womenretreat-vcws-us.org

Are you a woman of God. Do You have ideas  that will empower and enrich the life of women. Women, please let us keep this forum real. Do not sugar code any issue or topic.  

May God bless you as you share your expirences with fellow women.   

     WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT  

            FOR  ALL SISTERS 

               YEAR   2009 

    BY EBELE

Dear Sisters in Christ,

Greetings in the precious name of the Lord. I bring words of encouragement to strengthen you through out the year, as you serve in your different ministry. I pray that this word of encouragement improves /strengthen your relationship with Christ.

As I read through 1Corinthians chapter 4, it ministered to me in a powerful way.

You will agree with me that as a servant of the Lord, especially those that minister the word, you go through experiences that challenge the very foundation of your believe / your particular ministry.

(By this I mean, if you are called to encourage, you will be challenged in the area of encouragement

Counsel - counseling

Family - family

Marriage - Marriage

Youth Ministry- Youth Ministry

The list goes on

Often we experience trials of different sorts, and this comes in different ways. Sometimes, it might be that we go through a trial as a test to challenge our believe, prove ourselves, as a huddle to a higher calling, more often to increase our spiritual growth.

For true believers, often we are tested. Have I been tasted? Absolutely. Have you been tested? That is a question for you to answer.

However in my case I have prayed that God should give me the grace to rise above such trials.

At times we might be miss led into thinking that we are above trials. I f God was tasted, how much a man.

As servants of the Lord, we either rise above the trial or allow ourselves to be made spectacle to the whole universe i.e. name calling like she calls herself child of God, I wonder how she interprets her Bible etc.

If you have not been tested, count yourself lucky because now you have a guide on how to handle the temptation.

Trials or temptation make us ask such questions like “why me?” Agreed that as human, we ask these questions, I advise that we don’t dual in asking these questions but rather seek solutions to the problem.

Psalm 71 v 20 states “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up. Psalm 31:1-5.

Solutions to each trial and or temptation are found in verse 16 of Chapter 4. Which says that your responds should remind you of Christ Jesus, your believe and it should agree with what you teach or profess. And 2Timothy 2:5 states “Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.

Which area of your life when tested will be rocked? Difficult question right? I am not whishing any one hard times however, we seek to raise the bar for the devil. The only way, we can do this successfully is to know who we are in Christ Jesus found in Psalm 139.

Overcoming trials & temptations brings about increase in Spiritual growth.

I pray for increase in Spiritual Growth for each sister this year in Jesus Name.

LET ALL SISTERS SAY AMEN.

PLS MARK YOUR CALENDER, I WILL BE HOSTING NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

IN MY HOUSE. MAY 1^ST. 6-7PM. I LIVE IN MONTGOMERY VILLAGE. PLS CALL TO

REGISTER - REGISTRATION IS FREE, USE FOR PLANNING PURPOSE. PLS FORWARD MAIL TO PEOPLE THAT LIVE CLOSE BY.

THANK YOU & REMAIN BLESSED.

  Special Women Conference held in May 3rd, 2008.   

 Mrs. E (Committed sister) did a great job as MC to the glory of God.

.  

 Opening Prayer by Mrs. Ebele Onwuachu Coordinator VCWS

 Key Note Speaker

Vicky Schuzle

You can tell a person by their fruit, some of us have some deep root issue that we need to deal with in other to move forward. Once in a while, we mess up and as Christian women there is a great need to come back to God in other to produce good fruit. We need to ask God to show us those nasty aspects in our lives, in order to deal with them.   

We learn from those things that we have done in the past, God usually makes a way for us to be with him, when He does, we should learn the key to get into the secret place to worship, pray and be with him.

We must focus on the roots of things we have done in our life, get them out, so we can become the women of God that we are, because He chooses us from the very foundation of his words.

 Benefits of Waiting upon the Lord by Rev. Josephine Gibson

All the time we take things in our owe hands, when God tells us to do something, we always want to go our own way.When we go our way we mess up things. Genesis 12:1-4 Genesis 16:1&6 See how Abraham the father of all Nations mess up, Still God is merciful to catch us on time and bring us around at the right time. Abraham, The father of all Nations  wonder if the Lord is going to do what he says he will do, The Lord instructed him to leave his Country to where he is going to show him. Their should be no questions about what God wants us to do, He knows us and we should know him. God has a plan and purpose for each of us. Waiting is a place of expectation- God told Abraham to leave his home Land. God says my sheep knows my voice, just like a mother knows her child’s voice. When God speaks to us their should be no questions. Because we are impatient we try to do things our selves, especially if what we want does not happen immediately. We have to be careful to follow God’s instruction. Some times we get into permissive will, because of lack of patience.

God sees the whole picture of our live, He knows our weakness, and we have a great high Priest who always intercedes on our behalf. As Children of God we are victors not victims. God has given us so many tools to use, the bible, there is power in praying, and fasting, Singing, praising God brings his blessings down. There are  times in our life when only God will make the difference in our lives and no one else. We have to

answer the call .it does not matter how old you are,God has a plan for every one. When you are out of God’s will you get into trouble and confusion? We have to wait on the Lord; he will work for your good if you wait on him   

   Reading from the "word of God", The center piece of our gathering.     

                      Testimonies

~

                 Small Group Discussion

                      Prayers

             Inter racial Marriage   

                   Communication

      How to revive relationship 

 Summary  of Group Discussion by Group Leaders

  Ms. Prisca summaries Communication     

Communication   is important. It’s very important.

Weather good or bad we need to communicate.

            Ms. Berlinda  talked about prayers 

Prayer-  We should teach our children how to pray because we might not be their all the time.

Learn about God, know his word and know his voice,Pray for one another. Listen to Christian music that will help you get into the mood and have a prayer partner.

  Ms. Adeola gave steps to revive relationship

Steps to revive relationship

Apologize

Forgiveness is a process

Turn to God for his will

Pray for your partner

Communication   is important. It’s very important.

Weather good or bad we need to communicate.

            Group Pictures

Ebele's Mother and Sisters from Maryland and Virginia

                
                       Supported the Conference with Confidence, Thanksgiving and Testimonies to the Glory of God. 

  Beautiful sisters from Work Supported the women conference with love for Jesus. 

        Ms. K did a good job on raffle and presentation of gifts to winners.

     Glory be to God. Prayers is always the key to our success.
 

Hot Dinner was served

      Meet our Speakers

       Special Women Conference May 3^rd, 2008.

                 Theme: Showers of Blessing  

             Ezekiel   34:11-16 d (25-31), Isaiah 54 & 55

Two Wonderful sisters with beautiful voices sang the song "Showers of Blessing" 

There is no gift that surpasses the gift of the word of God. The wisdom that the word brings surpasses silver or choice gold, for wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired may not be compared to it. Proverbs 8:10-11.

The blessings that comes from God, is durable and lasting blessing, it does not fed nor wears out.

Showers of Blessing is blessing that comes from only one source “The Most High God, the Creator of Heaven & Earth”. These blessings are available to you and me, How ever, the fact that it is available does not mean that you will get it automatically. Example Federal & State Government do have all kinds of grants which is available to its citizen. Yet not all American citizens get the grant.

1. You must be a citizen 2. You must meet the requirement or criteria before you can apply for the grant and then it has to be processed to be approved or disapproved.   

As a Christian, you have to commit your ways and thoughts to God and he will establish it. (Pr 16:3) This is the first and most important step to getting your blessings. This means that you have to become a child of God, Citizen of the highest God.

 Unless you position yourself, to receive from God, you might end up toiling all your life for nothing. The book of Haggai 1:5-6, God says “Give careful thought to your ways. Other wise you will be like the man who have planted much, but have harvested little. He will eat but never have enough. He will drink, but never have his fill. He will put on clothes, but will not be warm. He earns wages, only to put them in a purse with holes.      

   Here God is telling you and me to give careful thought to our ways.

If you don’t want a counter fit blessing or you don’t want to be all stressed out pursuing vain blessing then you must stop and make a U turn back to the source and creator of Heaven and Earth.                   

In Proverbs 8:32-35, we are encouraged to go to God, it states “Come to me, for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is that man that hears me, watch daily at my gates, waiting at the post of my doors, for who findeth me finds life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord. 

 Ezekiel further prophesies that a day will come when God would send a Shepherd after his own heart (i.e., the Messiah) that would truly care for the people. Rather than being exploited and manipulated, the flock will receive “showers of blessing”.

 This shepherd is Jesus the Messiah; he came from David’s line

(Ps 89:4, 20, 29; Jer 23:5-6). He shepherd God’s people as a righteous priest, prophet and king. He is “the good shepherd” (Jn 10:14), He led down his life for the sheep (Jn 10:1-18; 1 Jn 3:1; 1 Pe2:25; 5:4). The Messiah Shepherd will restore the peace and perfection that characterized life before sin entered the world (Ge 1-3). This covenant, also called the “new covenant (Jer31:31-34), will reach its full realization only when God’s kingdom is forever established in the new heaven and the new earth (Rev 21-22). Than there will be” showers of Blessing” for the redeemed and the full presence of God among his people.  

With the full meaning of Showers of Blessing at the back of our mind, each of us have to position our selves to receive from God. Showers of blessing is for the redeem. God has promised abundant blessing for his own here on earth and in the life to come, abundant blessing. To receive blessing from God, is a matter of choice. When you hear God’s word, what do you do with it; do you consider His message as an entertainment?  Are you one of those that hear God’s word and don’t put them into practice?

God desires to make a covenant with you today. My dear sisters in the Christ are you ready to position yourselves to receive God’s blessing? He desires to pull out the weed in your life, for your safety.

He desires to send you showers of blessing in season and out of season; that the field in your life will yield their fruits and the ground its crop. Ladies what are the field in your lives? Your Home, Job, Children, business etc. Do you want to prosper? Today is the day.  POSITION YOURSELF

In Haggai 2:8 The Lord Almighty declares that the silver and gold are his. When you position your self to receive from him, he promises in v 9 that your present glory will be greater than your former glory. He will also grant you peace. (Remember Job).      

Psalm 1 states that blessed is the man who does not walk in the council of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. He is like a man planned by the streams of water which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. What ever he does prospers  (Jn 7 :38 )” Whoever believes in me , as the scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him”  (3Jn:2)  “All MAY GO WELL“ it is God’s plan and will that believers be healthy and that our lives be accompanied by his blessings. He wants all to go well with us, our work, plans, purposes, ministry; Families, etc go according to God’s will and direction. It is very important that we submit to His will. 

Exodus 23:20-33 tells us that if we forsake other gods; break away from the practices of idol worship; do not enter into covenant with idol worshipers or their gods; and worship only Him;  His blessing will be on the food we eat and the water we drink. He will take away sickness from us and none will miscarry or be barren in our mist, we will enjoy full life span. The Lord promises that little by little He will remove all hindrance in our life, and He will make our enemies to be at peace with us.    

  It is God’s will that we earn enough to provide shelter, food and clothing for ourselves and families, and have enough to help others and to further Christ’s cause (Php4:15-19). We know that God is able to give us enough for our needs (2 Co 9:8-12) and that he promises to supply our needs according to his riches and glory in Christ Jesus.

We must recognize the Bible teaching that we might go through certain difficulties / times of needs  in order to be encouraged to trust him more and to develop our faith, spiritual endurance and ministry (Ro 8:35-39; 2 Co 4:7-12; 6:4-10; 1 Pe 1:6-7).

We may undergo severe distress when our testimony    about and service to Christ brings persecution and oppression from the world (Lk 6:20-23; Heb 10:32-34 Rev 2:9-10.

We may experience poverty due to national or natural   circumstances, such as war, famine, drought, or poor economic or social conditions (Ac11:28-30; 2Co 8:2, 12-14).

God’s presence, help and blessing in our physical lives is related to the prosperity of our spiritual lives. We must seek God’s will (Mt 6: 10; Heb 10:7-9), obey the Holy Spirit

( Ro 12-1-2)  love God’s Word( Jas 1: 21)  seek his help in prayer ( Mt 6:9-13; Heb 4:16) work hard ( 2 Th 3:6-12)  trust him to supply our needs ( Mt 6:25-34) and live by the principle of seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness( Mt 6:33).      

 Finally when you are in the Lord, nothing will separate you from the love of God. Job for example was tempted beyond imagination. The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first. Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the forth generation. The restoration of Job’s fortunes reveals God’s purpose for all faithful believers.

Have you been tested like Job? No I don’t think so……….. Why not trust in the Lord today, position yourself and receive your blessings starting from today and at the end showers of blessing.

Presented by Ebele Onwuachu

Coordinator Volunteer Christian Women Speakers   

 Mrs. Linda Powell talked on Relationship 

 Linda C. Powell is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Maryland - She gave her life to Christ  since she was seventeen through reading  Billy Graham Book.

Psalm 145:8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.

You need to be gracious…  In a  relationship, we play two roles, we either take responsibility and

take it all or fall into one of three roles, which is play the blamer( you made me do it and I don’t like

you ), rescuer (I am going to take care of you)or victim(poor me) .

1 peter 3:1& 3 talks about the role of woman is honor her husband and respect him, if we are not playing the

role of taken up the responsibility then we are doing the other three.

We can be aware that we are playing a role but may not be willing to change. The second thing is the Lord is

full of compassion, compassion is difficult in a relationship. People of domestic violence, lack compassion,most times, they emphazise that you don’t know what their partner’s did to them.   Teaching compassion is learning to change.

Commitment: we have to be committed in our relationship. if you do not commit

to a relationship; you are not going to make it.

Commitment means to submit to one an other out of reverence for Christ, found in Ephesians 5:21.

Slow to anger: anger is a grave emotions .when we are angry, three things have happened . some one has cross our boundary, and we have

been hurt or afraid. We need to process what the anger is about and manage it?

Slow to anger is prayer we need to pray for wisdom Proverb 14:1 says “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

Lord is abounding in mercy. In Micah 6:8, the Lord requires of us to love mercy, It is important that mercy be

Communicative. We can just hold on to feeling and do nothing about it , if we do nothing about it, nothing is going to happen.

Forgiveness, forgiveness is a

process, friends, spouse can hurt you, depending on what it is, and you have to keep saying God I want to forgive them. It is not saying that the person did not do anything wrong but it is saying that I’m pardoning

you for what you did wrong to me. Ephesians 4:32 Lord says, we forgive He has forgiven us.

Loving and Kindness: what are our real motives in getting into a relationship? To connect and have a deep intimate relationship?

Relationship is hard work, Ephesians 5:33 “ each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. It’s interesting that God said we should

respect while the man loves us. With respect we learn appreciation, we must  ask God to help us to see things that

we appreciate in our spouses.

Boundaries: learn to set boundaries, let your spouse know this is the way you feel when you do this, learn to set limit with other people.

                BODY IMAGE by

   Tonya  Jackson -RN,BSN,MHA,C-DONA/LTC,WCC 

Recited a poem for all the beautiful sisters. 

I THINK THIS APPLIES TO YOU

A Christian woman is proud of herself

She respects herself and others

She is aware of who she is

She needs to see definition from the person she is

She is hopeful

…………………

……………………

God gave us the body and it is something we should

take care of. A person with low esteem says there is

no good in me, a person with proud esteem says there

is good in me, and a person with theological based

sound esteem says the good in me is because God loves

me just as I am.

Once we confess that we are not beautiful, it doesn’t

matter how many compliments we get.

We should know that we are created beautifully because

we are created in God image.

Determine factors of the world’s self esteem are

Physical, popularity, pleasure, performances, pose

cession, prestige; this system reduces people to

product. Lets demonism the system that elevates the

strong qualities, instead develop self worth based on

internal qualities character, compassion, creativity,

clarity

We should celebrate who God has made us to be. And not

what the society wants us to celebrate.

The worlds Self esteem is a sense of values that comes

from heaven of restored relationship with God. Christ

died for us and if he thinks so much of us then we

should think much of God. God loves me; God cherishes

us just the way we are. We are viewed in three ways;

three view how people view you, how you view your self

and how God views you.  Psalm 139:14-16 says   I

praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully

made;……..”.