"Wisdom in balance" by guest blogger Maureen Brown

As we prepare for our 14th annual conference "Wisdom" with Keynote speaker Mary Kassian and musical guest Point of Grace, we are featuring blog posts from our recommended speaker team to share their journey on wisdom! This week, Maureen Brown shares with us the value of restoring balance through wisdom...

Have you ever found yourself at the end of the day asking the question “where did that day go?”  Just like the line that Alabama used to sing – “I’m in a hurry to get things done; I rush and rush until life’s no fun.”  Do you sometimes feel like your life is “rushed” or “out of balance”? 

Balance and time management – 

two thoughts that can bring instant fear and guilt into the heart of every woman.

Wouldn’t it be helpful if you could hire your own personal balance and time-management consultant?  Someone who could see the big picture and look down at your to-do list and put things into proper perspective dictating things like “ok, that item is a waste of time –this, now this is important – focus on this – take more time for that - and this is okay, as long as it doesn’t get in the way of that”.   

I remember when my children were little, feeling like that infamous gerbil running on the wheel of life.  Missing moments that I could never get back and not appreciating the incredible moments that God had given me.   During that time I had the blessing of meeting weekly with a group of close friends for bible study.  Oh they were sometimes crazy mornings because we all brought our kids and it would be loud.  But those coffee mornings were the highlight of my week and the friendships and support helped me so much through those years.  I’ll never forget a verse that we studied one time that hit me like a ton of bricks.

Proverbs 14:1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

Was I tearing my house down?  Was I using the wisdom God offered me? I had an opportunity as a mother to build into my children’s lives......to be thankful for my circumstances....to realize that there is a bigger plan........to realize that this time goes so quickly. ….did I have an attitude of gratitude….was I thankful for every moment?  Did I realize that though it was one of the hardest jobs I would ever do, it was one of the most important jobs I would ever do?  Did I realize that there was a bigger picture and there was a plan and a purpose for all that my life entailed? 

And so that lesson continues on for me until this day.  Maybe there is something in it for you as well? Each of us is part of a bigger picture and we need to realize that there is a plan and purpose for the stage we are going through right now…and we have the wisdom that is needed to consider the bigger picture.  The Bible tells us in James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  God is eager to give us wisdom…….and the fee is absolutely nothing (or absolutely everything depending how you look at it).   I love the end of that verse “without finding fault” – that says to me that even when I feel like I am not doing a good job, or I realize that I am tearing down and not building up,  - He still wants to give me wisdom when I ask offering transformation and restoration in every area of my life.

So, the answer is ‘yes’.  We do have access to our own “personal balance and time-management consultant” and we can live wisely if we yield our dreams, hopes, desires and plans to the one who is all wisdom and has the best plan and purpose for our lives, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Then we can be that wise woman that builds her house. 

Maureen’s passion is that every person would come to the full understanding of how special, unique and loved they are. With the joy of adding a beautiful daughter in law to her family, she is a wife and mother of four. Maureen serves on the Board of Directors for Women’s Journey of Faith and is passionate about their vision for the restoration of women. As a speaker, Maureen mixes humour and her personal testimony with the goal of encouraging women on their journey of faith. She also serves as Director of Children’s Ministries in her church in Saskatoon working with both children and women. Maureen is a Certified Life Coach registered with the International Coaching Federation, and a SheSpeaks graduate. She meets with women individually and in groups to inspire them to live the full life they were created to live. As a retreat, conference, workshop and ladies event speaker, God uses her life struggles to give hope and encouragement to others. With transparency and warmth, Maureen speaks from a heart that has been transformed by the power of God’s love.

Get to know Maureen a little better by visiting her website here: Maureen

To get updated on our upcoming Wisdom Conference click here: Wisdom/WJOF

"Godly Wisdom/ Wise Counsel" by guest blogger Wilna Van Beek

As we prepare for our 14th annual conference "Wisdom" with Keynote speaker Mary Kassian and musical guest Point of Grace, we are featuring blog posts from our recommended speaker team to share their journey on wisdom! This week, Wilna Van Beek shares with us the value of wisdom in all situations...

     It’s been an interesting and very challenging fall for me personally. I had several speaking engagements where I would share my story of redemption and restoration through Jesus Christ, and how there is so much hope in Him! Then I heard that a protest was on the rise in my city... People were protesting my testimony! (What? How? Why?) My first reaction was to jump on the first plane and just fly away! But, because God calls us to be men and women of valour, I did not jump on a plane. Instead, I prayed and sought WISDOM!  I sought GODLY wisdom and WORDLY wisdom! When we  face difficult situations in life, we need both!

• Godly Wisdom - It is comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God

• Worldly Wisdom - Having or showing sound judgment, great understanding of people and of situations and unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them

Needless to say, God showed up in many ways!

He says that we must ask!  The wisest thing we can do in the midst of difficulty is to engage the assistance of someone who knows how to talk to God! Not only to pray, but also to help and assist in whatever way necessary. (Sometimes we are too proud to ask others to pray for us, or to ask for wise counsel!) 

 I asked for wise counsel…  

 ^“For by WISE counsel, you can wage your war, and in an abundance of counsellors there is victory and safety”. Proverbs 24:6 (amp)

…and God was faithful to bring many people alongside not only to intercede, but to give advice that the organizers and I needed.  (I had moments of being very scared though!)

I also asked for GODLY WISDOM…

“‘If any of you is deficient in WISDOM, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.”  James 1:5 (amp)

…and the Holy Spirit gave “insight into the ways and purposes of God” (which is Godly Wisdom). We received insight into God’s plans and purposes for the event despite the protest! 

^“He wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the TRUTH we’ve learned: that there’s one God and only one, and one Priest-Mediator between God and us—Jesus, who offered himself in exchange for everyone held captive by sin, to set them all free.”  1 Timothy 2:4 (msg)

So, WISDOM this fall meant to abide in Jesus!  It had to be daily, hourly, and even by the minute! (One of my speaking topics is about Abiding in the Vine, and this became such a reality for me! I realized how I needed to abide in His strength, power and wisdom in this difficult situation! I had to practice what I was preaching!) 

With Him, in Him, and through Him we have power to overcome and live victorious lives, but…. ”apart from Me (cut of from vital union with Me) you can do nothing!”John 15:5b

How precious was it to feel that life giving sap flow in times when I felt  discouraged, scared, and weak. To feel that sustaining power, love, grace and mercy is revitalizing!

Today, I look back with such a grateful heart and  I am in awe of what God accomplished through this event! He showed up and He did all the work of the heart because He is in the business of restoration, redemption, healing and forgiveness!   Those who were hungry, He personally fed them the bread of life! He quenched their thirst and stilled their hunger because of His love for all men/women! We heard so many stories of how lives were touched and changed...

So, how did all the people and I who organized the event receive wisdom?
The key was not so much what we knew, but rather, who we knew and still know!  It is friendship with the One who says:  

^“Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand).” Jeremiah 33:3 (amp)

When this friendship becomes a lifestyle, answers and divine solutions, uniquely clever and true to their source, will come. These solutions are the kind we would never conceive on our own!

And today I can say, along with Job:

” God understands the way [to WISDOM] and He knows the place of it [WISDOM is with God alone].” Job 28:23 (amp)

I am so thankful to know the One! To be able to sit with Him and obtain WISDOM, whether it is worldly or godly wisdom, is a privilege... 

May this inspire you to know your source of WISDOM on your journey of faith! 

Wilna was born and raised in South Africa, later moved to Canada, and  is now enjoying her dual citizenship journey! She is a pioneer in ministering to diverse groups including homosexuals as she has had multiple gay relationships in her past. She speaks to groups of any size to grow in understanding, love and great empathy by sharing her faith journey. When speaking to Christ followers, she encourages them to put on the Jesus glasses as we treat others with both truth and grace. 

  

She is currently involved in outreaches such as: Winning Women (a ministry that reaches out to children in the inner city of Saskatoon) and is an active member of her local church. Wilna is also a recent graduate of the School of Women in Ministry. She owns her own grooming business and is passionate about it! Though the rest of her family is living in South Africa, she considers her two dogs, Daisy and Thursdae, a part of her family:)

• To find out more about Wilna click here: Wilna Van Beek
• To find out more about WJOF and our upcoming conference where Wilna will be on a panel with others on our speaker team, click here: WJOF/2013

"Equipped with the gift of wisdom" by guest blogger Laura-Lynn Tyler Thompson

     It's another blog, and with it another lesson on wisdom. We are honoured to host this week's blog, written by Laura-Lynn Tyler Thompson, as it equips with wisdom for our journey of faith!

Whether you feel you are one of the smart ones or not, asking God for wisdom IS the smartest thing you can do.  Wisdom is not about your I.Q.! Just because you have a good education and got A’s on your tests in university does not necessarily mean that you have Godly wisdom.   

In fact, a person who was not afforded the opportunity to get trained in one of the great learning facilities of the world may have a profound and deep wisdom within them. Proverbs 4:5, tells and commands us this: “Get wisdom! Get understanding!” And in James 1:5-8, we learn the simple way to get it: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” 

What God wants is for you to rise up in faith, knowing that no matter what you have been gifted in, with your earthly intellect, He is able to give you wisdom that will literally astound those around you. 1 Corinthians 8:1 reads, “We all possess knowledge. But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.” Godly wisdom is not arrogant in its delivery, but it is full of the fruit of the Spirit. 

Perhaps you are someone who has discounted your ability. Perhaps you just don’t feel you have succeeded at anything important in life. You see, the beauty of earnestly seeking wisdom is that it is a miraculous gift from God.  If you will begin to ask God for more of this kind of spiritual insight and perception, the Bible says He will give it to you liberally. That means in abundance!  That kind of wisdom is going to help you in your job and bring you into favor with those who can promote and bless you in this life. 

For me personally, as a speaker, I have learned that when I step onto any platform, I better not be going with my own strength or my own thoughts! I pray this routinely, that God would breathe His wisdom and His very words into my being.  I pray this verse over my ministry:  1 Corinthians 1:5 which says, “For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge.”  

We have all known some very kind and simple people who seemed to have the very profundity of the mind of Christ as they share their thoughts. Even your grandmother or grandfather may have spoken right into the core of your soul. That’s the miraculous wisdom from the Lord and it is available to you in great quantity IF you will ask in faith, not doubting that God will bless you with it. 

Author, inspirational and comedic speaker, Laura-Lynn Tyler Thompson is the national television co-host for The 700 Club Canada. God called her powerfully one night to the media in 1999.  In her 14- year television career, she has interviewed such fabulous guests as Dog the Bounty Hunter, Josh Duhamel (hit TV series Vegas), Jesse Metcalfe, Henry Winkler, and Stedman Graham (Oprah’s beau) to name a few.  She has been privileged to speak on camera with many great men and women of faith like Josh McDowell, Tony Campolo, Patsy Clairmont, Bill Hybels, Dr. Gary Smalley, Liz Curtis Higgs, Dr. Gary Chapman, Pat Robertson, Kay Arthur and Thelma Wells.  She has been on stage with the Women of Faith and opened the event for the Gaither Vocal Band.  Over 90 of her personal interviews have aired on the BIOGRAPHY Channel Canada. Her book Relentless Redemption tells her true story from devastation to destiny!  

To learn more about Laura-Lynn and her ministry click here: Laura-Lynn

To visit our homepage and learn more about upcoming events click here: WJOF

"Rain, cereal, and wisdom calling out" by guest blogger, Malynda Zacharias

Sharing the Journey with our guest speaker, Malynda Zacharias. Wisdom is our continuing theme this year as we prepare for our upcoming conference on November 1-2, and we are encouraged to listen to the voice of wisdom calling out in today's post. Have a look and enjoy!

Honest, tasty, and real. It was on the cereal box this morning, right there in front of me. The money advertisers spend in market research only to find out what we’ve known along, they spend fruitfully. It’s right there in the fruit and nuts. Find out what people are looking for, hoping for, and then put it down in lime green letters, put it right on the box. 

It’s a mirror to the soul, it echoes what we once knew but have somehow forgotten, lost, misplaced...

...buried?

“Are these dishes clean?” my son reaches for one in the pile. Twelve and strong, he’s growing hungry. “So which ones are the dirty ones?”   Souls and words rubbing together around our home today. Feels like simple living. Talking around the dishes. Bumping into each other. 

Casual and intimate. Hmm...

Even though it’s raining out, we are warm and dry.

It’s easy to get caught up in the mess, the toppling laundry, the bills to pay, the schedules to manage, the deadlines to meet. I get lost in the spidery layers that I’m trying to manage. I feel lost amidst spinning, bouncing, and dropping balls. 

I drop into bed with tired feet on more nights than I can keep track of!

Honest and tasty and real tastes pretty good right now. Homey and close. 

And when I’m bent out of shape, can I still be shaped by His story? 

Sometimes I act like I don’t know how. 

I can’t hear past the decibels between 6 am and 11 pm. And I can’t see past the dishes, dust and deadlines. 

It’s cloudy and dull outside today. 

And then, just as the sudden warm glowing patch that shines on the living room wall tells me the sky has broken, wisdom calls out.  Calls out right in the midst of it all. 

My iPhone told me it was to rain all day. It’s what I had come to expect. 

I have called out, I have cried out, but have I expected or have I neglected to hear wisdom call out to me?

 “Out in the open wisdom calls aloud
She raises her voice in the public square. 
On the top of the wall she cries out.” (Proverbs 1:20)

Wisdom cries out? She raises her voice?

Like the surprise of a break in forecasted weather,  in case I thought I was lost, misplaced, or buried, It shows up. And it is loud. 

How God takes care of us! We search and we seek. And all the while we are being sought after.  

In the midst of the every day. Clear and loud. 

When I am bent out of shape, can I be shaped by His glory?

“For wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.” (Proverbs 2:10)

A soul filled with the knowledge of God is full of pleasantries and a soul filled with such pleasantries is no doubt shaped to His glory, by His glory. 

How near you are to us O Lord, and how dear. 

So then, let it interrupt my life! Call out to me, will you, Wisdom, and I will turn my ear. Enter my heart, then, and bend and shape it. 

Because if it’s what we desire, can we think of anything more honest, tasty or real than a life that begins, responds to and is willingly interrupted by a God who calls out to us? To us? To me...to you.  If it be so...

Let us keep an ear turned. Let us sit on the edge of our seats ready and waiting for the glory-interruptions, the wisdom-surprises...right in the midst of everyday living. 

And let us, in wisdom, willingly crawl from under “the stuff” of life to stand in the full beam of the infallible word of God, as it presses itself deep and shines patches of light on the very walls of our hearts.  I think we shall all be stopped in our tracks now and then, if not for the shaping of our souls, then for the glory that shines through them...

Malynda lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba with her husband and her young children where she is loving life! She is excited to embark on another faith adventure with us here at Women's Journey of Faith:) The founder of BUGirl, she has imparted valuable lessons through her mentorship program and has since passed the baton to another at Family Life Network and it continues to experience great success in the lives of young women.
She is one of our recommended speakers for Women's Journey of Faith and we look forward to hearing more from her as she steps out more through her writing, speaking and musical journey!

To learn more about Women's Journey of Faith, our upcoming conference and other recommended speakers click here: WJOF

"Wisdom In Grieving" by guest blogger, Yvonne St. Germaine

     Sharing God's wisdom for the journey!  We are excited to hear from Yvonne St. Germaine, one of our recommended speakers. She reveals her heart and the wisdom she's gained in dealing with the grieving and suffering spirit. Enjoy!

  Tansi, (hello)

      Well I must admit this is my first blog ever! (lol) It's exciting to step out in faith, at the same time challenging to share my heart in just so many words. Then again, Jesus did it in just three words on the Cross ~ "IT IS FINISHED".  Wow! If we meditate on that alone, it is full of power and wisdom. Amen!

Ok here I go, 

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (NKJV)

I have been working with First Nation communities for the past seven years.  My heart is burdened for our people who are suffering in major pain of grieving. I know this includes all nationalities, but where the Lord has me now is where my heart cries out. Our First Nations are losing our next generation to suicide in a domino effect.

  I was in a northern resort community in Ontario for a weekend Church service. In the middle of the night, around 2 am, there was banging on the door where all guests resided. It was the leadership asking us all to meet at the local band office. We were given the news that two teens had a disagreement and without hesitation, one was murdered. He was only 15 years old!

Being a mom of three boys, all I could hear was the depth of pain in the mothers cry. She was so weak she couldn’t stand. It took everything out of her. The tragedy took me to my knees crying out for her in prayer. As a mother I couldn’t even begin to imagine the brokenness in her spirit, mind, body and soul! 

  The next day we went to her house to offer prayer and support. “Lord, what words can I possibly say to bring any sort of comfort to this family?”  The Lord closed my mouth and extended my arms to hold her and just cry with her. We simply wept together. I was the only one she would respond to.

Romans 12:15 “Rejoice with those who rejoice and to weep with those who weep.”  

  She received the invitation to come to church that evening. That night, we ministered Salvation and she and her family accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, along with a gym full of youth! Amen!

God is truly the only one who understands every part of our lives. He understands what it is like to lose a child. He understands that brokenness and pain. 

John 3:16  ^“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”. (NKJV)

How do we speak life and wisdom to those in this state of spiritual grief? From my experience, sometimes there are just no words. God’s greatest commandment is “LOVE”. God used me to show His love. 

Yvonne St. Germaine was called out of darkness in 2006 and has been ministering to people of all nations ever since. Her heart cries for the First Nation people here in Canada. 

 "This has been a step in faith but my Lord has called me to be an Evangelist for Him. He has put a burden on my heart for my Aboriginal people. My travels take me to many secluded communities where there is so much poverty, hurt and loneliness. There is missionary work to be done right here in our Aboriginal Communities." 

She is an accomplished Gospel artist who travels all over singing and preaching about Jesus. She has three sons and they are her treasure! 

To learn more: Yvonne St. Germaine 

Also, we'd love for you to come check us out at: WJOF. Thanks so much for reading, we hope you enjoyed and learned something new today! Stay tuned for next week's blog and see you then. 

"The Wisdom of Sowing Sweet Peace" by guest blogger Donna Carter

Sharing God's Wisdom for the journey!  We'd like to introduce you to Donna Carter, one of WJOF's recommended speakers! Love what she writes this week on seeking God's wisdom to "sow sweet peace"...

     We often find ourselves embroiled in conflict. Each of us approaches the world with a unique perspective based on the lessons life has taught us. Those lessons are as individual as our DNA, family of origin, and the particular roads we have traveled. How can we expect to agree on matters of importance when we bring such divergent histories to the table?
Even Christians who attempt to base their important decisions on God's Word disagree much of the time. If you don't think so, count how many distinct Christian churches you pass on the way to work tomorrow and explain that to yourself.

     Earthly wisdom is rooted in pride and personal agenda, but when we employ Heaven's pure wisdom, we are more concerned with learning and listening than winning. We seek to understand the lessons that others bring to the disagreement and are willing to learn more about every perspective offered. Sometimes it means being less sure of what we have always been so sure about. It means tugging down those defences that seem to erect themselves so quickly when our opinion is challenged.

    Recently, I had to wade through several complicated and heart-breaking conflicts. In a season of profound loss, I had to deal with the complexity of hurt feelings, indignation (righteous or not), and positions on an issue that made no sense to me. The temptation was to retreat into my shell and waddle back to the swamp. Human wisdom told me that I held the high ground and shouldn't have to defend it. Human wisdom insisted that I really didn't need those kinds of people in my life. It told me that in my fragile state, I'd be better off investing my energy in healing relationships and write out those who couldn't understand my heart in this chapter of my life.

    But James- actually God, wouldn't let me. Knowing what these words from James and other scriptures say, I had to ask myself a question. After the bruising Jesus took to his heart and body to reconcile me to himself, how could I think it was okay to not "Do all (I) can to live in peace with everyone." (Romans 12:18)

    It’s not okay! Heaven's wisdom insists that I be a peacemaker. I am required to enter the danger zone of conflict and painful emotions in order to plant peace. It was hard. Very hard. I shed tears, endured intestinal rebellion, and interrupted sleep. But I planted those seeds. I took responsibility for the portion of the relational damage I had caused even, though it was unintentional, and asked questions about how to better negotiate the relationships involved. I listened to other perspectives on my choices and behaviour. In two cases, I was not forgiven or asked for forgiveness right away. It took time for those seeds to germinate. But restored relationships eventually resulted, even in those cases where I initially thought my efforts to humble myself and obey God were in vain.

    We can't ignore God's instructions and expect to enjoy God's blessing on our lives and relationships! Employ the wisdom that comes from Heaven, in your family, in your church, your workplace and all your relationships. God promises that those who plant seeds of peace will reap a harvest of righteousness. I can tell you form personal experience that it’s worth it! 

 Donna Carter has a unique ability to synthesize life experience into digestible life lessons. She is sought after as a speaker internationally because of her passion, humor and the light-bulb moments she triggers for people seeking help on their spiritual journeys. Nothing excites her more than participating in the restoration of women’s hearts, and their relationships with God and others. Author of 10 SMART THINGS WOMEN CAN DO TO BUILD A BETTER LIFE (2007) and FRIEND ME Turning Faces into Lasting Friendships, along with the accompanying DVDs and conversation guide, was released February 2013. They live in Calgary, a thriving city in the shadow of the Canadian Rockies. www.wjof.com/speakers-ministry.php

Website: http://donnacarter.org 
Facebook:Donna Carter


* Visit us online at www.wjof.com/2013 to learn more about our "Wisdom" Conference! 

"Wisdom in the Wait"- by guest blogger Donna Mitchell

   Sharing God's Wisdom for the journey!  We'd like to introduce you to Donna Mitchell, one of WJOF's recommended speakers!  Love what she writes this week on needing "Wisdom in the Wait"...

     Today, we live in a fast paced society that is losing patience with any prospect of waiting.  This phenomenon began with the McDonald’s drive-through and our expectation of receiving our meal in less than three minutes.  Subsequently, we demanded increasingly fast Internet, and now, our emails are not traveling fast enough – we utilize instant messaging!

     The Lord does not conform to society’s expectations or demands.  He works in profound and mysterious ways and often, He uses time to accomplish His purposes – He is the Sovereign One.  It took time for me to walk into freedom and healing as the Lord set me free from the fears that threatened to keep me in bondage. Along the way, He taught me lessons that I would not have discovered, and my faith would not have been strengthened and developed if I received instant healing.

     In the midst of our life circumstances, the Lord works on multiple plots simultaneously:  restoring relationships, repairing damage, prompting repentance, and relinquishing strongholds.  He is patient with us, even when we resist His promptings and insist on holding on to the issues He is asking us to release.  His patience is profound.

     It is no coincidence that following James 1:2-4, the author prompts us to ask for wisdom in James 1:5…

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you.  He will not rebuke you for asking.  But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone.  Do not waver…”

     If the Lord requires you to wait – thank Him – in the midst of delay, the Lord provides many profound gifts and necessary lessons to those who are willing to wait for Him.

Donna serves as the National Director for Connecting Streams’ Ministry, a ministry division of Power to Change. She encourages believers to rediscover a relevant, thriving faith that authentically and completely reflects Jesus; as a result, restoring believers and those discovering faith in Jesus to the abundant life that God intended (Isaiah 58). As a national ministry leader, Donna eloquently expresses her passion as a compelling influential speaker at regional and national conferences, outreach events, church retreats and leadership workshops to encourage, empower, and equip believers to step out from behind church walls to reach out to a hurting world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Website: http://www.donnamitchell.ca   

www.wjof.com/speakers-ministry.php 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connectingstreamsministry  

"Chosen"- By Jodi Kozan

      As we prepare for our 14th annual conference "Wisdom" on November 1-2,  we're having our own WJOF speakers share their hearts on this the 2013 theme. This week's blogpost is by WJOF Founder/ President Jodi Kozan who shares on being "Chosen":

How would we live our lives differently if we lived, spoke, walked, talked and related to God and others knowing fully that we were chosen.  We sometimes forget that Jesus said in His precious Word:

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit-fruit that will last-and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you” (John 15:16 NIV).

Wow.  So if the Savior of the world says that we are chosen; who are we to argue? Yet reality teaches us that we more often than not require a role model; someone who I would refer to as “Jesus with skin on.”  I don’t know where I’d be without the testimony of Christ oozing from the mentors and spiritual mothers and fathers that have graced my journey. They modeled a chosen life, one set apart, and now I too hold that mantle for others.  

Gulp! Lord help me! Oh, it’s a high calling to be a leader!

Yet that doesn’t mean we have to be perfect, but only leaning on the One who is. As we do, we bear fruit, spiritual fruit that lasts and that is what draws people to Him. Not our attempt at perfection, but Christ’s perfection living in and through us. We learn through both experience and the testimony of others. Their weaknesses and dire dependence on the Saviour helps us to know God can and will transform our lives.

Imagine being Paul, an engaging prolific communicator and a Holy Spirit charged apostle of Jesus Christ writing to the Church of Colossae from prison.  Prison my friend!  Can you imagine?!  With confidence, conviction and a mentality of divine destiny, he writes:

"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father."  (Colossians 1:1-2 NIV)

Chosen by the will of God!

We must ponder the truth that Paul’s life was radically transformed by Christ.  Paul:  A persecutor of Christians, filled with hatred and pride, and “the worst of all sinners.” (1 Timothy 1:16)If God’s had a chosen destiny for Paul’s life—before the creation of the world—what does that say for you and me? Look what God did with a life that was fully sold out and obedient  to His will!  God used Paul to radically change the world. To live as a chosen disciple is simply breathtaking, and humbling to say the least!

"God has given me {Paul} the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you." (Colossians 1:25-27) NLT)

While traveling to Israel with our ministry this year, I had the honor of walking where Jesus walked. I felt His word pouring over me like a waterfall of grace and truth—grasping more fully the historical context of where over 80% of the Bible was written!  I trembled with holy amazement that Christ lives in ME. To know deeply that I was chosen has been instrumental to my freedom. By accepting the message of Jesus Christ, I’ve experienced the most profound secret that’s simply destined to be proclaimed. Not just through pastors, speakers, writers, and theologians from days gone by, but through ALL of us who know Him personally including me.

"This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.  So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.  That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me."  (Colossians 1:27-29 NLT)

May you experience Christ’s power within you as you trust in His call and live as a chosen ambassador for His Kingdom!

How are you sharing “his glory” today?

   Jodi is the founder and President of Women's Journey of Faith. She is passionate about their vision of Restoration and every word she speaks and writes is aimed in that direction. This years conference is "Wisdom" on November 1-2 at TCU Place Saskatoon.  Excited to expand the WJOF ministry to include Tours, their partnership with Compassion, their emerging Speakers Ministry amidst other endeavours of faith including Faith Stories. You can learn more about the Journey through their website! She is pumped to enter their 14th year as a non-profit ministry to all women. Connect more with Jodi at upcoming WJOF events, through her website or other social media sites! 

Website: www.jodikozan.com www.wjof.com/speakers-ministry.php  www.wjof.com 

Twitter: @jodikozan

*Reposted from Jodi's Journey and Joanna Weaver's blog "Becoming His: Thru the Word"