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New Song Community Church
118 West McClendon Street
Lady Lake, 32159
Phone: 352-633-8596
She Rises
We, as children of God and His believers, were put here right now, for times such as these. Will we stand for what is Godly and show His grace, or will we hold on to grudges and accomplish except displaying unforgiveness. WWJD?
Even Peter
Copied: Not my words, but so good.
A few days ago I was reading the book of Mark, and I was so struck by two words that they have continued to echo in my mind even days later. I often encourage women to read their Bibles as often as they can—especially in seasons of change, waiting, and discouragement. I will be the first to admit that I cling much more tightly to the Word on the hard days. God certainly knows this is true about me and I am guessing it’s probably true about you too. This particular passage reminded me why.
The last few weeks have been more challenging than I like to admit. Uncertainty has come seemingly from out of nowhere. There are lists of reasons and people I could place blame upon but none of that bears much fruit and it certainly does not glorify God. These unsettled times have me wondering if God is bringing discipline.
I prayed before I read the scriptures that day. I was very honest with God about what I am feeling. Fear, anxiousness, and imposter syndrome to name a few. And then I came across these two words: “even Peter.” They were tacked on to the end of a sentence and I could have rushed right over them. But my aching heart had landed me in the Word with the hope of finding healing, peace, and direction. So I lingered over the words more than I would on a typical day. And “even Peter,” was the tiniest of phrases that caused my eyes to fill with tears.
You see, in this particular chapter of Mark- Mary Magdalene and the other Mary have gone to the tomb to anoint the lifeless body of Jesus Christ. They prepared spices on the evening of his death but had to wait a full day to bring them to the tomb because of the Sabbath. So, on the third day, they arrived at the tomb. They were shocked to see the tomb open and inside they discovered an angel, sitting inside the tomb. The angel said, “Do not be alarmed! You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, he isn’t here! He has risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body. Now go and tell his disciples, even Peter.” Mark 16:6-7
Why is this so striking, that the angel would single out Peter? On the night Jesus was arrested he spoke these words to Peter, “And Jesus said to him, ‘Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.'” Peter did, in fact, deny knowing Jesus three times that night. And the moment the rooster crowed, the Bible says “the words of Jesus flashed through his mind.” Of course, they did. Peter, the one who said he would follow Jesus even unto death had denied even knowing him. The Bible says that once he realized what he had done he wept bitterly.
Because I know the weight of what it feels like to sin against God, and then recognize that sin, I weep with Peter.
Sometimes, recently even, I have wondered if Jesus is angry with me. Has he given up on me? Does he even hear my voice any more?
And this is why these words strike me so strongly. After the resurrection, the angel takes a moment to be sure to include Peter in the group of those who are to receive the good news!!!
Jesus loved Peter so much, just as he loves you and me! And because the angel, surely at Jesus’ command, includes Peter in the celebration of the resurrection I am hope-filled.
Because if Jesus remembers Peter, he remembers me too.
Even Peter. Even me. Even you.
Shared from Jenn Kish
Rise Up Like Hagar – Alliance Women
Rise Up Like Hagar
Sarai and Abram were desperate for a child in their old age. Though Abram received a promise from the Lord that they would have descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5-6), he did not tell Sarai, so in her impatience and doubt, she took matters into her own hands.
Hagar was an Egyptian maidservant to Sarai and Abram. Sarai planned for Abram to take Hagar as his second wife, a common practice in their culture, hoping to fulfill her longing for a family through her maid. Hagar soon found herself pregnant with Abram’s child. At first, this might have brought her the sense of fulfillment and worth that she had longed for—however, as her pregnancy progressed, tensions grew. She began to despise Sarai, maybe feeling a glimpse of newfound power and importance that clashed with her previous identity as a servant.
Sarai, in turn, reacted with jealousy and mistreatment towards Hagar, blaming her for the situation she herself had created. Even Abram, the head of the household, failed to intervene, leaving Hagar to Sarai’s cruelty (Genesis 16:6). Faced with oppression and distress, Hagar fled into the wilderness.
Near a spring in the desert, the Angel of the Lord appeared to Hagar in her despair, urging her to return and submit to Sarai. “The Angel of the Lord told her, ‘Go back to your mistress and submit to her’” (Genesis 16:9). Despite the mistreatment she endured, we see Hagar rise up in grace, humility, and obedience. She chooses to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems impossible.
Despite being caught in the crossfire of human failures, she rose above her circumstances, finding strength in submission and trusting God. Her journey reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God sees us, knows us, and calls us to trust in His goodness. It’s easy to flee from a devastating diagnosis, family problems, depression, anxieties, grief, or barrenness, but God knows exactly what you are going through.
Hagar’s experience serves as a reminder of God’s compassion and sovereignty. Just as He saw Hagar in her distress, He sees each of us in our moments of suffering and uncertainty. He knows how you are feeling. He sees you and me. Nothing is hidden from Him. He pursues us. He wants to help us live out the plan He has for us. In fact, he knows exactly where we are, and He meets us there. He will never leave us or forsake us. His grace is sufficient for us, made perfect in our weakness.
In the end, God’s faithfulness prevails. He blesses Hagar with a son, Ishmael, and reaffirms His promise to her. Through her story, we are reminded that we are never alone in our struggles. God is with us, guiding us through the wilderness towards a future filled with hope and promise. We just need to humbly obey and trust Him.
Pang Vang is married to Reverend Thai Vang and serves alongside her husband in Maplewood, MN. Together they have four children: Angelina, Austin, Isabella-Joi, and Isaac-Emanuel; five grandchildren, and one son and daughter-in-law. She has served as both the director and assistant director for the Alliance Women ministry of the Hmong District. She loves nature, traveling, trying authentic food, and spending time with family.
Stepping Up – “Becky So Very Blessed”
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Hi Lois, I’m co-leading our church’s women’s Bible study this Fall and we are currently working on creating some videos and trainings for our teachers. There is so much practical information they need to know (dates, how to prepare, who to email their slides to, etc), but I keep coming back to this most important thing. Above all else, they need to know that what they are doing is so important. Stepping up to teach a Bible study in front of a huge room full of women takes so much boldness, humility, and clarity in what God is calling them to share. We know God is going to lead them as they seek Him in preparing their teachings. And we know God works mightily in transforming hearts and lives when we offer Him our hands and voices. And I believe the same thing is true for you. You are so important. God speaks to you. Your boldness, humility, and clarity in hearing and following God’s leading in your life is divinely significant and makes a Kingdom-sized difference in this world. Today’s Bible Verse “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”” Isaiah 6:8 |
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Rise Up Like Samuel
Rise Up Like Samuel
Samuel grew up in the eyes of the Lord. He was a respectable, humble, and faithful young boy. Samuel was trained in the temple to assist Eli with the priesthood duties. He learned the roles and responsibilities quickly. Samuel listened to Eli and feared the Lord. On the other hand, Eli’s two sons were sleeping with their female servants.
Could you imagine everything that was going through young Samuel’s mind and heart? He was away from his family, in a new environment, and had to adjust to a priesthood lifestyle. The transition of living with Eli and his sons could have brought Samuel sleepless nights, restlessness, fear, and even homesickness. These mixed emotions could have left him feeling discouraged, lonely, or even depressed, but God was with Samuel.
One night, Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the Lord near the Ark of God. Suddenly, God called Samuel two times, but he mistook the callings for Eli’s command. He arose and ran quickly to Eli, responding, “Here I am, you called me”(1 Sam. 3:5).
Eli instructed Samuel to lie back down and sleep because he didn’t call him. Both times, Samuel didn’t realize it was God calling him. On the third time, Eli discerned that it was the Lord who was calling Samuel, so he instructed him to go lie down again and wait for the Lord to call on him. As Samuel lay down to sleep, he was attentive and quietly waited upon the Lord.
“Then the Lord came and stood and called as at the previous times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel answered, ‘Speak, for Your servant is listening’”(1 Sam. 3:9–10).
The Lord had never spoken to Samuel personally before this. But on this night, the Lord intentionally called Samuel and conversed with him. Samuel experienced intimacy with the Lord, and God shared His plans with Samuel. Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? In your busy schedule, are you making time to be still in the presence of the Lord? How attuned are you with the Lord Almighty’s voice and His Word? Are you praying expectantly for the Lord’s response—however long it may take—or are you distracted by the noise that surrounds you? God wants to share everything with you: His plans, purpose, promises, desires, and His everlasting grace through His Son Jesus Christ.
We live in a society where we are constantly bombarded with all kinds of distractions like smartphones, iPads, and social media. These gadgets are not making our lives easier, instead, they have the power to replace our intimacy with God. Answering God’s calling requires us to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. What comes with that calling is an obedient heart to rise up faithfully and respond like Samuel: “Here I am, your servant is listening.” Are we waiting, ready, and excited for the Lord’s call? Are you ready to be His instrument for His good works? Trust that God will lead us and empower us to do the impossible and extraordinary.
Samuel went on to be a faithful priest, prophet, and the greatest judge for the Lord and His people, the Israelites. Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. The Lord was pleased with Samuel and every word he spoke came to pass.
Rise Up and Witness
Rise Up and Witness
Can a man haunted by demons and living among tombs teach us something profound about our own journey from death to life? At first glance, when reading about the demoniac in Mark 5 who was healed from a legion of demons, we might not see many parallels between his life and ours. I was humbled to find we had several similarities.
This man was living in burial caves. He was literally residing among the dead. After his encounter with Jesus, we see a drastic transformation as he rejoins other living people in his hometown. Isn’t that just what Jesus does? He brings every one of us from death to life. Before encountering Him, we are dead to sins. We know nothing of a life apart from sin. After receiving His boundless grace, we experience life. We indeed know what it is to go from death to life and from shame to freedom.
In Mark 5:19, Jesus instructs this man, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” This man is instructed to go and be a witness for Christ. The word witness can feel intimidating, but it really is simple. It’s telling others about the evidence of Christ in your life. Jesus’ command to this once demoniac and now healed man should sound familiar to us. It parallels His command to all of us in Acts 1:8, to go out and be His witnesses. If you feel that you don’t currently have a purpose, may you be reassured that you do. Your purpose today is to tell others about the ways God has worked and moved in your life. How He has helped and healed you. Tell about when He brought hope and joy to your dreariest of days. Share how His peace persisted in the midst of your chaos. Talk about how, despite your long list of faults, His grace has never known an end. I know you can do it.
Just like this man, we each have a story of how God brought us from death to life. May we have the boldness to share it with others today. Your actions could change the course of eternity for someone else. God’s power is at work in you.
Cassie Taylor
Cassie is a pastor’s wife serving in Shelby, Ohio. Her husband and her love to spend time being ridiculous with their two kids and coaching their sports’ teams. She is extremely passionate about women’s ministry and equipping others to live boldly for Christ. She also works in orthopedic physical therapy where she has the privilege to help people keep moving. Cassie loves to talk with the Lord while running outdoors and being in nature as much as her schedule allows
Happy Valentine’s Day
FULL CREDIT FOR THIS DEVOTIONAL GOES TO THE AUTHOR AND GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY
Be Blessed Today and Every Day!
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” – 1 John 4:8
We often think of Valentine’s Day as the day for couples to show their love to one another, but rarely do we use the day to remind us of God’s unmatched love for us, His children. For many single people, Valentine’s Day can be a bitter reminder of their singleness and desire for a relationship. Luckily, God doesn’t leave anyone, single or in a relationship, out of His unending love and grace.
In 1 John 4:8, the author says, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
God is love itself. We wouldn’t have any conception of “love” at all if it weren’t for God, the definition of love.
God further defines love in the classic 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 passage that reads, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
God describes love in this way, and then tells us that He is love. This further emphasizes that God himself is all of these things.
God is patient and kind. He keeps no record of wrongs. He always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. God’s love is a perfect love that no one on earth could ever emulate.
We often read this 1 Corinthians passage near Valentine’s Day or at weddings to remind us what love should look like, but God is the perfect demonstration of it.
John 3:16 says, “or God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
He gave up His only son for us. He gave us eternal life because of His great and unmatched love for each of us.
The theologian C.S. Lewis once said, “He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.”
God loves you so much. If you were the only one on earth He still would have sent His son for you.
So this Valentine’s Day, remember to set your sights not on earthy relationships, but on the God above who loves far more fully and abundantly than we could ever imagine.
Alliance Women – Rise Up With Your Yes
Rise Up with your YES
As a little girl who loved to take charge, Deborah was one of my heroes! God allowed her, a woman with great responsibility as a judge and prophetess for the people of Israel, to lead a military charge against their enemies. It all sounds very glamorous until you stop to consider some difficult moments Deborah might have faced in this adventure. We know she was married, so this foray into military maneuvering required her to be away from her family. And not only to travel, but to travel with men into a “man’s world,” a soldiers’ campground. Did you ever stop to consider if Deborah might have lacked privacy or adequate restroom facilities?
But Deborah chose to rise up! She understood that she would get the honor for this military victory, but also that a tremendous challenge was before her. Deborah stepped in where another leader would not. And although it seems that Barak had sidestepped his responsibility, Deborah graciously accompanied and encouraged him to lead in the battle. She tells him, “Go! . . . Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?”
How had God gone ahead of Deborah? While we don’t know the details of her early life, when we meet her under the palm tree of Deborah in Judges 4, she is described as a prophetess, the leader of Israel, and someone who decides disputes for the people of Israel. Surely that didn’t happen overnight. To hear God speak so clearly, she must have tuned her ear to listen for His voice, to respond to His commands. She must have said yes to Him time and time again before she said yes in this big moment.
We just celebrated Christmas and were reminded of another woman who gave her “yes” under very different circumstances. Mary said yes to bearing the Son of God. Who can forget her gracious words? “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38). Mary also faced difficult circumstances and was likely misunderstood many times. But what we remember so many years later is her yes.
Where is God asking you to rise up? In what situation do you need to give your yes to Him? It may be bold, brave, and very public. Or it may be quiet but equally risky. Will you listen for His voice? Will you say yes?
After twenty five years of serving in church ministry with her husband, Dennis, Lori stepped into new roles at the Central District Office of the Christian & Missionary Alliance. She currently serves as Coordinator for Alliance Women and Coordinator for Consecration and Ordination. As mom to two young adult daughters, she can hardly wait to become a grandma TWO times in the coming weeks. Walking, gardening, reading, and hosting are a few of her favorite things!