A prideful heart cannot draw near to God. It cannot appreciate his majesty and glory or appreciate what God does. Let us look at this portion of scripture today with new eyes and just bask in the knowledge of who Jesus is and what he did for us. Let's give him the glory and honor he deserves and desire to draw close to him.
Kim Ratcliffe
Monday, September 28, 2009
Through Prayer
When I was a little girl, I remember taking everything to God in prayer. As I prayed and saw God answer, my faith multiplied. My mother said she wondered what would happen the day my prayers weren't answered. I clearly remember that day. I was in a hospital praying for my dad to live. I saw everyone else sitting around crying and I thought "God can change this". I began praying fervently but that didn't stop the doctor from telling us "he's gone".
For several years I struggled with prayer. I felt a yearning for God but kept myself withdrawn. I couldn't understand why God let my dad die. Then God called a woman to start a prayer group called God Catchers. After many invitations, I finally went to her house. It was there in this house of prayer that I found God again!
Because of my dad's death I was at a place of such need and humbleness that God was able to break through some barriers in my life that had limited me from being used for His Glory. Through prayer I began to become a new creation in Christ. It was my transformation.
We often talk about what we can see God accomplish through our prayers for others. But God does more for us by simply spending time with Him in prayer. We can touch Him. We feel His presence, forgiveness, power, and purpose. We are convicted, directed, and changed. Yes, God can change our circumstances! But first, He can change the way we look at our life, the choices we make, and how we relate to others. Through time in prayer he will place you in the center of HIS WILL. There is no better place to be!
Blessings,
Lisa
For several years I struggled with prayer. I felt a yearning for God but kept myself withdrawn. I couldn't understand why God let my dad die. Then God called a woman to start a prayer group called God Catchers. After many invitations, I finally went to her house. It was there in this house of prayer that I found God again!
Because of my dad's death I was at a place of such need and humbleness that God was able to break through some barriers in my life that had limited me from being used for His Glory. Through prayer I began to become a new creation in Christ. It was my transformation.
We often talk about what we can see God accomplish through our prayers for others. But God does more for us by simply spending time with Him in prayer. We can touch Him. We feel His presence, forgiveness, power, and purpose. We are convicted, directed, and changed. Yes, God can change our circumstances! But first, He can change the way we look at our life, the choices we make, and how we relate to others. Through time in prayer he will place you in the center of HIS WILL. There is no better place to be!
Blessings,
Lisa
Friday, September 25, 2009
Discovery Station
Last Friday we went to the Discovery Station located in Hagerstown, MD. They described it as a hands-on science, technology, history,events, exhibits, programs and much more....Ok but does it have anything to interest my 3 1/2 year old and 1 year old? The answer is yes.
We had an awesome time....we went with school age children, toddlers, and my one year old and there were things that intersted each child. There were hands on activities to stimulate your child's mind and imagination. Samuel was able to dig for fossils and vegetables, go grocery shopping, get in an airplane and a bank vault, and build a community just to name a few. We had a wonderul time and they didn't want to leave even though my parking meter was about to expire!
The cost was $7 for adults, $6 for children and kids under 3 were free. It was located at 101 W. Washington st. Hagerstown, MD 21740 and the phone as 301-790-0076.
Janine DiGiovanni
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Renewing of Your Mind
Never again confess "It's impossible!" because "What is impossible with men is possible with God" (Luke 18:27).
Let's confess God's Word in faith so we can stand our ground against the enemy and live victoriously in every area of our lives.
Let's confess God's Word in faith so we can stand our ground against the enemy and live victoriously in every area of our lives.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Upcoming Events
The events for the remainder of September:
Tuesday, September 29 Play date at War Memorial Park- Join us at 10:30 am with your little ones or just yourself to get together, pack a lunch. Meet us at the section beside the stream.
Our upcoming events for October:
Tuesday, October 13 Topic Meeting- Meet at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, rm 109 at 10 am for a time of fellowship, prayer, and discussion! Childcare is provided.
Friday, October 16 Times of Refreshing Prayer- Meet at Kim Ratcliffe's house anytime between 10am-2pm for a time of prayer. Come, share, and have your needs lifted up to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who sits on the right hand of God to make intercession for you. If you need directions, contact Kim at 304-229-6776.
Tuesday, October 20 Pumpkin Pizazz Party-Join us for pumpkin decorating at 10 am in the Mace building, rm 109. Bring pumpkin(s) for you and your child(ren). For decorating bring paints, ribbons, or any crafts to share with others. For munchies bring a fall snack to share!
Tuesday, October 27 Topic Meeting- Meet at Bethel Assembley of God in the Mace building, rm 109 at 10 am for a time of fellowship, prayer, and discussion! Childcare is provided.
Tuesday, September 29 Play date at War Memorial Park- Join us at 10:30 am with your little ones or just yourself to get together, pack a lunch. Meet us at the section beside the stream.
Our upcoming events for October:
Tuesday, October 13 Topic Meeting- Meet at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, rm 109 at 10 am for a time of fellowship, prayer, and discussion! Childcare is provided.
Friday, October 16 Times of Refreshing Prayer- Meet at Kim Ratcliffe's house anytime between 10am-2pm for a time of prayer. Come, share, and have your needs lifted up to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who sits on the right hand of God to make intercession for you. If you need directions, contact Kim at 304-229-6776.
Tuesday, October 20 Pumpkin Pizazz Party-Join us for pumpkin decorating at 10 am in the Mace building, rm 109. Bring pumpkin(s) for you and your child(ren). For decorating bring paints, ribbons, or any crafts to share with others. For munchies bring a fall snack to share!
Tuesday, October 27 Topic Meeting- Meet at Bethel Assembley of God in the Mace building, rm 109 at 10 am for a time of fellowship, prayer, and discussion! Childcare is provided.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Meet....Julia Bivens
Every month I choose one of the members of Mom's Connection to feature in our meet a new mom segment. This month I have chosen a very dynamic woman in Julia Bivens.
Words I would use to describe her include passionate and devoted. She is passionate in her walk with the Lord. I asked her what a relationship with her Creator means to her. She told me that He gives her a reason to be here, hope for the future, and peace for every moment. She doesn't have to rely on her own strength or have all of the answers because the Lord is her strength and holds all of the answers to every question she could possibly ask.
She is devoted to her husband and children completely. She has been married for eleven years and has four delightful little girls (pictured above). Her girls are well-behaved and very intelligent. Julia home schools the 3 older children and it really shows that she is doing a fabulous job. I asked her what is the most rewarding part of homeschooling and she said it's when something particularly difficult finally "clicks" and they understand. She loves when they learn new things. Of course, homeschooling can be difficult at times. I asked her about the most challenging part and she said that would be having the energy to do everything such as cook, clean, teach...etc. I really admire her in her devotion to giving her children the best education she can give them. I've often heard it said that we are our children's first best teacher and I would have to agree.
Julia is also one of our Care Circle leaders. I asked her to tell me a little about her group. The topic is marriage, how to pray for our marriages, ourselves and our husbands, responding to each other in an appropriate way and respecting our differences. Her favorite thing about Mom's Connection is getting to know and interact with other moms.
I wanted to know more about this fascinating woman so I asked her about some of her favorite things and here is how she responded. She likes a lot of different musical genres. Her favorites include Christian contemporary, classical and jazz. She really likes music from the 1930's and 1940's to include swing and dance bands from that period. Her favorite movies also stem from that time period. She really loves old musicals because they hold a certain magic that is hard to find now. Who can describe the feeling you first got while watching something so marvelous as Fred Astaire dancing? Pure magic! She really has a passion for reading as well. She enjoys reading anything by Jane Austin. She also likes Grace Livingston-Hill and Max Lucada, Christian romances of the 1930's and 1940's, and Anne of Green Gables.
I hope you have enjoyed getting to know Julia as much as I have. I really appreciate her friendship and I look forward to building on that friendship in years to come.
Tina Burton
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