Do Not Be Afraid

Leave a comment

Our devotional this week comes from Gigi Falstrom.  I believe it is well-timed in light of the tragedy we are seeing in Japan, and the fear that it stirs in many people’s hearts. I hope you find comfort in Gigi’s words of hope.

DEAD FROM DREAD

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” 

(Joshua 1:9 )

That word “DREAD” is so close to the word “DEAD.” If we live in FEAR and DREAD, we are DEAD, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. We become immobilized, unable to think rationally or creatively. We become stuck, unable to make decisions or take needed action. And that is not living, especially the full life God has planned for us.

So, when our situation looks dismal and choices seem limited, where do we go? It’s easy to just sit around ringing our hands and repeating, “woe is me.” And we’ll get lots of worldly advice and sympathy. But is that what we want? Do we need more encouragement to feel sorry for ourselves and continue to flounder? NO, we have options. 

Christians do not have to fear and dread what others may do to us or what might happen in our lives. We have hope in our Lord. Through the centuries he has proven himself faithful to believers. Think about Job, Moses, and the other “heroes of faith” honored in Hebrews 11. Remember Christ as he walked down the Via Dolorosa to Calvary and was nailed to that cross.

In Psalm 34:4 , the psalmist says, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” Even Sir Winston Churchhill told us that “we have nothing to fear but fear itself.”

Freedom is available as soon as we surrender and let Christ forgive us, guide us, protect us and love us? Why then is fear and dread holding us back, keeping us from living the full life God has provided?

Gracious, loving Heavenly Father, we come to you asking to be enliven in our faith, belief and actions. We’re dead and ineffective to you because we have allowed fear to replace faith. We want to be faithful servants and witnesses who, by our example, bring you glory as others see us strong, creative, loving, joyful and faithful because of your presence in our lives. We want the world to see us as Positive Christian Women, alive through Christ.

Georgeanne, AKA Gigi, Falstrom lives in Irving, TX with her husband, Jim and two Wire Fox Terriers, Krissi and Kramer. She has one living son and three beautiful grandchildren. God called her to write devotions and inspirational messages thirty years ago as he demonstrated the true meaning of his grace, love, compassion and power in her life.

Our lesson this month at PWC is “Tools for the Times – Experiencing Peace through Difficulties.”  See you soon.  North Dallas:  Tuesday, March 22  12:00 – 1:00 Prestonwood Country Club,

 RSVP: dskell@roaringlambsministries.org

Allen:  Wednesday, March 29 12:00 – 1:00 Cottonwood Creek

RSVP: prowant@cottonwoodcreek.org

Fellowship of Women

Leave a comment

 

“Creating a network of support takes time, but it’s time well spent. While there are some friendships that can sustain a lack of contact, most important relationships require an investment of time and attention. Nurture your friendships…” Life Lessons for Women, Stephanie Marston

What a joy it is to join together with other women in the body of Christ.  I encourage you to seek out fellowship with other Godly women.  That’s what we do at Positive Woman Connection. We enjoy a good lunch, enjoy great fellowship and enjoy the blessing of learning from God’s word.  This month our topic is:

Tools for the Times – Experiencing Peace through Difficulties in life.

The lesson is based on Colossians 3, as we examine what it means to allow the Peace of Christ to rule our hearts in every aspect of our lives.  I hope you will join us, and bring a friend.  I will be giving a gift to each person who brings a first-timer to the study.  Come and be blessed. 

North Dallas:  Tuesday, March 22  12:00 – 1:00 Prestonwood Country Club,

 RSVP: dskell@roaringlambsministries.org

Allen:  Wednesday, March 29 12:00 – 1:00 Cottonwood Creek

RSVP: prowant@cottonwoodcreek.org

Sweet Fellowship

Leave a comment

“As soon as the love of God was shed abroad in my soul, I loved all, of whatsoever denomination, who loved the Lord Jesus in sincerity of heart.” George Whitefield

Karol, Donna, and Sharon

This past week, several of us from Positive Woman Connection had the joy of going to the Women In Christian Media event in Nashville.  It was a wonderful time to encourage and fellowship with each other as well as to hear great messages which strengthened our hearts.  You can read more about some of their stories on my Thrive blog (ThriveDontSimplySurvive.wordpress.com)

We need each other in the body of Christ!  As I was in Nashville, I was reminded of how significant it is the have dear friends who build each other up in the Lord.  The writer of Hebrews said, “Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.”

Now more than ever we need to come together in encouragement and love.  Positive Woman Connection is a point of meeting, where we can truly encourage each other.  I hope you are planning to join us for our March meeting.  Put it on your calendar now and ask the Lord to show you who you need to invite.  We all need a positive dose of encouragement from God’s word and fellowship with one another.

North Dallas:  Tuesday, March 22  12:00 – 1:00 Prestonwood Country Club,

 RSVP: dskell@roaringlambsministries.org

Allen:  Wednesday, March 29 12:00 – 1:00 Cottonwood Creek

RSVP: prowant@cottonwoodcreek.org

Ageless Beauty Secrets

Leave a comment

I’m so excited to see you all this week at PWC.  If you haven’t RSVP, take a moment to do so.  Our lesson will be a Beautiful one, literally.  We are going to learn about some timeless beauty tips from Paul in Colossians 3.  They are guaranteed to make you look divine!!!

Invite a friend to join you.  We will have several great door prizes and gifts for those who bring a first time guest.  See you soon!!!

Tuesday,  February 22 at Prestonwood Country Club in North Dallas 12:00 – 1:00 RSVP to Donna Skell

dskell@roaringlambsministries.org

Wednesday,  February 23 at Cottonwood Creek church, HWY 121 in Allen, 12:00 – 1:00 RSVP to Sandy Prowant at  prowant@cottonwoodcreek.org

Leave a comment

Hello wonderful PWC ladies. Today we are featuring another devotional written by one of our ladies. Her name is Carmyn Sparks and you can read her bio at the end of this blog. I’m thankful for the gifts and talents you all are sharing through PWC. Remember to RSVP for the upcoming PWC luncheons on February 22 (Prestonwood Country Club) and 23 (Cottonwood Creek church in Allen).

 Here’s Carmyn’s devotional: 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love, and a sound mind.”

 What is the root of fear?

Amy Carmichael says “when we are downhearted or fearful or weak, we are saying by the way of our fear and timidity, ‘After all, the Lord can’t be absolutely trusted.’”

Does God send this spirit of fear?

And if He does not send it to me, where does it come from?

 I can will to will to will to choose by my glorious God ordained freedom to refuse it! How can that be?

 I have a Savior who willingly gave His life for me that I might receive “everything (not just some but all)” pertaining to life (my outer physical needs) and to godliness (my inner spiritual needs)!

The One who redeemed me, created me. The One who created me knows me inside and outside! His Father in heaven is my Father in heaven!

 My Father has never once failed Christ…..He will never fail me. He loved and led and guarded Christ all the days of His life on earth…..God has loved, and led, and guarded me all the 62 years of my life.

Is God unchanging, does His faithfulness fail when I am fearful? My answer determines my trust.

Yes, God has, God is and God will continue to love and lead and guard me all the days of my life.

Holy Spirit, I look to you now and pray from this foreboding shadow of fear that covers my mind for Your power within to set me free.

The reality of this shadow is the Presence of God’s light.

I unquestionably believe Your Word.

 I choose to submit my fears to the Son and courageously resist this fear of darkness believing it must be swift to flee at the sound of Your Word.

Fill me now with a spirit of power, of love and a sound mind to discern the Truth of God’s Word.

Grant me courage and grip my heart with the perfect love that drives out fear. Can I trust God today?

Yes, I absolutely Trust God, therefore, I have no shadow of doubt that I now can emerge from this darkness of fear.

May I be a light to dispel others’ fears wherever I go today as You go with me.

Copyright ©2011 Carmyn Sparks

Carmyn Sparks has been involved in women’s ministry for 30 years teaching church and home bible studies; speaking at retreats and seminars; and leading discipleship classes. She has served with Search Ministries; worked with Community Hospice of Texas serving on the advisory board as well as facilitating hospice training programs. Her heart’s passion is to share the redeeming grace and mercy of God’s transforming love for others no matter their past or present stories. She has published serveral poetic works in various anthologies by the International Library of Poetry. Carmyn lives in Fort Worth, TX with her husband of 40 years, Hal. They have three married daughters and six grandchildren. Her life’s message is Jude 21 “Stay always within the boundaries of God’s love where He can reach and bless you” in order that His Son, Jesus Christ be glorified.