Handmaidens - Christian Issues

January 15, 2001

Christian Issues

Topics

Just A Thought
By Staff Writer Sharon Barrett

John 20:21 "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."

"Peace," the word used in the Old Testament and still found today among Semitic peoples, basically means "completeness" or "soundness." It also refers to well being and security. Jesus is telling his disciples they will be complete and sound in their work for Him. What a blessing giving the Light of the Word to the world knowing we have Jesus backing us with a completeness and soundness in Him. How can we refuse to do the very thing that Jesus also did, even one kind act or word is doing the work of the Lord.

Cover Page
Christian
Comedy
Education
Essays, etc.
Health
Home
Letters
Marriage
Stewardship
Parenting
Poetry/Art
Sites to See
Work
Extra

Peacefully Riding Out the Storm
by Iona Hoeppner

As I begin to compose the first issue of Handmaidens of 2001 and the premier issue as part of Handmaidens 4 Christ I can't believe all that God has done. Especially amazing is the fact He took a simple one page web testimony written by an internet idiot and grew it into several thousand pages spread over many sites and seen by almost three million visitors a year!

Had I known where He was taking me as I struggled for days to hack out that first crude page, I would never have attempted it at all... no way! I would have "known" it was beyond me...

And had I foreseen the battles to be fought with the enemy as he railed against me and all I hold dear, I would have feared the fight and wavered off the path... Because I am weak and I am afraid... and I know that all too well... and so does He!

So my wise and loving Father in heaven nudged me ever so gently to take one faltering step at a time. He held my hand, warmed my heart, inspired my mind and poured His love all over me. Each time the enemy brought disaster, my Father spoke peace; my Savior taught joy; my Comforter breathed serenity...

I prayed for a "calling" for a very long time before I realized I had one! You see, God had a calling for me, just as He does for you, but He didn't tell me all at once. He gave me smaller tasks first and lessons to grow by so that I would be prepared for the next assignment.

The same is true of life's stormy seas. The greater the storm the more I learn to trust in Him and the more dependent I become on the Master, the better I can serve Him. Since we have been serving Christ on the internet we have lost nearly everything (material) we had, yet I now find it really doesn't matter... I am amazed that I can truthfully say that!

If you are serving the Lord, there will be storms - I'll mince no words about that - but He has promised a peace beyond comprehension. So do not be distracted by the storm; stay on course, holding tightly to the Savior's hand... He is right there with you, and He has control over the storm.

Don't Give Up!
Submitted by LIZJOH

I have better things ahead for you.
(Jeremiah 29:11.)

Keep running the race.
(Hebrews 12:1)

Keep your eyes on the prize.
(Philippians 3:14)

No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
(Luke 9:62.)

Don't look back. Don't give in. Don't give up. When you're tempted to give up because the promise I gave you has not come to fruition.

Remember Abraham and Sarah. They waited 20 years for the birth of Isaac. I did not fail them, and I will not fail you. Your Isaac will indeed be birthed. Only, don't give up.

When you're tempted to give up on your dream, remember Joseph. He was 17 when he dreamed his dream. How distant that dream became during his 13 years of bondage in Egypt, during the time he was locked away in Pharaoh's prison, with no hope of release. I had a plan for Joseph. A plan too glorious for even a dreamer such as he. I did not fail Joseph and I will not fail you. The plan for your life continues to unfold, even if you cannot see it from the pit of your own prison. Nothing can stop it. I am the Lord. I have spoken it. It will come to pass. Only, do not give up!

I did not forget Daniel in the lion's den; or Esther in the king's palace; or Hannah whose womb was empty; or the three Hebrew boys thrown in to the fiery furnace, I never once took my eyes off Joseph in Pharaoh's prison. I will not take my eyes off you.

Remember my servant Job. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
(Psalm 30:5.)

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (us), and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of (our) faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the crown, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
(Hebrews 12:1-2.)

Don't give up, Beloved!
Falter, Stumble, Question, Weep, Endure, Occupy.....
But don't give up!

Graphics, Design & Hosting by Web4Christ Ministries