Vineyard Women

Sharing and Prayer

Sharing and praying for one another, and the quality of

these is crucial. What do you share? How do you pray?

Sharing: In the name of "openness and honesty"

too often we share our sins without guilt or repentance:

 

"I'm so worried about my job" (Php. 4:6: "Do not be anxious about

anything");

 "My schedule's driving me crazy" (Mt. 11:28: "Come unto Me... and rest,"

which includes obedience to get out of the rat race)....

And then we pray soothing, feel-good prayers ("Lord, give him peace;" "Lord,

help her get her stuff done") -- and everybody goes away unchanged.

God teaches gutsy love: "Correct, rebuke and encourage -- with great patience and

careful instruction" (2 Ti. 4:2).

This takes much prayer -- before, after, and during!

"I just couldn't get to quiet times this week...." Which is your response: "Oh, I'm

so sorry! I'll pray for you next week" or "Well, we're all just human..."?

When the Spirit writes "Live in peace with each other" He's not saying, "Be

wimpy, it's okay." His next sentence is, "Warn those who are idle; encourage the timid;

help the weak; be patient with everyone" (2 Th. 5:13,14).

And Paul writes in Colossians 1:28, "We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching

everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ."

Hate sin! Love Christ and each other!

PRAYER (Write it down to the Lord.)

1. Adoration. Try not to use the word "thank." To adore the Lord is to

admire Him, to tell Him how wonderful He is in as many ways as you

can think of.

2. Confession. (Cup your hand over your paper so your neighbor can't

see!) Be specific. Be repentant.

3. Thanksgiving. I John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and

just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all

unrighteousness"! Thank Him! And for so many other specific

blessings in your life.

4. Supplication. This means strong asking! Be bold; be specific; ask for

something measurable that would bring Him glory.

 

 Anne Ortlund

The Importance of Your Words

   

 

The Importance of Your Words

How important your words are!

People everywhere are in need of Christians' words.

"Teach and admonish one another with all wisdom" (Col. 3:16).

"Let the redeemed of the Lord say so" (Ps. 107:2 KJV).

"An anxious heart weighs a man down,

but a kind word cheers him up" (Pr. 12:25).

"Encourage each other with... words" (1 Th. 4:18).

**A good "rule of thumb" is, when you have something negative to say, say

it face to face, so the other can catch your kind tone of voice and feel your touch.

When you have something positive to say, say it, of course -- but better, write it!

**When you leave this earth, make it your goal to leave behind hundreds

of tender little notes, loving words, commendations.... Leave a paper trail behind

you, for people to remember you by!

"Encourage the timid" (1 Th. 5:14), "gently instruct" (2 Ti. 2:25), commend

your spiritual leaders

(Heb. 13:17).... Let the words flow.

 

Look at the first two chapters of Luke: every character in the story, when

filled with the Holy Spirit, opened up with words! You don't have forever; while you have the opportunity, you do the same. And

before each of your group meetings, ask God to fill you afresh with His Spirit.

 

"A word aptly spoken

is like apples of gold in settings of silver" (Pr. 25:12)