|
Featured Article
What does a ministry dependent on God and led by prayer look like? Christ demonstrated these keys to ministry by displaying a deep connection to the vine.
|
|
SMM is planning a 100-year anniversary celebration during Momentum 2013. "Daughters of the King: Ambassadors for Life" will be a two-hour event for women and girls during the youth conference. Continue to check:
for updates.
Support Estephanie
SMM supports a young girl names Estephanie through Project Hope & Charite. We would love you to help in this effort. Please encourage your girls to send a special note for Estephanie because she loves to receive mail.
Send mail for Estephanie to, 2186 W. 350 S.,
Warsaw, IN 46580
and it will be forwarded
to her. |
|
|
|
Greetings!
Prayer. It's a simply word to say, but oftentimes a difficult task to accomplish. While this spiritual discipline can be difficult to make a priority, Christ demonstrated that it is a necessity!
|
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:4-5
Christ understood that a deeply rooted connection to the vine is the only way we can bear fruit. Prayer and time in the Word are the ways we accomplish this. What does a deeply rooted prayer life look like? What difference does it make in your ministry and in the lives of those you lead?
Christ modeled a life of prayer and dependence on his Father. He demonstrated that taking time away to focus in prayer during ministry is vital. He displayed the fact that depending on the Father is essential. He also enunciated this importance in John 15:4-5. Abiding in him is the only way that we can bear fruit. A life and ministry that is connected to the vine is no small thing. |
|
|
Lead by Prayer
by Janet Minnix, President, Women of Grace USA  Women of Grace USA was raised up by God nearly 75 years ago. Much prayer surrounded its beginning, and it has been led through the years by women who believed in the power of prayer. Prayer is one of our six core values. I firmly believe that the only way we can be assured of success in fulfilling God's plan and purpose is by continually seeking His face in prayer. God has repeatedly answered prayer during the past 15 years. He gave wisdom and guidance as we began to take steps of faith into uncharted territory. He gave affirmation from many sources that we were moving in the right direction. He has provided women to fill empty positions and help in numerous ways. We have been especially aware of the impact of prayer since the creation of the Prayer Force, the 50+ women who pray in specific ways for us each month. We have sensed God's direction and experienced sweet unity in board meetings, seen doors open for new avenues of ministry, rejoiced as He has raised up young women who want to serve, and seen provision for financial needs. Prayer is a big part of my leadership. I pray about decisions, planning, any speaking or writing that I do, and even about board meeting agendas. During board meetings, we frequently stop to pray when discussing vision, difficult issues or the need for the right people. Knowing that Women of Grace is God's ministry, I pray that my hands will be open, holding it loosely so He can move it according to His direction. Prayer for me is communion and fellowship with my heavenly Father. I have trouble concentrating so I often write my prayers. My praying may include worship, praise, speaking, or listening. I am learning to listen more, waiting in silence before Him for an answer. I also believe that gratitude is vital to prayer, and I try to remember to say thanks, whether it's for something big or small. When I take a concern to my Father, I know that He is already working to answer and accomplish His purpose, though I may not see it for some time. So I'm learning to thank Him for what He is doing behind the scene. |
Brokenness
In her book, Brokenness: The Heart God Revives, Nancy Leigh Demoss talks of true brokenness. This book releases you to stop trying so hard to be perfect, change yourself and accomplish things for Christ. Nancy articulates that brokenness is the way to find God's grace and to achieve true revival in our souls, homes and churches. We often want to carry the weight of ministry and life on our own, but the humility we find in brokenness is the key. In prayer, when we come to God with a submission of spirit and relinquishing of our own self-wills, brokenness is accomplished and closeness to God is achieved. It is out of this brokenness that we reach those around us with the outpouring of Christ's power within us. Christ's power flowing through you is no small thing. |
Impacting the lives of children is no small thing.
Sincerely,
Nicole Miller
Girls Ministries Coordinator
Women of Grace USA
|
|
|
