Women's Equip - January 10, 2012

Dear sisters in Christ,

I’ve maybe sent this quote to you before, but as I’m thinking about the Focused Living workshop and the start of another year and what it is to have faith, I felt led to include it.  From Oswald Chambers, “Keep your life so constantly in touch with God that His surprising power can break through at any point.  Live in a constant state of expectancy, and leave room for God to come in as He decides.”  The text for this Sunday is Luke 4:14-21.  Read it and please pray for me as I prepare the message.  It is full of expectancy and God’s power!

Speaking of expectancy, Billy Sunday (famous baseball player turned evangelist in the early 1900s) reminded me of how God works in ways we cannot imagine.  Hear what he said regarding Moses and his mother.  “I have often imagined the anxiety with which Moses was born, for he came into the world with the sentence of death lagging over him, for Pharaoh had decreed that the male children should die, and the mother defied even the command of the king, and determined that the child should live, and right from the beginning the battle of right against might was fought at the cradle.  Moses’ mother was a slave.  She had to work in the brick yards or labor in the field, but God was on her side.  What unexpected answers the Lord would give to her prayers! She knew God would help her some way, but I don’t think she ever dreamed that God would help her by sending Pharaoh’s daughter to care for the child.”  Check out this story for yourself in Exodus 1 and 2.  The power of God surpasses our wildest dreams.  As this year begins, dear sisters, wait with expectancy for what God is going to do.  “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.”   (Isaiah 64:4 and 1 Corinthians 2:9)

Tomorrow is the last day to register for the Focused Living workshop to be held on Monday, January 16^th, 9-4.  There is still room for you and the cost is only $5 but you must register tomorrow.  It is well worth your time to spend the day reflecting on the people, events and circumstances that God has used to lead you to this moment in your life.

This Sunday evening, January 15^th, we are hosting a memorial benefit concert in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King.  Our featured artist is Tonia Hughes and all proceeds will benefit DIVINE Institute.  This inner city mission is making a difference in the lives of African American kids from St. Paul.  Sometimes we are more prone to support ministries across the ocean but this is a ministry right here in our backyard.  Please come out for a spaghetti supper at 5:15 followed by the concert at 6:00.  The DIVINE kids will also be singing.  Hope to see you all there!!!!  Invite your friends and neighbors!

Reminder that we will be discussing Holding Her Head High: Inspiration from 12 Single Mothers...... by Janine Turner next Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 1:30p.m. at the Elk River Activity Center.  I noticed that the Sunday Connections says that it is Wed., the 18th, but that is incorrect.  There are still books to purchase at the bookstore and even if you don't get it read, please come to the discussion.  It will be interesting to hear your comments about it.

Oh, one more thing- we are holding a silent auction on Sunday evening to also benefit DIVINE.  I could really use some more gifts to auction off.  Do you have something from Christmas you could re-gift?  How about any businesses you frequent?  Would you ask them if they could make a contribution?  Please let me know what you might have and/or bring it into the church office Sunday morning with a suggested minimum bid.  Thanks for your contribution!!

So many good things coming up- Alpha, Financial Peace U…. Check it all out at our website- www.clcelkriver.org!

Sharing faith, waiting expectantly- Sonja Dixon