Connect to Women's Ministry https://www.taftavenue.org Tue, 19 Mar 2024 06:38:20 -0400 http://churchplantmedia.com/ Spiritual Disciplines for the Purpose of Godliness | WORSHIP | 4th in Series https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/spiritual-disciplines-for-the-purpose-of-godliness-worship-4th-in-series https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/spiritual-disciplines-for-the-purpose-of-godliness-worship-4th-in-series#comments Thu, 10 Sep 2015 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/spiritual-disciplines-for-the-purpose-of-godliness-worship-4th-in-series  chalk doxology_opt

"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire" — Hebrews 12:28-29.

What comes to mind when you hear the word "worship?" For many it's the music and songs typical for a Sunday morning church service. While the music and singing can create great joy, the heart of worship is about magnifying God's name and ascribing to Him the glory and worth that only He is due (Psalm 29:2).

“Worship is the specific act of ascribing to God the glory, majesty, honor, and worthiness which are His,” — Jerry Bridges.

Derived from the Old English "weorthscipe" meaning the "condition of being worthy, dignity, glory, distinction, honor, renown," "worship" denotes worthiness. It is the outpouring of grateful sincere hearts to our infinetly holy God; blessing Him, praising Him, thanking Him. 

"It’s the response of awe for God while reflecting on what the Lord has done for the people of God throughout the history of redemption for creation at large for the community and for one’s self" (Pastor Burris, "5 Things You Must Know to Worship").

Be wonderstruck and let your awe stoke the fires of your heart and fuel your worship! Focus on who God is and remember His actions and character to develop a clear picture of the sovereign, absolute, infinite, one true living God who reigns supreme! 

"When we understand the greatness of God, the stability of His character, the perfection of His justice, the depth of His grace, the limitless nature of His love, the wonder of His holiness, and the sacrifice of His Son, it should not be difficult for us to be moved greatly in our desire to worship God, and worship Him passionately" (Relevant Magazine).

We can't worship Him too much!

Prepare our hearts Lord for worship; that we may come before you not in vain but genuinely astonished at the gravity of your Gospel; desperate for you. Fill our hearts with the indescribable glorious joy found in the promise and hope of the cross that we may honor and praise you with awe; magnifying your worthiness. Create in us a self forgetfulness and a desire to center our thoughts on you making our singing, praise, rejoicing, praying, offering, humbling, joy, adoration, glory, thanksgiving, and loving all about you.

The following article by John Piper explores ways in which corporate worship benefit those present:

Worshiping Jesus together may be the single most important thing we do. It plays an indispensable role in rekindling our spiritual fire, and keeping it burning. Corporate worship brings together God’s word, prayer, and fellowship, and so makes for the greatest means of God’s ongoing grace in the Christian life.

But thinking of worship as a means can be dangerous. True worship is fundamentally an experience of the heart, and not a means to anything else. So it’s important to distinguish between what benefits might motivate us to be regular in corporate worship, and what focus our minds and hearts should pursue in the moment.

The remainder of the article can be viewed here: Five Benefits of Corporate Worship

Additional resources:

Worship in a Selfie World

Side by Side on Sundays

Kindle the Fire in Corporate Worship

]]>
 chalk doxology_opt

"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire" — Hebrews 12:28-29.

What comes to mind when you hear the word "worship?" For many it's the music and songs typical for a Sunday morning church service. While the music and singing can create great joy, the heart of worship is about magnifying God's name and ascribing to Him the glory and worth that only He is due (Psalm 29:2).

“Worship is the specific act of ascribing to God the glory, majesty, honor, and worthiness which are His,” — Jerry Bridges.

Derived from the Old English "weorthscipe" meaning the "condition of being worthy, dignity, glory, distinction, honor, renown," "worship" denotes worthiness. It is the outpouring of grateful sincere hearts to our infinetly holy God; blessing Him, praising Him, thanking Him. 

"It’s the response of awe for God while reflecting on what the Lord has done for the people of God throughout the history of redemption for creation at large for the community and for one’s self" (Pastor Burris, "5 Things You Must Know to Worship").

Be wonderstruck and let your awe stoke the fires of your heart and fuel your worship! Focus on who God is and remember His actions and character to develop a clear picture of the sovereign, absolute, infinite, one true living God who reigns supreme! 

"When we understand the greatness of God, the stability of His character, the perfection of His justice, the depth of His grace, the limitless nature of His love, the wonder of His holiness, and the sacrifice of His Son, it should not be difficult for us to be moved greatly in our desire to worship God, and worship Him passionately" (Relevant Magazine).

We can't worship Him too much!

Prepare our hearts Lord for worship; that we may come before you not in vain but genuinely astonished at the gravity of your Gospel; desperate for you. Fill our hearts with the indescribable glorious joy found in the promise and hope of the cross that we may honor and praise you with awe; magnifying your worthiness. Create in us a self forgetfulness and a desire to center our thoughts on you making our singing, praise, rejoicing, praying, offering, humbling, joy, adoration, glory, thanksgiving, and loving all about you.

The following article by John Piper explores ways in which corporate worship benefit those present:

Worshiping Jesus together may be the single most important thing we do. It plays an indispensable role in rekindling our spiritual fire, and keeping it burning. Corporate worship brings together God’s word, prayer, and fellowship, and so makes for the greatest means of God’s ongoing grace in the Christian life.

But thinking of worship as a means can be dangerous. True worship is fundamentally an experience of the heart, and not a means to anything else. So it’s important to distinguish between what benefits might motivate us to be regular in corporate worship, and what focus our minds and hearts should pursue in the moment.

The remainder of the article can be viewed here: Five Benefits of Corporate Worship

Additional resources:

Worship in a Selfie World

Side by Side on Sundays

Kindle the Fire in Corporate Worship

]]>
True Grit, Perseverance, and the Joy of the Lord https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/true-grit-perseverance-and-the-joy-of-the-lord https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/true-grit-perseverance-and-the-joy-of-the-lord#comments Thu, 18 Jun 2015 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/true-grit-perseverance-and-the-joy-of-the-lord  

"...for the joy of the LORD is your strength" Nehemiah 8:10

Charles Spurgeon described the joy of the Lord as, "...a joy of divine origin...a source of strength to  all who partake..." This joy springs supernaturally from God Himself radiating outward to us as we contemplate all He is, has done, will be. 

"All these attributes of my God are mine: his power, my protection; his wisdom, my guidance; his faithfulness, my foundation; his grace, my salvation" (Charles Spurgeon)

This delight in His character, His salvation, His abundant grace, promises, and providence stems from a heart tuned to the Lord — filled with HIs very presence; the indwelling Holy Spirit. Joy is our reaction to abiding in Christ, our expression of fellowship with our Savior.

It is this joy — the joy of the Lord — that strengthens; bubbling forth when we fix our eyes on the Gospel — on Jesus, the author of our faith, the coming glory, who is seated now at the right hand of God. It is our girding and our underpinning, our sunlight and our hope, the fuel that fires our determination to finish the race.

Seek the Lord through His Word, fix your mind on Him, draw close to His heart and allow His joy, the joy of salvation found in Christ, to strengthen.

The following article by Jon Bloom explores the necessity for "grit" or the stamina to continue pursuing the goal to the end:

We Have Need of Grit

So life is hard — harder than we ever expected. Well, Jesus told us it would be hard (Matthew 7:14; John 16:33), and our gritty forebears all found it harder than they expected too, so we are in good company. Like the Bible says, we have need of grit:

“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised” (Hebrews 10:36).

The reason we have need of grit is...

Please continue reading here: True Grit | Desiring God

]]>
 

"...for the joy of the LORD is your strength" Nehemiah 8:10

Charles Spurgeon described the joy of the Lord as, "...a joy of divine origin...a source of strength to  all who partake..." This joy springs supernaturally from God Himself radiating outward to us as we contemplate all He is, has done, will be. 

"All these attributes of my God are mine: his power, my protection; his wisdom, my guidance; his faithfulness, my foundation; his grace, my salvation" (Charles Spurgeon)

This delight in His character, His salvation, His abundant grace, promises, and providence stems from a heart tuned to the Lord — filled with HIs very presence; the indwelling Holy Spirit. Joy is our reaction to abiding in Christ, our expression of fellowship with our Savior.

It is this joy — the joy of the Lord — that strengthens; bubbling forth when we fix our eyes on the Gospel — on Jesus, the author of our faith, the coming glory, who is seated now at the right hand of God. It is our girding and our underpinning, our sunlight and our hope, the fuel that fires our determination to finish the race.

Seek the Lord through His Word, fix your mind on Him, draw close to His heart and allow His joy, the joy of salvation found in Christ, to strengthen.

The following article by Jon Bloom explores the necessity for "grit" or the stamina to continue pursuing the goal to the end:

We Have Need of Grit

So life is hard — harder than we ever expected. Well, Jesus told us it would be hard (Matthew 7:14; John 16:33), and our gritty forebears all found it harder than they expected too, so we are in good company. Like the Bible says, we have need of grit:

“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised” (Hebrews 10:36).

The reason we have need of grit is...

Please continue reading here: True Grit | Desiring God

]]>
Reclaimed, Redeemed, Reworked... In the Potter's Hands https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/reclaimed-redeemed-reworked-in-the-potters-hands https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/reclaimed-redeemed-reworked-in-the-potters-hands#comments Mon, 23 Mar 2015 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/reclaimed-redeemed-reworked-in-the-potters-hands painted mugs x 2 crop2

"And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do." Jeremiah 18:4

Our one day Women's retreat was an informative day of fun and fellowship centered around God's great grace. As He did over and over with the nation of Judah, so He does with us—extending undeserved grace after we continuously fall short; repeating patterns of disobedience and sinful behavior. He offers us the opportunity to be renewed and reshaped by His own hand—made new.

Over coffee the ladies present chose a piece of pottery to paint at Color Me Mine and then it was on to the Citrus Cafe for lunch and devotions.

"God is the potter (the creator, the master) and we are the clay. God has the master plan, sees the big picture and knows how He wants us to turn out. Sometimes God needs to rework us and remold us as we get off-track through our sin and disobedience in order to make us into the vessels He intends us to be. This reworking feels like trials and suffering and can be hard and painful. But we must remember that God is using this reworking and hard and painful stuff for His Glory and for our ultimate good," Marcia Lichte, In the Potter's Hands.

 

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painted mugs x 2 crop2

"And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do." Jeremiah 18:4

Our one day Women's retreat was an informative day of fun and fellowship centered around God's great grace. As He did over and over with the nation of Judah, so He does with us—extending undeserved grace after we continuously fall short; repeating patterns of disobedience and sinful behavior. He offers us the opportunity to be renewed and reshaped by His own hand—made new.

Over coffee the ladies present chose a piece of pottery to paint at Color Me Mine and then it was on to the Citrus Cafe for lunch and devotions.

"God is the potter (the creator, the master) and we are the clay. God has the master plan, sees the big picture and knows how He wants us to turn out. Sometimes God needs to rework us and remold us as we get off-track through our sin and disobedience in order to make us into the vessels He intends us to be. This reworking feels like trials and suffering and can be hard and painful. But we must remember that God is using this reworking and hard and painful stuff for His Glory and for our ultimate good," Marcia Lichte, In the Potter's Hands.

 

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Jesus Will Not Leave You Alone https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/jesus-will-not-leave-you-alone https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/jesus-will-not-leave-you-alone#comments Sat, 14 Mar 2015 15:00:00 -0400 https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/jesus-will-not-leave-you-alone praying hands_opt

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD." Isaiah 55:8

"Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!" Romans 11:33

Unsearchable, beyond tracing out, inscrutable, unfathomable, past finding out—all words God Himself provides to describe His own character. In the midst of confusion and suffering—trials and tribulations we can only see the right now...where we are and where we have been. We may feel adrift. But He assures us He is the God who is there, the One True Living God, wholly present, taking care of all the unknowns. He is will never leave us to flounder alone or forsake us. This concept can be difficult to understand especially during those growing, stretching times when we are laid low and humbled but He offers us constant reassurances that He is working for the good of those who love Him even when it does not feel good. He always has us covered—covered in the blood of His only son; with His grace infinetly overflowing. He found our weakness acceptable when He chose us out of eternity past; before Creation and at the Cross we were made holy and blameless...forgiven. 

In the hurting times I find the battle especially difficult. I want things to look a certain way and I try to see where God is taking me. He turns my eyes to Him revealing the chinks in my armor; equipping me for battle against the doubt and pride. When I lean in, pray, worship, dig into His very word, turn my eyes to Him I find comfort, joy, and hope in unexpected ways making the surrender; the dying to my own pride less threatening. When I stand in my own brokenness and frailty reliant on Him I find my refuge where being still and knowing He is God takes on a new meaning. In those moments I am thankful for the refining fire and the discipline He uses to expose those corners of my heart that are still only mine. It is those moments I cast aside the false fear and wade into my own messy imperfections to grow in the image of Christ.

"...right now you might be feeling that if Jesus really cared so much for your comfort, then you would not be dealing with such pain..." Jon Bloom

Continue reading here and know you are not alone Jesus Will Never Leave You Alone | Desiring God

 

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praying hands_opt

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD." Isaiah 55:8

"Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!" Romans 11:33

Unsearchable, beyond tracing out, inscrutable, unfathomable, past finding out—all words God Himself provides to describe His own character. In the midst of confusion and suffering—trials and tribulations we can only see the right now...where we are and where we have been. We may feel adrift. But He assures us He is the God who is there, the One True Living God, wholly present, taking care of all the unknowns. He is will never leave us to flounder alone or forsake us. This concept can be difficult to understand especially during those growing, stretching times when we are laid low and humbled but He offers us constant reassurances that He is working for the good of those who love Him even when it does not feel good. He always has us covered—covered in the blood of His only son; with His grace infinetly overflowing. He found our weakness acceptable when He chose us out of eternity past; before Creation and at the Cross we were made holy and blameless...forgiven. 

In the hurting times I find the battle especially difficult. I want things to look a certain way and I try to see where God is taking me. He turns my eyes to Him revealing the chinks in my armor; equipping me for battle against the doubt and pride. When I lean in, pray, worship, dig into His very word, turn my eyes to Him I find comfort, joy, and hope in unexpected ways making the surrender; the dying to my own pride less threatening. When I stand in my own brokenness and frailty reliant on Him I find my refuge where being still and knowing He is God takes on a new meaning. In those moments I am thankful for the refining fire and the discipline He uses to expose those corners of my heart that are still only mine. It is those moments I cast aside the false fear and wade into my own messy imperfections to grow in the image of Christ.

"...right now you might be feeling that if Jesus really cared so much for your comfort, then you would not be dealing with such pain..." Jon Bloom

Continue reading here and know you are not alone Jesus Will Never Leave You Alone | Desiring God

 

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Open the Doors of Grace https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/open-the-doors-of-grace https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/open-the-doors-of-grace#comments Sat, 21 Feb 2015 17:00:00 -0500 https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/open-the-doors-of-grace elephants

"do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:4

How we react to others' brokenness speaks volumes. Do we circle the herd, lean in, speak truth to the one who is dying inside, struggling, wrecked, and alone; wading in and meeting our sister where she is—in her pain? Do we hurt with her—suffering as a member of the same body; weep with her (Romans 12:15); remembering the "...weaker are indispensable" (1 Corinthians 12:22).

We don't have to judge, understand, or have the same hurts—we just need to love with a humble, other centered love. It requires us to step outside of ourselves to really see those around us. It costs something to put others' ahead of ourselves—to serve, press in, hold on. This in-reach serves a double purpose it draws the body in closer and it allows those in the community to see a church that loves one another— making Jesus known as we go against the cultural grain of societal expectations, putting others' first, serving even when it hurts, reflecting our King to the darkness of the world—transformed and transforming. This may be the most life giving thing about us.

Open the door of grace, gather around one in need, and shine the light of Christ.

God can use you as a means of light in the darkness of your friend’s soul, if only you are willing to be the Christ-infusing presence she needs as she walks through depression...continue reading here: How To Love Your Depressed Friend (Part 1)

Even the most resilient church members have bad days. Some days our hearts feel so fragile that we can’t bear the thought of rubbing up against the opinions of others...continue reading here: Why the Church Needs Struggling Members

 

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elephants

"do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:4

How we react to others' brokenness speaks volumes. Do we circle the herd, lean in, speak truth to the one who is dying inside, struggling, wrecked, and alone; wading in and meeting our sister where she is—in her pain? Do we hurt with her—suffering as a member of the same body; weep with her (Romans 12:15); remembering the "...weaker are indispensable" (1 Corinthians 12:22).

We don't have to judge, understand, or have the same hurts—we just need to love with a humble, other centered love. It requires us to step outside of ourselves to really see those around us. It costs something to put others' ahead of ourselves—to serve, press in, hold on. This in-reach serves a double purpose it draws the body in closer and it allows those in the community to see a church that loves one another— making Jesus known as we go against the cultural grain of societal expectations, putting others' first, serving even when it hurts, reflecting our King to the darkness of the world—transformed and transforming. This may be the most life giving thing about us.

Open the door of grace, gather around one in need, and shine the light of Christ.

God can use you as a means of light in the darkness of your friend’s soul, if only you are willing to be the Christ-infusing presence she needs as she walks through depression...continue reading here: How To Love Your Depressed Friend (Part 1)

Even the most resilient church members have bad days. Some days our hearts feel so fragile that we can’t bear the thought of rubbing up against the opinions of others...continue reading here: Why the Church Needs Struggling Members

 

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Who Holds Your Heart? https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/who-holds-your-heart https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/who-holds-your-heart#comments Sat, 14 Feb 2015 13:00:00 -0500 https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/who-holds-your-heart heart hands_opt

"My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways." Proverbs 23:26

There is a spiritual battle for women's hearts and souls...a battle that exploits our deep longing to be loved, protected, secure. The world encourages us to be someone's valentine—to give our hearts completely, relying on another to validate our self worth and fill the empty places. We may forget the other person is also a sinful fallible creature and become resentful when the fairytale ending is not achieved and our needs remain unmet. We may turn to the world; seeking fulfillment from a source designed to provide us with temporary sinful distractions rather than the long lasting fruit of the gospel we truly crave—convincing ourselves it is harmless even as it changes and desensitizes our heart a bit at a time; inspiring us to discontentment. 

Truly only God can meet the deepest needs of our heart (Philippians 4:19).  His love for us is immeasurable, unearned, without strings, and it’s given to everyone who believes in Jesus. It is at His feet where our contentment lies. It is there we can rest unencumbered and still—where we can drape ourselves in Him and our relational needs can be fully met (Romans 13:14). Give your heart to the Lord to combat the bitterness of unmet expectations; seek Him for your joy. 

For those of you struggling this Valentine's Day:

Valentine's Day Hopes | girltalk

A reminder of what love is:

23 Things That Love Is | Paul Tripp

For remembering God's immeasurable love: 

Remembering the Unquantifiable Love of God | Desiring God

]]>
heart hands_opt

"My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways." Proverbs 23:26

There is a spiritual battle for women's hearts and souls...a battle that exploits our deep longing to be loved, protected, secure. The world encourages us to be someone's valentine—to give our hearts completely, relying on another to validate our self worth and fill the empty places. We may forget the other person is also a sinful fallible creature and become resentful when the fairytale ending is not achieved and our needs remain unmet. We may turn to the world; seeking fulfillment from a source designed to provide us with temporary sinful distractions rather than the long lasting fruit of the gospel we truly crave—convincing ourselves it is harmless even as it changes and desensitizes our heart a bit at a time; inspiring us to discontentment. 

Truly only God can meet the deepest needs of our heart (Philippians 4:19).  His love for us is immeasurable, unearned, without strings, and it’s given to everyone who believes in Jesus. It is at His feet where our contentment lies. It is there we can rest unencumbered and still—where we can drape ourselves in Him and our relational needs can be fully met (Romans 13:14). Give your heart to the Lord to combat the bitterness of unmet expectations; seek Him for your joy. 

For those of you struggling this Valentine's Day:

Valentine's Day Hopes | girltalk

A reminder of what love is:

23 Things That Love Is | Paul Tripp

For remembering God's immeasurable love: 

Remembering the Unquantifiable Love of God | Desiring God

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Salt in the Spoiling Places | Living on Mission https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/salt-in-the-spoiling-places-living-on-mission https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/salt-in-the-spoiling-places-living-on-mission#comments Sat, 07 Feb 2015 12:00:00 -0500 https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/salt-in-the-spoiling-places-living-on-mission salt_opt

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." — Matthew 5:13-14

"Jesus calls his disciples to exert a double influence on the society - a negative influence by arresting its decay and a positive influence by bringing light into its darkness. For it is one thing to stop the spread of evil; it is another to promote the spread of truth, beauty and goodness." — John R. W. Stott

In the days before household refrigeration salt was used as a preservative to slow decay. In much the same way we are called, as salt of the earth, to offer a preserving influence on the spiritual decay in the prevailing culture. We are called into what Tim Keller calls the "spoiling places" to interact with the world in a way consistent with Gospel living; through a Christian worldview. Living this way we can help to stave off societal deterioration morally, socially, and culturally; influencing for the good unbelievers around us; leading some to repent and glorify God (1 Peter 2:12). 

Living intentionally—missionally may seem daunting. Often we interpret "missional" and "evangelical" as scary door to door sharing with strangers but it is more than that. It is living as "missionaries" the minute we open our front door. It happens next door or across the street; it happens in the checkout lane, at children's functions, on campus, and at work. It is there in the ordinary everyday as we live life with gospel focus and a different kind of love...together.

If you are looking for ways to fit mission into your schedule, please click here:

8 Easy Ways to be Missional | Verge Network

Seeking some encouragement for including unbelievers in your ordinary everyday? Click here:

Have You Been salty Lately? | Kathleen Nielson | The Gospel Coalition

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salt_opt

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." — Matthew 5:13-14

"Jesus calls his disciples to exert a double influence on the society - a negative influence by arresting its decay and a positive influence by bringing light into its darkness. For it is one thing to stop the spread of evil; it is another to promote the spread of truth, beauty and goodness." — John R. W. Stott

In the days before household refrigeration salt was used as a preservative to slow decay. In much the same way we are called, as salt of the earth, to offer a preserving influence on the spiritual decay in the prevailing culture. We are called into what Tim Keller calls the "spoiling places" to interact with the world in a way consistent with Gospel living; through a Christian worldview. Living this way we can help to stave off societal deterioration morally, socially, and culturally; influencing for the good unbelievers around us; leading some to repent and glorify God (1 Peter 2:12). 

Living intentionally—missionally may seem daunting. Often we interpret "missional" and "evangelical" as scary door to door sharing with strangers but it is more than that. It is living as "missionaries" the minute we open our front door. It happens next door or across the street; it happens in the checkout lane, at children's functions, on campus, and at work. It is there in the ordinary everyday as we live life with gospel focus and a different kind of love...together.

If you are looking for ways to fit mission into your schedule, please click here:

8 Easy Ways to be Missional | Verge Network

Seeking some encouragement for including unbelievers in your ordinary everyday? Click here:

Have You Been salty Lately? | Kathleen Nielson | The Gospel Coalition

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Holiday Detox | Review, Renew, Refocus! https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/holiday-detox-review-renew-refocus https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/holiday-detox-review-renew-refocus#comments Sun, 01 Feb 2015 07:00:00 -0500 https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/holiday-detox-review-renew-refocus broken ornament

TACC Women's Ministries hosted "Holiday Detox" an event designed to help us focus on reviewing our walk with Christ, renewing our commitment to Him and refocusing the use of our time and talents to accomplish the Lord’s purposes. A number of ladies came together to fellowship, share yummies, sing praises to the Lord — a big thank you to the "A" team Abby and Anna who led worship, and hear from our own Anna Lichte whose discussion led us to the feet of Jesus and the concept of spiritually "detoxifying our hearts."

Anna reminded us of the need to rid ourselves of accumlated worldly junk that creeps into our mind when we forget to be diligent. She encouraged us to, "take a step back and review how we are doing in living our lives for Christ." Routinely taking stock of where we are in our faith walk helps us to see where we have drifted. She provided us with seven questions to ask ourselves in order to gauge our spiritual health. 

Anna further encouraged us as she spoke about the need for us to renew our hearts and minds daily as we seek to be more Christ like. God's mercies are new every morning and we should set aside time first thing to spend with Him as we renew and prepare for the day ahead.

Lastly Anna encouraged us to focus our attentions on those things we want to change remembering, "we cannot reach these goals on our own" but in God's strength all things are possible. Christ at the center helps us to live our lives for Him.

Additional information can be found by clicking the following links:

Spiritual Detoxification | Kristen McNulty

Seven Questions to Evaluate Your Progress in the Christian Life | Pastor Colin Smith

Resolutions | Real SOULutions

 

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broken ornament

TACC Women's Ministries hosted "Holiday Detox" an event designed to help us focus on reviewing our walk with Christ, renewing our commitment to Him and refocusing the use of our time and talents to accomplish the Lord’s purposes. A number of ladies came together to fellowship, share yummies, sing praises to the Lord — a big thank you to the "A" team Abby and Anna who led worship, and hear from our own Anna Lichte whose discussion led us to the feet of Jesus and the concept of spiritually "detoxifying our hearts."

Anna reminded us of the need to rid ourselves of accumlated worldly junk that creeps into our mind when we forget to be diligent. She encouraged us to, "take a step back and review how we are doing in living our lives for Christ." Routinely taking stock of where we are in our faith walk helps us to see where we have drifted. She provided us with seven questions to ask ourselves in order to gauge our spiritual health. 

Anna further encouraged us as she spoke about the need for us to renew our hearts and minds daily as we seek to be more Christ like. God's mercies are new every morning and we should set aside time first thing to spend with Him as we renew and prepare for the day ahead.

Lastly Anna encouraged us to focus our attentions on those things we want to change remembering, "we cannot reach these goals on our own" but in God's strength all things are possible. Christ at the center helps us to live our lives for Him.

Additional information can be found by clicking the following links:

Spiritual Detoxification | Kristen McNulty

Seven Questions to Evaluate Your Progress in the Christian Life | Pastor Colin Smith

Resolutions | Real SOULutions

 

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Poured Out Overflowing Grace https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/poured-out-overflowing-grace https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/poured-out-overflowing-grace#comments Sat, 24 Jan 2015 20:00:00 -0500 https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/poured-out-overflowing-grace overflow

"For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." John 1:16 (ESV)

Grace upon grace, mercy upon mercy, layer upon layer of undeserved overflowing love and favor; everlasting to everlasting...relentless, constant, infinite—began at the cross; blood spilled on behalf of humanity to satisfy the wrath of God (propitiation), Jesus, taking upon Himself the sins of the whole world and covering us in His righteousness (double imputation), conquering death when He rose from the grave (resurrection)—abiding, comforting, renewing.

The finished work of the cross highlights the glory of God, revealing the fullness of His character. It is to this we are drawn—with empty hands we come; souls aching, laid bare, surrendered, repentant,—we are forgiven, made new, clothed in righteousness we could do nothing to earn or deserve, adopted as daughters of the King.

Lean in to this truth and draw near to God (James 4:8). Let the wellspring of His abounding grace bubble forth, a healing stream shaping and informing your heart. Lose yourSELF, follow Jesus, serve...you'll be unable to keep it to yourself.

"Evangelism is the spontaneous overflow of a glad and free heart in Jesus Christ." —The Gospel Project

The following articles unpack grace, dying to self, and loving others:

Dying as a Means of Loving Part 1 | Desiring God

Dying as a Means of Loving Part 2 | Desiring God

We Can't Give From an Empty Place | Laurie Wallin

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overflow

"For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." John 1:16 (ESV)

Grace upon grace, mercy upon mercy, layer upon layer of undeserved overflowing love and favor; everlasting to everlasting...relentless, constant, infinite—began at the cross; blood spilled on behalf of humanity to satisfy the wrath of God (propitiation), Jesus, taking upon Himself the sins of the whole world and covering us in His righteousness (double imputation), conquering death when He rose from the grave (resurrection)—abiding, comforting, renewing.

The finished work of the cross highlights the glory of God, revealing the fullness of His character. It is to this we are drawn—with empty hands we come; souls aching, laid bare, surrendered, repentant,—we are forgiven, made new, clothed in righteousness we could do nothing to earn or deserve, adopted as daughters of the King.

Lean in to this truth and draw near to God (James 4:8). Let the wellspring of His abounding grace bubble forth, a healing stream shaping and informing your heart. Lose yourSELF, follow Jesus, serve...you'll be unable to keep it to yourself.

"Evangelism is the spontaneous overflow of a glad and free heart in Jesus Christ." —The Gospel Project

The following articles unpack grace, dying to self, and loving others:

Dying as a Means of Loving Part 1 | Desiring God

Dying as a Means of Loving Part 2 | Desiring God

We Can't Give From an Empty Place | Laurie Wallin

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Love Covers Spiritual Envy https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/love-covers-spiritual-envy https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/love-covers-spiritual-envy#comments Sat, 17 Jan 2015 13:00:00 -0500 https://www.taftavenue.org/connect-to-womens-ministry/post/love-covers-spiritual-envy mirror_opt

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone." 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Is it just me or do others find it difficult to view themselves through Christ. Am I the only one who distractedly picks apart areas of character or strengths feeling like it is impossible to measure up to some ideal? Has anyone else thought, "Why can't I be more like..?"  Why the preoccupation and why can't I see me as God does...fearfully and wonderfully made—unique (Psalm 139:13-16)?

The truth is God has an exclusive design for each of us. We are fashioned with a special array of gifts and talents; a true tapestry of grace. As we intentionally engage with other women in our church family our individuality contributes to the unified masterpiece knit together by a loving God. As we encourage and love each other, blending our contributions, we are better able to teach each other to see God's redemptive plan and the nature of Jesus Christ. We become focused on enjoying and loving God more fully with a gospel-centeredness that encourages furthering the Kingdom. Our inreach helps us to grow as disciples equipped for missional outreach—serving women of all ages and life stages—as together we come to know Christ and live out His purpose. 

The following article by Carolyn McCulley explores what it would look like if instead of identifying specific gifts, love for others was our aim:

What if Knowing Your Spiritual Gift Doesn't Matter? | True Woman

This article by Erin Davis explores ways we can let love rid us of jealousy when others seem to shine more brightly:

Putting an End to Spiritual Envy | True Woman

 

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mirror_opt

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone." 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Is it just me or do others find it difficult to view themselves through Christ. Am I the only one who distractedly picks apart areas of character or strengths feeling like it is impossible to measure up to some ideal? Has anyone else thought, "Why can't I be more like..?"  Why the preoccupation and why can't I see me as God does...fearfully and wonderfully made—unique (Psalm 139:13-16)?

The truth is God has an exclusive design for each of us. We are fashioned with a special array of gifts and talents; a true tapestry of grace. As we intentionally engage with other women in our church family our individuality contributes to the unified masterpiece knit together by a loving God. As we encourage and love each other, blending our contributions, we are better able to teach each other to see God's redemptive plan and the nature of Jesus Christ. We become focused on enjoying and loving God more fully with a gospel-centeredness that encourages furthering the Kingdom. Our inreach helps us to grow as disciples equipped for missional outreach—serving women of all ages and life stages—as together we come to know Christ and live out His purpose. 

The following article by Carolyn McCulley explores what it would look like if instead of identifying specific gifts, love for others was our aim:

What if Knowing Your Spiritual Gift Doesn't Matter? | True Woman

This article by Erin Davis explores ways we can let love rid us of jealousy when others seem to shine more brightly:

Putting an End to Spiritual Envy | True Woman

 

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