The God of Check up and Check out

(Mental note: What a powerful title!)

First reading was taken from the book of Samuel 2:6.

2 Samuel 2:6 (NIV)

6 May the Lord now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this.

From this passage, we see that God’s capacity is greater than ours. He giveth as well as taketh. We must take time and caution to be observant and analyse our circles/ relationships, positive or not, and do what must be done. Sister (well Aunty to me haha) Eti then brings up the story of Abraham and Lot (REMINDER - still need to read and learn from this story).

The story of Abraham and Lot demonstrates that the relationship between them was not profitable unto Abraham. We briefly discussed how funny it is that this demonstration of relationship value is between a family member. If Abraham was able to understand that the relationship with his own ‘flesh and blood’ was affecting his blessing from the Almighty; why is it so hard to let go of dead friendships /relationships with people in general.

The next scripture was taken from the book of Genesis 13:14-18.

Genesis 13:14-18(NIV)

14 The Lord said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, “Look around from where you are, to the north and south, to the east and west. 15 All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. 16 I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted. 17 Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you.” 18 So Abram went to live near the great trees of Mamre at Hebron, where he pitched his tents. There he built an altar to the Lord.

Here we see that God checked up and checked out that party, allowing Abraham to fulfil his duty. We all have to get a place of importance, but when people are blocking our path, we need to realise that a release needs to take action. If something is causing you more harm, allowing God to check it out. 

Note: Haven’t you ever notice that when you feel a strain on a relationship/friendship, there's like a strange awkwardness. It’s God giving you that swift exit. But as human beings, we want to take the hard road; ‘God please I asked for you to release me from my enemies but sister A has such charisma oh, and brother B always listen to my troubles though he too is part of them at times.’ 

Then, when you're still hanging onto these people that have served their season in your life, expiring and their left-over mould’ is causing you more harm than trouble; so you then have to leave the relationship with drama, instead of taking that swift exit God graced you with.

B L E S S I N G

"How much do you want your blessing?" - Sister Eti. When she said this I just had to pause and think. Like when we pray to God, speaking before we're truly thinking and making that covenant with God to bless us and we’ll continue to do ABXYZ; but how much do you really want it?

Most of the time, the blessing which we're seeking, or which is coming our way can't come because of what is around us. For example; you want to get the best grades but you're hanging out with a crowd that is not aiding in your revision progression. You need to allow the things of the world to not hold back your blessings.

- Analyse the foundation of your friendships and let God check it out if needs be. What God has not sanctioned he will not elevate.

- What God will give you is better than what you have already. It seems hard when things are not going to plan but such is life, God is a God of YES where other God’s who we worship (this could be in the form of trusting in the word of man more than faith in God) are the gods of maybe/no.

Food for thought

The 5 friends we need in life:

The Collaborator - Understands your vision, connecting with your purpose

The Confronter - Confront your stupidity

The Coach - We don’t need a title to pour out a type of wisdom.

The Catcher - Whilst you are learning something, they will too learn

The Confidant - They understand your personality, keeping you sane

Written by Olivia-Zara <3 

EVERY female has encountered troubles in friendship, and this word has put so much in perspective! Checking up and checking out is a continuous process, the same way you can love your closest friends, you can also show love to friends that have done you wrong - even though you may not want to be close to these former friends, ensure that no hatred lives in you, and you still love them from afar. Always ask yourself; What would Jesus do?

Check up, check out. The choice is yours!

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God bless you all and #LWFITC

#LadiesWhoFellowshipInTheCity

xxx

The Proverbs 31 Woman - Meeting 14

Whilst researching one of the most famous verses in the Bible for women, I stumbled across some points of what makes a Proverbs 31 woman:

Being a Proverbs31 woman is not about being “perfect.” It’s about living life with purpose.

Often women believe that Proverbs 31 doesn’t really apply to our modern lives. However, God’s Word stands the test of time. The 10 Virtues of the Proverbs 31 Woman demonstrates how, as Christian women today, we can all be Proverbs 31 Women.

Faith – A Virtuous Woman serves God with all of her heart, mind, and soul. She seeks His will for her life and follows His ways. (Proverbs 31: 26, Proverbs 31: 29 – 31, Matthew 22: 37, John 14: 15, Psalm 119: 15

Health – A Virtuous Woman cares for her body. She prepares healthy food for her family. (Proverbs 31: 14 – 15, Proverbs 31: 17, 1 Corinthians 6: 19, Genesis 1: 29, Daniel 1, Leviticus 11)

Service – A Virtuous Woman serves her husband, her family, her friends, and her neighbors with a gentle and loving spirit. She is charitable. (Proverbs 31: 12, Proverbs 31: 15, Proverbs 31: 20, 1 Corinthians 13: 13)

Finances – A Virtuous Woman seeks her husband’s approval before making purchases and spends money wisely. She is careful to purchase quality items which her family needs. (Proverbs 31: 14, Proverbs 31: 16, Proverbs 31: 18, 1 Timothy 6: 10, Ephesians 5: 23, Deuteronomy 14: 22, Numbers 18: 26)

Industry – A Virtuous Woman works willingly with her hands. She sings praises to God and does not grumble while completing her tasks. (Proverbs 31: 13, Proverbs 31: 16, Proverbs 31: 24, Proverbs 31: 31, Philippians 2: 14)

Homemaking – A Virtuous Woman is a homemaker. She creates an inviting atmosphere of warmth and love for her family and guests. She uses hospitality to minister to those around her. (Proverbs 31: 15, Proverbs 31: 20 – 22, Proverbs 31: 27, Titus 2: 5, 1 Peter 4: 9, Hebrews 13: 2)

Time – A Virtuous Woman uses her time wisely. She works diligently to complete her daily tasks. She does not spend time dwelling on those things that do not please the Lord. (Proverbs 31: 13, Proverbs 31: 19, Proverbs 31: 27, Ecclesiastes 3, Proverbs 16: 9, Philippians 4:8 )

Beauty – A Virtuous Woman is a woman of worth and beauty. She has the inner beauty that only comes from Christ. She uses her creativity and sense of style to create beauty in her life and the lives of her loved ones. (Proverbs 31: 10Proverbs 31: 21 – 22, Proverbs 31: 24 -25, Isaiah 61: 10, 1 Timothy 2: 9, 1 Peter 3: 1 – 6)

Our guest speaker Natasha not only touched on many of these vital points in a way that affects our everyday lives as women, but she spoke personally to us in a way that made us forcibly recognise within ourselves what we can improve on to not only be better spiritually in Christ, but better women also.

Proverbs 31:21 - She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet.

We need to be ready to stand bold in Christ when the storm comes. A Proverbs 31 woman has a tick list - why are we sometimes so afraid to possess these characteristics?

Hebrews 13: 8 - Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

The same God will carry you through the storm. 

It's interesting how the Proverbs 31 woman reminds us a lot as females of our worth. Deep down many of us know our worth and settle for less than what God has ordained for us. We need to stay headfast and strong in the word, as Proverbs 31 can remind us of our worth daily. 

Aspire to be a better you, and continue to have a deep-rooted relationship with Christ so that you are able to fulfil your purpose.

A question to pray over: What are you doing each day that amounts to you fulfilling your purpose?

Thank you for reading! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @fellowshipladys and check out our Instagram @ladieswhofellowship

Break The Cycle - Money

1 Timothy 6:10 ESV 

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

Money and I have never been the best of friends. I remember in secondary school when my dad would give me lunch money each week (£10), and my mum would tell me save at least £2 a week. It never happened. My mum had always (and still does) lecture me about the importance of saving. I never really understood it. Until now. 

money - the assets, property, and resources owned by someone or something.

The cycle continued with struggling to save. College came and I was lucky enough to get £20 a week EMA - still didn't save a penny. So I thought, 'why not get a job?' got a job, got a bit better with money but shortly after leaving the job due to exams, I had nothing to show for those hours. Still relying on parents for pocket money which wasn't much of an issue as by this point I was 17. The summer before going to uni, I got a part time job after coming back from holiday, waiting for payday was so, so painful. I had to sometimes cancel plans with friends as I literally couldn't even afford going to the cinema, let alone pay for a meal at nando's. I would starve during work and run home after to cook, eat, and sleep. That cycle became so repetitive and tedious.

As university was constantly on my mind at this point, I knew that this would be the start of better management with time, and money! At this point the idea of money, looking after it, and spending it, wasn't a big worry or something that I read about a lot. Money should never have control over my life and never will.

Whilst starting university I came over this beautiful verse that set so much in stone, I meditate over it a lot since then:

Hebrews 13:5 NIV

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.

I never have and never will worship money. I was good at handling it, I just couldn't save. Within weeks it would be gone. Then overdraft happened. Student accounts and overdraft = drama! Why on earth did I begin spending money I didn't have? Minus £400 then turned into minus £800, then £1000 overdrawn. No one around me other than my family knew that I wasn't the best with saving - and I didn't always see it as a problem being so overdrawn as I promised myself to bring the account up to + on my next payday/student finance installment.

It happened, then the cycle repeated itself. Over and over, and over again. 

Matthew 6:24 ESV 

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

I am a big believer in giving, I've been donating to my favourite charities for each month 2+ years and always put others before myself. However, charity begins at home!

I am now 21, in a full-time job position I love, and have decided to BREAK THE CYCLE! No matter how much money you have, you can still fall short to self-discipline. It took 4 years to realise that money will NEVER have power over you, YOU have the power; the power to stop this continuous cycle that God forbid will one day run you into the ground. God has taught me to place love over unmateralistic things that do have lasting value, to be thankful, to give even when I'm not fully able, and to be on top of things of the world that I do have control over!

Luke 12:33-34 ESV 

Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

God has instilled the power within me to use my initiative when handling certain possessions. Don't ever let things of the world run you into the ground. Break the repetitive cycle.

Written by Hannah

It's OK to enjoy life!

What a lovely meeting in the park! And a great rich message to go with it inspired by Joyce Meyer. 

For our 13th meeting, we began by defining the term enjoyment, which explains:

'Enjoyment is the fuel we need to reach the finish line of an endeavour with a good attitude."

In the book of Ecclesiastes it says:

Ecclesiastes 2:24The Message (MSG)

24-26 The best you can do with your life is have a good time and get by the best you can. The way I see it, that’s it—divine fate. Whether we feast or fast, it’s up to God. 

We need to understand that these pleasures come from God and therefore it is so important and something we should constantly lock into our minds during our Christian walk. Why? There are different types of enjoyment. Before and during your journey you will realise what is and isn't of God. Examples, Harming your body with unsafe substances, giving into peer pressure and surrounding yourself with the wrong people (the girls had A LOT to say about this!)

One thing we fail to recognise due to human nature is that every journey or road to success is just as important as the achievement itself. TD Jakes spoke such rich and powerful points about this (here from about 1:30 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3_gzlt2yO4)

We need to learn to lighten up and take time to enjoy the journey! You are a conquerer! The book of John explains this clearly: 

John 16:33English Standard Version (ESV)

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Another interesting point we picked up from this verse was the word, WORLD. Many Christians mention especially in testimonies that they were "once in the world", and in this meeting, the ladies discussed several definitions of how to explain the world. We concluded that the world is a place we exist in but don't  spiritually invest in. Meaning, we have the light of Christ and can fearlessly overcome any obstacles coming to us in this world i.e. temptation, lying, being deceitful, not living our God-given purpose.

I hope this makes sense to those reading! :)

Ambassador and sister Eti also made a brilliant point about the fact that we should never fear to fulfil the potential and plans that God has set forward for us. Eti said that the richest place in the world is the GRAVEYARD - due to the unfulfilled potential, due to the people that chose not to go forth, pursue, and enjoy their goals. Deep!

Don't let society pressure you, let the Bible inspire you! Life SHOULD be enjoyed! There isn't an A-Z on how to be, think and feel. God has created you for a purpose. Enjoy your purpose.

Thank you for reading! Our meetings are open to ALL ladies curious about several topics discussed in the Bible and our curiosities about Jesus and God! We meet every fortnight in cafe's based all over Central London and the meetings are awesome :)

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God bless you xxx

Being a light and a lampshade (meeting no.12)

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. 

(Matthew 5:14-16 MSG)

A lot of us crave for God to help us in many areas. We need to start being affective where we are whilst being hungry for our expansion

It all starts from within!

Daniel 2:22New International Version (NIV)

22 

He reveals deep and hidden things;

he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.In order to accomplish, make sure you are doing God"s good will

How many people's lives have you influenced?

You have important things to do with your life, don't waste it!

Be a light and source of hope to someone

God has charged you to be a light of biblical change

Because of your conscious, someone is going through mental slavery

Be active in the things God has called you to be 

Never let the fear of public opinion be the captive of your life 

Your light should speak for itself

1 John 1:5

God doesn't use people that don't have anything to offer

You have been hand picked by this generation 

There are things in you that this generation has been hoping for

As you progress in the light, you will play as an instrument to someone else's life

So simply put yet so so powerful. Day by day we encounter several other people that we can simply touch with our light. Praying that God uses you as a light unto others and that you may never lack!

Amen.

Ladies Who Fellowship In The City

#LWFITC

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Faith and The Conservative Party

A sister wrote this morning:

Exodus 7-9 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+7-9) really touched me today. In it I noticed two things. The first when God afflicted Egypt because of the hardness of Pharaoh's heart the bible said that it did not come upon the children of Israel. Secondly God said that He rose Pharaoh for a time like this, so that Gods power will be known throughout the earth.

My point is this, it's bugged me that so many believers have been scared of new Government and their policies. Do you not serve a God that cause affliction to happen around you and not reach your dwelling place? Has God not chosen the Conservatives for a time like this? The bible says that the fear of man is a snare but those who trust the Lord shall be protected.

Thank you for such fruitful words, Bose!

A huge, huge, HUGE part of the Christian walk is having FAITH. Faith is the cornerstone of all Christians. It is how the disciples were able to preach and change the world. They absolutely believed in God's promises as told to them by Jesus Christ. The disciples treated the good news of Jesus as truth even though most of these truths were either promises for the future or at odds with the material world around them

Hebrews 11:11 - Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen

When Christians act out on their faith, it is the evidence of things not seen. Faith is the source of a Christian's strength and places them in God's plan for mankind. Through faith, Christians anticipate the future of God's promises and act in faith in their day-to-day activity knowing they are in God's plan.

So let me ask you this; where is your faith if you call yourself a believer and a Christian? It's quite saddening seeing people post such negative things regarding Conservative Party plans that haven't fully happened yet. "Britain is doomed forever" "You are sick if you have voted Tory" - hardly the words Christ would use, are they? Remember the power of The Lord and the fact that HE KNOWS what is going to happen decades, and even centuries from now. 

Rather than spitting out words of negativity, remember who you represent, what you believe in, and how you will give off that character. Pray before speaking such negativity and remember that faith without works is dead. There's one thing saying you have faith, but how have you shown faith to let that light of Christ shine onto others?

Trust and have faith!

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Intimate meeting number 11

It's been a little while since we've had an intimate meeting and the topic we picked and discussed went so perfectly with the day!

The Bible story we studied and discussed was The Samaritan woman at the well with Jesus

Amazing preaching of this story by Robert Madu: 

Read from John 4: 1-30.

Let's quickly summarise this story:

1) Jesus had been travelling far and was tired, so took some rest at a well in Samaria whilst his disciples went to buy food. This well was usually a place where women of Samaria would go to draw water. 

2) A Samaritan woman came to draw water. By speaking to this woman, Jesus broke 3 Jewish customs; a) he spoke to a woman b) she was a Samaritan woman* and c) he asked her to get him a drink of water, which would have made him ceremonially unclean from using her cup.

3) Jesus asking the woman for water at the well shocked her. Jesus then went onto say that He could give her living water so that she would never thirst again. Jesus used the words living water to refer to eternal life, the gift that would satisfy her soul's desire only available through him. The Samaritan woman became immediately defensive, highlighting the fact that He a Jew, dared to ask her for water.

4) Although they had never met before, Jesus revealed that he knew she had had five husbands and was now living with a man who was not her husband. Jesus now had her attention! As they talked about their two views on worship, the woman voiced her faith that Messiah was coming. Jesus answered, "I who speak to you am he." (John 4:26, ESV)

------------PAUSE------------

Let's discuss! (As we did in the meeting)

- This woman didn't have a clear vision when meeting Jesus as her perspective was deluded by past experiences. She probably thought that Jesus was another man trying to make a pass at her, since only women gathered at that well.

- Let's do the math. She had 5 husbands and lives with a man she's not married to. Jesus was the 7th man she met. What does number 7 mean? Completion, divine perfection, and something that is not finished. *goosebumps*!

- We must stop prejudging situations based on past experiences. This will limit your growth with God!

- What well are you drinking from? EVERYONE gets thirsty but the real question is; how are you going to quench your thirst? Your looks? Social status? Relationships without purpose? There is a level of fulfilment you may get from these - but for how long?

5) The woman then believed in Christ and spread the word! Excited by what the woman told them, the Samaritans came from Sychar and begged Jesus to stay with them. So Jesus stayed two days, teaching the Samaritan people about the Kingdom of God. When he left, the people told the woman, "... we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world." (John 4:42, ESV)

By reaching out to the Samaritans, Jesus showed that his mission was to the entire earth, not just the Jews. In the book of Acts, after Jesus' ascension into heaven, his apostles carried on his work in Samaria and to the Gentile world.

We need to start drinking from the well that will never run dry!

YOU are the water carrier in your generation.

Questions to pray about:

Can you depend less on the things of the world and more of God?

How will you train yourself to not let your past delude your perspective of the present or future?

How can I learn to strengthen my growth with God?

Our human tendency is to judge others because of stereotypes, customs or prejudices. Jesus treats people as individuals, accepting them with love and compassion. Do you dismiss certain people as lost causes, or do you see them as valuable in their own right, worthy of knowing about the Gospel?

Such a rich meeting with so much food for thought! I don't think any of us want to have the mindset of the woman from the well. We want to meet Jesus with a clear mind and heart. Let us walk more in faith and not by sight.

God bless fellowship!

#LadiesWhoFellowshipInTheCity

#LWFITC

*

Why were Samaritans despised by Jews?

Because of their defective devotion to Judaism and their partly pagan ancestry, the Samaritans were despised by ordinary Jews. Because the Samaritans were sometimes hostile, and also the fact that a Jew believed that he could become contaminated by passing through Samaritan territory, Jews who were traveling from Judea to Galilee or vice versa would cross over the Jordan river and avoid Samaria by going through Transjordan, and cross back over the river again once they had reached their destination.