October 29, 2012

Walking Worthy In Him!

Last week, in Colossians 1:14 we looked at the redemption and forgiveness of sins we have In Christ Jesus.

redemption - "apolytrosis" - to let go free for a ransom; the recalling of captives from captivity.

1 Peter 1:18 tells us that we were redeemed from the empty way of life.

Ephesians 1:7 tells us we were redeemed through His blood, according to the riches of His grace.

Ephesians 4:30 tells us our redemption is sealed by the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 9:12 tells us our redemption is secured eternally.

Galatians 5:1 reminds us that because we have been set free in Christ Jesus, we are not to take on the yoke of slavery again, but instead to stand firm.

All of this is possible because of what we have in Him!

Read Colossians 1:15-23.

This is a beautiful description of who Christ Jesus is and what we have in Him!

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creationunder heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Make a list of all you see in this passage about who "He is" and what is possible "in Him."

Then, sweet sisters, remembering who He is, continue to walk faithfully in Christ Jesus-stable, steadfast and not shifting from the hope, redemption, forgiveness and freedom we have in Him!

Blessings,

The Women's Ministry

October 22, 2012

Walking Worthy - Freedom in Forgiveness

Colossians 1:13-14

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Last week the Scriptures encouraged us to joyfully give thanks to the Father for the blessed inheritance we receive when Christ delivered us from the domain of darkness. This week we will take a closer look at what Jesus did on the cross and how this gift enables us to walk worthy.

"[Christ] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:14

Let's look at two words in this verse more closely to give us a better understanding of what Christ did for us.

Redemption - apolytrosis - ransom in full, deliverance, a releasing effected by payment of ransom, liberation procured by the payment of a ransom.

Forgiveness - aphesis - freedom, pardon, deliverance, release from bondage or imprisonment, pardon of sins (letting them go as if they had never been committed), remission of the penalty.

The commonality in both of these definitions is deliverance, liberation and freedom. Because of Christ's work on the cross, when we accept His free gift of love, we can walk in complete freedom as though we had never committed the sins for which we are being pardoned!

Read Ephesians 1:7-10.

At the end of verse 8 in the Ephesians passage, we see the phrase, "according to the riches of his grace." God lavishly extended His grace to us on the cross as "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

So, what is this grace? The Greek word for grace in this passage is charis. It means graciousness, the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life, favor, a gift. The forgiveness we received from Jesus was completely free and affords us complete freedom! Furthermore, this grace influences us and empowers us to reflect Jesus and walk worthy.

Have you accepted this free gift? Do you know someone who needs this gift? If God lays someone on your heart today, we challenge you to forward this to them. Share this gift with others so they, like you, can walk in the light of our glorious Jesus.

Speaking of forgiveness, is there someone you need to forgive today? Perhaps someone has hurt you. Will you grant them forgiveness or pardon (letting it go as if it had never been committed)? Not only will you help the recipient of this forgiveness walk in freedom, you too will experience freedom from the burden of an unforgiving heart. It's all part of walking worthy, sisters! Forgive as Christ has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32). Let God's grace be reflected in your life!

So what will you do today to walk worthy of the Lord Jesus? Will you share the love and forgiveness of Christ with another? Will you graciously extend forgiveness to someone (even someone who doesn't deserve it)? We are praying that you will walk in glorious freedom today and reflect Christ in every way!

Blessings,

The Women's Ministry 

October 15, 2012

Walking Worthy - Experiencing Joy in Thanksgiving

Colossians 1:12-13

... with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints' inheritance in the light. He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves.  

This week we will look at the fourth characteristic of walking worthy in the life of the believer.

Joyfully giving thanks to the Father ...

Why are believers to joyfully give thanks?

• Because He has enabled us to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 

 How did God do this? 

• He rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves.

Let's take a closer look at two words in verse 13. The word for rescued in the original language is,rhyomai, which means to draw to oneself, to draw or snatch away from danger. The word fortransferred is, metahistemi, which denotes a change of place or condition. Meta meaning to cause or bring about and histemi meaning to stand.

What Paul is saying here is that God, through His Son, Jesus, has drawn or snathched us away from the danger of darkness (sin) and caused us to stand in His Kingdom. That wonderful Kingdom is now our inheritance. 

What better reason to "joyfully give thanks" could there be than this? As believers we no longer have an inheritance of darkness and death but one of glorious light and life everlasting. One day we will have the joy of looking into the face of Jesus in the radiant light of His glory forever!

Until then, we must show our gratitude by thanking God daily, even moment by moment, for this marvelous rescue. We also need not walk as though we are in darkness but rather in the light of Christ. We are to walk as those worthy of the Lord Jesus Christ, as heirs to the One who sits on the throne.

Take a moment to ponder these verses and then joyfully give thanks to the Father ...

• Ephesians 2:1-9

• 1 Thessalonians 2:12

• Ephesians 4:1

• Romans 8:17

• Ephesians 5:20

How often do you thank God for your amazing inheritance? What are your prayers filled with ... requests for yourself and others or praise and thanksgiving to your God and King?

Try infusing your prayers with praise and thanks to God. They will become powerful, and you will be blessed as your remember your glorious inheritance!

Next week we will take a closer look at what Jesus did to transfer us into His Kingdom. Until then, give thanks, my sisters! Let what God has done fill your heart to overflow with joy and gratitude this week!

Joy and blessings,

The Women's Ministry Team

October 8, 2012

Walking Worthy - Strengthened for Patience

Colossians 1:11

May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience,

Last week we looked at the third practice of walking worthy, being strengthened with all power, for the purpose of endurance to help us in difficult circumstances.  This week we will examine the second aspect of being strengthened with all power for the purpose of patience.

Whereas endurance relates to circumstances, patience deals with relationships.  We can all attest to the fact that relationships can be messy.  We have all been hurt, disappointed, or frustrated in a relationship at some point in our lives.  But God offers us strength-His power- to deal with difficult relationship issues.

The word for patience in the original language is,makrothymia,which means endurance, forbearance, longsuffering, slowness in avenging wrongs; endurance in bearing troubles and ills;the self restraint which does not hastily retailiate a wrong.

Our strength to forbear with others is not based on our abilities, but on God's power.  Remember from last week, this power is the same that God exerted when He raised Christ Jesus from the dead (Eph 1:15-23).  We have access to this power because of our relationship with Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit living in us.  The key to accessing this power is surrender.  We choose to surrender our desires and rights and allow God to work in and through us.  Christ has given us an example to follow and imitate.  

Have you been hurt, wronged or disappointed by someone?  Read the following passages and note what you can learn from Christ about handling difficult relationships. 

Christ's Example:  

• Philippians 2:5-11 

• 1 Peter 2:19-25 

• 1 Peter 5:5-7

So ... if you are currently dealing with a difficult relationship, ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I relying on God to handle this or am I trying to take matters into my own hands?  

• Am I using tactics such as retaliation, negotiation or manipulation to "fix" the problem?

Why not try casting your cares and anxieties on the Lord and entrust yourself to the One who judges justly!  He is faithful to keep you, strengthen you and restore what is broken.  We are praying that God will "lift you up" this week as you rely on Him!

Blessings,

Women of Warren

October 1, 2012

Walking Worthy - Strengthened With All Power

Colossians 1:11

May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience,

We continue this week to look at the practices that Paul outlines in his prayer as a characteristic of one who walks worthy of Lord by pleasing God in all things.

This third practice is that we would be strengthened with all power.

This word for strengthened in the original Greek is dynamo, which means to make strong, confirm, strengthen.  Paul is praying that we would be made strong, but for what and by what means?

We are told that we are strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might!  We are made strong by the power of God and by His glorious might!  These are powerful words.  Power is dunamis which means inherent power or power residing in something by virtue of its nature.  We are talking about the omnipotence of God!  It is the same power described in Ephesians 1:15-23.  Take a few moments to read these powerful verses. 

Did you notice that the power described is that which was demonstrated by God when He Christ Jesus from the dead and put Him over ALL things so that He might fill ALL things in EVERY way! That is for us!  It is his power working in and through us and all for His glory. 

Colossians 1:11 also tells us that this power is for two purposes:  endurance and patience.  We will discuss patience next week, but let's talk about this endurance.

Endurance  in the original language is hupomone, which means  a steadfastness and patience in circumstances.  It is a steadfast or patient waiting and speaks of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his faith even by the greatest trials and sufferings. 

Paul is praying that the power of God would be their strength during the difficult circumstances and trials of life.  This is an encouraging and comforting word to us in the middle of something difficult.  We can rest and rely on the power of God to give us strength to make it through the trial or perhaps the day.

Psalm 62:8 tells us to pour out our hearts to God because He is our refuge!  Pour out means to gush forth and spill over.   So, spill it out to the Lord!  He is powerful!  He is here to help in time of need!

Join us next week as we look at having strength for patience.

Blessings,

Women of Warren

September 24, 2012

Walking Worthy - Increasing in Knowledge

Colossians 1:10b

So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

We continue this week by looking at another of the four practices Paul outlines in his prayer that are characteristic of walking worthy and pleasing God in all things.

This second practice is that we would be "increasing in our knowledge of God.''

What is this increasing knowledge of God?  

The word for increasing is auxano in the original language, which means to cause to grow, become greater, of inward Christian growth. 

Knowledge is epignosis which is a precise and correct knowledge; true knowledge of Christ.  

Quite simply, we are to be continually growing in our relationship with Christ so that we might reflect Christ, accurately and precisely in our daily walk.

What are some ways we can grow in our knowledge of God?  

The first and most obvious is through the reading and study of His Word and through prayer.  But it goes beyond the task.  How does God's Word and presence in your life change your daily walk?  Knowledge gained simply for the sake of more knowledge does nothing but "puff us up".  

So ask yourself these questions:

What are you doing with that knowledge? 

How is it affecting your relationships, your work, your thought life, your priorities, your attitudes and your witness? 

Are you a right reflection of Christ Jesus?

Pray and ask the Lord to help you use the knowledge you are gaining to rightly reflect Christ.  Ask Him to rid you of any pride you may have as a result of your "knowledge," remembering that Jesus was a perfect picture of humility and love always bringing glory to His Father. 

For further study:  Read 1 Peter 1:2-8.  

What is the progression we see in this passage?  

What is the result of increasing in knowledge?  

Have a wonderful week and strive to bring as much glory to our Lord Jesus as you possibly can this week!

Blessings,

Women of Warren

September 17, 2012

Walking Worthy - Bearing Fruit

Colossians 1:10

So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

Paul's prayer petition was that these believers would be filled with the knowledge of God's will for the purpose of pleasing God in every way by walking worthy.  Paul then begins to outline four practices characteristic of walking worthy and pleasing God in all things.  This is not an exhaustive list but are simply some of the characteristics of a maturing Christian life. 

The first practice found in verse 10 is that we might bear fruit in every good work.  What does it mean to bear fruit? 

Bear fruit in this verse is actually one word in the original Greek, karpophoreo meaning to bring forth.  It is from two root words, karpo meaning an effect or result and is used of praises presented to God as a thank offering.  Phero means to be moved inwardly.  Karpophoreo was a word used of those who show their knowledge of God by their conduct.  

John 15:1-11 also speaks of bearing fruit in our lives.  Read through these verses and list what you learn about bearing fruit.  What is the key to bearing fruit?  We find it in a repeated key word in this passage, abide. 

Abide is the Greek word, meno which means to stay in a given place, state, relation or expectancy, to dwell or to remain.  We will bear fruit as we stay connected to the vine, Christ Jesus.

The fruit we bear is the outward expression of God's inward impression upon our hearts and souls.  It's all about our relationship with Christ Jesus and abiding in Him.  We are called to please God by walking worthy and bearing fruit wherever and however He has called us.  It is a thank offering we present to God. 

So ask yourself the following questions as you ponder these verses this week: 

What fruit are you bearing today?  

How is your conduct reflecting your relationship with Christ Jesus?   

Is there a work God has impressed upon your heart for His kingdom?

If so, are you doing it?  

Remember that knowledge for the sake of knowledge is not walking worthy of the Lord. 

Let's commit to pray for one another this week that we show our knowledge of God through our actions.

Join us next week as we explore another characteristic of this worthy walk.

Blessings,

Women of Warren

September 10, 2012

Walk Worthy - Fully Pleasing God

 Colossians 1:10a

So that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him.

We have looked at the fact that Paul makes one petition in his prayer -that they might be filled with the knowledge of God's will. (Col 1:9)

This week we see that his petition has one purpose.  This one purpose is that they would fully please God in all things.  We  fully please God when we walk worthy of Him.

Walk in the original language is the word peripateo which means a manner of living, to be occupied with and making due use of opportunities.

Worthy in the original language is axios and means suitable, in a manner worthy of.  

We walk worthy by being a right reflection of who Christ Jesus is.  In order to rightly reflect Jesus, we need to be filled with the knowledge of God's will.Romans 12:2 tells us we will be able to test and approve what God's will is as we are transformed through a renewed mind.  Our minds are renewed through God's Word and the work of the Holy Spirit. 

So how are you walking?  What are you filling up on?  What occupies your time and thoughts?  Are you renewing your mind in God's Word daily?  Are you walking worthy of Christ Jesus?

Our prayer for you this week is that you will fill yourself up with the things of God so you can be a right reflection of Jesus Christ.  Just like a child who is learning to walk, we will all stumble and fall.  When we do, we must entrust ourselves to the Lord, ask for forgiveness and for HIS power help us, then keep on walking!

Join us next week as we look at four ways we can practice walking worthy from Colossians 1:10-14.

August 27 & September 3, 2012

Welcome to our first ever WOW Weekly Moment! We hope you will look forward to beginning your week with us and that the contents of these "moments" will help you Walk His Way during your week.

Over the next four weeks we will take a closer look at our theme and guiding verse for WOW this year during our WOW Weekly Moment. Our theme, Walk His Way, will help us learn to walk worthy of our Lord Jesus.

A Walk Through Colossians 1:9-14 

Learning to Walk His Way

The apostle Paul opens his letter to the Colossians by praying for them. 

Colossians 1:9 For this reason, also since the day we heard this, we haven't stopped praying for you.

What reason? What Day? What did he hear?

Read Colossians 1:4-6 to find the answer.

Paul is prompted to pray for these believers from the moment he heard of their acceptance of the truth of the Gospel and their love for and faith in Christ.  Paul made it a discipline in his life to pray for others.  It was part of his daily routine and he was passionate about it.

How passionate about prayer are you?

Prayer is one of the primary ways we communicate with God, and when we seek God through prayer we experience His presence and peace. As we praise God in prayer we acknowledge His greatness and we are reminded of who God is. As we thankGod we give Him glory for what He has done and acknowledge that He is our supplier. As we ask God in prayer we acknowledge the truth that we are completely dependent upon Him. Basically, prayer helps us focus on God and not ourselves.

So, as you think about prayer and what it does, ask yourself these questions:

Who am I praying for?

Who have I asked to pray for me? 

How important is prayer in my daily life?  

Am I a passionate woman of prayer? 

1 Thessalonians instructs us to be joyful always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Join us next week as we look at Colossians 1:10 and learn what it means to be filled with the knowledge of God's will for our lives.

Blessings,

Women's Ministry Team

September 3, 2012

We hope the contents of these "moments" will help you Walk His Way during your week.

This week we continue taking a closer look at our theme and guiding verses for WOW this year. Our theme, Walk His Way, will help us learn to walk worthy of our Lord Jesus.

A Walk Through Colossians 1:9-14 

Learning to Walk His Way

 Colossians 1:10a 

We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.

Paul makes one petition

His petition is for these believers to be filled with the knowledge of God's will.

In the original Greek, the word filled is pleroowhich means to make full, to fill so nothing is wanting, to flood, to diffuse throughout one's soul and to take possession of one's heart.

  

 What is Paul asking they be filled with?

He is asking God to fill them with the knowledge of His will. Knowledge that is a precise and accurate knowledge, a true knowledge of Christ's nature and character. This knowledge consists of spiritual wisdom and understanding.  In other words, Paul is asking that they learn the truths of Scripture and understand how to apply these truths to everyday life.

   

God's will is the word thelema, which means what one wishes or has determined shall be done.  It is God's purpose, desires, commands and precepts. 

This will is not an inner feeling or impression but a deep, thorough knowledge of God's will as revealed in Scripture.  We all seek God's will in many areas of our lives.  At times His will is oulined very clearly in Scripture and at other times it is not as black and white.  However, scripture does give us instruction on God's will that can be applied to our lives at any time and in any circumstance.

• 1 Timothy 2:4 - we would all come to a saving knowledge of the truth of the gospel
• 1 Thessalonians 4:3 - that we would be sanctified or become like Christ in our conduct
• 1 Peter 4:19 - we would understand we have been called to suffer for God's kingdom
• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - be joyful always, pray continually and gives thanks in ALL circumstances
• Romans 12:2 - that we would no longer be conformed to the world but transformed in our   thinking by the renewing of our mind, which enables us to test and approve His good, perfect and pleasing will

What have you asked God to reveal to you lately? 

Is there an area of your life where you need direction?

What circumstance are you just not sure about?

    

Remember that regardless of our circumstances, we can know God's will. When we don't have the answers to the specifics, we can know we have come to a knowledge of truth...

• Truth that God desires we be conformed to Christ's character
• Truth that we are to renew our minds in the truth of Scripture
• Truth that we are to pray continually and give thanks to God in all circumstances.

As we walk in the knowledge of the truths we do know, God will reveal deeper truths one step at a time.

In this short verse, Paul prays a tremendous prayer. 

He prays that God would so infuse their hearts and souls with an accurate knowledge of Christ and of His purposes and desires, that they would walk out who they are in Christ Jesus - that they would learn to

walk His way.

This is our prayer for you this week!  Keep walking, sisters!

Blessings,

Women's Ministry Team

Join us next week as we look at what walking His way looks like in our everyday life.