Loving Sacrificially

Like me, do you write little notes beside bible verses that speak profoundly to you and are life altering or uniquely comforting? In many ways my well-worn bible is like a journal chronicling the twists and turns, ups and downs of my meandering spiritual journey.

Ephesians 5:2 is one of those profound little verses . . . “to live in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” How is it possible to love like Christ loves us? Is it to love others by living a life of sacrifice?

Living a life of sacrifice requires us to love beyond what is humanly possible. I can love my husband, children and grandchild sacrificially. But everyone, even those I want to despise and neglect?

In my ministry working with abused, exploited and trafficked women, I have had to face this reality. Does my heart break for the johns, pimps, traffickers and abusers as well as the precious women I serve?

To live in love as Christ loves us requires that we love sacrificially . . . even the abuser, trafficker and pimp. Whom is Christ requiring you to love sacrificially? Transform our hearts O Lord!

Rev. Susan Omanson, Be Free Transformation Ministries, American Baptist Women’s Ministries

Aroma

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2

One of my least favorite times of the year is when the farm near our home adds organic matter to the soil in order to replenish nutrients taken out of the ground. The foul smell permeates everything in the area and it seems as if the smell will never leave my nostrils. But I am also reminded, that not too far away there is an apple orchard and come autumn, it will produce the most delectable baking apples. Often throughout the harvest, the tantalizing aroma of fresh apple pie can be found wafting from my oven. 

As we’ve accepted Christ’s sacrifice for us, let’s remember that His atoning work makes us well-pleasing to God. Through Christ Jesus, we now are being transformed to be imitators of Him, to live a life filled with love just as He did. Praise God that by the cross we now can be a pure pleasing perfume to Him, not a filthy revolting odor!

Leanna Wethington, Grand Rapids Michigan, Seventh Day Baptist Women’s Society

do. love. walk.

The Lord has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

Most days we are barraged with lists of what, where, when and how to do things. Micah calms the storm, quiets the noise and commands a peaceful focus . . . 

do justice

love kindness

walk humbly

Take a deep breath. God’s law is love. The Lord has told you, O mortal . . .

Ruth Miller lives in Mississippi. She loves kindness. 

Join us for the 2012 NABWU Assembly October 3 – 6 in Nashville, TN,  Thread 

 

truly amazing

The Lord has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

Have you ever wondered what someone expects of you? You desire to please them, if you only knew how. As born-again believers we may have wondered what God expects of us. Well, He has not left us to devise our own ideas. He has told us in Micah 6:8.

He begins by dealing with us individually; we are to act justly doing right; in other words conducting our life in holy obedience to His Word and the Spirit’s leading. Secondly, we are to interact with each other demonstrating love and mercy, imitating our Saviour. And finally we are to walk humbly with our God, which acknowledges that we have accepted God’s Lordship over our life and are living in complete dependence upon Him. How could we do as He requires without the Spirit’s constant help and grace? It’s impossible!

I find it truly amazing that God puts Himself last in this order. But since this is the Kingdom where everything is reversed from the natural maybe it’s not so surprising after all. “The last shall be first” (Matthew 20:16).

Now that you know, will you respond? “All that the Lord has said we will do” (Exodus 24:7)

Mary Mason, Atlantic Baptist Women

Join us for the 2012 NABWU Assembly October 3 – 6 in Nashville, TN,  Thread 

connect

The Lord has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

I try to make up for my sins, usually out of guilt or hoping to lessen the consequences of my actions or inactions. It never works well. The damage is done. In Micah 6:8, God offers a different solution.

A few years ago I was a campaign manager for my husband in a federal election. I have God given gifts to lead a team but having zero political experience I had to trust the expertise and experience of the team. I also felt driven to ask God for wisdom, discernment and courage, expecting a onetime zap! Thank God, He knew a onetime zap would keep me from having to rely on Him daily. What did happen . . . when I needed any or all three, God granted them. 

Connecting with God daily prompts me to act justly, extend mercy instead of intolerance and judgement and to replace pride and self-centeredness with humility. Connecting daily keeps sin at a minimum. 

Alice Snowden, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. Alice is married with one daughter, a son in law and three grandsons. She is a part of Women in Focus.

Join us for the 2012 NABWU Assembly October 3 – 6 in Nashville, TN.  Thread . . . Join the Tapestry!

Soar

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

This verse makes my heart soar with hope and anticipation for the future. Ten years ago I quit my career and focused on raising my children. I felt devoid of self worth and identity as I entered this season of my life. It was quite a shock from the chaotic fast paced lifestyle to which I had grown accustomed. It was mental whiplash to my spirit. At this point God began a “brand new thing” in my life without me being aware. Soon I found I had the time and the energy to attend to my spiritual growth and nourish my soul’s draw. I started taking various classes and now, seven years later, I find myself one class away from my Master in Spiritual Formation. God has indeed carved a pathway for me in the wilderness. As I have gone through struggles, challenges, loss, delight, contentment and many heartfelt moments I have learned to look for God in each of them. God is always calling us home; every time we look for him in the ordinary and the extraordinary he is offering an invitation for us to know him better and enter into a deeper relationship with him. “Do you not see it?” I realize this is the first step; most of my life I have been sleepwalking, not tuned to God’s presence and involvement in my present. Taking time to be aware of God, listening to him and pondering him allows our minds to open up to the brand new things he is doing everyday. I think it makes God’s heart soar with hope and anticipation for the future when we stop and see the brand new thing God is about to do.

Candy Josephson, mother of four (two still living at home), Regina, Saskatchewan, Women in Focus

Join us for the 2012 NABWU Assembly October 3 – 6 in Nashville, TN.  Thread . . . Join the Tapestry!

quick, lean in

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

One day, my writing teacher, Maureen, told us to find a partner and each take turns being blindfolded. For five minutes, the other person was to guide us through Maureen’s house, prompting us with voice and hands. The blindfolded were not to make any suggestions or give orders. After five minutes, we switched roles.

I learned three things: 
i) To hear the voice of my guide, I needed to lean in. When I didn’t lean into her, bending close to hear her words, her voice was lost in the volume of all the other voices guiding my classmates.
ii) To really listen to, and obey, my guide’s instructions, I had to turn off the ticker tape of thoughts, words and sentences running in my head. 
iii) I had to trust my guide to get me back to my seat safely. My guide could see and therefore guide me around obstacles: furniture and my other classmates. I could not do it on my own.

Almighty God speaks to you. He touches you gently, guiding you on paths that He alone makes smooth. So, lean in, turn off that ticker tape and trust. That’s all you can do. Let God do the rest. 

Renee James lives in Toronto, Ontario and is a part of Canadian Baptist Women of Ontario and Quebec.

Join us for the 2012 NABWU Assembly to be held in Nashville, TN on October 3 – 6. Thread . . . Join the Tapestry

Set out . . .

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

On New Year’s Eve, a group of hikers gathered at Radnor Lake State Natural Area in the hills of south Nashville. A ranger issued our marching orders. We would hike along a series of trails that would allow us to reach the summit of Ganier Ridge by midnight. No flashlights were allowed. The ranger assured us that our eyes would adjust to the darkness. “Trust me,” he implored. “Just follow me, and you’ll be fine.”

So we set out together into the darkness, the ranger leading the way. Sure enough, our eyes began to adjust. The lake glimmered in the starlight; the trees cast shadows from the rising moon. With every step over uneven terrain we gained confidence as we followed the sound of the ranger’s voice. At the stroke of midnight, as promised, we stood on the ridgeline with a view of the Nashville skyline and listened not only to the sound of backyard fireworks, but also to the hoots of barred owls and the howls of coyotes.

Trust me, the Lord says. I will go before you and turn the darkness into light. I will make the rough places smooth. I will be with you. Just follow me.

Tambi Brown Swiney, Associate Pastor, Immanuel Baptist Church, Nashville, TN. You can read her blog here. 

Join us for the 2012 NABWU Assembly to be held in Tambi’s city of Nasvhille on October 3 – 6. Thread . . . Join the Tapestry

Unto Us

But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people . . . “ Luke 2:10

When one thinks about the announcement of the birth of our Lord given to the Shepherds, it does cause us to pause. The Shepherds were not respected in Jewish circles; they were considered unclean due to not being able to follow all the ceremonial rules of cleanliness. The angel of God makes the wonderful announcement of the birth of the Lamb of God to those who tend sheep. The Jews were awaiting the birth of their King and the announcement does not go to the religious people. This wonderful declaration states it is for all people. This includes women! What a statement! During that time in history women were usually not valued, their testimony would not be accepted in the courts. 

As sisters in NABWU, we are to share this good news with all people — this includes not only people who are hurting in North America, but also around the world. Many of our sisters are trapped in human exploitation and know no joy. In the Contemporary English Version the angel says,” Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you which will make everyone happy.” Have you shared this happiness recently? How about today?

Sandra Nash, Clinton, Mississippi, Woman’s Missionary Union

Thread is NABWU’s 2012 Assembly. You can register for the event here.

let us

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7

Is it possible to actually know the Awesome God-Creator and Sustainer of the universe, and in turn love those God puts in our paths? The remaining verses of     1 John 4 show that God is love. In 1 John 5:20 we are reminded that “the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may KNOW Him who is true.” Spending quality time reading and studying the Bible in the presence of our God who desires a ‘love-relationship’ with us will give us God’s wisdom and strength. God will empower us to meet the challenges of truly ‘loving our neighbor’, accepting our church families with patience and compassion, guiding to reach out to the lost and suffering and to see the global body of Christ as part of our lives. Following the Holy Spirit’s promptings to deny ‘self’, confess pride and turn from ‘living for this world’, will free us to do God’s will to love one another. Go out with the challenge!

Rebecca Woolvett, Plympton-Wyoming, Ontario, Canadian Baptist Women of Ontario and Quebec