Feeling Disconnected?

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  Matthew 28:18-20

The word mentoring can bring a myriad of images and emotions to our minds, ideas that may have been shaped by past experiences, media, or maybe the experiences of others. It may elicit questions. What is mentoring? For whom is it best suited? Do I have anything to give? Do I have anything to receive?

However you view it, and no matter the questions it brings, is it possible that you are taking the first step at this moment? Could it be that you are reading this because God is calling you to something deeper? Do you sometimes find yourself feeling isolated even when you are in the company of others?

You aren’t alone. We live in an age where connecting to others anywhere in the world is easier than ever. Why do more people report feeling empty and friendless than previous generations? The answer isn’t just COVID-19.  How did you feel before your routine and social life came to a screeching halt? Maybe it isn’t enough to simply be with people. Perhaps we were meant to join arms with those around us and thrive within the strength those arms provide. Not just giving. Not just taking.

Did you know that friends do not always equal friendship? Jesus had many followers, but He only had twelve disciples. And from that mentorship came the foundation of the church. From twelve to more than two billion. What a legacy! Jesus exemplified mentorship and instructed us to follow in His footsteps.

“and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2

Four years ago, a small number of like-minded women at BHBC felt God calling them to meet a need in their own lives and communities. They felt a call to obey and imitate Christ-like mentorship, which would lead them and others to a rich and meaningful relationship with God. That team has now grown with dozens of women that have learned what true community means.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

Just like the disciples that Jesus chose to follow Him, the women who commit to the Standing Strong program come from all walks of life and at different points on their path with God. It doesn’t matter if you are a new Christian or not, how many Bible verses you know, or any. You don’t have to be anyone but yourself.

Perhaps this is your time to consider finding out more about Standing Strong mentoring? Take a look at the website for more info. Applications for the 2021 session are available starting on Sept 1^st, the deadline to turn them in is Oct 4^th.

Are you ready?

Amanda Chadwell.

Interested in blogging for the Women’s Ministry? Email  for details.

Connect with the Women’s Ministry via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bhbcsistersoftheheart

The Lord is my defender!

Micah 7:7 - As for me, I look to the Lord for help.

For just over two years, my husband and I have been praying that God would answer a specific need we have, which originated out of a bad choice we made. Throughout that time, we have gone through almost every range of emotion possible, including grief, anger, and fear.  We have worked hard to take our concerns and worries together and separately to the Lord, knowing that venting on one another will do no good. We have lamented together when we were disheartened and dug in and encouraged each other when struggling. And to that end, we have had days that were full of faith, where, even without answers, we felt the peace of God.

In short, we have definitely been in a long season of looking to the Lord for help, and now, as I see what is happening outside the walls of my home, looking to the Lord for help is further amplified. Is there chaos everywhere, Lord?

In the book of Micah, the prophet begins by warning Israel. They have judgment coming through the armies of Assyria and Babylon because their leaders and prophets have become corrupt through theft and greed. We see that God won’t let that sort of corruption stand, and although not permanent, He will enact judgement. However, because of his character and His promises to His people, he brings about hope.

This final passage we read in Micah is a personification; a suffering, defeated individual - hopeless. And the brilliance of employing this writing mechanism in God’s Word is that a passage in the Old Testament can manage to feel so personal.  

God’s character is on the line here. If we repent, will He save us? If we call on Him, will He hear us?

I don’t know about you, but I think those things.

I have often felt the hopelessness of a sinful moment or disappointing decision. I have had to live in the natural consequences of a bad choice. When I chose to do something that is in direct opposition to what God’s Word says, I can expect to see the rotten repercussions of that. When I say something I shouldn’t, I hurt the receiver of those words. When I make a terrible financial decision, I bring stress to my family.

Yet the Bible tells me all is not lost! The Lord is the same as He is today. He doesn’t hold me in that sin. No! The people of Israel had been in rebellion for over 500 years at this point- theft! Greed! Yet God reminds that He will take up their case (v. 9) and that just like the Israelites, He will “Bring me into the light”— that light is Jesus. (v. 8&9)

That is who God IS! His promises are true, and He is faithful when we are not. Dear sisters, “For though you fall, you will rise again.” (v. 8) Through Jesus, your Lord, repentance brings the peace of God back to your heart. It is there you will find your hope.

What about you? Is your heart echoing the above, “I look to the Lord for help,” (v. 7)  or are you more skeptical: “So where is the Lord- that God of yours?”  (v. 10) Do you need help from Him? Or are you angry that God would ask you to obey in a specific part of your life— that He would ask you to submit to something hard? Perhaps you are just struggling to hear Him at all?

I’ve been all of those. In my lowest moments, I’ve said, “You don’t care about me, Lord! You’ve left us! We made a mistake, and you are going to punish us forever!”

Yet here we see in Micah that God is not like that.

He is going to take up my case. He will fight for me. And then, the faithless will see Him in us.

Troubling things are erupting daily in our nation and in us. Our sin can be overwhelming. Draw on His character throughout time to remind yourself that God brings judgment that he might bring hope. Ask Him to remind you of that hope that we have the forever promises of a God who can be trusted.

Micah 7:7-10

 

Sarah Elmer

Interested in blogging for the Women’s Ministry? Email  for details.

Connect with the Women’s Ministry via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bhbcsistersoftheheart