Store Pulls Christian Magazine for Honoring Female Clergy

[PaperClip]

http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur47385.cfm
GOSPEL TODAY'S TERESA HAIRSTON SPEAKS HER MIND ABOUT CENSURED MAG: Publisher says she felt shocked and disrespected.


By Mona Austin

When Teresa Hairston learned from an anonymous e-mail tip that her magazine, Gospel Today, was not being displayed in over 100 stores nationwide she was upset.


Customers wanting to purchase the September/October issue had to request it from behind the counter at Lifeway Christian Bookstores as if it was a porno mag.


There are five attractive women leaders featured on its cover. But, nothing about them resembled Heff's girls. All were fully dressed in dark attire, faces forward, posed in a cluster among red church pews. It is the first time in the Fayetteville, GA based publication's 19-year history that an issue has been dedicated to high impact female senior pastors from around the country -- Bishop Millicent Hunter (The Baptist Worship Center in Philadelphia, PA); Pastor Sheryl Brady (The River in Durham, N.C.); Pastor Claudette Copeland of New Creation Christian Fellowship in San Antonio, Texas; Pastor Tamara Bennett (This Is Pentecost Ministries in Sacramento, CA); and Pastor Kimberly Ray (Church on the Rock in Matteson, Ill). These pastors were being recognized for making progress in the male dominated rank and file structure of religious hierarchy.


As if committing a cardinal sin, that's all it took to cause the magazines to be yanked from retail racks. The owners of Lifeway, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) believe the role of pastor is reserved for men only.


If given the opportunity to express her discontent with a company or ministry rep she likely would, but no one from the organization or the bookstore bothered to call to forewarn her that her product would be barred and Hairston says, "That's a disrespectful way of handling business."


Chris Turner, the Media Relations Manager of Lifeway Christian Resources released a statement saying they made the choice because the cover story "clearly advocated a position contrary to our denomination's statement of faith, the Baptist Faith & Message."


The SBC is not alone in its fundamentalist interpretation of scripture. Many denominations maintain the traditional, although now often contested view that women are not to serve in pastoral leadership.


Central to the controversy is the centuries long practice of religious groups misusing the Bible to discriminate.


The 42,000 member churches of the SBC are independent and a few
have selected women to lead their congregations.


Hairston, who holds a Doctorate in Theology from the Richmond Theological Seminary, sees it as a matter of sexism.

"It's an insult to women for this story to be suffocated and treated like pornography. It's insensitive and unjust," she gripped, adding that the goal of the gospel is to set the captives free.


In what appears to be an isolated occurrence, Turner said he has not been told if the mags will be removed permanently.


"We also recognize that some customers like to read a variety of views on subjects such as these to stay engaged in the culture. For that reason, we have continued to make the magazine available upon request to accommodate those needs as best we could," explains Turner.


With a circulation of over 240,000 Gospel Today is the most widely distributed magazine of its type. Staying current with today's trends it covers an array of relevant subjects from entertainment, to health and finances to appeal to an Urban Christian audience. Past covers have spotlighted comedian Steve Harvey, Bishop Noel Jones, gospel artist Israel Houghton and then co-pastor on Without Walls Church in Florida, Paula White.


When asked what is her expectation from the entity that denounced her publication Hairston said she does not know what will come of this "humiliating" ordeal, but won't budge on her strong journalistic principles.


"Beyond my expectation is my resolution to tell the truth as a journalist. I feel it is my responsibility to report on the things that interest my audience. It would be ridiculous for me not to."


That's all Gospel Today was doing -- sharing news--Tamara Bennett one of the featured pastors told the Associated Press in a phone interview noting that Hairston did not preach doctrine in the article and "it's a story that needs to be told."


The entrepreneur understands that reducing Gospel Today's visibility can have definite financial ramifications. Hairston said these economic times "are nothing to sneeze at" especially for a small minority run business like hers.


Further, the owner of Gospel Today points out, it is hypocritical for the SBC to have endorsed the Republican ticket where the Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin could potentially lead the country, but they can't entrust a woman to lead a local assembly of believers.


Turner says Sarah Palin getting an endorsement from the Southern Baptist Convention and the Gospel Today incident are totally unrelated issues.


"I pray that the Southern Baptist Convention would open its eyes to what God is doing today," laments Hairston.

 

[Shimmie]

Didn't mean to make you cry. I'm not getting into it with anyone on this one. I don't agree with you at all.

You don't have to agree...

But as a Christian, you cannot deny that God uses BOTH men and women; He always has and He always will. In the streets, in the Pulpit, in quiet prayer, God uses both men and women.

The whole irony of your disagreement is that you're using the Bible to back up a grave mis-conception. An assumption so mislead. Jesus clearly said, for us to not hid our 'light' under a bushel, but to let it shine.

That He is the Vine, the True Vine and that we are the Branches, and that any Branch which does not bear fruit, to cut it off.

The Bible speaks also to women...

To refrain from adorning or braiding of the hair

How few among us wear any form of hair ornaments; braid our hair?

Growing our hair long to give God glory?

Or is it vanity? It's vanity for all of us. Long hair isn't holiness. It's a desire of beauty, it's vanity.

Wearing Men's clothing -

Do you wear pants; T-Shirts - Jogging sets - Tennis shoes? All of these originated as men's clothing and later became unitized for both sexes.

Do you work outside of your home? In the Bible days, the women stayed home and took care of the home and children (Proverbs 31).

Do you own or drive a car? Own or rent a home? In the Bible only men were known to have/own such.

A woman ministering the word of God is hardly a sin in comparison...

 

[tmichelle]

You don't have to agree...

But as a Christian, you cannot deny that God uses BOTH men and women; He always has and He always will. In the streets, in the Pulpit, in quiet prayer, God uses both men and women.

The whole irony of your disagreement is that you're using the Bible to back up a grave mis-conception. An assumption so mislead. Jesus clearly said, for us to not hid our 'light' under a bushel, but to let it shine.

That He is the Vine, the True Vine and that we are the Branches, and that any Branch which does not bear fruit, to cut it off.

The Bible speaks also to women...

To refrain from adorning or braiding of the hair

How few among us wear any form of hair ornaments; braid our hair?

Growing our hair long to give God glory?

Or is it vanity? It's vanity for all of us. Long hair isn't holiness. It's a desire of beauty, it's vanity.

Wearing Men's clothing -

Do you wear pants; T-Shirts - Jogging sets - Tennis shoes? All of these originated as men's clothing and later became unitized for both sexes.

Do you work outside of your home? In the Bible days, the women stayed home and took care of the home and children (Proverbs 31).

Do you own or drive a car? Own or rent a home? In the Bible only men were known to have/own such.

A woman ministering the word of God is hardly a sin in comparison...

Truly Shimmie, I will not get into this with you. Many future blessings.

 

[momi]

You don't have to agree...

But as a Christian, you cannot deny that God uses BOTH men and women; He always has and He always will. In the streets, in the Pulpit, in quiet prayer, God uses both men and women.

The whole irony of your disagreement is that you're using the Bible to back up a grave mis-conception. An assumption so mislead. Jesus clearly said, for us to not hid our 'light' under a bushel, but to let it shine.

That He is the Vine, the True Vine and that we are the Branches, and that any Branch which does not bear fruit, to cut it off.

The Bible speaks also to women...

To refrain from adorning or braiding of the hair

How few among us wear any form of hair ornaments; braid our hair?

Growing our hair long to give God glory?

Or is it vanity? It's vanity for all of us. Long hair isn't holiness. It's a desire of beauty, it's vanity.

Wearing Men's clothing -

Do you wear pants; T-Shirts - Jogging sets - Tennis shoes? All of these originated as men's clothing and later became unitized for both sexes.

Do you work outside of your home? In the Bible days, the women stayed home and took care of the home and children (Proverbs 31).

Do you own or drive a car? Own or rent a home? In the Bible only men were known to have/own such.

A woman ministering the word of God is hardly a sin in comparison...

Shimmie- I believe that you are a precious woman of God and many have been and will be blessed by your words of encouragement in this forum - however I beg to differ with you on this one.


In order to take this view we have to explain away quite a bit of scripture... It saddens me that whenever I read a "discussion" about this issue the rebuttals to the scripture always seem to include a modern-day example or a comment about how one might feel about a subject. I believe for this to be a fair "discussion" we have to deal with scripture and scripture alone.

By no means am I am theologian - but this I do know we can never use outside sources to interpret scripture - you have to use scripture to interpret scripture. We are not to be ruled nor influenced by the culture, but we as Christians are to BE the influence.

I believe women are able to prophesy, minister, and serve as long as she operates under a Godly covering...

 

[PaperClip]

Shimmie- I believe that you are a precious woman of God and many have been and will be blessed by your words of encouragement in this forum - however I beg to differ with you on this one.


In order to take this view we have to explain away quite a bit of scripture... It saddens me that whenever I read a "discussion" about this issue the rebuttals to the scripture always seem to include a modern-day example or a comment about how one might feel about a subject. I believe for this to be a fair "discussion" we have to deal with scripture and scripture alone.

By no means am I am theologian - but this I do know we can never use outside sources to interpret scripture - you have to use scripture to interpret scripture. We are not to be ruled nor influenced by the culture, but we as Christians are to BE the influence.

I believe women are able to prophesy, minister, and serve as long as she operates under a Godly covering...

And the bolded is KEY: along with the bolded, a woman can serve/function as a pastor (which, according to the Bible, is NOT specified re. gender, compared to that to the office of a bishop which specifically says "if a man").

A woman can serve as a pastor AS SHE IS SUBMITTED TO A MALE COVERING... meaning that that man (could be her husband and/or a male spiritual authority) under the obedience of the Lord Jesus Christ to serve as her covering/authority.

That GODLY covering can come under that MALE leadership, e.g., her husband and/or male spiritual authority.

 

[Nice & Wavy]

Shimmie- I believe that you are a precious woman of God and many have been and will be blessed by your words of encouragement in this forum - however I beg to differ with you on this one.


In order to take this view we have to explain away quite a bit of scripture... It saddens me that whenever I read a "discussion" about this issue the rebuttals to the scripture always seem to include a modern-day example or a comment about how one might feel about a subject. I believe for this to be a fair "discussion" we have to deal with scripture and scripture alone.

By no means am I am theologian - but this I do know we can never use outside sources to interpret scripture -

you have to use scripture to interpret scripture.

We are not to be ruled nor influenced by the culture, but we as Christians are to BE the influence.

I believe women are able to prophesy, minister, and serve as long as she operates under a Godly covering...

Hey sis,

You have to allow the Holy Spirit to help you interpret scripture. He is our teacher and will teach us all things that we need for life and Godliness.

There are many people that read the bible and get their "own understanding" from it, but when led by the Holy Spirit, He will reveal it as the Father intended and we shall know in part, and when that person/persons open their mouths...you will see the difference because they are then "Empowered" to do the work of the ministry, and preaching is one part of that ministry.

Women are empowered by God when they allow God to use them for His glory. He is God, He can do whatever He desires. If God has called women to shepherd a flock, just like a man, she can't do it alone...no pastor can, and that would be what He desires and no man can stop it. The man may be the head, but she is the neck and without the neck, that head wouldn't function properly. You may be the arm, and Shimmie the leg and FoxyScholar the ankle...it all intertwines together so that the Body of Christ functions the way the Father intended.

I just wanted to share what was on my heart.

Thanks for listening with a heart of love.

Blessings to you...always.

 

[Shimmie]

Shimmie- I believe that you are a precious woman of God and many have been and will be blessed by your words of encouragement in this forum - however I beg to differ with you on this one.

In order to take this view we have to explain away quite a bit of scripture... It saddens me that whenever I read a "discussion" about this issue the rebuttals to the scripture always seem to include a modern-day example or a comment about how one might feel about a subject. I believe for this to be a fair "discussion" we have to deal with scripture and scripture alone.

By no means am I am theologian - but this I do know we can never use outside sources to interpret scripture - you have to use scripture to interpret scripture. We are not to be ruled nor influenced by the culture, but we as Christians are to BE the influence.

I believe women are able to prophesy, minister, and serve as long as she operates under a Godly covering...

Now here's my question. What outside sources have I used? Nothing I've shared is outside of God's word. Nothing Neither jot nor tittle, has been altered.

If you or others don't accept that God is and will continue to use women to minister His word, that's your choice and I respect that.

But it's not going to change that God IS indeed continuing to raise women up to minister His word. And I can guaranteed you that before you leave this earth and go home to be with the Lord, a woman will be used in your life by God, to minister life, health and His word to you. It's just the way it is.

Frankly, I don't see what the problem is. I truly don't. This reminds me of the Blind man who wasted so many years waiting for someone to 'trouble the waters' in order to regain his sight. Time and again, Jesus, admonished the Scribes and the Pharisees to 'accept' the order of 'change' or simply put, follow the move of the Holy Spirit.

I'm going to put this out there and I fear no one but God and believe solely that I am giving Him honor in so doing.

There are far too many demons out here which need to be put under subjection. Who prevails in the Church as the majority? WOMEN! Who prevails and labors in intercessory prayer, fasting, and ready with the word of God at any given moment? WOMEN! Who upholds the man of God whom God places upon the Altar? WOMEN! In Spiritual measure, who is more susceptable to the Holy Spirit, yielded to prayer and discerning of spirits. ... Women! Who is God raising up more and more in this day and time... Women!

The Bible warns us against falling suspect unto every wind and doctrine and being caught up in bondage to the traditions of men. While we're disagreeing on this subject, satan is out 'seeking' whom he may devour NEXT!

Now I DO disagree when women overrule men in spiritual authority. Order is order, but where there is no man, the woman needs to answer the call of God upon her life and move with the flow of the Holy Spirit; no Jonah syndrome. People are dying and where a man has not answered the call, God puts a woman there in the man's stead to fulfill His good work.

I'm not speaking outside sources or rhetoric, it's the truth that we have to face up to. Nothing has changed in the Bible, yet the demons are many and we are in need of Godly Called Leadership be it male or female to render these demons powerless in this earth realm.

The way side has become death valley; we're losing our young men, young girls to sins we never heard of and it's only growing worse. Marriages are failing far too many IN THE CHURCH, where it used to be outside of the Church, now it's filtered in as far as the Altar. Why in God's name is there AIDs in the Church? Why? Why are there Drugs, Men and Women hooked on pornography??? Why??? Why??? Why is there homosexuality in the Church? Baby Mama and Baby Daddy in the CHURCH? Miss Management of Funds (Robbing the Sheep via Tithes/Offerings not used as intended). Why is that in the Church?

Since when are we victims of being robbed via gunpoint; Pastors / Members being shot IN CHURCH during service??? WHY IS THAT?

Too many devils have been released against us... the Church and because we're wasting time disagreeing over silliness and traditions, satan has been having a hay day.

NO ONE ---- NO ONE ---- NOT ONE PERSON here or anywhere else is following the Bible from A to Z. It's lying if anyone says otherwise!!! It's a fact of LIFE! We all --- ALL of us live according to what we believe and conceive the Bible.

Every word I've posted as an example in my prior post, which you have objected to is still scriptural; they apply to all of our lives in one way or another. We ALL have a 'law' that we cling to and yet close our eyes to another. which means everyone in this thread shares both accurate and inaccurate points. All of us!

And by Grace and Love, God is Still l moving by His Spirit looking, searching for whosoever will, is yielded to His Call, be it Male or Female.

 

[Shimmie]

Hey sis,

You have to allow the Holy Spirit to help you interpret scripture. He is our teacher and will teach us all things that we need for life and Godliness.

There are many people that read the bible and get their "own understanding" from it, but when led by the Holy Spirit, He will reveal it as the Father intended and we shall know in part, and when that person/persons open their mouths...you will see the difference because they are then "Empowered" to do the work of the ministry, and preaching is one part of that ministry.

Women are empowered by God when they allow God to use them for His glory. He is God, He can do whatever He desires. If God has called women to shepherd a flock, just like a man, she can't do it alone...no pastor can, and that would be what He desires and no man can stop it. The man may be the head, but she is the neck and without the neck, that head wouldn't function properly. You may be the arm, and Shimmie the leg and FoxyScholar the ankle...it all intertwines together so that the Body of Christ functions the way the Father intended.

I just wanted to share what was on my heart.

Thanks for listening with a heart of love.

Blessings to you...always.

Precious Wavy,

You are a prime example of a woman with the 'Call of God' on her life.

So many times God has used you in my life Personally to avert the enemy.

On this past Mother's Day, it was you who called me and ministered love and healing and you had no clue -- other than by the Spirit-- of God, that my body was in so much pain that I was unable to move. I remember that morning when I cried out to God, I needed someone that I trusted to pray for me and I spoke your name in prayer, and you 'caught' it, by the Spirit of God and called me. My prayers were answered and my body was healed.

God is Good!

My baby girl's car accident. You were 'there' for me every moment of every day and you knew what to pray. satan was trying to 'break me down' and I couldn't afford to lose my strength.

My baby's car over turned 3 times --- THREE TIMES in Mid Afternoon traffic; bounced onto the meridian and onto the other side into oncoming traffic, and yet she escaped without injury.

PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!! My baby wasn't harmed. And to this very day, the doctors and the policemen are baffled and cannot understand how she escaped with just a few scratches. My baby was surrounded in loving prayer and in God's word.

I've attached the pictures of her car.

Precious Wavy, God used you to hold me together; to keep me from falling apart, because I couldn't get to her. The Word of God came forth from you so strong that it wouldn't allow me to fall apart; as I couldn't afford to.

I won't put all of the details into this post, you know them. But my point is that without your gifts as a loving Pastor, a Holy Vessel unto the Lord, God's Handmaiden, I would not have stood upon the Word which I have known for decades. You were in tune to the Holy Spirit and therefore in
tune to me and the needed Word for that time.

It's too late for anyone to say that God does not call Women. He does. I've lived it and I always will.

I love you, sis. I always will. God's Handmaiden, You are. You are a true woman of God who is sensitive to his Heart and Voice and senstitive the the Heart, the Ministry and the Soul of your Husband, your Pastor. :heart2:

 

[Aviah]

Ruth, Esther, Deborah,

ALL of US here, carrying the word and we 'teach' , 'preach', 'pray', lead, set free, people around us each and everyday.

Our husbands, DEPEND upon our 'leadership' in Christ Jesus. Our Male Pastors depend upon the leadership we 'women' have in Christ Jesus.

If more Male Men were doing what they should be doing, there wouldn't be a need for women heading a Church. But God still uses whom He wills and whether we like it or not, it's not going to change.

Where would this forum be , let alone our lives and the lives of others, were we 'women' not leaders of God's word.

In this day in which we live, evil is too prevelant for women not to be leaders in God's word. It's the only reason God hasn't come to destoy this earth. We carry the Word... Women and without it, death would surely be master.

Taking a 'stand' on traditions isn't the weapon we need against today's demons. We need strong weapons of spiritual warfare and men alone can't do it. God knows what He's doing for when you see a woman Pastor, thank God, for God has raised up a standard against the enemy where he thought was a foothold.

You see, wherever there's a gap, satan slips in. God is filling the gaps with men and women. Joel 2 plainly states it, that in the last days, that God will be pouring out His Spirit upon ALL flesh. And it's the flesh who receives and absorbs the Spirit of God, as opposed to the spirit of this world, whom God will use.

This woman Pastor is God's Shield of Faith where satan cannot enter. God has set a standard -- a bound, that satan cannot cross over.

Be free my sisters and brothers...... be free and uphold every man and woman bearing the Word of God. For we cannot afford to spend and waste time disputing gender or even making extreme comparisons (i.e. homosexuality). This creates a gap in our walls of protection, and satan will slip even a fungus toenail in, if he can.

Let the woman prevail, for the Holy Spirit is STILL in control, not satan. God needs us and our Men need us all the more. We are 'meeting' their help quite suitable. :heart2:

So true, especially the bolded.... so true

 

[Nice & Wavy]

Precious Wavy,

You are a prime example of a woman with the 'Call of God' on her life.

So many times God has used you in my life Personally to avert the enemy.

On this past Mother's Day, it was you who called me and ministered love and healing and you had no clue -- other than by the Spirit-- of God, that my body was in so much pain that I was unable to move. I remember that morning when I cried out to God, I needed someone that I trusted to pray for me and I spoke your name in prayer, and you 'caught' it, by the Spirit of God and called me. My prayers were answered and my body was healed.

God is Good!

My baby girl's car accident. You were 'there' for me every moment of every day and you knew what to pray. satan was trying to 'break me down' and I couldn't afford to lose my strength.

My baby's car over turned 3 times --- THREE TIMES in Mid Afternoon traffic; bounced onto the meridian and onto the other side into oncoming traffic, and yet she escaped without injury.

PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!! My baby wasn't harmed. And to this very day, the doctors and the policemen are baffled and cannot understand how she escaped with just a few scratches. My baby was surrounded in loving prayer and in God's word.

I've attached the pictures of her car.

Precious Wavy, God used you to hold me together; to keep me from falling apart, because I couldn't get to her. The Word of God came forth from you so strong that it wouldn't allow me to fall apart; as I couldn't afford to.

I won't put all of the details into this post, you know them. But my point is that without your gifts as a loving Pastor, a Holy Vessel unto the Lord, God's Handmaiden, I would not have stood upon the Word which I have known for decades. You were in tune to the Holy Spirit and therefore in
tune to me and the needed Word for that time.

It's too late for anyone to say that God does not call Women. He does. I've lived it and I always will.

I love you, sis. I always will. God's Handmaiden, You are. You are a true woman of God who is sensitive to his Heart and Voice and senstitive the the Heart, the Ministry and the Soul of your Husband, your Pastor. :heart2:

My sweet sister....I can't even type right now but, I will come back to this post...I promise. I'm getting ready to go to my granddaughter's birthday party and will be back later on.

Thank you, sis...I love you......

 

[BeaLady]

Ladie,

I must apologize for this post. I don't post often in the Christian forum for reasons such as this. It was not my intention to cause this type of dissension. My Pastor says that we can argue about tongues, we can argue about sprinkling or immersion but one thing we can't argue about is the fact that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior who bled and died for us and is coming back to all who've accepted him as Lord and Savior.

I made a post eariler in thread that seemed to have been overlooked. I sighted other material being sold at that bookstore by other female ministers and someone who broke with the denomination.

I saw a double standard and I question the reason given.

Again ladies, I apologize for posting this topic.

 

[Aviah]

Ladie,

I must apologize for this post. I don't post often in the Christian forum for reasons such as this. It was not my intention to cause this type of dissension. My Pastor says that we can argue about tongues, we can argue about sprinkling or immersion but one thing we can't argue about is the fact that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior who bled and died for us and is coming back to all who've accepted him as Lord and Savior.

I made a post eariler in thread that seemed to have been overlooked. I sighted other material being sold at that bookstore by other female ministers and someone who broke with the denomination.

I saw a double standard and I question the reason given.

Again ladies, I apologize for posting this topic.

Personally I think its a fair topic to discuss, and really there's no telling how things will turn out. I hope you got the information you sought. Don't be sorry!!

 

[Shimmie]

Ladie,

I must apologize for this post. I don't post often in the Christian forum for reasons such as this. It was not my intention to cause this type of dissension. My Pastor says that we can argue about tongues, we can argue about sprinkling or immersion but one thing we can't argue about is the fact that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior who bled and died for us and is coming back to all who've accepted him as Lord and Savior.

I made a post eariler in thread that seemed to have been overlooked. I sighted other material being sold at that bookstore by other female ministers and someone who broke with the denomination.

I saw a double standard and I question the reason given.

Again ladies, I apologize for posting this topic.

Precious BeaLady, you've done nothing wrong. I thank God for you and for everyone who has posted in this thread.

I've learned something valuable. You see, I've been under the teaching and preaching, ministering of both men and women for as long as I can remember. I've had two Pastors in my lifetime and both of them, are wonderful and powerful men of God and their wives minister right beside them.

At the moment I can't think of too many Churches where the wife doesn't minister and I know of more than a few. And by each of them, we've always respected the man as the head and supported him as such. Yet, we respect the women who were also in leadership by themselves. I don't question or judge them, I simply flow with the Spirit of God.

One thing is certain, God is still who He is and changes not. He's out to fulfill His purpose and uses whosoever will.

In today's life, there is too much happening in people's lives. There are things in men's lives that only a male should minister to and likewise, there are things in a woman's life that only a woman should speak about and minister to. Therefore, there is a necessity for Both men and women in ministry. God's word speaks of this.

I wish nothing but the very best for all in this forum. Whether we agree or disagree, I wish only God's best and I mean it with all of my heart.

 

[Shimmie]

My sweet sister....I can't even type right now but, I will come back to this post...I promise. I'm getting ready to go to my granddaughter's birthday party and will be back later on.

Thank you, sis...I love you......

I wasn't going to make that post above, but in so doing, God gets the Glory; for truly He does have a 'Call' upon you as a minister and it is in His order alongside your husband.

It's not everyday that one can have a sister, friend and a powerful minister all wrapped up in one beautiful gift. There's no 'cyber' union, but a God filled union that makes and keeps us one in the Spirit no matter the distance upon this earth. Gods' handmaiden -- My sister true --- Precious You.

With all of my heart.... :heart2:

 

[Mortons]

Thanks for posting it BeaLady This topic was very interesting and very telling. I needed to read this to understand a few things.

 

[Nice & Wavy]

Precious Wavy,

You are a prime example of a woman with the 'Call of God' on her life.

So many times God has used you in my life Personally to avert the enemy.

On this past Mother's Day, it was you who called me and ministered love and healing and you had no clue -- other than by the Spirit-- of God, that my body was in so much pain that I was unable to move. I remember that morning when I cried out to God, I needed someone that I trusted to pray for me and I spoke your name in prayer, and you 'caught' it, by the Spirit of God and called me. My prayers were answered and my body was healed.

God is Good!

My baby girl's car accident. You were 'there' for me every moment of every day and you knew what to pray. satan was trying to 'break me down' and I couldn't afford to lose my strength.

My baby's car over turned 3 times --- THREE TIMES in Mid Afternoon traffic; bounced onto the meridian and onto the other side into oncoming traffic, and yet she escaped without injury.

PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!! My baby wasn't harmed. And to this very day, the doctors and the policemen are baffled and cannot understand how she escaped with just a few scratches. My baby was surrounded in loving prayer and in God's word.

I've attached the pictures of her car.

Precious Wavy, God used you to hold me together; to keep me from falling apart, because I couldn't get to her. The Word of God came forth from you so strong that it wouldn't allow me to fall apart; as I couldn't afford to.

I won't put all of the details into this post, you know them. But my point is that without your gifts as a loving Pastor, a Holy Vessel unto the Lord, God's Handmaiden, I would not have stood upon the Word which I have known for decades. You were in tune to the Holy Spirit and therefore in
tune to me and the needed Word for that time.

It's too late for anyone to say that God does not call Women. He does. I've lived it and I always will.

I love you, sis. I always will. God's Handmaiden, You are. You are a true woman of God who is sensitive to his Heart and Voice and senstitive the the Heart, the Ministry and the Soul of your Husband, your Pastor. :heart2:

You know sis, after reading this yesterday and knowing that I didn't have time to post because I was leaving the house, I had so much time to think about what you said and the impact that it had on me.

I'm so grateful to the Father, Our Father, who so graciously gives us His gifts, especially the gift of discernment. I'm so grateful that He united us together, that we would be able to minister to one another during our weakest times and even in helpless times. Sometimes we can get so busy with so many things that we miss it...I know I do. Sometimes my weeks are so far spent, that I fall out in exhaustion, only to get up the next day and continue on doing what I need to do in the Kingdom. When you have been called to do something, you do it with all your might and all you strength, that the Father will be pleased. I do so want to hear, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!"

I'm really and truly blessed that I am able to be here for you. I KNOW you are for me....at anytime and I'm grateful and humbly say...."thank you."

I pray that all of us sisters here on the forum can have the same relationship that we have. Although I've never met you in person, just talking and praying with you over the phone has helped me realize that when two people are together in spirit, God Our Father, can do wonders!

I love you, Shimmie...and I'm so blessed to call you not only my sister, but FRIEND!

Blessings to you always!

N&W

 

[Nice & Wavy]

I wasn't going to make that post above, but in so doing, God gets the Glory; for truly He does have a 'Call' upon you as a minister and it is in His order alongside your husband.

It's not everyday that one can have a sister, friend and a powerful minister all wrapped up in one beautiful gift. There's no 'cyber' union, but a God filled union that makes and keeps us one in the Spirit no matter the distance upon this earth. Gods' handmaiden -- My sister true --- Precious You.

With all of my heart.... :heart2:

Thank you, sis...for God has truly given you the words to say that help bring healing to the soul!

What a wonderful christian you are!

I love you, girl!

 

[Shimmie]

You know sis, after reading this yesterday and knowing that I didn't have time to post because I was leaving the house, I had so much time to think about what you said and the impact that it had on me.

I'm so grateful to the Father, Our Father, who so graciously gives us His gifts, especially the gift of discernment. I'm so grateful that He united us together, that we would be able to minister to one another during our weakest times and even in helpless times. Sometimes we can get so busy with so many things that we miss it...I know I do. Sometimes my weeks are so far spent, that I fall out in exhaustion, only to get up the next day and continue on doing what I need to do in the Kingdom. When you have been called to do something, you do it with all your might and all you strength, that the Father will be pleased. I do so want to hear, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!"

I'm really and truly blessed that I am able to be here for you. I KNOW you are for me....at anytime and I'm grateful and humbly say...."thank you."

I pray that all of us sisters here on the forum can have the same relationship that we have. Although I've never met you in person, just talking and praying with you over the phone has helped me realize that when two people are together in spirit, God Our Father, can do wonders!

I love you, Shimmie...and I'm so blessed to call you not only my sister, but FRIEND!

Blessings to you always!

N&W

Thank you, sis...for God has truly given you the words to say that help bring healing to the soul!

What a wonderful christian you are!

I love you, girl!

I love you too, Precious Wavy I can never thank God enough for you...Never.

The power of God is flowing. God is raising up a standard against the enemy. His grace does much more abound in this earth for He is using every yielded vessel and you truly are among them. You are truly His handmaiden.

This is how I feel when I think of how God has used you in my life...

1 I LOVE THE LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
3 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
4 Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
6 The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.
8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
10 I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:
11 I said in my haste, All men are liars.
12 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?
13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.
14 I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
16 O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
18 I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
19 In the courts of the LORD's house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD. (Psalm 116)

Precious Wavy, this whole Psalm just says it all. Praise Jesus! Nobody but God. Oh But God! Of whom shall I call upon. Nobody but God. Who always answers our cry. Always.

For 'He regarded the low estate of His handmaiden' and all generations shall call me blessed. (Luke 1). :heart2:

We as women are all God's handmaidens, and we seek to yield when he calls.

 

[Nice & Wavy]

I love you too, Precious Wavy I can never thank God enough for you...Never.

The power of God is flowing. God is raising up a standard against the enemy. His grace does much more abound in this earth for He is using every yielded vessel and you truly are among them. You are truly His handmaiden.

This is how I feel when I think of how God has used you in my life...

1 I LOVE THE LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
3 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
4 Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
6 The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.
8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
10 I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:
11 I said in my haste, All men are liars.
12 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?
13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.
14 I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
16 O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
18 I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
19 In the courts of the LORD's house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD. (Psalm 116)

Precious Wavy, this whole Psalm just says it all. Praise Jesus! Nobody but God. Oh But God! Of whom shall I call upon. Nobody but God. Who always answers our cry. Always.

For 'He regarded the low estate of His handmaiden' and all generations shall call me blessed. (Luke 1). :heart2:

We as women are all God's handmaidens, and we seek to yield when he calls.

I am humbled......truly humbled...

Thank you, sis...thank you!

 

[MrsQueeny]

Thanks for posting it BeaLady This topic was very interesting and very telling. I needed to read this to understand a few things.

I agree. It confirmed a lot of things for me too. I know I am on the right track!!! Q