I just returned from a vacation to the beautiful state of VA, with three friends of over 40 years. We have been getting together for a reunion bi-annually since 1995. We were brought together in the early 1970's when our husbands were serving in the Air Force at Canon AFB in Clovis, NM. We shared our hearts and lives and our faith grew through the weekly Bible studies of Officers Christian Fellowship. A bond of friendship was formed between us that is strong and one of the best blessings in my life! We come from different backgrounds and have different church backgrounds; one is pentecostal, one is non-denominational, one is Anglican, and I am Southern Baptist. Only Jesus could bring women so vastly different into the closest of friendships. One friend received news during our time together that her father, who has Parkinson's disease that he has been struggling with for 15 years, was nearing the end of his life. We were able to pray with her and walk her through a very difficult time as she made travel plans to go and be with her dad and her mom. God was so kind in His timing. Another friend has been walking through stroke recovery with her husband for many months and she did not know if she would be able to come, but God, again in his kindness and love made a way for her to come. She has been helping him with speech therapy and was just tired and needed time away for refreshing body, soul and spirit. Life is very busy, but I encourage you to make time to develop strong friendships where you can share your deepest hurts and greatest joys and dreams with at least one person. You will not regret taking time for the investment of making friends.
Another observance is the great work being done through the newest Kendrick brothers film, War Room. This is one of the most powerful movies I have seen and God is lifted up throughout. I strongly encourage you to go and see it even if you do not normally go to the movies. It is about prayer, which is my personal passion, and has a message each of us needs to hear. We are praying for our church for revival and a new, fresh out-pouring of the Holy Spirit, and all the needs we face as members of McGregor Baptist Church. This film will encourage you and instruct you how to have your own personal "war room" for serious prayer! There is mighty evidence that God is at work in our church as was clearly evidenced this morning at McGregor during corporate worship. What a blessing to be a part of this body of believers for such a time as this!
My third observance is about the Beth Moore simulcast on Saturday. Approximately 225 women were gathered for hearing a message from Beth about being "Audacious". It was a powerful, Spirit-filled message that spoke to us in a life-changing way. I am so thankful for so many women who are hungry for more of God's word and for growing deeper in their faith. I thank God for the anointing He has placed on Beth and her teaching and for her 20 years of ministry! One highlight from Saturday for me was her point number three in her list of the six "Mighty Makers" of becoming audacious. It fits well into the things previously mentioned. #3-- " The audacity to pray for ASTONISHING works of the Holy Spirit!". Pray like you expect God to do great and mighty things! Nothing is too difficult for Him and his word says His arm is not too short to save! A powerful statement that Beth made that impacted me was, "you will never live bolder than you pray! I am challenged by that statement and I pray you will be as well. We are in the best of times and the worst of times, and there is no time for women of God to be wimps. We need women who trust God with all their hearts, minds, souls and strength! Create your own personal "War Room" where you fight on your knees in the battle for your families. Satan is out to steal, kill and destroy you and your family, so put on the full armor of God and prepare for battle!
Thank you Jesus for every good and perfect gift that comes down from the Father of lights!
Your sister in Christ,
Linda Davis
LINDA DAVIS