A Woman's Walk

[Judy Harder]

Awesome God!
by Margaret D. Mitchell
Week of October 7, 2012


"Then Jesus said, 'Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?'"  -John 11:40

Autumn is my favorite time of year. I enjoy walks under a clear, sunny sky, framed by glorious colors and fallen leaves blowing by. It helps to clarify my mind and awaken my spirit to God's glory all around me. Each day feels like a fresh, new beginning.

I've always had a special place in my heart for autumn, but it wasn't until I began to study the Hebraic roots of Christianity that I came to have a more intimate understanding (and encounter with God) during the fall feasts season.

According to the Hebrew calendar, the Old Testament fall feasts have been completed now, and it is time to embark fresh, in a new year ahead. I love how God brings all of His purposed elements together to affect His plan on earth as it is in heaven.

Hebrews 13:8 tells us that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Even the cadence of this scripture intimates a rhythm of presence and continuance. And we know that the New Testament is the fulfillment of the Old Testament.

During this particularly sweet season with the Lord, I was able to get away from the busyness of ministry and rest, reflect, repent, receive and restore.

Over the past five years, I have often prayed for understanding of why God chose the first Saturday in November for us to host our annual Women's Expo. It seemed like an odd time, since other ministries conduct their main women's events in the spring. But I knew I heard loud and clear at the outset. What I now understand is that this special season of God's High Holy Days affords me a unique opportunity to come away with Him before stepping into a summit experience.

It is an awesome thing to behold the glory of the Lord and witness His convergent miracles for His purposed plan (Heb. 1:3). When I hear about the manifest connections that are created when multiplicity happens, I am overcome.

Each year we see people's needs be met personally and professionally. One ministry leader met a Christian counselor who became her women's retreat counselor for sexually-abused women. Another woman received personal prayer for her shaky marriage. Another woman intersected with someone who led her to a new job—within two weeks! The pivotal moments are priceless and miraculous and seemingly endless. And they begin even before the event.

God sets into motion His plans for us to receive in His purposed time. One of my favorite prayers is, "Lord, enable me to receive all that you have for me and nothing that is not of You." I often open gatherings this way.

So far, I have witnessed an exhibitor help another get started with exhibiting her own artwork. They have been collaborating behind the scenes, printing photographs, cutting mats, packaging pieces to display at the Women's Expo, where they will share a booth. The outreach and sisterhood I am privileged to witness is beyond description. It's women helping women, lending a hand. So much Proverbs 31 in action, even before the big day.

This particular exhibitor has a heart to help women in need. She prays for God to bring her women she can help and hire. She is very hands-on and personable. And God has been faithful to answer her prayers. She contracts her crafted monogram work to a woman who works from home and has struggled with breast cancer for years. She is always the first one to show up at events, the first one to make an offering. Her heart is sold out to the Lord, His love and His directives. This woman is my friend, and I am inspired by her. She is someone who prays for others, who even leads the prayer ministry in her church. And God's hand of blessing and favor is upon her.

God's everyday miracles are all around us (Psalm 40:5). All we have to do is ask Him to help us see with His eyes, to hear with His ears, to do with His heart. He desires for us to seek Him, and He is faithful to answer our prayers, even if we aren't so faithful or perfect (Heb. 12:2). He will finish the work He began in us, through us and on our behalf (2 Cor. 3:18). He is the God that loves us beyond measure. And one touch from Him can change us forever, causing us to forget past afflictions (Acts 8:13).

In what ways has God touched you in this season? Look around. What miracles do you see? Have you asked God to enable you to see as He does, to hear as He does and to do as He does? He is waiting to give you more. <3

[Judy Harder]

Week of October 21
Diligence

"[Anna] never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying."  ~ Luke 2:37

The Bible tells us that Anna was a prophet and that she was married for seven years before becoming a widow.  At that point, she lived in the temple and spent the rest of her life worshipping the Lord with a pure diligence.  She understood that her Maker was her spiritual husband and that she was created for intimate relationship with Him (Is. 54:5).

Although most of us live lives that are not cloistered, we can still diligently worship the Lord everywhere God assigns us, even at work.  All that's required is that we seek His face, ask Him what's on His heart and then carefully obey Him in excellence.

He will surely respond and guide us because it is His loving desire to commune with us.  Hebrews 11:6 tells us that God is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him.

With the Christmas season right around the corner, intimacy with God easily awaits us.  Church cantatas, seasonal worship music in our automobiles and holiday decorations in our homes invite us to slip into quiet time with God and appreciate Him even more.  But will we diligently make time for intimacy with Him after the season passes?  Will God remain our greatest desire 24/7?

Although, one can only ponder all the desires and burdens that were on Anna's heart as she came before the Lord day and night, year after year, the Bible reveals that the Messiah was surely dear to her.

The NIV note in Luke 2:36 tells us, "Anna praised God for the child Jesus as Hannah had praised God for the child Samuel."

Anna waited a long time for this miracle child to be born, like Hannah waited for her son Samuel's birth.  Jesus was an answer to Anna's prayers, just as Samuel was to the formerly barren Hannah.

When Anna approached Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus at the temple, the Bible says, "she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem" (Lk. 2:38).

Anna could never have done this if she did not know what was on God's heart.  And the way Anna knew God's heart was by spending lots of time seeking His heart.  In turn, God rewarded Anna by choosing her to deliver a message that He wanted to share with those who would listen.  God knew He could trust Anna with important revelations.

Anna surely felt honored.  Undoubtedly, seeing her deepest love come forth in manifest presence in the temple (also her home) gave her heart great joy.

Like Anna, what miracles do we anticipate in this season?  Do we have the diligent faith of Anna to witness God's greatest manifestations?  Do we know His heart and His voice well enough to hear from Him when He shows up?

Like Anna, is God our first love?

My prayer is that all of us would receive great revelations from the Lord as we diligently love on Him and that we would be able to share His heart with those who will listen.

[Judy Harder]

Week of October 28
Awakening

"Wake up, Deborah, wake up!  Wake up, wake up, and sing a song!  Arise, Barak!  Lead your captives away, son of Abinoam!"  ~ Judges 5:12

God suddenly alerted Deborah to speak a battle command to Barak, Israel's military leader, that would free their nation from 20 years of captivity and oppression.

Like Israel, how long and how often have we found ourselves held captive by ruthless consequences of sin?  Perhaps by our own volition or that of others.  Perhaps even by generational iniquity.  Did it not it feel like an eternity?  And did we not cry out for God to rescue us, just like the Israelites?

Indeed, God hears our cries.  And in His time, His gavel falls.  And when it does, it is swift.  Because He loves us, He not only puts an end to our suffering by driving a tent peg through the enemy's head, He revives us (Judges 4:21).  And we begin anew.

An awakening is a revival or renewal of something.  It is the beginning of a new beginning, a spring season in bud.  In Deborah and Barak's case, it was the beginning of a renewed freedom for Israel, a complete turnaround.

Awakenings are a call to action that give us a sudden, glorious opportunity to remove the grave clothes, shake off the dust and get it right.  They are rooted in God's infinite mercy and His heart of love for us.

Consider Peter.  Acts 12:7 tells us, "Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter.  The angel tapped him on the side to awaken him and said, 'Quick!  Get up!'  And the chains fell off his wrists."

As in Peter's case, divine awakenings offer us miraculous opportunity for escape, and they reposition us to fulfill God's plan.  Awakenings awe us and burst open doors of opportunity for us to receive God's abundance of life.  In divine awakenings, we are quickly relieved of burdens.  We are reminded that God's yoke is light (Matt. 11:30).

Divine awakenings send our hearts singing out of gratitude and joy.

Just last week, while sitting in my office, I noticed a bird singing right outside my window.  I don't often hear birds singing this time of year, and when I heard it's lovely chirp, I immediately sensed a spring season in my spirit.

This occurred a few more times during successive days, which prompted me to pray about what God was telling me.  He responded by showing me the word, "Awakening."  As I continue to seek His heart, I believe the Lord will reveal what type of awakening He has at hand.

Are you in need of God's awesome awakening, His miraculous and "sudden" turnaround?  Spend time in His presence seeking His heart, worshipping Him, and ask Him for one.  God can reverse your circumstances in an instant and can reset you on a path of freedom to complete your divine destiny.  He can awe you!

[Judy Harder]

Week of November 4
Heart

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of all His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe."  ~Ephesians 1:18-19

Love for God is powerful.  It drives us to please Him, to carry out His will, His heart from heaven to earth (Ps. 119:11).  When we seek Him with all of our heart, we will find Him (Jer. 29:13-14), and He is always there for us, no matter where we are, ready to fellowship, ready to pour out His love to us.

In relationship with Him, we are nurtured, restored, filled up with His goodness, willing to serve Him.  In His presence, we return to contentment.  We are blessed with joyfulness and peace, no matter what our circumstances.

Heart is the center of the human spirit, according to Biblical language.  The living word of God tells us to protect and watch over our heart and that it is the wellspring, or source, from which life flows (Pr. 4:23).  Whatever we allow into our heart will flow out in some form of speech, thought or behavior.  Do we seek the Lord for purity of heart (Matt. 5:?  Do we invite the Holy Spirit, the one who sees all things (I Sam 6:7), to examine the depth of our heart (Ps. 26:2)?

I've learned that issues of the heart do not just go away.  They must be confronted.  And if they are not handled privately, they will emerge publicly.  Unresolve has the power to destroy our lives and others.  One of my favorite prayers is to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any secret sin in my heart so that I may be in right standing before Him.  Will we find the courage to confront the issues, to turn our heart around with His help (Ps. 51:10)?

Much the same, overwork dries up the heart (Matt. 11:29).  When the busyness of life is prioritized over nurturing our hearts with prayer and meditations of God's word, how will we know the heart of God in any situation (Heb. 4:12)?  What can we possibly pour out to those around us?  The ones whom God puts in our path?  Will we have the patience to love them or even desire to extend compassion?

2 Corinthians 3:3 tells us that the Holy Spirit is written on our hearts.  Will we lean to His spirit when we are in need or react from the flesh of our heart (Ps. 19:14)?  Indeed, sometimes, a heart circumcision is in order to cut away that which encumbers us so that we may enter into a new place of intimacy with God, a new assignment, a manifest promise.

David is often described as a man after God's own heart.  Psalm 119:11 tells us, "Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You."

Do we treasure God's word?  Is Jesus our first love?  If not, the solution can be found in Ezekiel 18:31, "Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit!"

Indeed, God has given us the power of self-control.  And when we exercise it, fruit is produced.  Thankfully, we can choose to depart from carnal behaviors, ungodly thoughts and an unloving spirit.

With a heart for God, let us remember David's psalm, "May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.  We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.  May the Lord grant all your requests."

[Judy Harder]

Week of November 12
Sisterhood

"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers . . . but to teach what is good.  Then they can train the younger women to love . . ."  ~Titus 2:3-4

There is something to be said about women helping women.  I recall when I worked as a flight attendant we women looked out for one another.  At 35,000 feet, we didn't have family, friends, church, or a support group of any kind.  Earning a living out of a suitcase in a different city each night gave new meaning to vigilance.

I witnessed competitiveness and selfishness give way to survival through unity, kinship and an inevitable bond of trust and loyalty.  Even if we occasionally worked with someone who seemed a bit odd, we all knew deep down in our hearts that that woman was one of us.  We were a united front among passengers, and we knew that in a pinch or, worse yet, in an emergency, we could depend upon one another for our rescue in the face of accosting offenders or amid smoldering wreckage.

Over time, we came to love one another as sisters, as like-minded women who deeply understood each other's joys and challenges in our work and our unique lifestyle, like no one else.

Such is the nature of teamwork, where the combined efforts of many produce much.  Women helping women, as the generations were instructed in Titus 2, produces exponential wisdom and achievement.  It helps us to begin strong, accelerate fast and finish well.  Where combined seeds of investment are planted, a multiple return is reaped.

Who are you investing in?  Perhaps it's your daughter or a mentee at work; maybe an intern.  God has a way of growing our investment.

The Cretan women in Titus 2 were taught God's precepts of servanthood, of giving and receiving in relationships, the strength and value of nurturing.  They were offered the building blocks for strong foundations in their families and work.  Paul knew their investments would be rewarded when he wrote those encouraging words.  He wanted women to succeed, as God did and still does.

How we get along with our sisters determines much.  Gossip, pettiness and back-biting are the demons of division.  And when we participate in these behaviors, we inhibit our divine blessings.

Consider 2 Timothy 2:16, "Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly" and 2 Timothy 2:23-24, "Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels."  James 4:11 says, "Brothers [Sisters], do not slander one another."

How much more of God's blessings could we have if we just lived right?

When we let go of Cretan-like behaviors, learn who we are in Christ and choose to walk in God's empowering love, no matter what the behavior of others, we will find strength and unity, we will demonstrate sisterhood, and we will be blessed beyond measure.

What's in your heart?  For an honest account, just ask the Holy Spirit.  Then repent and prepare to walk in God's power and blessings.

[Judy Harder]

Week of November 18
Thanksgivings

"The Lord is my strength, my shield from every danger.  I trust in Him with all my heart.  He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.  I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."  ~ Psalm 28:7 (NLT) 

David knew the power of thanksgiving.  He understood that thanksgiving reflects a humble heart and is rooted in humble gratitude.  He was genuinely grateful.  For him, God was his only solution, his only escape from danger.  And he trusted God to show up and deliver him.  For David, God meant life.

No matter what our circumstances, we can always thank God for who He is and for delivering us from every evil darkness into every blessing of light.

James 1:17 says, "every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights . . ." (NKJV).

Thanksgiving honors God.  It is a facet of praise, a biblical precept, a key component of prayer and our Christian love walk.  The dictionary defines thanksgiving as "a prayer that offers thanks to God . . . an expression or an act of giving thanks . . . a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness."

Philippians 4:6 instructs us to pray and petition God with thanksgiving.  The NIV note for this scripture tells us that thanksgiving is "the antidote to worry."

Psalm 95:2 says, "Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song."

I Corinthians 10:16 refers to the communion cup as "the cup of thanksgiving," which we take in remembrance of Jesus who died for us so we can have eternal life.

The word "Hallelujah," which we often sing, translates into the Hebrew word "halleluyah," which literally means "praise ye the Lord."  The dictionary defines Hallelujah as a thankful cry of "relief, welcome or gratitude."

I did a rare thing for myself one day: I bought a cup of coffee at my local grocery store and decided to take my time shopping for our week's meals.  God spoke to my heart as I came upon the book aisle.  There, I spotted TV anchor Deborah Norville's book, Thank You Power: Making the Science of Gratitude Work for You.

"Interesting choice of words," I thought.

I flipped through the book, having recalled Mrs. Norville publicly proclaiming years earlier that she is a woman of faith.  I saw that she included lots of supporting material—quotes and studies professing that the principle of thanksgiving works.  And, indeed, in the final chapter, she directly addresses "people of faith," encouraging readers to attend assemblies of worship.

As I stood in the aisle of that market, I was reminded that the same biblical principles that we Christians are to live by also work in the world.  God doesn't want to leave anyone out.  He loves us all.

It caused me to pause and ask myself, "How is my attitude of thanksgiving?  How grateful is my heart?  Do I really honor God enough with prayers of thanksgiving?  What gifts from above have I taken for granted?

Indeed, thanksgiving is a powerful principle that touches the Father's heart.  May we ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts, and may we give the Father of Light thanks for every good and perfect gift.

[Judy Harder]

Higher Faith
by Margaret D. Mitchell
Week of November 25, 2012

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  -Mark 28:19-20

Ministering in the marketplace is not a new concept. It didn't begin with any current day ministry. Jesus did it 2000 years ago. And it's what we're all called to do as His disciples.

Every time I step out from behind my laptop to minister in "unknown" places, I feel the hand of God part the waters (impossible barriers) for me the moment I enter an airport. I sense His presence so profoundly going before me, making a way. God lifts my spirit so high, it feels as if my feet hardly touch the ground. Fatigue and concerns simply fall away, even on early mornings. Eagerness, joy and clarity come upon me. There is a confidence that rises up within me, a knowing that I am where I'm supposed to be and that the hand of God is with me. He makes me soar.

Recently, I had the distinct honor of venturing to the Dominican Republic (D. R.). I had flown into Punta Cana and Santo Domingo a few times years ago as a Flight Attendant. But I never had layovers there.

Last year, my husband and I decided to vacation there after our annual Women's Expo. It seemed like a quick solution to a much-needed respite, and I was curious about the D. R. We ended up driving through half the country, stopping along the way to conduct a bit of business on my husband's end. We ended up staying primarily on the north side of the island, which was breathtaking. It was exactly what I needed—to sit alone in the ocean breeze and talk to God. Long story short, we ended up investing in some property, and ever since, have been praying about how to use it for the Lord.

God was faithful to answer our prayers and to order our steps. He revealed His will, His plan incrementally in His time.

When we returned to the D. R. this year, God blew us away, revealing His higher purpose for outreach there. He led us to increased provision and also to connect with an orphanage of 400 children. Who knew? Well, of course, God did. And I could hardly wait to get home to share this wonderful news with my board.

On my flight home, the Holy Spirit brought to mind a special word from the Lord that a woman in my church had spoken to me five years earlier—that God would send my husband and I overseas to minister to orphans, that the children were waiting for us and that, as we went to take care of God's children, God would take care of our families back home. I had prayed about this spoken word many times over the years, and now, it was coming into fruition. What an awesome wonder to be living out God's will.

Once home, in my quiet time, the Lord revealed to me that this adventure, this new mission is to be planned for 2014 and that His requirement for me is higher faith. I love how God takes us to places we never imagined—spiritually and logistically.

Mark 16:14-20  tells us, "Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; He rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.' After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and He sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed His word by the signs that accompanied it."

We understand that this is a time to stand upon the Word of God. There is much to do in preparation. And we are up for the mission. We're excited! And God is bringing many people and pieces together already. He has been preparing all of us for such a time as this.

There's nothing like witnessing the plan of God unfold in our lives in such a personal way. And I am amazed how God brings a cycle of harvest around in increased measure. I'm seeing all the seeds of prayer that went up years ago as a Flight Attendant, and then later after receiving a divine word from the woman in my church, be answered in the framework of a mission, in which many will participate. I am so blessed to be a part of it all.

What adventure is God leading you to? Have you stepped up to the call? I encourage you to not miss the opportunities He has for you. He'll lead you every step of the way. He'll put the resources in your path. Just receive His provision; exercise higher faith; say, "Yes, Lord." And go.

[Judy Harder]

Ungodly Jealousy
by Margaret D. Mitchell
Week of December 2, 2012

"Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy."- Acts 5:17

It came between Cain and Able, between Joseph and his brothers and between Jesus and the high priests—jealousy. It destroys relationships. It is evil. And, yes, it can even produce murder driven by insatiable lust.

Proverbs 27:4 tells us, "Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous." This kind of jealousy is from the Greek word zeó, which means to boil over, to seethe. The Geneva Study Bible notes for this scripture tell us that "the envious are obstinate and cannot be reconciled." Gills Exposition of the Entire Bible tells us that "envy continues and abides and works insensibly" even when wrath and anger have ended and even though we may appease the person. I believe that when jealousy endangers a relationship, God can reveal it to us as a means of safeguarding us. He may even cut off that relationship, prune that jealous person out of our lives so that we can continue to grow in Him without the distraction and destruction that jealousy inherently brings. Is there anyone you need to let go of?

James 3:14-16 tells us, "But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind."

There is no godly power in jealousy. Jealousy is rooted in selfishness. It's an "all about me" mindset, self-driven and self-reliant, which is the essence of the enemy. Sadly, when adopted, jealousy blocks us from seeing God's truth of His abundance for us, and our appetite for more in our own power becomes insatiable, like a predator, a devouring spirit. Wolves are like this. They are driven by fresh blood. The more they taste, the more they desire. An effective method for ranchers to kill wolves is to make popsicles out of lambs blood and razors. The wolves are drawn by the scent of blood; they bite into the razor-popsicle sticking out of the ground, which cuts their mouths; they become more driven by their own blood; so they keep biting until they bleed to death. Sad but true.

There is deception and shame in jealousy. If the enemy can hook us into his lust by lying to us that others have what we do not, he can cause us to become idolaters. Once hooked, lust become insatiable, and we may be tempted to lie to cover it up. And the vicious cycle of deception and shame continues.

There is fruitlessness in jealousy. Do you know any fruitless people who envy those who move in God's power and are bless accordingly? They want God's power, and they want to be fruitful; but they don't want to humble and sacrifice self to get it. So the paradox that prevails in their lives is a pretense of position, but greater power and strength remains fleeting. Such was the case of the Sadducees.

John 15:2 tells us that God prunes away every branch within us that bears no fruit. Verse 4 tells us that we cannot bear fruit unless we remain in Him. Verse 6 tells us that if we do not remain in Him, we are like a thrown away branch. Do we submit to God? Are we choosing to remain in Him? Many of us have our fire insurance, but are we living God's principles? Do we love Him enough to follow Him at any cost to us? Or are we half-hearted? Have we donned the garment of salvation but resisted the robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10-11)? Are our priorities in right order, according to God? Is there anyone or anything that we covet?

When we keep our eyes on God, when we know who we are in Christ, how much He loves us, how unique and special we are to Him, we may be less inclined to envy others. Also, if we could see all the circumstances of others' lives, we would be able to see their struggles, disappointments, hurts, difficult relationships, etc., and, therefore, may be less likely to envy them. Sometimes, we need to remind ourselves of this and simply trust God.

I believe it's okay to go to God and ask Him, "What about me?" I believe God will even allow people to serve at catalysts in our lives to provoke us to ask this question. I also believe He delights in us when we thank Him for who He is and what He has already done for us. And I believe God extends special favor to those who sincerely live His will in their hearts. I believe He is especially pleased with us when we do this. He can't help but pour out His blessings. It is God's nature of love to do so.

In your heart of hearts, is there anyone you envy? If so, repent and submit to the Lord's plan for your life. Ask Him to get you where He wants you to be and for you to receive all He has for you. When we fully submit, He will take us to heights we could never go to alone. Have you been the object of envy? Know that God is with you. He will never forsake you. Choose to forgive those who are jealous of you; and keep stepping in righteousness, no matter what. Ask God to bring new friends to you of His choosing. Then receive even more of His blessings.

[Judy Harder]

Support
by Margaret D. Mitchell
Week of December 9, 2012

"Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples." -Luke 8:3

In this scripture, the Greek word for "support" is diakonos, which means to serve and to minister. Here, the women served the needs of Jesus and His disciples as attendants, according to their possessions. Diakonos is operational, which inherently implies contribution and actually doing the work. Think food, finances, influence, acts of kindness, conversation—whatever was required that they could give and do, they did and likely so with zeal. In the previous verse (2), we see that these women were healed and delivered. They, therefore, became bondservants of Jesus out of their grateful hearts.

This kind of support has purpose. It is foundational. It is an element of Kingdom-building. It fosters security, relationship and far-reaching effects. It boosts confidence and helps us feel connected. It is a gift of the heart poured out in practical ways that we can receive and give.

Recently, the Lord gave me a series of face-to-face engagements to simply sit with women and share in the pure joy of mutual stories, the kind of casual conversation that women used to share a whole lot during quilting bees and community service and sometimes still do. These common thread nuggets allow us to feel supported and supportive and help us feel connected in a relaxing, non-agenda way. Such times of restful connections are important, as they allow us to lift our heads from our usual focused work and share and receive fresh insight and inspiration.

Just a few days ago, I took time away from my laptop to sit with two women at an Operation Christmas Child distribution center. The function in which we served involved the simple task of preparing large coloring book pages and small boxes of crayons for others to stuff into donated Christmas shoeboxes for needy children. A friend sat next to me, and a lady I had never met sat across from me. Both were delightful. As we served one another with supplies, as we shared stories of our childhood Christmases, our family traditions and simple pleasures, a joy emerged as well as a bonding and a refreshing.

About a month ago, I sat next to a lady on an airplane who owned a quilting shop. I have never quilted anything in my life, but I was fascinated to hear about her business—her merchandise, her classes, her retreats and especially the camaraderie that exists among her loyal customers. She pulled out a project she was working to finish as a Christmas gift; and to my surprise, it wasn't a quilting project at all; it was a crochet project. Since my mother taught me to crochet under a big shade tree in our yard when I was ten-years-old, her project especially warmed my heart. It caused me to reminisce, and I felt a sweet peace waft over me. As we shared about crochet design, the comparison of crocheting to knitting, quilt design and the fact that her mother-in-law taught her to quilt when she was a young adult, I knew that I was enriched by this fellowship encounter. I knew that I was not alone in one of my interests, and I appreciated the mental break from my intense ministry work.

God knows just what we need and when we need it. And He is faithful to order our steps to facilitate even the sweet, small elements that are dear to our heart.

All of us can use our God-given gifts, talents and resources to serve one another and to help build God's Kingdom on earth. We don't have to have a gift of helps or administration. A simple kind word, a choice of extending mercy and compassion, a shared testimony, a simple text—these are all seeds of support that will return a harvest.

In the Christian movie, Love Comes Softly, the big impact of supporting others by serving them what we have is illustrated. The main female character, Marty Claridge,turns to her new husband, Clark, to try to understand how what little she has to offer can prove pivotal in her relationship with her new stepdaughter and in her own life.

In Luke 8:3, we hear of women who were changed forever by one touch from Jesus; and, as a result, they provided support to Him and His disciples. In this way, freedom became personal and cyclical to them.

How is the Holy Spirit setting you up to support others? In what ways have you seen the cycle of support made personal in your life? What ripple effect has it had? Do you value the role of support?

When we are forgiven for much, we cannot help but love much. May the love of God flow out of us during this Christmas season and beyond. May it become a lifestyle. Pray: Lord, open my eyes, my mind and my heart to receive Your fresh perspective in my daily life. Help me to be a support to others in the ways in which You have called and assigned me, according to what You have given me. When I need to lift my head from my focus, my tasks at hand, enable me to come willingly to receive and share, according to your purposes. In Jesus' name. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

Brokenheartedness to Breakthrough
by Margaret D. Mitchell
Week of December 16, 2012

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,"  -Luke 4:18

An interesting thing happened to me last week. While walking in my neighborhood, I was struck in the eye with a rock that was intentionally hurled at me from a car driving by. Yes, it was painful. Yes, it was shocking. And yes, I lost part of my vision. But the incident also hurt my heart.

I believe God purposes everything that touches us. And my heart had no understanding of this incident. So I immediately sought the Lord. Then I watched Him turn this tragedy into triumph step by step.

Alone on the street, I saw (with my good eye) that a woman had just turned into her garage on her way home from work. I sought her help. And she called 911 for me and stayed with me until help arrived. The EMTs checked me out, and the policeman took vital information before giving me a ride home. By this point, it was nightfall. I immediately called my husband and texted three of my best friends, asking them to pray for me. They each assured me they were on the job, and I knew they were. I had been praying throughout.

Although I didn't fall asleep until the wee hours of the morning that night, I felt the peace that surpassed all understanding. I knew God was with me. Although I could not see entirely during those hours, I rested in the comforting presence of the Lord. I knew He had heard their prayers. It was otherwise unexplainable.

When I awoke the next morning, my vision had greatly improved, even though my eye looked worse. While searching scriptures that morning, the Lord immediately gave me Psalm 27:3  "Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident." This explains exactly what was happening in my heart. There was no fear, only perfect confidence in the Lord.

I called my insurance company and found a local in-network opthalmologist. Thankfully, he saw me that same afternoon. I received a hopeful report, a prescription for eye drops and an appointment to return the next day to see a retina specialist that was otherwise booked two years in advance.

During my opthalmologist visit, one of my friends emailed an invitation to me to attend a special healing service at a local church that night. I sensed I should go. My friend is Catholic, and I am not. But that didn't matter to either of us because we both understand that God is bigger than any denomination or doctrine.

During this charismatic Catholic advent service, the priest spoke about the opposite of sin being praise, how praise shifts the atmosphere and lifts oppression off of us. He also spoke briefly of Saint Lucy, whom I knew very little about. Then we praised God for hours, which was so lovely and intimate. I could feel such peace and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

After the praise session, I received prayer from a married couple in a corner of the sanctuary. It was then that I learned that Saint Lucy's eyes had been plucked out because she had chosen to follow Jesus. Saint Lucy decided that she would rather be without eyes and live for the Lord than to see and be without Him. In the end, God miraculously restored her eyesight. The married couple prayed that God would miraculously restore mine; and they prayed for me to receive an increased anointing to pray for others to have restored vision.

My heart soared with fresh hope. It had a renewed purpose outside of myself. It had joy and zeal to see how the Lord would continue to restore me so I could help restore others.

In God's kingdom, nothing we go through is wasted when we turn to Him. I am amazed at how fast He can pivot circumstances. He is the God of the impossible. And we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil 4:13).

Comfort and joy now fills my heart. I believe there is no greater gift that sisters and brothers in Christ can give to each other than prayer.

What tragedy or heartbreak have you experienced? Do you have family and friends to pray for you? If not, you can do what I often do: Ask God to raise up intercessors day and night to pray for you. Psalm 34:18 tells us that God is close to the brokenhearted. God has different methods of healing, and He is not limited in resources. How has He restored your heart, your body and your emotions? Has He healed you over time or instantaneously? Maybe both? How has God turned your pain into power to help others? How has He supplied all your needs? How has He rescued you?

May this season of miracles shine brightly within your heart and upon those you love. May God's glory prevail over all your circumstances and turn your tragedies into triumphs. And may you feel more love and power that God longs to give you. In Jesus' name. Amen.