Love this question…What is God’s absolute principle that should guide all our thinking concerning gender reconciliation between men and women? It is equality – absolute equality.

Pondering today what is modeled for us in the Godhead between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – Equality – with no hierarchy in the Trinity, only absolute equality states Vinson Synan from “Women in Ministry” Ministries Today (January/February, 1993), 46.

What was laid down in the Garden of Eden when God, Elohim-a plural unity – created man and woman in His image? Equality. Elohim spoke out of the darkness that He hovered in…and spoke creation into existence – including man and then woman. It was voiced they were both to have dominion, to be fruitful and multiply – both were necessary and valuable to the process of the ability to create life, and have voice!

What absolute is never contradicted in Scripture? Equality.

In early history, from the book of Genesis, people decided to build a tower. There are towers built every day today, but our towers are more subtle than the Tower of Babel for instance. Our modern towers are hierarchies, pyramid charts, and structures that appear to give some people more value than others. Our hierarchical structures begin in pride and self-assertion, not in God or His Word, and then end in injustices based on religion – not Christianity.

Even in Satan’s original temptation to man and women in Genesis 3 – “you will be like God” – suggested that they should assert and elevate themselves. Refuse this temptation! We all have equal value, even though we have unique personalities and different giftings, callings and functions. God created each of these. His integrity determines value and place within the Kingdom. I am reminded often of the Parable of the Talents…will I, as a woman, be a good and faithful servant of all that God has called me to, anointed me to – that I may give a good response when standing before Him being judged as to why I did or did not, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit – regardless of those who have differing views on a volatile subject matter dealing with women and their role in ministry in this 21st century.

God set up a human judicial system in Exodus 18 out of necessity. He gave certain people control over others based on need for order in a sinful, imperfect world. He set authority in earth, whether parents to lead families or leaders for the church or leaders for government, because we have practical need of them to function. HOWEVER, we should not confuse function with value or permission to set limitations.
Each of us is valued before God – and I for one want to walk copying the loving, humble pattern given by the Trinity and backed up by the Word of God. Jesus taught me to wash other’s feet and to serve others. This principle should rule in the Body of Christ and ultimately in every society and every nation: the absolute equality of male and female to serve others as they Go – Preach the Gospel, making disciples where God takes them. Humanity - made in the image of God. Jesus payed the supreme price on the cross for male and female – souls that He deemed are valuable in all kingdom work – so that all might do His will and follow the same call.

…Considering that as the righteous remnant brings their lives into line with what God shows, modeling truth as salt, and teaching others His light through love of equality – the World will respond to the love. More and more individual’s lives will be transformed as the church. Then the nation and world, become more influenced by laying down their opinions, and raising the banner of truth – truth that sets us free – as society grows in grace and knowledge, attaining peace, freedom and prosperity for all. This is God’s absolute for us all.

I for one must respond toward God's purposes, and not quenching or grieving the Holy Spirit at work...but responding in God's truth and not always what the majority of people might believe.

God, YOUR grace still amazes me. Your love is so pure.

Reference:
Cunningham, L. & Hamilton, D. (2000). Why Not Women? Seattle, WA: YWAM Publishing

Speaking Peace to the Storms

Isaiah 43:1-2, 4-5 “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.

Since you are precious in My sight, You have been honored; And I have loved you; Fear not, for I am with you. Other translations say – “Fear not, I am protecting you.”

It’s been a few days of pounding rain and flooding in Hampton Roads. Our neighborhood streets and cul-de-sac have been flooded; cars in the neighborhood were under water, sunrooms, sheds and backyards full of water, families were evacuated from apartment buildings and their houses. There is no way to get in or out of my neighborhood, even in hubby’s 350 “big diesel truck” because the water in the streets has nowhere to go. Toilets were backing up due to city sewer lines being overwhelmed – wet towels piling up – that cannot be washed because there is no place the laundry water can go except overflow the garage. The smell of sour and polluted water, is taxing on ones senses. I would mop up, and the rain would begin again, negating everything I had already done.

I have a much greater appreciation for areas that have been devastated by hurricane systems or tropical storms. I have a greater appreciation for how numb one can become when there is nothing we can physically do but watch weather elements cause destruction. I have learned more about what it means to have no control – except to step into the authority of prayer – and partner with Jesus to command that the devil have no power to kill, steal and destroy – and ask for the storms to be still. “For if you ask anything in My name, I will do it, so that the Father will get glory from the Son.” (John 14: 14 – The Voice).

I have come to a greater appreciation of He who Lives in Me! I am thankful that in my uncomfortable circumstances; The Father has sent a great Helper, the Holy Spirit, that in His name He teaches me everything and reminds me, His peace is the legacy He has left to us. He does not give gifts like those of the world. And He says, Do not let your heart be troubled or fearful” in these storms of life – in which it is so easy to lose focus on the “Eye” of the storm – where peace and quiet and still – our Jesus – reigns. (John 14:25-27).

The Holy Spirit is present with believers – and I am called to be a redeeming force on this earth, and reclaim the peace of Jesus Christ, even in the midst of storms. I stand in the place of declaring “This all belongs to God” as I live and breathe in the power of the Holy Spirit. As I am uncomfortable in the midst of the storms that may happen, I can rejoice in the Holy Spirit as He plants and teaches dependence on Him – through the teachings of the Lord from within me where He dwells and reigns.

I am grateful to know that even in my concern as the water rises in my neighborhood during profuse rainstorms – I hold on to the promise that calms my fears – “I will never abandon you like orphans; I will be with you.” (John 14:18). He has us in the palm of His hand – and that is an understanding of great magnitude. He who lives in Me, loves me, cares for me, knows me and has me in every circumstance in life. How awesome that as I abide in His truth, HE abides in me…

El Shaddai

You may have weaknesses, but God has strength.
You may have sin in your life, but God has grace.
You may fail, but God remains faithful.

El Shaddai - YOU are the all sufficient One - God Almighty.

God is the all-sufficient source of all our blessings. He is all powerful. Our problems are not too big for God to handle - what an amazing promise we can hold fast to. YOU have a mighty arm; Strong is Your hand, and high is Your right hand...Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mery and truth go before Your face...Psalm 89:13-14.

Psalm 90:2 - Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting ... You Are God!

This past week I participated at a She Speaks conference to study and learn more about the art of speaking in front of others. While reviewing my notes I had written down, I came across a note to myself about the personal ability to control results of speaking to an audience. It made me consider that you and I must always partner with God, and recognize HE is the One who needs to be large and in charge while bringing conviction where conviction is needed, comfort where comfort is needed, and change where change is needed. I must be willing to complement and support what is doing, so that God can advance the gospel message in HIS creative glory. It is only in this manner that He can use my voice to share life experiences and current circumstances as part of your good and my good. For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose! Romans 8:28 (NIV 1984).

In our workmanship of His purposes and plans - we can be confident in our El Shaddai.

Quick Refresh

A few months ago, my dryer finally not only quit, but burned up in a few internal areas to make sure the message was loud and clear... it was NOT repairable! It seemed logical that probably the washing machine was not in very good shape any longer either after so many years of use. So, after shopping around a bit, I now have a fancy silver and grey washer and dryer! I have been learning how to use and program the various cycles, spin levels, temperature levels and which laundry detergent works best for us in this new learning curve of operating both the washer and dryer. After arriving home from She Speaks 2012 I dutifully unpacked my suitcase and added it to the ever growing pile of laundry that was to be washed and dried. The last washed load went in to the dryer last night fairly late in the evening and my tired mind was reminded a few times - don't forget to hang up certain items before I went to bed - to avoid the dreaded iron and ironing board tomorrow morning. Well, you know what happened. In the midst of the early morning routine...I stepped into the garage to get dog food first thing for the "puppy girls" and remembered the clothes left in the dryer overnight. Of course the black dress pants and jacket were in just a wee bit of a twisted, wrinkled mess. My first thought of course was oh no - I don't have time for this! And, today I am meeting "so and so" and I want to feel comfortable and look my best...well, I really wanted these two items available to wear. But then, I remembered a new button on my dryer - one which my son has asked me a few times as to whether or not I had used it yet - called "quick refresh." Well me and quick refresh had a very successful 12 minutes learning together its powerful workings! The end result was clothing I could hang up with a fresh scent and with no more wrinkles in my garments. Quick Refesh! Wow! What a wonderful feature on my dryer. The best "quick refresh" I know however, is the Word! Isaiah 50:4 was my quick refresh this morning; "The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak a word in season to him [or her] who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning." (NKJV). Now, who would not be quickly refreshed in knowing our God has awakened us this morning! That He has provided a Word, every moment in due season to be encouraged from any weariness or dismay. God, the one who is speaking voice into our lives that we no longer have spot or wrinkle - through both the "quick refresh" when we need Him at a moments notice, or in those long extended sweet quiet times we have. Matthew 11:28-30 says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gently and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light" (NKJV). Rest in the natural and spiritual "quick refresh."

Living the Glory Supernaturally

"Let your glory come down Lord."

It is amazing that God "in us" is also His glory from heaven, that enables the supernatural in not only our lives, but to impact the lives of other as it is perfected and displayed. He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before Him in love...to the praise of His glorious grace. Ephesians 1:4-6 (NRSV). Grace is but glory begun...and glory is but grace perfected! Psalm 139:14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. \o/

Isaiah 11 - The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon you and me.

Isaiah 11:2-4 New American Standard Bible (NASB) 2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. 3 And He will delight in the fear of the LORD, And He will not judge by what His eyes see, Nor make a decision by what His ears hear; 4 But with righteousness He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked. “Half the Sky” by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, is an awesome book I reviewed recently while studying for my Master’s degree in Divinity. Amazon.com describes the book like this: “From two of our most fiercely moral voices, a passionate call to arms against our era’s most pervasive human rights violation: the oppression of women and girls in the developing world. With Pulitzer Prize winners Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn as our guides, we undertake an odyssey through Africa and Asia to meet the extraordinary women struggling there, among them a Cambodian teenager sold into sex slavery and an Ethiopian woman who suffered devastating injuries in childbirth. Drawing on the breadth of their combined reporting experience, Kristof and WuDunn depict our world with anger, sadness, clarity, and, ultimately, hope. They show how a little help can transform the lives of women and girls abroad. That Cambodian girl eventually escaped from her brothel and, with assistance from an aid group, built a thriving retail business that supports her family. The Ethiopian woman had her injuries repaired and in time became a surgeon. A Zimbabwean mother of five, counseled to return to school, earned her doctorate and became an expert on AIDS”. This book’s pages are filled with stories of hope. The stories declare victory because of God’s working through real life sisters in Christ as described in Isaiah 11:2-4. Studies have opened my eyes to the plight of sexual trafficking throughout the world, and more surprisingly, to the trafficking right here in the backyard of the United States. As a woman Pastor and the Director of a Women’s Ministry, I question myself in how I am doing preparing to serve the harvest of women to come through the doors of my church in the near future? To be truly like Jesus Christ, with the same spirit of wisdom and understanding requires attention to world events. To be in the Word desiring to have deep within the spirit of counsel and strength requires discipline. Evidencing the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord require days when I know I must tirelessly serve and step up even more requires dedication. When choosing to use Jesus’ standard and delight in the fear of the Lord, it motivates me further. But, in that motivation and desire, will I judge others by what my eyes see, or allow Jesus’ eyes to help me see both in the natural and in the spirit? Will I have the same righteousness to bless the poor rather than judge them? Am I the blessing of fairness and compassion for those afflicted in the earth – such as those women who have been trafficked or sexually abused? Do you ever catch yourself wondering what you can do to help? What can you do individually to make a difference? This is exactly where I find myself right now. And with those questions come the weight of responsibility to make a difference. Because of the Jesus that dwells within, He should be flowing out of me to others. With these questions comes the reflection in the mirror; women in the world calling out to me through the Holy Spirit; women who look so much like me but walk in different shoes – or walk with no shoes at all. And, I have a closet full! I am changing. My values are changing. My wants are changing. I’m beginning to look more outside the gates of my own yard with eyes that are seeing pain and ears that are hearing the cries in my neighborhood, my community, my country and overseas. And , I know that God, since the very beginning, hovered in darkness over the earth and then spoke and gave Voice to light that penetrated. It has made the difference. I want to be like that….making a difference! You and I have a voice, and we have opportunity to also speak into the darkness our sisters around the world suffer in. We just have to find the way…the way to help and give Voice.

Infectious Voice?

If God be for me, who can be against me? I am convinced that neither death nor life; neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers; neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate me from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus, My Lord! Romans 8:31, 37-39 Have you ever thought about the word “infectious?” Disease comes to mind; spreading from one person to another. Another thought is in how fear spreads more quickly than even the worst of a fever! And its infection can run rampant if the right prescription is not ingested to counter its attack. How often “birds of feathers flock together” to gossip, tear others down, or try to inspire a rebellious point of view differing from that of authority over us – especially when we are afraid of the new thing or change. I can refuse the spirit of infectious fear in my life in its rule and control. And, I must remember that that spirit of fear never comes upon me from God. For His Word is sure and faithful and it promises that when my heart is wide open to the Spirit of “power and love” then I will receive both a calm and a well-balanced mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (AV). For my sake, and for the sake of others, I must refuse infectious fear. I have also come to realize that when I succumb to the fever of fear; when I am downhearted, or downcast, moody, weak in faith through the timidity the words that my voice expresses, or the body language I negatively inflect – that the God I serve, the King of Kings, is not to be trusted. What a dishonoring thing! He has never failed me and never will. He has loved me and guarded me throughout my life! He is my rock! He is for me, not against me! Lord, help me never let my fear so infect me that I exempt myself from doing what you are asking me to do! Break any habit of fear that holds me back from complete obedience. May I find courage, cheer and strength as my eyes fix on you to be happy, healthy, whole and holy in the name of Jesus!