Women leading March 25, 2008

3-24-08

1 Timothy 2: 8-15

My husband and I are trying to be committed to reading God’s word outside of our financial and bible class. So I have decided on Timothy…dissecting the chapters into sections and then journal my thoughts and questions. God has been so faithful to answer all the questions I have with more scripture (with an added bonus of commentary). 

Well, as stated above (1 Timothy 2: 8-15) is what I just finished reading. I remember reading this my sophomore year in college, after praying about being a youth pastor or some type of leader and not understanding what Paul had meant by this verse. He says, “I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly.” (which is a whole other “feminist” topic that will not be discussed at this moment) I write this verse here and have questioned it twice now in my own life……..once as mentioned above and now with pursuing a leadership position with children in a church.

Questions: Is Paul saying I can’t be a leader, Does that mean God doesn’t want me to be a leader, am I allowed to be a leader of any sort, and of course with how our society is….submission what is that….listening quietly? 

Answers:

Thank the Lord though that He has revealed scripture as to why Paul has written on this subject of women leadership….. Paul was writing to the women in Ephesus because as they became new Christians they were teaching and not dressing modestly. Not that they can’t teach but they were uneducated in scripture (“immature”) and were more of a stumbling block rather than a productive leader. 

Even though Paul is basing the scripture on what these women were doing, I believe that this is just as applicable to me and other women just the same. To be modest, not a stumbling block, to be educated in the Word, to be under God’s authority, and to be willing to be placed in whatever position God wants to place you in. 

Hopefully my ramblings are understandable, if not…well I apologize. All I know is that God has given me comfort in the direction of His will that I am choosing and am completely excited for what is in store!!!!

The poor March 7, 2008

“Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’.” Proverbs 20:35

What does this mean to you and do you obey what the Lord says? 

These are a few questions that I have asked myself. This was our memory verse from Crown class and it really struck a cord in my spirit. I shared at class last night that there are numerous times when I despise living in USA. Why? or What!? You might be thinking…..well there are definitely reasons. I feel that we are too “blessed” (if that is what you want to call it) that we take it completely for granted (yes I know, not everyone does but doesn’t seem that there are many who do?). Have you ever experienced living hour to hour wondering when the next time you will get to eat because you don’t even remember the last time you had eaten. Or had shelter and clothes on your back….or running water….clean water.

It blows my mind to hear people complain about the most meaningless things…….do you have food, shelter, water…God….well you are set to go. I must confess, especially with my particular job, I find myself complaining a lot! Which is why this hit me so hard. I have GOD, I have food every time that I am suppose to eat, clothes on my back, clean and running water.

You see I read this verse and I wonder if we (USA) are really doing this….giving to the poor. Not just financially poor, but physically, mentally, emotionally, and/or spiritually poor. Is there more that WE can do……I challenge MYSELF and ALL of YOU to see where we can make a difference to those who are poor and in need. In a BIG sense….not just the comfortable ways….to push ourselves out of our own bubble and approach those in need.

Who knows it may be Jesus!! Read Matthew 25: 34-46