WORD FOR THE WEEK

The wicked borrows and does not repay,

But the righteous shows mercy and gives. 

Psalm 37:21

This verse reminds me that as a Child of God, I am called to show mercy, just as our God shows mercy to us, and to give. I've never been more proud of the women in our church as they have shown mercy and given and given to the women of Leah's House. This is surely fulfilling what James taught us when he told us to not dishonor others or show partiality but to demonstrate our faith by our works. 

LEAH'S HOUSE THANK YOU by RaMona Callahan

(This past Sunday, three ladies "graduated" from the 90 day program at Leah's house. One of our Broadway ladies organized getting gifts for each graduate. Many ladies actually bought the gifts.)

Ladies, you will never know just how much you are appreciated. I don't know who did what, but the graduation gifts you sent were so exciting. I am overwhelmed by your generosity. Even though you didn't know anything about them, we were thrilled as each one opened gifts of clothing and purses that matched their personalities like you had known them for years. They were squealing like little girls. 

Today, two of them shared their testimonies at church, and three were baptized. Our God is amazing. 

Thank you all for being an important part of this ministry. We need your prayers. We need daily, moment by moment guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

I was told that 95% of what we do will be failure. But I boldly disagree. Every life that is touched by Leah's story, every woman who walks through the door of Leah's House will have been loved and shown the love of Christ. How can they be saved unless they hear? And how can they hear unless we share the good news of the life and love of Christ? 

Thank you for the role you play in spreading this gift of salvation and deliverance.

OCTOBER REFRESHMENT

UPCOMING REFRESHMENT

Thurs., October 17

Movie Night

Parental Guidance

6:30 pm

cost - 1 item for Leah's House

(from soon-to-be-announced list)

LIVING WATER by Vicki Taylor

I’m standing in my yard watching the water flow down through the dry yard as I'm watering my plants in the flower beds. My husband has noticed that only the areas where the water runs is where the grass is green. Everything else is dry, parched or dead. I wonder if this is what the heart looks like in a drought. You see, even though others all around us have gotten intermittent showers, we have not, and our yard is drying up and dying, like the human heart can do during dry times.

Droughts can come in many shapes and sizes: disease, divorce, death…they all can cause the heart to dry up and die. But …what a difference a little water can make. I know, I’ve seen and experienced it both in my garden and in my heart.

You see, water always flows down. We live on a hill; therefore, every time I water, the water flows down my yard toward the gully that crosses my yard. It has cut its own path across the yard and follows its own trail. I’ve stood and watched it flow, filling the hollowed out areas, looking for even lower places to flow.  

I began to realize, this is how spiritual water flows and fills my heart when I fill it from the spiritual well of God’s Word. It flows down into all the dry crevices of my parched heart and waters it. But … I must go lower to be filled; I must bow down to receive the living water. The proud cannot be filled. God has to strip us of our pride in order for us to bow low: always low, seeking the lowest places in order to be filled.  

I stoop low to feel the water run through my fingers toward the dry earth. I want this water. I want His water. I want to drink long and deep from the well that never dries up and never be thirsty again. I want to be a spring of gushing water to refresh others, to encourage and water them, to watch them flourish under the life-giving water from the everlasting well. I stoop low to see the water flow. I want to see… 

I want to see Him and be refreshed.

Jesus said in His Word, “Whoever drinks the water I give will never be thirsty. The water I give will become a spring of water gushing up inside that person, giving eternal life.” (John 4:14)

LEAH'S HOUSE UPDATE by RaMona Callahan

I can report that the women are learning a great deal about organizing and maintaining inventory this week. They are especially task driven, so this has been a good project. They are also learning about journalling personal experiences and thoughts and feelings. I am excited to see them all getting involved. As I sit typing this note, I can hear them in class with Missionary Washington singing worship songs. The familiar sound of "A---a--men, A--a-a-men, A-a-men, A-men, A-men." What a sweet sound! As we practice that same song in choir, I will be reminded of the women at Leah's House.  

Also, new for the House...we got a goat! I'm not sure what we will do with it or why we need him. But he was being abused by pit bulls, so we rescued him. He now has a safe place to live while he heals, and he will be loved unconditionally. I'm pretty sure all the ladies relate to him on a deep level physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He brings nothing of face value, but he certainly has found his purpose and his home. His name is...what else?...Billy.

Thank you all again for your support and prayers. More to come next visit!

Remember, we are asking our entire church to get involved helping provide for Leah's house. Please choose from the following items and place them in the "house" in the Welcome Center or contact RaMona:

clothespins
copy paper
60 watt light bulbs
batteries, all sizes
Ziplock bags (quart & gallon) (freezer & regular)

Ziplock sandwich bagsgarbage bags, 33 gallon
Kleenex
foil
wax paper
plastic wrap (Saran)

New or gently used items:
6 chests of drawers (4 drawers)
6 night stands
6 bedroom lamps
3 twin bed frames
3 twin mattress & box springs sets
upright freezer

If you can provide these last 6 items, please contact Ramona Callahan at 901 331 0298 OR by email at mrs.callahan2001@gmail.com OR on Facebook as RaMona Shelby Callahan

GETTING STUMPED BY A SECOND GRADER by Tony Manley

Recently in class, we were discussing and sorting living things versus nonliving things. The living things need food and water, and they grow. Nonliving things do not need these things. I would definitely say I was comfortable and successful in my explanation and leadership on this topic.  

As we were finishing and preparing to pack up for home, I had a student come ask me, “Mrs. Manley, is the Bible a living or nonliving thing?” Now, I want to point out we had placed books in the nonliving category. But he wasn’t asking about books, he wanted to know about the Bible specifically. One of the facts I want them to know about the Bible is that the Bible is the living Word of God. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

So, there you go! I paused and immediately said, “The Bible is a living thing.” This question has caused me to be refreshed about the Bible as a living thing. The message of the Bible is alive, active, sharp, powerful, and able to bring change to the heart. The Bible as an item is a nonliving thing. But, I would rather tell a child the truth about the life of the Bible than to cause confusion to him on where to categorize the message of the Word.

I love the way children think. I am encouraged that somewhere in all my dissertations about the Bible, that just maybe the words - living and Bible - stuck enough to cause a child to want clarity about where to place the Bible categorically.  

At the end of the day, my prayer would be for these children – “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Ps. 119:11

Where do I want my students to place God’s word? In their hearts!

WORD FOR THE WEEK

Who among you fears the Lord 

and obeys the word of his servant? 

Let him who walks in the dark, 

who has no light, 

trust in the name of the Lord 

and rely on his God.

Isaiah 50:10

Therefore I will look to the Lord; 

I will wait for the God of my salvation; 

my God will hear me. 

Micah 7:7

"Trust me here and now. You are in rigorous training - on an adventurous trail designed for you alone. This path is not of your choosing, but it is My way for you. I am doing things you can't understand. That is why I say, 'Trust Me!'

Focus on enjoying Me and all that I am to you - even though your circumstances scream for resolution. Refuse to obsess about your problems and how you are going to fix them. Instead, affirm your trust in Me; wait hopefully in My Presence, and watch to see what I will do." 

                  ~ from Jesus Today (#10) by Sarah Young

BETH MOORE IS COMING TO MEMPHIS

Beth Moore, Travis Cottrell, and the Living Proof Live team will be coming to Memphis on August 22-23 of 2014. Many of our ladies are already setting aside that date next year. It's Friday night and Saturday morning, so no work missed. The early bird tickets are only $59.00. If you would like for Lisa Newman to order your ticket, give her or Paula Roten a deposit check for $20.00 ASAP.  
BETH MOORE IS COMING TO MEMPHIS!!!!!

STOP, LOOK, AND LISTEN by Tony Manley

By far, my favorite phrase in the classroom “Stop, look, and listen” is ringing in the ears of my students in the opening weeks of school. That phrase is often followed with “I’m giving you answers” and me snapping fingers and hoping all eyes are turned, focused, and absorbing all my wise and insightful words. But…

The reality is hearts become disinterested, discouraged and/or distracted in life just as in the classroom! I have envisioned God saying to me, “Stop, look, and listen, I am about to give you answers” as I gaze blankly into my day or numbly engage in the mundane details of life. Yet, when students know there is a test or an accountability issue at stake, the interest level is awakened! I am just like them. Let me stumble on a tough or different thing/person and my attentiveness is amped up.
  
I am not even going to ask why this is, because I am weary with saying and hearing “because we’re human and that’s just the way we are.” I want better for my students, and I want better for my life. I love the statement – the flesh is an explanation, but it is not an excuse. Scripture supports this truth.

   “For we know that our old self was crucified with Him SO THAT the body of sin might be done away with, THAT WE SHOULD NO LONGER BE SLAVES TO SIN.” Rom. 6:6 

  “But know that you have been set free from sin and have BECOME SLAVES TO GOD, the benefit you reap leads to holiness…” Rom. 6:22  

 “You have been set free from sin and have become SLAVES TO RIGHTEOUSNESS.”  Rom.6:18

God says to me, “Stop, look, and listen – I am giving you answers!”  The Word (written and living) has life to speak to me for this day! Sit up, pay attention, and just do it!

JESUS LOVES ME by Lynda Leeson

May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality].
May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell [settle down, abide, make His permanent home] in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love,
That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it];
[That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!
Ephesians 3:16-19 AMP

Several years ago when we met for prayer meeting in the fellowship hall, Pastor Tim challenged us to ask the Father how much He loved us. I did and heard nothing at the time and it really bothered me.

Fast forward to this past weekend...I'm walking in DFW airport with this TC (tacky cancer) from gate A36 to gate B6 then to B22 and never missed a step, a breath, or felt winded or tired for a second. I'm striding across that moving sidewalk like a teenager and got tickled at the thought of being so incredibly loved and blessed. I started laughing, crying, and singing all at the same time. Thankfully, there was no one near but Jesus, and I felt He might be laughing too.

I was trying to explain this experience to someone and asked The Lord for chapter and verse, and He supplied Ephesians 3:16-19. I love verse 16 saying that the Holy Spirit indwells my personality.  It certainly needs Him.

The answer came from 3:19 where the Amplified says, "That you may really come to know practically, through experience for yourselves the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge without experience."  I got to know Christ's love practically through experience in DFW big time, and there is nothing more thrilling. 

Ask God to show you how much He loves you...the answer may not come instantly but it will come eventually, and it may even cause you to laugh, sing, and cry tears of joy!

LEAH'S HOUSE by Paula Roten

As you read all last week about Leah's House, I hope you asked the Lord to show you specific ways you can become involved in meeting needs so that these women can know the love of Christ. If you can do any of the following, you can help in a huge way:

• facilitate a Bible Study
• follow a recipe
• write a note of encouragement
• grow flowers
• plant a garden
• balance a checkbook
• write a resume
• conduct an interview
• do crafts
• create a household budget
• shop for clothes/buy groceries on a shoestring budget
• decorate cakes/cupcakes
• arrange flowers
• couponing
• paint
• do general house maintenance/cleaning

...and the list could go on and on. These women need someone to teach them life skills. Notice that none of the above suggestions require money, just a willing spirit.

But money is needed too. In fact, in a few weeks, four women from Leah's House will be leaving and living on their own holding down a full time job. One woman took it upon herself to organize getting brand new clothes for these four women to have as they embark upon this new journey in their life. One women's Sunday School class, using e-mail and in about 48 hours, volunteered to provide brand new work clothes, pjs, t-shirts, casual tops, wallets, and devotional books for these ladies. Wow! In no time, women jumped at the chance to help provide some basic necessities for other women. 

Another woman in our church wanted to organize preparing the intake bags for the ladies to have when they first arrive at Leah's House. She asked Care Groups to help provide trial sizes of lotion, body wash, shampoo, mouthwash, toothpaste, shaving cream, as well as purse-sized kleenex, emery boards, toothbrushes, and disposable razors. These items are easily found at Target and Walmart. 

Ever since our study of James, our Bible Study ladies have purposefully ministered to either our community or someone in need. This time, we are bringing toilet paper and feminine hygiene products for Leah's House. 

So, as you can see, Leah's House is on our hearts. We want to help provide for these women, to be God's hands to bless them.

But there are ongoing needs for Leah's House. It needs general operating supplies: cleaning supplies, office supplies, pantry staples, and much more. This is where our church can help. We are going to publish a list of supplies every so often and ask our people to pick up whatever items you can when you go shopping. Let it become second nature to you. We will have boxes stationed at church where you can take these supplies for the next month or so. Will you pick up something extra for Leah's House every time you go to the grocery store? You can choose from the list below. 

clothespins
copy paper
60 watt light bulbs
batteries, all sizes
freezer zip lock bags
gallon zip lock bags
sandwich bags
garbage bags, 33 gallon
kleenex
foil
wax paper

New or gently used items
6 - 4-drawer chest of drawers
6 night stands
6 bedroom lamps
3 twin mattress frames
3 twin mattress/box springs sets
upright freezer

If you can provide these last 6 items, please contact Ramona Callahan at

901-331-0298
Mrs.callahan2001@gmail.com
On Facebook as RaMona Shelby Callahan

WORD FOR THE WEEK

Wise discipline imparts wisdom;

spoiled adolescents embarrass their parents.

Discipline your children;

you'll be glad you did - 

they'll turn out delightful to live with. 

Proverbs 29:15, 17 (MSG)

These two verses give us three end results of wisely disciplining our children: we parents won't be embarrassed by them, they'll gain wisdom, and they will be delightful to live with (whether with us or with a spouse). Isn't that reason enough to lovingly discipline them? 

But sandwiched between these two verses is verse 16, which leads me to believe it's about discipline as well:

When degenerates take charge, 

crime runs wild,

but the righteous will eventually 

observe their collapse. 

Proverbs 29:16

The dictionary defines a degenerate as "a person who has declined, as in morals or character" and as "a person that reverts to an earlier stage of development."

Do we want our grown, adult children to be involved in crime, acting like spoiled self-willed toddlers, all because we didn't discipline them? 

Adults and adolescents certainly have a choice...to obey God or not, to do right or wrong, to live by the law or break it. But let's make sure that as parents, we don't fail to do our duty as well. 

MORE ABOUT LEAH'S HOUSE by Ramona Callahan

All this week, you've been reading about a new ministry named Leah's House. We're getting closer to letting you know how you can participate in helping to meet these women's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. But for today, here is more of Ramona Callahan's story in her own words:

Leah’s House took her first resident on March 1, 2013, and has since that time seen 13 women come and go through her doors.  Each one represents a life that has now been touched, a seed planted, hope presented. We may never see or know the extent to which God uses the time these women have spent with us at Leah’s House. But we will always know they have seen God in action. Even if they are not immediately successful or saved by grace, our prayer is that they will one day look back on their time here and realize that God loves them because of this experience. We have been honored already to witness changes in lives that may have otherwise been lost forever.   

I am excited to share with you ways you can be involved in the life-changing work of Leah’s House. There are opportunities on multiple levels of commitment - from teaching life skill classes like balancing a checkbook or planning meals to home improvement and gardening, from legal representation to simple letters of encouragement, the needs are many. There is no charge to the residents, and the staff and management of Leah’s House are all volunteers. Leah’s House is fully funded through donations. The supplies and materials needed to house, feed, and care for up to ten residents at any given time are ongoing and overwhelming. We accept cash donations, clothing, pantry/kitchen items, craft supplies, gardening tools, cleaning supplies, etc., to support this ministry. It has been an amazing lesson in faith to watch as God has supplied every need month to month. His grace is sufficient. He is able to do unfathomably more than anything we can even imagine, and he supplies according to his riches in glory.  

If you would like more information about Leah’s House, or to make donations, please contact me at any of the following paths:
901-331-0298
Mrs.callahan2001@gmail.com
On Facebook as RaMona Shelby Callahan

Tomorrow, you will see ways people at our church are already helping as well as more specific ways you can help...

LEAH'S HOUSE (cont'd) by Ramona Callahan

Yesterday, you read about a new ministry named Leah's House. We want you to know much about this ministry since our women of Broadway will be participating in many ways throughout the year to meet these residents' physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Here is more of the story through Ramona Callahan's words:

Leah’s House is named for Jacob’s first wife, Leah, who faced rejection and conflict. She was unloved by her husband, not as beautiful as his second wife who was also her sister, and she unsuccessfully sought Jacob’s approval through performance of duties. However, God had a plan for Leah’s life. Even though she never saw the amazing way God used her, she gave birth to the lineage of Jesus, Savior of the world. Without Leah, the world might never have known Christ Jesus. We believe no matter how hopeless a person’s life may seem, God has a plan and a purpose.  According to scripture He uses everything to bring about good for those He calls to his purpose; His purpose is for salvation. He is sovereign and mighty. How can these women ever come to know the love of Christ without being told and shown?    

Our Biblically based curriculum is designed to minister to the whole person encouraging productive citizens who in turn help others. We provide a clean and safe environment that will offer the following: 

Bible Foundation: the solutions to life’s problems through God’s Word
Social support:  counseling, teaching, hands-on partnership
Planning for future:  life skills, GED training, technical school application
Sense of purpose:  God’s plan for good in all circumstances
Accountability:  taking responsibility for personal change 

Our goal is for women to understand how important they are to God and that their lives have value. We will take them through the plan of salvation, and we will help them understand and learn scripture proving they are wonderfully made in the image of God and over-comers through Christ. We want them to become women of influence in their homes, at work and socially. We believe God has great things in store for these women, a future and a hope. We intend to illustrate His unconditional love.  

More of this story tomorrow...

LEAH'S HOUSE by Ramona Callahan

This week you will be reading about a new ministry that our women at Broadway will be participating in, Leah's House. Ramona Callahan has been able to see this ministry develop from almost the very beginning. We found out at our Women's Retreat that God gave her a burden to do more than "just fix hair." She wanted to make a difference in people's lives, but she didn't know how or in what area. After praying and begging God to show her, He finally did. The following is her story in her words:



Michelle Moyers, President of Leah’s House, has had a vision for 20+ years of opening a restoration home for women. She has overcome drug addiction through the strength of Jesus Christ, and it is her heart’s desire to help other women experience deliverance and freedom through salvation and discipleship through God’s word.  

As Executive Director, I have a similar vision and desire to be busy for God using the skills and talents He has given me.  I believe God is using everything in my past (good, bad, and ugly) to equip me and prepare me for this job. My goal is to help Michelle grow Leah’s House with God’s direction. In the short time since we began we have seen His faithfulness and provision. 

Leah’s House is a safe place for broken women to discover the love and purpose of Jesus Christ, and to become over-comers through Him. It is a 90 day discipleship, residential program provided at no cost where residents are treated with love and respect and taught the values of self-discipline, integrity, and Biblically based foundations for life-long skills to allow them to become spiritually, mentally, socially, and emotionally strong.  We believe no matter how seemingly hopeless a life may be, God has a purpose and a plan for each one. We strive to help women find their purpose in fellowship with Christ while building relationships with other women of faith who provide daily life skills for the redirection of life habits.  

More to come tomorrow...

HOW DO WE LIVE THIS ONE LIFE WELL? by Christie Smith

"All these people were still living by faith when they died. 

They did not receive the things promised; 

they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, 

admitting that they were foreigners and strangers 

on earth."

Hebrews 11:13 

How do we do this right...live this one life well? I guess the answer to that question depends on your expectations of this life? So, what are your expectations? Of yourself, of others? 

We waste so much energy and joy being disappointed...in ourselves, in others. Isn't this Satan's greatest weapon? He knows that unmet expectations lead to disappointment which leads to frustration which leads to a choice...a choice to continue to be disappointed and frustrated (in a situation or person) or choose to see it through Heaven's eyes. Maybe the choice is to change your expectations. Maybe instead of expecting people to change we should expect from them just what this world has to offer...broken, longing, incomplete people. How can we expect anything more of them? 

If we know this is not our promised land, why do we get so frustrated when we aren't getting what is promised in God's Word? Because we are listening to Satan who tells us what we deserve.
We've grown accustomed to letting this world dictate our desires, and in the process we've developed a warped sense of who we are. We think we deserve more, and that is true...just not in this lifetime. We think too highly of ourselves, like we're above others...royalty if you will...and that is true, just not true yet. Our promises will be fulfilled when we get to Heaven and we will be sons and daughters of the King when this life is over. 

If we look at the life of Christ, we see a humble servant who expected nothing from this world. He didn't have a nice home, cars and clothes. Who are we to expect we deserve those things? "I work hard, I deserve it!" I can't remember exactly where Jesus said that in the Bible, so when you find it let me know. And the verse where Jesus says of Judas, "Selling The Lord of lords for thirty pieces of silver...just who does he think he is?!?!" ...yeah, I can't recall that one either. 

We've got to stop viewing our life and others through the eyes of this world and start filtering them through God's eyes. Use His definition of love (1 Corinthians 13) and see how you're measuring up before we choose to complain about or judge others. We have to face the reality that this is not our home and expecting the promises of Heaven and the joy and happiness that waits for us there is not only frustrating, but crazy! 

NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART by Tony Manley

“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”  Prov. 18:13(ESV)

“Answering before listening is both stupid and rude.”  Prov.18:13(MSG)

Well, there you go…God has an answer for the big mouth, fly off the handle, opinionated, "I’ve got my rights to say what I want to say" human!!! As I am writing this, I need to warn you that I am on a little bit (you think?) of a soapbox! In very recent days, I have had the privilege (misfortune?) to hear many opinions given without the speaker knowing “the rest of the story…”

Let me explain. I heard someone say, 
    “So and so has gained so much weight!” 
     Thankfully, a hearer of that comment knew “the rest of the story” and was able to say, “So and so is on a medication that bloats or causes swelling.”  
     “Oh, I didn’t know that.”   

Another example: 
     “So and so was so short and unfriendly to me the other day, I don’t want to be around them again.”  
     Thankfully, a hearer knew “the rest of the story” and said, “So and so’s life is full of relational hurts and family issues.”

This is such a small and yet continual set of examples of the casualness of spreading words that can affect hearts! Maybe it’s just me, but I can be quick to be judgmental and critical when I know only the small part of decisions, looks, and circumstances of others. I assure you, I can be as stupid and rude, as Proverbs 18 says, as the next person. And I can be as hurt or encouraged as the next person when I receive or give Ephesians 4:29 -  “Do not let ANY UNWHOLESOME talk come out of your mouths, but ONLY WHAT IS HELPFUL FOR BUILDING OTHERS UP ACCORDING TO THEIR NEEDS, THAT IT MAY BENEFIT THOSE WHO LISTEN.”

There, I feel better (spewing comes naturally for me when I am fired up). I cannot tell you I have mastered this truth, but I can tell you the Holy Spirit is working diligently to keep the checklist of unwholesome, building, and beneficial as the standard of response for me. Not always easy for a lover of words, but I promise – the fruit of obedience to the principle in Ephesians 4:29 is no regret, no shame or condemnation, and a lot of freedom!

Bottom line, as new creations in Christ, let’s pray for one another to build and not tear down when we may not know “the rest of the story.” If our heart is burdened for or about others or their choices, let’s go to them and express our concern in love. There is absolutely no way to justify unwholesome, hurtful, or death words to anyone.

Jesus said, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart…for out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.”  Luke 6:45

Now, this is something worth hoarding and overflowing!!!