by Jen Balkey
There are many intricacies in our world. God has designed each with a unique purpose that serves His larger purpose. As a Christ follower, our basic human functions are fairly similar to others, but we have been given a greater purpose to strive toward. Our purpose as Christ followers has been made clear for us in Scripture. Colossians 1:10-12: “…to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” Further Paul says: “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” (Colossians 1:28)
It is easy to get distracted, derailed, and consumed with the happenings of the world around us and miss our purpose. Because of what Christ CHOSE to do on our behalf, our lives are to be a response to that AWESOME gift! We are to fully embrace this gift. We have been called to become more like Christ so that others may come to know Him. Therefore, the question is simple: IF you believe Christ died for you, how is your life different as a result?
On April 20 and 21, about 40 women from Hebron gathered for our Spring Retreat, “IF:Hebron Women”, to be inspired and encouraged toward one purpose - to be women that are ON FIRE for Him! We are called to fan one another’s flames so that we can continue to press on toward that purpose that He has for us! He does not promise that the journey will be easy. But all the costs have already been paid with Jesus’ blood and our reward is an eternity with Him. The retreat reminded us of our need to be in community with one another, to remind each other, help each other refocus on the real prize—heaven! We are not striving for earthly things - CEO at our job, a white picket fence, a spotless tidy home, perfect genius children— we need to strive towards maturity in Christ by filling our minds with HIM. “Man shall not live by bread alone (the things of this world), but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Luke 4:4, Deut. 8:3b)
We need more than basic food, water, and shelter to live out His calling for us. Thankfully God has provided ALL we need, but we have to choose to embrace those provisions. We need to be in community with God and with other believers that can help us to keep our eyes fixed on God. If we are constantly reminded of who we are, as followers of Christ, and what he wants us to be doing, becoming more like Him and bringing others to know and be more like Him, then we can live more purposefully!
It is so much easier to move forward when we know where we are headed- towards maturity!! We must rely on His purpose for our life to be able to know which fork in the road to take when we get there…. It won’t always look like the one that is prettier or easier- it may be a rocky, hilly, treacherous path- but we KNOW God is with us and has promised us an eternity with Him. Women’s Ministry at Hebron wants to be an encouragement to you. We strive to provide you with opportunities for community and fellowship that will build you up, remind you that you are not alone- you are anchored to Him- JESUS!! Fuel up and press on! Be Anchored and Reach Out!!
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This summer Hebron Women’s Ministry would like to invite you to fan your flame with the following opportunities:
Summer Sensation- Peaches in the Park- Wednesday, July 11 6:30-8pm.
A gathering for women- post high school age and over to gather together at Universal Park. We will enjoy fresh peaches and ice cream. Fellowship with one another. Laugh, play, and spur one another on. ALSO, Shirley Dubeau will join us and share her wisdom with us: Connecting the Dots: Reading, Understanding and Applying Scripture to Our Lives.
IF:Table – Dates to register coming soon at hebrononline.org/adults/women—2 hours, 6 women, 4 questions. An opportunity for fellowship and to encourage one another over a meal.
IF:Hebron Women Refresh - Register soon at hebrononline.org/adults/women—An opportunity to gather in small groups to watch 1 or 2 videos from the retreat and have group discussion. Reflect on how God has been speaking to you, working in you, or what He is calling you to.
