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February 28, 2018
Blended Love

Growing up I was pretty sure that I knew everything about love…I mean, after all, what teenage girl doesn’t know EVERYTHING about love right? I grew up with parents who were married and loved each other well. In my house, words of affirmation and PDA were ever flowing. My parents had two kids, my brother Jordan and myself, and we constantly felt loved, secure, safe, and wanted. Ever since I was little girl I imagined having a family like the one I grew up in…I would marry a man as loving as my dad. Then this “perfect” man  and I would have “perfect” kids and live happily ever after, end of story. Easy peasy right?

Well, as great as my imaginary family was, God had different plans for me. In November 2016 I married a man who was practically perfect, and this amazing man had two beautiful daughters from a previous marriage. When I looked him in the face on our wedding day and promised forever, I had no idea that I would be entering into the most challenging, yet most rewarding season of life I ever imagined… stepmother hood. Now, after a year and half of marriage and being 9 months pregnant with our first child together, I look back at that teenage girl who had it all figured out, and I laugh.

Being in a blended family is definitely not for the faint of heart… or those without a good sense of humor. I have learned more about love this year and half than I ever have before. There is a verse in the Bible that many of us have heard countless times, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, “ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Now this all sounds really great… until YOU are the one that has to love someone this selflessly. And although I’d like to say I’m good at it…lets not get carried away…I think it’s more fair to say it’s a work in progress at best.

Loving a child can be a fairly easy thing to do for anyone, what’s difficult is loving children that aren’t yours, but they are yours at the same time… and mothering children who have a mother, although you are still their mother, but you’re also not their mother, yet you still need to parent and mother them, and tone it down when their mother is there, but not too much so you don’t lose their respect. Confused yet? Me too. This has been the dance for me and it’s not an easy one. Trusting and leaning on God has never been more important.

Now for the hardest part…. Loving my stepdaughters’ mother. Did I really just say that? Yes…. yes I did. Not just tolerate, not just communicate with, but LOVE her. To love her like Jesus asks us to love means that I ‘hold no record of wrongs’…wait what?! It also means that I persevere through the hardest of times, not just for her sake or mine, but also for the kids and my husband as well. Can you truly love someone that hurt the person you love the most? Let me tell you, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, and sometime I fall short…or maybe a lot of times…but hey, it’s a work in progress. Love is an action, not a feeling, so to truly love her and the blended family that I am in, means that I have to forgive her every morning, first thing. It means that my human desire to be right can’t outweigh the desire for peace and to love and forgive.

For the record, my stepdaughters’ mother and I get along well for the most part, and I am sure there are things that I do that really bother her also, but like I said, it’s a dance. It’s learning to pick your battles, learning to forgive, and loving even when it’s difficult. I love my blended family… it’s no fairytale, but it’s a love story of the truest kind… what I call, a beautiful mess.

ABOUT PARIS WAGNER MURPHY

Paris Murphy is a Los Angeles native, daughter to Pastors Philip and Holly Wagner, and CEO and Founder of City of Lights International; a non-profit organization dedicated to providing emergency care to orphaned and vulnerable children in Uganda. Paris is married to David, stepmother to two little girls and is expecting her first baby, a daughter, Justice Reign, any day now. Graduating from California State University Northridge, Paris has a degree in Social Welfare, with emphasis in Child Development and International Relations. She is passionate about seeing vulnerable children getting the love, care and education they deserve. She really enjoys writing and speaking and hopes to encourage people through her life experiences..

February 19, 2018
February: The Month of LOVE

I can’t believe it’s February!  Of course, when I think of February, I think of Valentine’s Day (thanks, Hallmark!).  It is a day of celebrating love, relationships, and all things red and pink.  For some, it is a holiday filled with roses, chocolates, and romantic dates, but for others, it is a day full of anxiety and past hurts.

Many people go into a cave in February, only to crawl out again in March, when Spring in on the horizon.  This dread and avoidance mentality is quite the opposite of the celebration of love that Valentine’s Day promotes.  

So, how do we change that?  How do we promote celebrating love in a healthy way, so it is not just one, single holiday but a daily life choice?

Disclaimer:  I’m not promoting the commercialism of Valentine’s Day, by any means, but instead, looking at the holiday as an opportunity to find freedom from the past and move forward in positive affirmations and expressions of love.

1 John 3:18-20 says, “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.  Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God.  Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings and He knows everything.”  NLT

This verse is full of action steps, so, here we go:

4 Ways to Love Again

1. More than words:  We all know those 3 words “I love you” carry a ton of weight, so when we say those words, we’d better mean them. 

Too often, those 3 words are tossed around without realizing the weight.  Instead of only saying “I love you” continue the thought and include “I love you when you call me on the phone and actually talk to me instead of just texting” or “I love you because you are thoughtful and heartfelt in how you spend time with our baby” or “I love you even though we had a disagreement about taking out the trash.”

When we qualify the statement, it brings the weight and meaning to the surface and then the next time you say a quick “Love you!” to your husband, as you head off to work one morning, there is more attachment to it than only the words.

2. Truth in action:  When we put weight into our words, this leads to action.  Following up encouraging words with action is a lot more meaningful than the words themselves.

My love language is acts of service, so I am quick to show love to my husband by doing the dishes or going grocery shopping for the week.  His love language is quality time, so while he loves to just talk and hang out together, I get antsy and want to be doing something.  So we find our actionable truth in expressing love to one another by incorporating both things.  We’ll go grocery shopping together and have meaningful conversation while sitting in LA traffic.

No matter what your love language is, the more you put it into action, the more truth you will find in expressing your love for one another.

3. Confidence in God:  When we choose to follow Jesus and experience a loving relationship with Him, we can be confident that our past is over and we are forgiven and redeemed in the life He has for us.  The more we study the truth of what God says about us – we are His children designed to honor and glorify Him – and put that truth in action, the more our love is evident in our everyday lives.

He forgives us when we mess up, so let’s be truly repentant and make daily choices to reflect His love back to Him and out towards others.

This means we can brighten someone’s day with a simple card that includes encouraging words, or give a smile to someone who needs a little cheering up.  God will work in those moments, and He will get the glory.

4. God is love!  He is bigger than our feelings and knows what is best for us at all times!  So let’s relish in that!  Instead of dreading February, let’s remember that Christ died for us because He loves us and it is only right to reciprocate that love to others, no matter how we feel.

Pray that God will give you a heavenly perspective that is full of His grace.  Pray that when you hear “I love you” the next time, you receive its fullest intention and can return that same love in truth and confidence.

May you experience the love and peace of Christ in every area of your life.

 

ABOUT LORI ANN PISCIONERI

Born in Texas and raised in Louisiana, Lori Ann Piscioneri has the pleasure to serve as the Kids Pastor at Oasis Church in Los Angeles, located in the middle of the most populated part of the city – Koreatown.  Oasis is a culturally diverse church with contemporary services and relevant teaching for people of all ages.  Having grown up in church, Lori Ann was first drawn to serve in Kids ministry at Oasis in 2010, and became Kids Pastor in 2013.  She is a professional opera singer and voice teacher and believes God placed her in Kids to help them build their faith and discover their gifts and talents.  Lori Ann and her husband Mike “Pish” serve together, building up disciples for Christ not only in Kids but as Connect Group Leaders and mentors for young adults and couples in Los Angeles.  They write, produce, and perform in exciting and creative curriculum for Kids ages 2 – 12.

February 14, 2018
10 Ways to Love Your Husband
  1. Be kind.
    Most of the time, we are kinder and more polite to strangers and acquaintances than we are to our spouses. It should not be that way, but often it is. Little acts of kindness can go a long way towards creating intimacy.
  1. Demonstrate respect.
    You are not his mother, so don’t talk down to him or nag him. Interrupting him communicates disrespect (at at least, that is what Philip tells me!). So, let him finish his sentences . . . no matter how good you think your ending will would be!
  1. Get some sexy lingerie.
    Enough said, really.
  1. Occasionally be the sexual aggressor.
    He likes/needs to feel that you want him. Don’t just be the passive one. Mix it up!
  1. Go with him to a game/sporting event.
    He really does want your company. It is not about whether or not you like sports —just doing something with him shows your love. (But you are a smart woman, so surely you can learn a thing or two about the sport while you’re at it!)
  1. Kiss him.
    I’m not talking about the quick “don’t mess up my lipstick” kiss, but the “stop and grab his face” kiss. Even if you don’t have time for it to lead anywhere 🙂  . . . kissing is such a great connector!
  2. Listen without interrupting.
    Yes, I know this one is hard . . .
  3. Encourage him.
    Say something encouraging to him. He probably hears negativity all day long from others. What can you say that would be encouraging? What has he done well? Be his biggest cheerleader!!
  4. Say nice things about him in front of others.
    This is huge . . . and communicates love in a whole other way.
  5. Show support for his dreams.
    Come alongside him and support him. Life has a way of deflating our dreams. Let him know that you are with him and believe in him.

ABOUT HOLLY WAGNER

Holly and her husband, Philip, are the Pastors of Oasis Church – a growing, relevant, multi-cultural, church located in Los Angeles. They have been married for over 30 years, love life and enjoy spending time with their two adult children, Jordan and Paris. Holly is passionate about seeing women become who God has designed them to become, and to see every generation of woman extend a helping hand to the generation that is younger. Through the women’s ministry of Oasis, She Rises (GodChicks), she has empowered thousands of women around the world. Holly has written several books including Find Your Brave, WarriorChicks, Love Works, and Awakened.

 

 

February 7, 2018
For I Am Love

It’s that time of year again… when all of the pink hearts and cupids come out and our social media is bombarded with meaningful, but overly affectionate posts. Everywhere you look, “love” is plastered on decorations, desserts, and casually spoken in folded valentines. For many, it’s a time of memory-making and celebration. For others, it’s a confusing and isolating time.

There was a point in my life where hearing that dreaded 3-word phrase sent chills up my spine. Friends of mine would casually call out “I love you!” as they ran out the door or hung up the phone, and I constantly wondered why. What does that really mean and why does everyone insist on saying it?

To me, love was painful. It was angry. It was violating. When someone said “God loves you,” I constantly felt confused because the primary human expression of love I had experienced up to that point did not match the beautiful, gentle description of God’s love in Scripture. It took going on an intense journey of deconstructing that manmade understanding within my heart to reconstruct a correct view of my Savior’s love.

God’s love is boundless. It’s reckless. It literally doesn’t make sense, because we have no matching example of it here on this earth. Many of us, in fact, have a definition of love in our head that is damaging and painful. Until we meet Jesus face to face, we are all on a journey to discovery the depths and the widths and the heights of His love. In reality, whatever understanding we gain from this journey is only a drop’s worth of the oceans of His love. Isn’t that amazing?

God wants us to know His love in a way that changes how we see ourselves and the world around us. Oh, that we would know the overwhelming, never-ending love of God.

If we were to take God’s intimate love put forth throughout the Word and translate it into a single letter, I think it would say something like this:

Dear daughter,

Be still for a moment, and know me. I am Love.

I chose you to be my daughter–before time began, before the foundations of the world. I am an artist, and I made you in the image of my Father. I knitted you together in your mother’s womb, counting every hair on your head along the way. I breathed life into your bones. I know your name, for I have called you by it. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are mine, and I love you; for I am Love.

Have you looked outside today? Do you see the grass on the ground, clothed with color and full of life? Have you glanced upward today to see the birds flying so freely? They have everything they need. How much more will I take care of you? For I am love.

Oh daughter, where there is love, there is no fear. For my love casts it all out! So when you are tempted to doubt and fade into the dark, step into my light. Be strong, be courageous, and fear not, my child, for I am with you. I will strengthen you when you are weak. I will help you when you are in need. I will uphold you, for I am on your side. What can man do to you? Nothing. Remember that my perfect love casts out all fear; for I am Love.

I will always take care of you. When you are hungry, you will feast at my table. When you are thirsty, you will be satisfied with living water. I will fight for you–you need only be still; for I am Love.

This love is patient. It is steadfast. It is far reaching. It is unfailing. There is none greater than me and there is no love greater than this. Nothing can separate you from it. No, not even your sin. I went to the cross while you were still sinning, to show you the depths of my love. By my wounds, you have been made whole. Greater love has no one than this! For I am Love.

My love will never run out on you. In fact, I desire to lavish it upon you day after day. You always have access to it, for you are my beloved child. Now, abide in it. Walk in it. Let it be the thing that clothes you.

For if you live in love, you live in Me. For I am Love.

(Scripture references: 2 Corinthians 6:18, Gen. 2:7, Psalm 46:10, Deuteronomy 7:9, 1 John 4:8, Genesis 1:27, Psalm 143:8, Psalm 139:14, Ephesians 1:4, Ephesians 2:10, Isaiah 43:1, John 1:12, Exodus, 14:14, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 118:6, Romans 8:35, Romans 8:38-39, Isaiah 53:5, John 15, Colossians 3:14, Ephesians 5:2)

 

ABOUT LINZY WESTMAN

Linzy is a singer/songwriter and worship leader in the San Francisco Bay Area. She leads worship at various churches, conferences, and retreats around the country and is passionate about creating music that helps people connect with the heart of God. Linzy desperately wants to see God’s name lifted high in this hurting world and to help others recognize that it is because of Him we can fight for joy and healing. Her solo EP, Here in the Waiting, was released in July of 2015, shortly following her single entitled “I Surrender All to Thee.” When she’s not doing ministry, you will find her hiking, drinking coffee, or exploring new places with her hubby Dan and their sidekick (son) Peyton.

January 17, 2018
Starting With The Truth

I love any excuse for a new beginning or a fresh start.

2018 is upon us, and I find myself reflecting again on what I want to be different in my life in the upcoming year.

I try to notice where the same old sins keep popping up, and the one that has been brought to my attention is how often I compare and envy those remarkable women around me. Specifically, I find myself being judgmental and envious of those who are able to be transparent about their flaws.

I think the reason I envy that is because it is so hard for me.

It feels like one of my self-proclaimed life purposes is to hide those flaws that some people seem so able to accept about themselves.

I don’t like this about myself, and I know that a lack of authenticity is not the path to maturity.  

This continues to bring me back to the idea of TRUTHFULNESS as a practice for this upcoming year.

It’s not that I’m not a truthful person. I excel at being diplomatic, and working to avoid hurting people’s feelings. Part of what makes me a good leader is my genuine care and concern for others. However, while I want to be loving and gracious, I fear that too often I do that at the expense of truthfulness.

I want to be a woman who speaks the truth and does so without fear.  

In order to pursue this in 2018, I think what I need is to become more well-acquainted with the truth. It needs to be more of what I ingest in order for it to be more of what I communicate with my words and actions.

Here are a few specific ways I want to practice this in 2018…

  • PRAY HONESTLY. I heard a phenomenal pastor preach about how important it is for us to pray prayers that are honest and bigger than the reach of our ability. Instead of asking God for what I really want, I try and figure out what He wants, and pray that, to make His job a little easier for Him. I don’t know when or why I decided that was part of my human job description, but I want to give that one up this year. I want to be fearlessly honest in my conversations with God, because I believe that He already knows and that I am the one who needs to hear that truth the most.
  • SHARE TRUE FEELINGS. I too often curate and filter my thoughts and feelings to try and appease the people around me. There’s certainly something to be said about discretion and wisdom, and I deeply value that. However, erring on that side leaves me feeling not known and not seen, rather than deeply connected, the way God created us to be. When I edit the honesty of what I share, I hinder the depth and authenticity of all every relationship I am a part of.
  • AVOID FLATTERY. In the same vein of curating what I say when it comes to sharing my honest thoughts and feelings, I sometimes fill in the blanks in silences and interactions with flattery and pleasantries just for the sake of being liked and approachable. Again, this isn’t a bad thing, necessarily, so much so as it’s just not the best thing. The best thing is honesty in relationships and true connection, and flattery doesn’t serve that purpose.
  • TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. It’s easier for me to take responsibility for other people’s stuff than for my own, and I have learned that I sometimes use that as a crutch to avoid looking at what I am actually responsible for. I wear busyness and other people’s stress as a badge of “care” and honor. When I pursue the truth about expectations and reality, I have to come to terms with what’s in my control and how very many things are not, so that I can be a good steward of what’s been entrusted to me. This is a humbling understanding, and keeps my perspective steady on God, who is actually in charge of everything.

I truly believe that our calling as Christians, particularly as leaders, is to be intimately acquainted with truth. I see my shortcomings in this area, and as 2018 approaches, I am determined to be steeped in truth and to prioritize that over my addiction to being liked or easygoing. Here’s to a more truthful 2018!

 

ABOUT SARAH ROSE LOCHELT

Sarah Rose Lochelt is a Southern-California native who is passionate about the power of communication and the connection that happens through conversation, especially when there is coffee involved. She is a pastor in the LA area and loves to write and speak about the lies of shame, the truth of grace, and the freedom that comes from relating authentically to one another, especially for women in the church. She always has at least one book to read in her purse, is infamous for making silly faces at babies in public, and could live on pizza for every meal.

 

January 8, 2018
#TIMESUP

I was wearing black last night as I watched the Golden Globes. Of course mine was black sweats by Target and not a designer gown :-), but I was standing (or sitting on my couch) with my sisters.

I have two thoughts …wanna read them?

  1. Just do.

In December, Time magazine named the “Silence Breakers” – those women and men who spoke out against discrimination, sexual harassment and abuse – as its ‘Person of the Year’ for 2017. Last year also included the revival of the #MeToo hash tag which inspired millions to share their stories of abuse and harassment. Last night women were wearing black because recently a new campaign- #TimesUp -was launched. This campaign was created, not only to continue raising awareness of harassment and abuse, but to also raise money to form a legal defense fund. This fund will go to people who have faced assault or prejudice in the workplace and don’t have access to legal representation in arenas such as agricultural, or factory workers, caretakers or waitresses.

I appreciate that the campaign is about more than wearing black attire, but is actually putting money where its mouth is. It is always easier to complain about something or like a post on social media than it is to actually do something.

And doing something is what we are supposed to do. As His Church we should lead the world in ‘doing.’

There are many issues that can grab our heart and attention these days. But regardless of which injustice fuels your passion, do something. We are to speak up for those who cannot, and ensure justice for those who need it.

Proverbs 31:8-98 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
ensure justice for those being crushed.
9 Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
and see that they get justice.

I continued to be stirred and outraged and the injustice many women around the earth suffer.

I host a conference every year that seeks to place value upon women, and at the same time mobilizing them to action. Three years ago was the first year we held the conference in the Dolby Theatre (home of the Academy Awards), and it felt as if all hell broke loose after we made the decision to hold the conference in that venue. The enemy hates it when women are mobilized to do good. Matthew Arnold put it this way:

“If there ever comes a time when the women of the world come together purely and simply for the benefit of mankind, it will be a force such as the world has never known.”

Just because it is hard, doesn’t mean we quit. Just keep looking for ways and places to bring justice.

  1. Together.

This recent issue is not a man versus woman issue.

It is right versus wrong, and I appreciate that many men, some of whom have been victims themselves, are speaking out.

God’s plan has always been that men and women honor and respect each other, partnering together to see His Kingdom of love and peace established.
Together.
We are supposed to make the world a better place together. And the enemy’s plan has always been to destroy that.

I can’t change the whole world, but I can work on mine. So for me, I am looking for where have I let division in my marriage, my friendships or my church become the norm instead of viewing division as the enemy to God’s plan.

So for 2018, how about if we add those two thoughts to the rest of our big plans for the year?

 

ABOUT HOLLY WAGNER

Holly and her husband, Philip, are the Pastors of Oasis Church – a growing, relevant, multi-cultural, church located in Los Angeles. They have been married for over 30 years, love life and enjoy spending time with their two adult children, Jordan and Paris. Holly is passionate about seeing women become who God has designed them to become, and to see every generation of woman extend a helping hand to the generation that is younger. Through the women’s ministry of Oasis, She Rises (GodChicks), she has empowered thousands of women around the world. Holly has written several books including Find Your Brave, WarriorChicks, Love Works, and Awakened.

 

December 13, 2017
Home for the Holidays?!

Home for the Holidays?!

Some of you love the thought of Christmas approaching. Like me, maybe you delight in the anticipation, the shopping, the meals, the lights, the snow (well, not here in LA!) and hanging out with friends and family. And others of you dread the whole season, wishing the calendar would quickly turn from the day before Thanksgiving to January 2. Most of our feelings of about Christmas come from our memories of childhood Christmases.
Here’s the thing.
You are not a child anymore. If you have great memories of Christmas, it is because someone made your Christmas great. And now you are the grown up. It is your turn to make Christmas great for someone else.
If you have painful holiday memories, then it is now your chance to create new ones.
Be careful about getting sentimental.
Be careful about wasting time wishing your memories were different.
Going to visit your family during for Christmas can be a good thing . . . and it can be a painful time.
If going to see your family only brings you pain . . . why go? If you keep hoping that your dad won’t get drunk this time, or your mom won’t constantly berate you, then maybe you should stay away. Or at least keep your visit brief.
As a grown up, you get to make your own family traditions.
If you are married, you have a new family . . . and you get to create your own holiday memories.

Six Holiday Traditions to Consider

  1.   Attend a candlelight service. ( My favorite thing!)
  2.   Have a special Christmas breakfast. (Ours involves Cinnabons!)
  3.   Read the story of Jesus’ birth before you open gifts. (After all, it is the reason we celebrate!)
  4.   Invite friends to Christmas dinner. (Life is always better with friends!)
  5.   Go see a movie Christmas night. (C’mon…the new Star Wars is out!!)
  6.   Purchase Christmas gifts for a family who is struggling. Surprise them! (We love doing this!)

Just some simple way to create your own traditions. Let’s make this the most wonderful time of the year!

 

ABOUT HOLLY WAGNER

Holly and her husband, Philip, are the Pastors of Oasis Church – a growing, relevant, multi-cultural, church located in Los Angeles. They have been married for over 30 years, love life and enjoy spending time with their two adult children, Jordan and Paris. Holly is passionate about seeing women become who God has designed them to become, and to see every generation of woman extend a helping hand to the generation that is younger. Through the women’s ministry of Oasis, She Rises (GodChicks), she has empowered thousands of women around the world. Holly has written several books including Find Your Brave, WarriorChicks, Love Works, and Awakened.

 

December 6, 2017
Generosity

God’s desire from the very beginning is to live with us, to walk with us, to be amongst us.  Sin separated us from God, but sin would not have the final say.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave…

Our brokenness, our sin, the darkness in our hearts was not able to convince God the Father that we are unworthy of His love and of a relationship with Him.

Romans 5:8  (NLT)
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

God sends, God gives, God the Father sacrifices His only son in order to create a path that would extend the light of His love to pierce the darkness of our hearts.

Matthew 1:23 (NLT)
Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means God is with us.

The very name given to the Son, Immanuel, echoes the truth of God’s heart toward humanity. God’s generosity was neither easy, nor was it comfortable.  The Son’s generosity in laying down His life would require sacrifice and pain, and it is through this gift from heaven that we are able to receive all that comes with being in a relationship with Jesus.  It is His presence in our lives that makes us rich as He continues to be generous in love, grace and mercy.

If we are to reflect the heart of the Father, what does generosity look like for you and me?  A life of generosity says, I am eternally indebted to offer the hope and freedom I so undeservedly received. Gratitude moves our hearts in the direction of generosity. It isn’t always easy to live generously in a culture that is self indulgent.   We are constantly bombarded with opportunities to satisfy our needs, our egos and opportunities for “Likes” on social media.

The Zapatista women in Chiapas believed that it was their responsibility to provide protection, education and rights for their generation and future generations.  It would require, blood, sweat and tears, but they would not relent. Because of these women the Zapatista Army established  Women’s Revolutionary Laws. These laws granted rights to women regarding work, marriage, health, education, children, political and military participation, and it protected the women from violence. Now there’s a squad you want to belong to.

See, when you realize that your actions can actually impact the quality of life for an entire generation, then there’s no excuse that is big enough or valid enough to keep us with our arms crossed and our hands closed.

So how can we shift from being ME centered to generously sharing our time, talent and treasure? Well, I’d suggest you get in the company of those who are generous with their lives.  Luke 1 tells us the story of Mary visiting Elizabeth.  Both of these women were pregnant and both had responded with a yes to God.  Talk about being generous with your entire being, carrying a baby that would prepare the way and offer salvation to everyone. Sometimes you just need to make the time to be around women who have discovered the joy of giving, of laying down their own will and lives.  These are women who much like Mary and Elizabeth thrive on seeing people freed and transformed as a result of their obedience.

There are some incredible movements, like the Zapatista Women, throughout planet earth that are impacting our world in beautiful ways.  As a matter of fact I just founded a non-profit called Brave Global, and we are creatively connecting girls in foster care to the local church.  I am thrilled about this and I am finding ways to be generous with my time, talent and treasure.  All of this to say, there is not one organization, nonprofit or movement that can do what the Bride of Christ is doing in our world.  The number one place to display our generosity for serving,  giving and expanding is the local church.  There’s nothing that God is more passionate about than the church.  So this last month of 2017, I encourage you live generously in the house of God and make a personal commitment that goes beyond a New Year’s resolution, to walk closely with Jesus, to listen closely to his invitations to participate in giving and enjoy the company of The Creator, who so lovingly gave heaven’s treasure to be in relationship with you.  We could never outgive God.

ABOUT NOEMI CHAVEZ

Noemi Chavez pastors at 7th Street Church in Long Beach, CA. She is an international speaker and is the founder of Brave Global, a catalytic event that connects girls that are in probation and the foster care system with the local church. Noemi also serves on various boards, some of which include Student Outreach Board at Biola University and The Imagine Foundation. Noemi is committed to raising leaders and uniting generations to serve the future of the Church and their communities.

 

November 29, 2017
Your Thankless Service

As ministry leaders, we are constantly in the limelight. Our service is often very public, receiving praise and acknowledgement from those around us. Every week, everyone sees what we do. They see the way we lead our teams. They see us cast vision and implement systems. They know we hold significant leadership positions in the church. Sure, they may not fully understand what it looks like to wake up when it’s still dark on a Sunday morning to get to church with a smile on our face. But they know who we are and that we serve our church.

I was struck by this as I led worship at a church about month ago. The service wrapped up and the pastor ascended the platform to dismiss the congregation. He thanked me publicly as the worship leader and the congregation clapped in response. Everyone was dismissed and I gathered my guitar, cables, pedals, etc., checked to make sure the stage was cleared, and began to walk out the door. I turned and nearly bumped into the person gathering used communion cups. There was a team of 5 people breaking down chairs and setting up tables for an upcoming event. The crew in foyer were cleaning dirty coffee pots and the nursery team (who had been their equally as long as me) sat on the floor scrubbing toys with disinfectant. Every one of these people worked incredibly hard and sacrificially, but none of them received a public thank you.

It made me think: where am I serving “thanklessly” in my life right now? As a worship leader, it’s sometimes easy to think that because my job is service-oriented and at church, I’m excused from finding other areas to serve. However, God calls us to humble ourselves and to serve in the shadows. Though we may not receive a thank you on the other side, we are refined through the process.

The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:11-12

Jesus had a very public ministry on earth. He fed the five thousand, performed jaw-dropping miracles, and shared the gospel from a platform that brought thousands to hear what he had to say. Yet, at the same time, He was humble. He met the woman at the well and heard her story. He washed the disciples feet. He befriended and dined with those everyone else hated. He humbled himself and gave the ultimate sacrifice as he hung upon the cross.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45

As women who have been called to lead, I wonder: how can we imitate Christ’s humility by finding places to serve and love on people in anonymous, “thankless” ways? Maybe you need to find an outlet for service outside of your church, where people don’t know you. Or, perhaps you need to use the platform you’ve been given at your church to mentor one of the younger girls who looks up to you. Perhaps you are a mom and your thankless service is changing a million diapers a day and making nightly dinners. Whatever that humble service is for you, know that God is glorified through the works of your hands.

How do you find ways to serve, outside of your primary ministry role?

LINZY WESTMAN

Linzy is a singer/songwriter and worship leader in the San Francisco Bay Area. She leads worship at various churches, conferences, and retreats around the country and is passionate about creating music that helps people connect with the heart of God. Linzy desperately wants to see God’s name lifted high in this hurting world and to help others recognize that it is because of Him we can fight for joy and healing. Her solo EP, Here in the Waiting, was released in July of 2015, shortly following her single entitled “I Surrender All to Thee.” When she’s not doing ministry, you will find her hiking, drinking coffee, or exploring new places with her hubby Dan and their sidekick (son) Peyton.

 

 

November 22, 2017
She Is Grateful

Have you ever shared an experience with someone, and then discovered that they remember it completely differently than you?

My husband and I frequently – and often to each other’s amazement – recall the details of events with significant variation. We find ourselves laughing, astonished that we’re living such different realities!

I’m reminded in those moments, that perspective is shaping our stories.

My perspective can move me from frustration to freedom, from self-pity to victory… even when nothing around me has changed! So many times I’ve felt aggravated by a “first-world problem” – until I remember that most of the world is dreaming of having my problems.

Perspective is one of the biggest deciding factors of our contentment and happiness. It’s what helps us “let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts” (Colossians 3:15).

So, how do we make sure we’re seeing life from the best perspective? Check out this amazing quote from Christine Caine:

“The world tells us to focus on what we do not have, who we are not, and where we have not yet arrived; but I have found that if we are simply grateful for all we do have… all of the “are nots” in our lives fade into insignificance.”

Did you catch that? She says that simply being grateful can shift our perspective on life dramatically. And in my experience, God has shown me over and over again that it’s true.

Let’s make it our aim to cultivate gratitude on the daily. If we water seeds of thankfulness in our hearts, its fruit will likely grow to overtake our discontent.

Here are three ways we can increase gratitude in our lives:

  1. Cherish the Word of God

Romans 12 tells us we can be transformed if our minds are renewed. 1 Corinthians 2 lets us know that we now have the mind of Christ. Psalm 119 suggests that if we walk on a path of obedience to God’s Word, we’ll discover delight.

Neuroscience Researcher Dr. Carolyn Leaf tells us: “Thinking and consciously controlling your thought life is one of the best ways, if not the best way, of detoxing your brain. … Consciously controlling your thought life means not letting thoughts rampage through your mind. It means learning to engage interactively with every single thought that you have, and to analyze it before you decide either to accept or reject it.”

To me, that sounds a lot like “taking every thought captive” (2 Corinthians 10)!

Only when we’re studying the Word of God and applying it to our lives, can we have a right and grateful perspective. So many messages bombard us every day. We NEED the Bible to shape and guide us, or all those other messages are going to vie for influence on our point of view. The Word of God is so freeing, so alive, and so beautiful; let’s dive in daily to its depths, and let God shape our world-view in the coolest way ever: by revealing His.

  1. #HolyGoals

Impure motives give discontent a leg to stand on. Want to drain your gratitude fast? Try idolizing recognition, worldly success, or fame. Try giving in to a selfish motive.

But if your goal is gratitude, then make sure you’re constantly separating your calling from your fleshly wants. We were all made for greatness – and with it humility, purity, and grace. But if a selfish motivation creeps in, attempting to disguise itself as greatness, our gratitude will leak; because contentment can’t co-exist with greed.

  1. Speak It

If there’s someone who you feel grateful for, say so. William Arthur Ward once said, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

How amazing would it be if we filled the Church with constant appreciation! Let’s look for opportunities to speak gratitude to those around us; that kind of thing can elevate someone’s week.

There are also SO many things we can tell God “thank You” for. My guess is, if I attempted all of mine in one day, I’d run out of sunlight with a long list still to go. I’m sure you feel the same way. Let’s dwell on His goodness – I know we won’t regret it.

What’s one way gratitude has changed your perspective lately?

 

ABOUT ANDREA HAMILTON BINLEY

Andrea Hamilton Binley has written music for over 30 TV shows and has performed around the globe as an artist rep for Project AK-47. Andrea is a worship leader at Inland Hills Church in Chino, CA, and a lead singer in the upbeat, synth worship band Binley. The band’s first single, “No Other,” is out now.

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