Women’s Ministry – Page 16 – Teach What is Good

Building Up the Body

Published on October 6, 2023October 11, 2023 by kendraskeLeave a comment

Read through the Bible in 2 Years: 1 Corinthians 14

I remember many years ago when my oldest daughter was about five years old and playing on our town’s youth soccer team. My husband was the coach, and I was standing on the sidelines keeping one eye on our two-year-old son and one eye on the game. Midway through the game, the ‘soccer mom’ standing next to me struck up a conversation with me. Somehow she ended up asking me where I went to church and if my church was spirit filled. I didn’t really understand what she meant, and I just replied with a brief, somewhat confused, ‘Yes, we were,’ because, well, we believe that people are filled with the Holy Spirit when they are born again by faith in Christ. After talking to her more, I came to understand that she was asking me if we spoke in tongues. Why, I wonder, has “Spirit filled” come to mean, “Speaking in tongues”?

Maybe because of my background as an atheist, I have always really struggled with the pettiness of so many denominational differences, so I have really enjoyed studying Paul’s words on spiritual gifts here in 1 Corinthians chapters 12 – 14. 1 Corinthians 14:12 really sums my thoughts well.

So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
1 Corinthians 14:12 ESV

Sadly, in my experience, including that day 20 years ago on the sidelines of a soccer field, the people who have talked to me about the gift of speaking in tongues have been more concerned with building up themselves than with the body. The scriptures are clear. If the Lord gives you a gift, it is to be used for building up others and glorifying God, not yourself. We ought to see ourselves as stewards of whatever it is that the Lord has given us, whether that’s time, treasure, talents, testimony, or a spiritual gift of speaking or serving.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit who guides me and convicts me. Please help me to exercise the gifts You have given me for the building up of the body of Christ and for Your glory. Remind me that any good thing that I have is a gift from Your merciful hand, and any good thing I do is the fruit of Your work in my life. Keep me humble and grateful that Your light will shine such that people’s attention is drawn to You, the Gracious Giver of every good and perfect gift. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

The Love Chapter

Published on October 5, 2023October 10, 2023 by kendraskeLeave a comment

Read through the Bible in 2 Years: 1 Corinthians 13

If I choose all the strongest verbs and most descriptive adjectives and write the most compelling blog on the web, but have not love, I am no greater than a tabloid writer or paparazzi photographer.

If I study the Bible every single day and night and tell every person I meet on the street all about the good news of the gospel, but have not love, I am no greater than the Pharisees and prosperity preachers.

If I homeschool all my kids and feed them organic fruits and vegetables with every meal, but have not love, I am no greater than Elmo or the Jolly Green Giant.

If I teach preschoolers every Sunday morning and women every Wednesday night, but have not love, I gain nothing.

If I volunteer every Tuesday at my local food pantry and march every Friday at the abortion clinic downtown, but have not love, it profits me and my neighbor not one bit.

“Love is patient and kind;

Love does not envy or boast;

It is not arrogant or rude.

It does not insist on its own way;

It is not irritable or resentful;

It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends.

As for prophecies, they will pass away;

As for tongues, they will cease;

As for knowledge, it will pass away.

For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.

When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.

Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

– 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 ESV

Heavenly Father, I love You, Lord, because You loved me first. You made the first move, the move of love. You pursued me while I hated You. Strengthen me to love others like that. Help me to love others as You loved me. Help me to love them while they are yet sinners for that’s how You loved me. You are love. All You do is love. Make me more like You. I am Your child. I want to live and move and have my being in You, that I might live and move and have my being in Love. To the glory and praise of Your Holy Name. Amen.

Like a Symphony at Sunset is Unity in the Church

Published on October 4, 2023 by kendraskeLeave a comment

Read through the Bible in 2 Years: 1 Corinthians 12

But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.
If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

1 Corinthians 12:24b-26 ESV

God could’ve created mankind to reproduce as clones, each new being identical to the others, but He didn’t. Every single one of the billions of human beings who have ever lived has been a unique individual, each one formed in the likeness of his or her Creator. And when a person is born again by faith in Christ, God endows them by His Holy Spirit with special gifts and interests so that His children might all fit together as one breathtaking sunset of magnificently varying colors.

As I wrote earlier, conflict is sometimes needed in order to bring about peace. But let’s remember the object of conflict is peace, wholeness, unity, not division. God designed us to live together in harmony, in one accord, each valuable members of His heavenly orchestra, playing a symphony like no other as we each play our unique notes and instruments as He leads us, working together for His glory.

Heavenly Father, You are the giver of every good gift, the writer of every perfect song. You are the director of this orchestra that has been designed by Your hand to fit perfectly together as a masterpiece that even Beethoven could never achieve. I pray that we would trust Your direction and follow Your lead. Things often look messy to our untrained eyes. Things often sound out of place to our untrained ears. But in Your perfect hands there is peace. Weave us together into a tapestry of Your glorious design for the glory of Your Name we pray. Amen.

Ode to Joy – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

Hymn of Heaven – Phil Wickham

To Marry or Not to Marry

Published on September 29, 2023October 5, 2023 by kendraskeLeave a comment

Read through the Bible in 2 Years: 1 Corinthians 7

I’ve been married for almost 29 years now. I got married as a 21-year-old baby Christian. I was clueless but hopeful.

Marriage has been hard, but marriage has also been good. I’ve learned so much from my calm, easy-going husband, and I’ve learned so much about remaining faithful by being yoked “til death parts us.”

Sin crouches at the door for the unmarried and the married alike. Like Paul wrote here in 1 Corinthians 7, the married wrestle with distractions on every side, while the unmarried wrestle with temptations on every side. I’m reminded once again that life is hard, but God is good.

I want to choose to be grateful for my husband, to focus on the good rather than the bad and the ugly. Father, please help me!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of marriage. Thank You for my husband. Thank You for making me Your bride. Help me to have a grateful heart. Help me to be faithful, to persevere to the end with joy. Help me to fix my eyes and my heart on heaven and on what is excellent and praiseworthy. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

To The Faithful One who Makes Me Faithful

Published on September 26, 2023 by kendraskeLeave a comment

Read through the Bible in 2 Years: 1 Corinthians 4

On my weekend trip to Greer’s Ferry Lake in Arkansas, I was amazed by the rocks that covered the lakeshore. From far away, looking down at the beach, I expected them to be solid, hard, firm, stable … you know, ROCKS. But when I finally made my way down six flights of stairs and walked on those rocks, I discovered that they were anything but that. These rocks crumbled like eggshells under my feet.

Ask yourself –

What kind of rock am I standing on? Am I standing on the solid rock of Jesus or the shifting sand of man’s opinions?
What kind of woman am I? Am I steadfast and immovable, solid and faithful like my God and His Unchanging Word or do I crumble under the pressures of life?

1 Corinthians 1:9 ESV — God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 4:2 ESV — Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

1 Corinthians 4:17 ESV — That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV — No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 ESV — He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

1 Timothy 1:12 ESV — I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,

2 Timothy 2:13 ESV — if we are faithless, he remains faithful — for he cannot deny himself.

Hebrews 10:23 ESV — Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 11:11 ESV — By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.

1 Peter 4:19 ESV — Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Revelation 17:14 ESV — They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.

Revelation 19:11 ESV — Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.

Heavenly Father, You are Faithful. You are Trustworthy. You are a Promise-Keeper. Every word You speak will come to pass. Help me to be faithful because You are the source and the object of my faith. Help me to daily entrust my soul to You, Father, because You are trustworthy. Because my hope is in You and You alone, I will not be shaken. You have called me to Your service, so I can trust that You will fulfill all Your plans for my life. Make me more like You, Lord. Make me faithful and trustworthy because You are Faithful and trustworthy. In the Name of Jesus Christ who died in my place I pray. Amen.

My Hope is Built on Nothing Less

Great is Thy Faithfulness &
My Redeemer is Faithful and True

God’s Fellow Workers

Published on September 25, 2023September 27, 2023 by kendraskeLeave a comment

Read through the Bible in 2 Years: 1 Corinthians 3

He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers.
1 Corinthians 3:8-9a ESV

Where are you preparing soil?
Where are you scattering seeds?
Where are you watering and tending new little seedlings?
Who has God placed in your life to work alongside?
Who are you partnering with in furthering the kingdom of God?

These are just a few questions to ask yourself – that you might be transformed more and more into the image of Christ who came to seek and save the lost and who chose a whole variety of disciples to serve with toward that end.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for putting women into my life to minister to me, as well as giving me women to serve. Thank You for the precious gift of a wonderful weekend full of sweet conversations and much-needed refreshment and encouragement. Thank You for the drawer full of sisters who sharpen me, each in their own unique way. I am so grateful, Lord. Everything I have is a gift from Your good hand. You say to whom much is given, much will be required, and I know that You have given me so much. Please, Father, take the things that You have given to me and multiply them in my hands, my mouth, and my life. Make me Your fellow worker for the glory of Your Name and the expansion of Your glorious kingdom. In the Name of Jesus Christ, the King of kings I pray. Amen.

The Sun Rises Even in the Rain

Published on September 24, 2023September 24, 2023 by kendraskeLeave a comment

Read through the Bible in 2 Years: 1 Corinthians 2

This morning I woke up early because I wanted to watch the sun rise. I was eagerly anticipating the sun turning the sky pink, purple, and orange as it crested the horizon over the lake where my sisters-in-Christ and I have been staying since Friday. Instead I was greeted by a rainstorm beating down on the metal roof of the porch under which I was taking shelter.

But still, the sun rose.

But still, it got brighter minute by minute.

But still, a new day dawned.

God is still on His throne even when we don’t see His glory. God still reigns even when His presence is hidden behind clouds, and His voice can’t be heard over the pouring rain.

In God’s perfect wisdom, He had decreed before the ages that His Own Son would be hung upon a cross to die for the sins of man. In the eyes of human wisdom or logic, it appeared that Satan had won and God had been defeated.

Oh, sisters, but God. Up from the grave He arose!

Suddenly, the cries of a bird ring out over the pounding of the storm. The birds are awake and singing in the trees, despite the rain. The storm won’t stop them, and it shouldn’t stop us, either

Darkness can’t overpower the light. The rain can’t drown out the sun. The sun still rises, even in a thunderstorm.

Heavenly Father, Death could not contain Him. A grave could not defeat Him. Darkness, no matter how deep, cannot keep the King of Glory from shining. I pray that our faith would be in You and You alone. You are Almighty. You are Victorious! No storm can delay what You have decreed. Your purposes will stand. You don’t always give us “cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels.” Sometimes you give us pitch black nights and thunderstorms that last for hour upon hour. Help me remember that the trees need the rain so they can grow, and the world needs the darkness of night so it can rest. Help me trust You, rather than myself. Help me to doubt human reasoning and believe Your Word. Help me remember that You reign over the rain. In the Good and Sovereign Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

As For Me and My House

Published on September 22, 2023 by kendraskeLeave a comment

Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Joshua 24

“Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” …

“Then Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the LORD, to serve him.”

And they said, “We are witnesses.”

He said, “Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your heart to the LORD, the God of Israel.”

And the people said to Joshua, “The LORD our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey.”
Joshua 24:14-15; 22-24 ESV

Heavenly Father, What foreign gods am I serving? Where is my heart not inclined toward You? Where am I still limping between the world and the Lord rather than fully surrendering all my all to You? Please show me my sin. I’m blind to my own iniquity. Open my eyes that I can see my own blindness. I want to love You more that I can serve You better for You are worthy and good. In the Name of Jesus Christ who died in my place I pray. Amen.

God Keeps His Promises

Published on September 21, 2023 by kendraskeLeave a comment

Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Joshua 23

God is faithful to keep every word of every promise. If He said it, we can trust it. We may not know exactly when it will come to pass, but we can bank on it that it will. Like His words to the Israelites as they took possession of the Promised Land,

But just as all the good things that the LORD your God promised concerning you have been fulfilled for you,
so the LORD will bring upon you all the evil things, until he has destroyed you from off this good land that the LORD your God has given you.
Joshua 23:15 ESV

Are we promise-keeping parents? If we tell our child that we will take them for ice cream if they finish all their chores, do we do it? If we tell our child that they will get a spanking if they do that ‘one more time,’ do we do it? Am I the only one who has an easier time keeping my promise of a treat than my promise of a punishment?

In God’s absolute sovereignty, omniscient wisdom, and omnipotent power, He is able to keep every promise, like we never could.

Let’s trust Him and cling to Him and try to be more like Him which includes not making random threats that we’re never going to keep nor manipulating our children with promises of rewards that we don’t intend to give.

Heavenly Father, I’m so glad that I can trust You. I’m so thankful that You are honest and faithful, mighty and true. You are a promise keeping God. If you’ve said it, I can believe it. Grow my faith, Lord. Bury Your Word deep in my soul, water it with Your Spirit, bathe it in the sunshine of Your love, that it may bear great multitudes of fruit and bring You glory. I love You, Lord. Turn my heart, and my mouth, to sing Your praise and to speak Your Holy Words to others. In the name of Jesus Christ, the Words made flesh, I pray. Amen.

The Rollercoaster Ride of Life

Published on September 14, 2023September 15, 2023 by kendraskeLeave a comment

Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Joshua 12:1-14:5

See this rollercoaster? It’s called “Runaway Mine Train.” If you ever find yourself in St Louis, you can go to Six Flags and ride it yourself. The Mine Train is about the only rollercoaster ride that I’ll go on.

I don’t like rollercoasters that shoot you out going 100 mph. I don’t like rollercoasters that make you travel backwards or through endless dark tunnels. I don’t like rollercoasters that make you spin around in circles and leave you dizzy. I prefer a more sedate, predictable ride with just a few bumps and turns.

25 years ago today, we found out that the much-planned-for baby that I was carrying had passed away in my womb. Less than a month earlier I’d walked into my doctor’s office for what I thought would be a routine 12-week checkup, absolutely unaware that the entire course of my life was about to change. That day I had the first of a series ultrasounds which revealed that my unborn son had a fully obstructed bladder, followed by an amniocentesis to check for generic anomalies, and ultimately in-utero surgery. The rollercoaster ride I hadn’t signed up for came to an abrupt halt with the words, “I’m sorry, Mrs. Endraske. We can’t find a heartbeat.”

But, God.

God had different plans for me and my family. God had a different little boy in mind to grow up in my family. God was at work behind the scenes for who He wanted to be my oldest son. This journey, too, would feel like a runaway rollercoaster ride, but this time the ride included the prize of a beautiful little boy in my arms.

There have been plenty of situations in my fifty years of life that I never would’ve chosen for myself. Twists and turns, highs and lows, that I wish I’d never taken.

But, God.

El Roi, the God who sees, is the One who has expertly laid out the tracks that my life has run on. Though my life has all too often felt completely out-of-control, the truth is that God has been guiding and directing my course.

My heart had planned my way, but the Lord is who established my steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

Many have been the plans of my mind, but it has been the purpose of the Lord that has stood. (Proverbs 19:21)

The Lord’s plans have been for my welfare and hope, not for my harm (Jeremiah 29:11-14).

The roller coaster ride of my life has compelled me to seek God, rather than merely coasting down the paths I would have chosen for myself.

How about you? Are you on a ride of life right now that you’re thinking, “I didn’t sign up for this?” Are you looking frantically for the escape hatch? What do you think the Lord is teaching you in the process?

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father, Your ways are higher and better than ours. You hold my life, my future in Your Almighty hand. You are on Your sovereign throne. Help me trust You. Even when I’m walking through dark valleys, help me remember that You are with me, holding my hand and guiding me in the paths of righteousness for Your Name’s sake. Give me strength to trust You to rightly order and direct my steps. In the Name of Jesus Christ, my Good Shepherd and the Captain of my soul, I pray. Amen.

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