FECPI Women in Ministry

01/07/2023

09/01/2023

"WHAT AUTHORITY DO YOU HAVE?"
Read John 2: 17-22
Jesus entered the temple and saw the "men selling sheep, cattle, and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money" (v14). He then made a whip out of cords and drove everyone out of the temple (v15-16). Then the disciples remembered what was written in the sacred scrolls: "Zeal for your house will consume me" (v17). They recognized Jesus' authority from God in driving out the sellers and overturning the tables of the money changers. The religious leaders however responded by saying, "What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?" (v18). They asked Jesus to give proofs of his authority. Jesus' actions did not sit well with them. In other words, the religious leaders were questioning Jesus' authority: "What gave you the right to do this?" The disciples recognized that Jesus' passion is holiness. But the religious leaders were offended and they challenged His authority. The temple today is us and is not a physical structure. We are God's temple. In the same way, Jesus wants to remove the clutter in our lives. He wants us to 'clean house.' He wants us to turn away from sin and start afresh this 2023.

Reflect
How do you respond when Jesus is clearly pointing out areas in your life that He wants to clear? Are you more like the disciples or more like the religious leaders?
What might Jesus be dealing in your life right now?

Resolve
Jesus is patient and longsuffering. But He will also not delay. He will never set aside His agenda for you. When Jesus wants to drive away the 'clutter' and noise' in your life, He is serious about it. His passion is holiness of heart and life. Jesus will not postpone it for another day or two. He means to clean house right now. Will you be like the disciples who acknowledged Jesus' real deal? Or like the religious leaders who asked for proofs and challenged His authority? How you will respond is up to you.

"Lord Jesus, I struggle to let go at times because I am afraid. But I also know that you want what is best for me. Give me courage to obey you and do as you say. I choose to trust you because Your plans are far better than mine. Amen

05/01/2023

"THEY HAVE NO MORE WINE..."
Read John 2: 1-3
Mary and Jesus and his friends were invited to a wedding. It was a party, a celebration. Jesus had selected a few men to be his disciples in chapter 1 and he begins his ministry with them. You might be thinking, what a way to start ministry! But this says a lot about Jesus. He wants to be involved in people's lives including on special occasions. Weddings in Jesus' time usually lasted for days or even a week. After the wedding ceremony, there would be a procession to the bride's house where the reception began and speeches were made. And then, another procession to the groom's house where the party really begins. It was during this time when Mary told Jesus, "they have no more wine" (v3). There was so much celebrating in weddings that it was a big deal to run out of wine and a huge embarrassment to the community. Imagine running out of food during your big event. After the exchange between Mary and Jesus, He performs his first miracle.

Reflect
Have you made it your practice to invite Jesus not just in your day to day living but most especially in the special occasions of your life?
What are your plans and goals for 2023? What can you do so that Jesus is involved in them?

Resolve
Jesus wants to be involved in our lives. But we have to invite Him in so He can be a part of not just the ordinary events of our lives but even more so on special ones and big ones. We can never predict how Jesus might work out in the messy circumstances of our lives or in our plans so that they conform to His plans for us. Like this wedding in Cana where Jesus performed a miracle, perhaps He is just waiting to be invited so He can perform a miracle in your life this year. Why not invite Him in and declare your lack, "Jesus, there is no more wine."

"Lord Jesus, I do not know what 2023 holds for me but you do. And so, I want to ask you to come and be a part of my life circumstances, whether big or small, significant or mundane. I submit myself, my dreams, my plans into your hands because I want You to be involved in my life every step of the way. Amen."

24/09/2022

"But when you pray..."

10/08/2022

"LET NOTHING MOVE YOU..."
Read 1 Corinthians 15: 58
The Apostle Paul, acting as an older brother, encouraged the believers of Corinth with these three: (1) stand firm, (2) let nothing move you, and (3) give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. In doing so, they were to realize that doing God's will is not in vain. This verse is also situated in the entire section about the resurrection. In short, Paul wanted the believers to realize that in everything, they were to keep looking toward the future when they will live behind everything and be with Christ. Similarly, we are to have the same perspective while doing God's will. Not grumbling or complaining. If you share the Gospel and people reject it, then don't think it is useless because you will be rewarded by the Lord in the end. If you serve and yet, people are unsatisfied with your service, then do not let that pull you down. What you do in the present will matter in the future.

Reflect
Have you been experiencing some disappointment lately or, going through tough times? Get it out of your chest and tell God right now what the heaviness in your heart is.
How might this verse encourage you to continue despite what you are experiencing right now?

Resolve
We get distracted when we are too focused on the difficulties and problems. But Paul has said that when we do God's will, we will be richly rewarded. Take heart! Let nothing get in your way and be immoveable like a rock (KJV translation). Do not be persuaded into thinking that all is in vain and useless. If we look toward the future when we will resurrect and be with Christ, then all labor in the Lord is not in vain. And to give ourselves fully means 'to flourish and thrive' while doing the will of God... even when it becomes too difficult. Stand firm. Be immoveable. Abound.

"Lord Jesus, thank you for encouraging me with these words. It is true that your words give life and strength each day. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on you as I go about my activities today knowing full well that when I do your will, it means a lot to you, amen."

08/08/2022

What kind of friend are you at some point? I became one of these to a lot of people that came my way.

13/07/2022

"DO NOT FRET..."
Read Psalm 37:1-4
The phrase "fret not" (v1) literally means "do not be worked up" or "do not get heated." If the psalmist were to use our modern language today, he would probably say "chill!" In short, do not be provoked when you see the wicked are prospering and are unaffected while the righteous suffer. Why should we not get worked up by the evil that we see? Like green, luscious plants that eventually turn brown and wither, the wicked will vanish and will come to an end. All the seemingly unending fame, recognition, and wealth of the wicked will pass and perish. Verse 9 says "they will be cut off."

Reflect
Do you get envious when you see the wicked prospering and thriving while the righteous continue to live a hard life? Why is that so?
How can you be more secure in God's love even during hard or challenging times?

Resolve
The psalmist offered a solution in verses 3 and 4 on how to avoid being provoked by the evildoers. First, the righteous are to "trust the Lord and do good." Instead of worrying and envying, trust God and do good for his glory and honor. This implies fixing our eyes on God because when we take our eyes off him, we get distracted by the evil around us. Secondly, we are to "dwell in the land and feed on his faithfulness." This means, to go on living by enjoying the provisions of God. This implies being grateful for the goodness of the Lord who provides for our daily needs. Lastly, the righteous are to "delight in the Lord." This means doing God's will and obeying him always. This entails cultivating an intimate relationship with Jesus so that one knows exactly what he wants that will bring him glory. And his promise is "He shall give you the desires of your heart."

"Lord Jesus, thank you for reminding me that you see the unrighteous and that they will not remain forever. Help me to fix my eyes on you always and do what you say so that you get the glory. Show me what delights you that I may live my life honoring you always, amen."

23/06/2022

"THE LORD FORBID..."
Read 1 Kings 21
We are familiar with the story of Naboth's vineyard and how King Ahab had seized it through Jezebel, his wicked queen. The thing that struck me and stood out from my reading is in verse 3, "But Naboth replied, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my ancestors.” This verse reflects the unwavering commitment of Naboth in obeying God's law. What was this law? You see, Israel was forbidden by the Lord from selling the land because it was not their possession. “‘The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers'" (Lev. 25:23). The Lord owned the land and gave it to Israel to steward it by tilling and caring for it. The land was their sustenance since it yielded crops like honey. Their cattle fed from the grass of the land and so provided them with milk. This is why the Lord described the land as "overflowing with milk and honey" (Exo. 3:8). Naboth was aware of God's command and he was determined to obey it which is why he turned down King Ahab's offer to buy his part of the land.

Reflect
How determined are you in obeying God's laws? Excellent? Above average? Average? Needs improvement?
How can you remain unwavering like Naboth in your commitment to God and His laws or commands?

Resolve
King Ahab was also determined to get hold of Naboth's property. Queen Jezebel, his wicked wife, got it for him by hiring scoundrels who accused Naboth of wrongdoing and punished him by stoning him to death. We have a choice today. There are times, we are like King Ahab and we flatly refuse or disregard God's laws. At other times, we are like Naboth who is fully committed to following God and His laws. In Hebrews 3:15 it says, "If you hear his voice today, don't be stubborn like those who rebelled." Choose today whom you will follow and obey. Be a Naboth and be fully committed to the Lord.

"Lord Jesus, I am unworthy to come before you. Yet, because of your mercy and compassion, You let me approach your throne of grace. I repent of my stubbornness to submit to your Lordship. Help me to live this day and the rest of my life fully committed to you. Help me to obey you and do as you say, amen."

02/06/2022

"SHALOM AND ME..."
Read Genesis 2:4-25
These verses give us a full picture of God's creation. This picture provides clear proof that God intends abundant and flourishing life. It depicts wholeness and shalom. Shalom comes from the Hebrew root which denotes wholeness or completeness. It does not only mean the absence of war or conflict because it also means bountiful physical conditions, moral value--"a universal flourishing" (Plantinga, 2011). Hence, life as God intended it to be is where there is both inner and outer peace and harmony. In other words, it is having the right relationship with ourselves, God, others, and the environment.

Reflect
How would you describe a relationship characterized by shalom?
Where do you see shalom in your family? community?

Resolve
Reflect on the four aspects of relationships and how our peace in these relationships leads to shalom. Think about how you might move closer to shalom. Identify the hindrances that prevent you from experiencing shalom in the relationship and think of ideas how you can overcome these hindrances. Then generate ideas as to the fruit or result of restoring shalom in the relationship.
Hindrances to Shalom Overcome Hindrances Result of Shalom
restored
relationship with myself
relationship with God
relationship with others
relationship with the environment

"Lord Jesus, when I think about your plans and purposes, I am left in awe of you. Help me to be a channel of your shalom wherever you choose to put me and however you want me to serve you. May others see you in my life, work, relationships, and service, amen."

17/05/2022

"CALL ON ME..."
Read Psalm 50: 7-15
In these verses, note that God is upset over Israel's act of sacrifice. The people sacrificed wheat and bull all the while thinking that God needs something from them. But God rebukes Israel for He owns "every wild animal of the forest...the cattle on a thousand hills" (v10). He owns everything! God was very clear, He does not need them because there is nothing that Israel can offer to God in exchange for provision and sustenance.

What God wants is total dependence on him for He said, "call on Me in the day of trouble, I will deliver you" (v15). When we are in trouble, God will rescue us. Hence, the sacrificial system was a reminder that Israel was to be totally dependent on God. Whatever Israel offered back to God came from God first So, the sacrificial system was also a reminder to the Israelites that God desires to be their provider and deliverer.

Reflect
When are you most aware of God's presence and work in your life?
How can you grow into maturity as a disciple of Christ in the area of dependence on Him?

Resolve
I am most aware of God's presence in my life when I am troubled, worried, or anxious. During these times, I am also keenly aware that I need God's help. God wants me to call on Him in the day of trouble. He promises to come and rescue and deliver me. It's actually a simple formula:
facing trouble --> call out to God --> God delivers --> God gets the honor

In other translations, the final verse is "you shall glorify Me." In short, God wants us to call on Him when we are troubled as a sign of our faith and dependence on Him. For when we do so, He is most glorified.

"Lord Jesus, thank you for reminding me that You are more than willing and able to help me when I am in trouble. There is no problem too big that You cannot solve. May I never forget to call on You first and in this way, may You receive all the glory, honor, and praises, amen."