---

THE LORD IS AT HAND

by Sierra Parsons

Paul was a missionary and apostle, spending much of his ministry writing to churches to encourage them and help them lead lives for Christ—much like we would read a missionary letter of thanks, update and encouragement. While I am no Paul, I hope this letter for you will encourage and build you up using many of Paul’s words to the Philippians (all reference markers are from Philippians.)

Dear Believer, Sister, Friend, 

I praise the Lord upon my every thought of you (1:3), giving Him glory for the work in your lives as you continue to reach out to neighbors, family, and friends! You are continuing to be a part of the Church and help it grow, as well as helping everyone you know in their times of trouble and hardship. I do look forward to the day we can all be together and celebrate what God has been doing. 

You continue to count others as more significant than yourselves (2:3)— looking to their interests above your own. It can be difficult, but I know these sacrifices are for the expansion of the Gospel and the growth of the Kingdom. So we press on toward the goal of Heaven and eternal life in our Savior (3:13). It looks so much sweeter from here than ever before! 

It is easy to become bogged down and discouraged with the world around us. Constant news, disappointments, loss of loved ones, livelihoods, for some of us even perhaps some of our identity. But don’t let Satan lie to you about these things! Our citizenship is in Heaven; we are not a people of this world any longer (3:20). I know you are waiting eagerly with me for the the return of our Savior who has the power to transform our lowly bodies and make us true instruments for Him (3:21). 

Therefore, my prayer for you today is to stand firm in the Lord and His guiding care of your life (4:1). We think on the things above, all that is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable, if it is worthy of praise and has excellence. In the midst of the craziness of the world, we hold on to the hope of God’s provision for our lives. His kingdom will come, and I pray with you, His will be done.  

This season is one of reflection, on the sacrifice of our Savior for the sins of the world. He was hung on a tree and gruesomely killed for our sins—but willingly took on the sacrifice of life itself so that we may live with him for eternity. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice. May our reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand (4:4-5). 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you (4:23). 

---

TOGETHER

Could you use someone to talk to or someone to pray with during these days of isolation? Is there something that you need? As sisters in Christ, we need each other—to walk the highs and the lows of life together. We are all wanting connection, wondering how each one is doing, wishing we could help in some way. Let’s not do this alone but continue to reach out to each other in the ways available to us, to see how others are doing and to share how we are faring. The Women’s Ministry team would also love to help. Please feel free to contact us anytime.

---

LINKS

In each newsletter, we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Enjoy!

• The Secret of Christ-Exalting Contentment @Look at the Book—After you have studied Philippians on your own, you might take a look at how John Piper explains it.

• Blessed are the Meek @Sermon Audio—This sermon by William Hughes, coupled with what we have been reading in Philippians on humility, drills deeply into the heart.

• Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund—How does Jesus Christ actually feel about His people amid all their sins and failures? Read this highly recommended new book.

• Is He Worthy? by Fellowship Worship—a unique rendition, for our times.

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

---

PEACE TO YOU

It’s an Easter for the history books, isn’t it. I hope you took some undistracted moments to read Luke 22-24 and relive the Resurrection Day that made history.

He is risen…beautiful, amazing, heart-stopping words. Especially for those living in the wake of recent death, enduring the separation due to disease, groaning with the stiffness of aging bodies, feeling the darkness of choices around and in us. He is risen indeed!

Those words are our life-line to hope while we live in a world still waiting. He is yet to come—to receive His bride, to bring final justice and deliverance, to make all things new. When that Day comes, we will experience Resurrection’s accomplishment fully, and what a Day that will be! For now, we wait in our own “Saturday” before Sunday. Jesus had spoken of what was ahead, of His resurrection, but His disciples didn’t quite get it. Jesus talked about what is ahead for us, too, but we don’t quite get it all either.

I do know this, while we wonder about what is to come, we can watch and wait full of hope because of another “watch and wait Saturday” that was followed by Easter Sunday. He is coming! “Peace to you!” (Luke 24)

---

LINKS

In each newsletter, we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Enjoy!

• Resurrection Letters Live: Quarantine Edition—just one link today as we close out this quiet Easter Sunday. Here is Andrew Peterson singing his Resurrection Letters live for us this Easter, a great way to celebrate and worship.

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

---

UNDISTRACTED

by Lauren Edmonds

What a strange Easter. It’s hard not to dwell on my disappointment at not celebrating with all of you at church, no family dinners, no “unnecessary” outings. But counting my losses, I started busying myself with new traditions and ideas to compensate and ensure that Easter was still nostalgic and anticipated. I thought maybe by my activities and recipes and readings I could make my heart and those of my family understand the glory of Jesus’ resurrection. 

Even the sparse grocery store shelves, though, remind me that through this turn of events much of the excess has been trimmed away and what I’m left with is quiet, time, and space. What a humbling reminder of the lifestyle and pace that Jesus modeled and of what He desires from us: our heart, our attention, and our worship. He commends Mary who sat at His feet, undistracted. “But Martha was distracted with much serving….But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:40-42).

Would you consider setting aside whatever is distracting you today and pausing to read the Easter story (Luke 22-24)? Then, as we remember and marvel again at Jesus’ victory, may we be moved to celebrate and commemorate with whatever food is on our table and whoever sits around it. May God help our hearts learn both celebration and stillness. May what feels like a loss or a disappointment allow us to give our attention and affection to our King who is ALIVE. 

His story is our story (Romans 6:4-11). His life is our life (1 Corinthians 15:20-23, Ephesians 2:4-7). His victory is our victory (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). His resurrection confirms for us that sickness and sin and grief and loneliness and even death are not the end of the story. So we grieve the bitter sting that sin has left on the world and we grieve what it cost Christ, but we long and anticipate even more for our risen King to return!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice…(1 Peter 1:3–9).

---

LINKS

In each newsletter, we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Enjoy!

• I Didn’t Know I Loved You Like This @Glenna Marshall—yes!

• I Love You From Over Here @the corner shelf—simple acts of love.

• We’re All Children Now @The Gospel Coalition—we’re always children. So good.

• Made Alive—a playlist for the children of God.

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

---

Light in the Darkness

by Alina Gauthier

I did not grow up with liturgy or much structure to spiritual observance, so for me there is an added joy in reading the Bible or praying with purpose. This week I’m taking a pause from my normal devotional, interestingly in Exodus, to meditate on Luke 19-24 as part of Holy Week.

Today, I read Jesus’ trial and crucifixion in Luke 23. I invite you to take a moment and read it over for yourself. As you read, look for individuals or groups of people—“observers” who had been directly affected by Jesus’ death or who interacted with him. Here are the ones that stood out to me. Pilate and Herod—they became friends through the passing back and forth of Jesus during His trial. Simon of Cyrene—he literally helped carry Jesus’ cross. “A great multitude of the people and women lamenting”—mourners. The criminal who would be with Jesus in paradise. The centurion—who at the foot of the cross praised God. Jesus’ acquaintances and the women who followed Him from Galilee, including the disciples. Joseph of Arimathea—a member of the Jewish Council, the man who laid Christ in the tomb.

So many lives touched by the death of Jesus. So many different reactions to his death. I read of the mockery, the humiliation, the pain he endured, and I cried. I wondered how it all would have felt to them as they watched him breathe his last, his weakened body suspended in the sky. Heartbreaking. Unbelievable. Surreal.

Luke 23 ends with, “On the Sabbath day they rested, according to the commandment.” The story breaks and pauses right before the joy of the resurrection. These people were in the middle of observing Passover, remembering the deliverance out of Egypt (fresh in my mind), recalling the goodness of God. Then they see the Man who is supposed to be the Messiah, a rabbi, a teacher, a prophet. Crucified. And then they pause, to observe the Sabbath. I know the Sabbath is a day of rest, but I wanted to know more. So like the nerd that I am I went and looked it up. My Jewish Learning has a helpful article to understand Shabbat in the Jewish tradition.

Shabbat begins at sundown Friday. It’s meant not only as a time of rest but as a reflection of enjoyment. It starts with a prayer read over bread and wine.

The sixth day: And the Heavens and the Earth and all they contained were completed, and on the seventh day God desisted from all the work that he had done. And God rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, for on that day he rested from all the work which he had done in creating the world.

[Leader:] By your leave, rabbis, masters, teachers!

[Diners:] To Life! Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine. Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has sanctified us with his commandments and favored us, and given us in love and favor his holy Shabbat as an inheritance, as a remembrance of the act of creation. For this day is the beginning of all holy days, a remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt. For you have chosen us and you have blessed us from among all the nations. And you have bequeathed us your holy Shabbat in love and favor. Blessed are you, Lord, who sanctifies Shabbat.

The timing of it all was ordained. On the very same day they watched the Messiah die, they have to say a prayer of thanksgiving and joy. I can only imagine the thoughts racing through their minds. I bet some felt numb, or unsure how to feel. Maybe they didn’t have time to process it all. Maybe some felt angry, vengeful. Perhaps others felt shattered, abandoned. Hopeless. 

The Lord let it all be. God intended for them to wait. To sit in the grief. No, to WORSHIP in the grief. To meditate, center, and focus on Him. To know that the plan for redemption was so much more than they could see at that present moment. God saw everything. He saw the grief and pain, but He didn’t address it right away. First, He said, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). He redirects them. “Me.” He says, “This is not about you, what you’re feeling, or your enemies. It’s about Me. My power. My holiness. My love.”

Is this not where we are right now? We’re grieving the loss of normality—of life with friends, of hugs and being outside and grocery shopping without anxiety attacks or stress dreams (what, this isn’t me, noooo). We’re in a state of crisis, so the news tells us, and don’t we feel it? We’re enduring an experience that is going to change the very nature of how we go about life from here on out, and while I hold on to hope eternal, some moments it’s hard and my heart is burdened by the weight of it all.

But look up again to that Shabbat reading. The parallels are clear: the prayer said over bread and wine, our communal elements, the Paschal Lamb of Passover, Jesus as the Sacrifice for our sin. And creation—I’m reminded of John 1:1-5:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

The gospels tell us that darkness covered the land for 3 hours during Jesus’ death. And yet, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” After the waiting, the resting, the worshiping, came the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Ultimate and final redemption from evil. If there was still hope on the literal darkest of days, how can there not be right now? If Jesus can save us from the desolation of our souls, how much more can He save us from an earthly pandemic?

I know this, but in that instant of fear or grief or whatever emotion I might be feeling at the given moment, I need this reminder. Perhaps you do, too. Right now we are being asked to be still and worship in ways that feel foreign and strange in a time of trauma and grief where we can’t see an end in sight. But the resurrection reminds us that Jesus conquers all. And though the end of this season may be hard to see, His plan and His timing are perfect.

---

RESOURCES

Resources for reading Philippians this month can be found on the Women’s Ministry page of New Life Church’s website. Open and print the resources as needed.

If you want to print the resources to fit your One-to-One Bible Reading notebook, here are some tips. Cut white 8.5 x 11 copy or card-stock paper in half. It should be 5.5 x 8.5 inches. Open the PDF file. Choose “portrait,” print “actual size,” in “color.” In advanced settings, select "statement” as the paper size. Select “print on both sides, flip on long edge.” Insert paper and print!

For your joy and benefit, continue to connect with another woman or two to read the Bible One-to-One. Reach out to someone and invite them to read with you over the internet or the phone. Send Marcia a message if you would like help connecting with someone or have questions about how to access resources.

---

LINKS

In each newsletter, we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Enjoy!

• Social Distance, Don’t Social Isolate @TGC—productive ideas from Portland’s own Whitney Woollard.

• 7 Suggestions for Finding Joy in Isolation @Kimberly Wagner—another along the same lines.

• It’s Like in the Great Stories, Mr. Frodo @the corner shelf—how many are watching Lord of the Rings these days? There are so many great gospel analogies; here is one of them.

• Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament @Crossway—Nancy Guthrie’s videos on seeing Jesus in the OT are being offered free of charge through May 31st.

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

---

1ST THURSDAY CONNECT

If we were meeting in person this evening for 1st Thursday CONNECT, we would be celebrating our reading in Esther with a Persian feast. Did you notice how everything seemed to warrant a feast in Esther? If we were together, we would be having some Persian tea with our feast. You probably don’t have Persian, but you could at least make yourself a cup of tea as together we take some time to finish up Esther and prepare for Philippians in April.

---

ESTHER

Reversals

The word “reverse” occurs only once in the ESV version of the Bible. That occurrence is in Esther. You probably saw a number of reversals, though, in the story of Esther. In place of Vashti, Esther, an exile, is made queen. Vashti refuses to come to the king when she is called; Esther comes when she isn’t called. The honor Haman thought the king was going to bestow on him goes to Mordecai. Instead of sending Mordecai to the gallows, Haman must honor him by parading him about the streets. Haman is hanged on the gallows he himself prepared for Mordecai. After his death, Haman’s house goes to Esther and Mordecai, the very people he tried to destroy. The king’s signet ring also goes from Haman to Mordecai who uses it to reverse the edit of Haman. When the second edict is signed, Mordecai trades his sackcloth for royal robes from the king. Many people, out of fear of the Jews, go from being an enemy of the Jews to calling themselves Jews. Then there is the great reversal in chapter 9 when the enemies of God’s people hoped to gain mastery over them, but God’s people gain mastery over those who hated them instead.

“Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's command and edict were about to be carried out, on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them” (Esther 9:1 ESV).

In the end, Haman, who was second in rank to the king, is dead. Haman’s evil plans “return on his own head.” The Jews turn from sorrow to gladness, from mourning to a feast. Mordecai, a foreign servant at the gate of the king, grows in fame and power and is elevated to the high honor of second in rank to the king.

Much like the reversals we see in Esther, the Bible, without using the word, is full of reversals from beginning to end. The upside down nature of God’s Kingdom is everywhere—the first becoming last, the last becoming first. We see it when younger brothers are given the birthright over older (Genesis 4, 25, 48). Servants, like Joseph, become masters (Genesis 39-41). Gideon, timid and weak, becomes a warrior and leader (Judges 6-8). How many can you think of?

But even more significant than the reversals in individual stories, the one all the smaller ones point to, is the overarching reversal of the whole Bible. It is the big story of the Bible, the grandest reversal of all—the gospel. The story begins with rebellious Adam and Eve being banished from the Garden into a cursed world (Genesis 2-3) and ends with God’s people being restored into fellowship with Him in a new Creation, forever free from the curse of sin and death (Romans 8, Revelation 21). The Hero of the story, of course, is Jesus Christ who willingly accepts the most humiliating reversal imaginable when he leaves the glories of heaven to take on human flesh in order to die for his enemies, you and me (you could read the whole Bible here, but look at Philippians 2 and Romans 5). As we repent of our rebellion against God, another reversal, and trust Jesus Christ to rescue us (1 John 1, Romans 8), we are declared righteous instead of rebellious, justified rather than condemned, forgiven in place of guilty, a child and friend of God instead of an enemy. What other reversals happen for those who put their faith in Jesus?

If this story is new to you, if you have questions, if you don’t understand how this could happen for you, we would love to show you what the Bible has to say about how this reversal can be true for you. Please contact us.

Maybe you know many Bible stories, but you need to better understand how they all fit together. There are so many ways to do this. Best way, read the Bible! Read it over and over again. Start at the beginning and study until you begin to see how all the pieces fit together. That is a lifelong endeavor, so if you need a little help to speed up the process, here are a few ideas. YouVersion offers a condensed Bible reading plan that will help you discover the big story of the Bible chronologically with Bible Project videos interspersed for help. Gay Haugen teaches a Panorama study of the Bible. You can find videos on New Life Church West Linn Women’s Ministry Facebook group or take the class next time it is offered. There are also free classes and so many good books. Here are just a few.

• God’s Story is Our Story from Genesis to Jesus and God’s Story is Our Story from Acts to New Creation @YouVersion

• Free Online Learning About Theology and Life @The Gospel Coalition—Don Carson’s The God Who Is There beautifully covers the story of the Bible.

• Western Seminary’s Center for Leadership Development is offering an excellent free online course on Biblical Theology now through April 14th. Use coupon code BT0320.

• The Story of Redemption Bible

• The Child’s Story Bible—not just for children

• Christ from Beginning to End—one of the many good books. Look in the church library or past newsletters on the Women’s Ministry page on New Life Church’s website for more.

Perhaps you know the story and you really do believe it in general, but somehow it doesn’t seem to connect to your everyday life. It’s hard to see what in the world God might be up to when it feels you are just one of many characters in a comic strip that isn’t all that funny most of the time. I imagine Esther and Mordecai felt the same as they wrestled with decisions. Should I or shouldn’t I bow to Haman? Will I live or die if I approach the king uninvited? What will happen to all of God’s covenant people because of this horrible edict? Their sackcloth and fasting were real. They didn’t know the outcome. But we do get a glimpse of the gospel in Esther, a peak at their faith in God, when Mordecai preaches to Esther. He says, "Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:13-14 ESV).

Mordecai must have known some of the promises of God, promises that had been given to Abraham and passed down through Isaac and Jacob and all the way to this exiled Jew in Persia (Genesis 17). He knew deliverance would come one way or another. It had to. The question was, how did God intend to use them? What was their role? Would they play their part? They didn’t know what the outcome would be, but the reversal that made Esther queen gave her an opportunity. She took it. No doubt, God has put us in positions and places with opportunities to be used by Him for the saving of His people, too. We also have promises from God, and we find them as we read the big story of God’s Word. Just as it was for Esther, even when we can’t see, God is here. Though God’s name isn’t mentioned in the book of Esther and often isn’t today either, God is active. God will save His people. He has a plan, and just as He carried it through in Esther’s time, He is doing it in ours. Do you believe it? Will you trust Him? Will you, like Esther, let Him use you?

---

You might like to finish Esther with this Bible Project video.

Here are some tidbits about Purim and how the Jews celebrate it today to remember God’s deliverance in the days of Esther.

---

PHILIPPIANS

Our book of the month for April is Philippians. Here is Layna Fullington with an introduction.

---

ONE-TO-ONE SIGN UP

As usual, we would love to know how your One-to-One Bible Reading went last month and ask you to let us know who you will be partnering with this month. Please fill out the sign up form. This might be a good time to reach out to a new partner, to ask someone who might not have participated before, to seek out someone new. You can meet by phone or try a Zoom video call. If you want help finding a partner, let us know on the form. Thank you!

Resources for Philippians are on the church website. There is a prayer page on Joy, a reading schedule for Philippians, and One-to-One Bible Reading questions for 4 weeks in Philippians. Print or open it as needed.

Though we miss being physically together right now, there is much we can do to continue to “strive side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27.) To that end, enjoy Philippians!

---

PHILIPPIANS

---

By Layna Fullington

I find it providential that Philippians was scheduled months ago to be our One-to-One Bible reading for this month. It seems we are living in uncertain and uncharted territory right now. Each new day stirs up all kinds of feelings and questions. “What is the purpose of all this?” “How can I stay true to my calling during this time?” We have only to look back at the life of the writer of Philippians, the Apostle Paul, to remind ourselves that God is at work, furthering his kingdom through the lives of his people. Paul’s missions were fraught with uncertain and uncharted territory, but He never forgot his high calling, which was to carry the name of Jesus to the Gentiles. As we look back at Paul’s time in Philippi, we see he faced highs and lows. But ultimately, we see the sovereignty of God as he strategically plants a church in Philippi. 

Paul’s history with the Philippians begins as he set out on his 2nd missionary journey, about 49 A.D. Paul, being told by the Spirit not to go into Asia at that time, is instead urged by a vision in the night saying “come to Macedonia and help us.” And so, led by the Spirit, Paul and his companions are perfectly placed in the Roman colony of Philippi, a chief city of Macedonia. Looking for a place of prayer, Paul encounters a group of women by a river. One of the women named Lydia, a godly woman from Thyatira who sells purple cloth, opens her heart to Paul’s message that day and is baptized along with her whole household. This same Lydia urges Paul saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the LORD, come to my house and stay.”  And so, with the conversions of Lydia and her household, the first church in Europe begins.

The next series of events brings persecution and suffering to Paul on his mission for the gospel. Again, on their way to a place of prayer, Paul encounters a slave girl with a spirit of divination. Paul, being grieved by her outbursts, frees her from the demon possession that has brought her owners much profit. Upset by the loss of profit, her owners incite a riot and cause Paul and Silas to be beaten and unjustly thrown into a dark jail cell. Here it is revealed to us that in the midst of this strange event, God has been at work all along. As Paul and Silas sit in the darkness and sing hymns to the Lord, an earthquake occurs, and they are miraculously unbound from their chains. Paul’s jailer, after waking and finding his captives unbound and able to escape, is prepared to take his own life. However, after finding his captives all accounted for, the jailer does not end his life but instead asks these missionaries the ultimate question, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Not only does the jailer believe, but the very same hour he takes them to his home to wash their wounds and feed them. And like Lydia, he and his entire household are baptized.

Paul is only able to visit Philippi twice more before the Spirit moves him forward with his calling, a calling that leads to persecution, shipwreck, bonds, and even to the high courts of Rome where he delivers his own miraculous conversion story. It is widely believed that this letter to the Philippian church was written about 10 years after Paul first visited Philippi. It is also very likely that Paul was under house arrest in Rome when this letter was written, uncertain if he will be executed or not. We can assume that Paul felt much like we are feeling today: isolated from our brothers and sisters, unsure of what tomorrow will bring.

In this letter Paul expresses his desire to see these saints again and also to thank them for sending a gift through Epaphroditus, a fellow worker in Christ. But this letter does so much more than that. It reminds the saints in Philippi and also us today that we are held together by a common mission: to confess to the world that Jesus Christ is Lord.  It is in Him that we find the strength to continue our mission in a broken world. And it is in Him that we find joy in the most unlikely circumstances. Like Paul, we do not labor in vain. We press on knowing our citizenship is with a Holy King, and that my friends, gives us every reason to rejoice.           

---

RESOURCES

Resources for reading and rejoicing in Philippians can be found on the Women’s Ministry page of New Life Church’s website. You will find a Prayer focus page on Joy, a schedule for reading Philippians in a month, and One-to-One Bible Reading questions on Philippians. Open and print the resources as needed.

For your joy and benefit, continue to connect with another woman or two to read the Bible One-to-One. Reach out to someone and invite them to read with you over the internet or the phone. Send Marcia a message if you would like help connecting with someone or have questions about how to access resources. We are building strong roots and making memories, with the Lord and with each other.

---

LINKS

In each newsletter, we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Enjoy!

• Free Online Learning About Theology and Life @The Gospel Coalition—a boatload of courses, something for everyone. Don Carson’s The God Who Is There beautifully covers the story of the Bible. Knowing the big story of the Bible is great help in understanding and reading it well.

• 30 Edifying Things to Watch When Stuck at Home @The Gospel Coalition—some suggestions for those moments when you do decide to watch something.

• Deeply Rooted in Times of Trouble @Revive Our Hearts—a recent talk on rooting by Nancy Wolgemuth, with a Spanish translator.

• The Underrated Potential of One-to-One Bible Reading @TGC—encouraging!

• Even Ifs of April @Abigail Rehmert—change What Ifs to Even Ifs.

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

---

STRIVING SIDE BY SIDE

The news, including this newsletter, is full of cancellations these days. I don’t know how you and your family are faring so far, but here are some snapshots of where I and my family have been this week.

Day 1, all smiles, happy for the slower pace, enjoying time to catch up on sleep and odd jobs and things we push off to run off to the next thing.

Day 2, still sunny, exploring outdoors while keeping a safe distance, trying new things like Zoom calls, making plans for quiet evenings.

Day 3, getting a little old already, missing friends and events, making decisions about what we really need and what is just a want, thankful for technology like never before.

Day 4, making some good changes, working at connecting better within our four walls, talking about things we are learning, considering that maybe the slower life is a thing we will want to hang onto.

Day 5, a little bored, trying to get creative, pressing on with normal where we can, depending on the Lord for the heart stuff that isn’t pretty.

Day 6, talking on the phone instead of texting more than usual, walking more than usual, wondering how long this will last and whether cancellations will bleed out of April.

Day 7, in the car for the first time all week, losses are starting to mount, bigger things in our lives are getting cancelled like all the rest of Layne’s speech and debate competitive season.

And that’s where I found myself Saturday morning when I woke—considering the losses, especially Layne’s loss. In light of that, I wrote her a note. It was for my heart as much as hers. We all have them. The losses at our house are fairly minor so far in the grand scheme of things. Yours may be much more significant. We all may face more. No matter what, though, we have Truth that cannot be lost or cancelled. Let’s help each other remember and believe. Though physically apart for a time, we are together, “striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27).

Layne,
I am sad with you about all the losses of this season, the fun of competing and hanging out with friends at debate club and tournaments and other places. For different reasons, softball ended and music and art were interrupted for you a couple of years ago. Losses are a hard part of life, and you are experiencing that reality and accepting it well at a young age. I don't know if this is the end of your NCFCA run, but either way it brings grief. You have poured time and energy into it and done well. You have learned a lot this year, done hard things, and succeeded. For that you should feel proud and happy, and I feel the same for you. We don't know the future, nor why this has to happen right now. It seems a big interruption to good things, and it is.

I can't help but wonder if Job must have felt the same, only to the nth degree. Why is this happening? What will the outcome be? He didn't know. We don't know. But our God is the same. He knew. And He knows. He had good for Job and He has good for us. Even without all the blessings in the end, Job learned and experienced more of who God is and worshiped Him, and that was of greatest benefit. We, too, can throw ourselves on Him, lean on Him, trust Him, learn of Him and worship Him.

There are a lot of skills to learn in debate--theory, research, listening, communicating, argumentation and more. But the best thing you can learn, and the thing I most want for you through debate competition, is to know and depend more fully upon your Heavenly Father. Thankfully, debate is not the only place to learn that. This very situation is another and probably far more effective one. In our losses and disappointments, we can lean not on our own understanding but in all our ways acknowledge Him. We can cast our cares on Him and see Him care for us. We have extra time and motivation to spend with our Lord in prayer and His word, and it will be sweeter to us than honey.

We can learn in these months to submit more fully and patiently and cheerfully to God's will and plan. We can grow in trusting God when we can't understand. We can even rejoice! (Philippians 1, James 1, 1 Peter 1) Some, much, maybe all of the good from trials comes from leaning into our Father's arms and finding real relationship there, finding true comfort, knowing Him in a new and closer way that we couldn't have or wouldn't have without it. This is gold. This is worth any and every loss we may endure. I want that for you, and for me.

I love you and am seeking the Lord with you through all of this. I love how in Philippians 1:27 Paul exhorts us to “with one mind” be "striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." That is us, you and me and our family and our church. Striving side by side, at an appropriately needed distance for now : ), for the faith of the gospel. Let's encourage each other toward that grand goal and glorious end.
Praying for us,
Mom

---

1ST THURSDAY CONNECT

1st Thursday CONNECT scheduled for April 2 is obviously cancelled. We plan to move our Persian Feast to May 7th if we are able to meet then. We will keep you posted on that meeting. In the meantime, continue to read Esther and feast on God’s Word. If possible, continue to connect with your One-to-One Bible Reading partner online or by phone. A free video meeting on Zoom is one of the ways you can do that. It is good for us to remind one another of God’s faithful providential care of His people in Esther’s day and in ours.

We will be reading Philippians in April, another timely book. There will be an introduction and resources available on the church website by the end of March. You can continue to connect online or by phone with your current One-to-One Bible Reading partner for another month if you like. If you didn’t have one or want to switch it up, reach out and ask someone or contact Marcia for help.

---

OPPORTUNITIES

Simeon Trust Online Courses are on sale now through Easter, $9 instead of $19. The First Principles Course for women is a great place to start in learning to study God’s Word and to possibly teach it. Check it out, plus all the other great courses available. This is a good time to buy it and a good way to spend housebound time.

Western Seminary’s Center for Leadership Development is offering an excellent free online course on Biblical Theology now through April 14th. Use coupon code BT0320.

The local ministry, Omega Espresso Bar, is a bridge helping women in transition gain sustainable employment and productivity. They were featured at 1st Thursday Connect in March. Their fundraising luncheon scheduled for May 16 has been cancelled. As you think of them, pray for OEB and their interns and the coffee shops that partner with them during these challenging times. If you want more information on their ministry and how to support them, please visit OEB’s website.

There are a few local conferences for women coming up to put on your calendar. Gospel Coalition Women’s Training Network is July 10-11. Registration is open. Camp Tadmor Women’s Camp is also in July, the 17-19th. Nancy Guthrie will be teaching on Biblical Theology October 30-31 at Hinson Church. Registration opens May 1.

You are welcome to post encouraging verses and thoughts for each other on our private Facebook group: New Life Church West Linn Women’s Ministry!

---

LINKS

In each newsletter, we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Enjoy!

• Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me and other songs by CityAlight—rich words to sing on repeat while you read Philippians

• How a “You Do You” Culture has made us Vulnerable to the Coronavirus @Canon Fodder—challenging and encouraging thoughts

• Rainy Nights, NYC: Portraits @Dappled Thoughts—beautiful style and content

• Much About Doing Nothing @Gracelaced—easy, fun ideas for your family

• Great Books @Reformed Perspective—an article about why they matter and a list of 50 great books to read

• The Story of Esther @The Bible Project—a good way to finish off the month in Esther

• How the World Worshiped on One of the Most Unusual Sundays in Church History @Tim Challies—pictures from around the world

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

---

1ST THURSDAY CONNECT

Spring is coming, and with it, Nature’s makeover!

Makeovers come in various forms. An external makeover simply requires a new wardrobe and some makeup, the kind of beauty treatment Esther in the Bible may have received before she was chosen to be queen. In tougher times, it may take a mentor to help with a resume, job skills, and an internship. That is where Omega Espresso Bar (OEB) comes in, a ministry giving women in transition help with the skills and opportunity to make life changes. The true and best makeover is the internal change that is a work of God in our hearts. The gospel by nature transforms us, and though we may be far from who we want to be here and now, there is great hope in the promise of Jesus, “Behold, I am making all things new” (Rev. 21:5, ESV).

This month we celebrate spring and makeovers and the deep makeover which sprouts from the gospel at 1st Thursday CONNECT, March 5, 6:30-8:30 PM. We will conclude our study of Jonah and Nahum, learn about the makeover ministry of Omega Espresso Bar and begin a study of Esther.

• Details: March 5, 6:30-8:30 PM, New Life Church West Linn

• Salad bar: Please bring a salad topping of your choice for the salad bar. Beans, veggies, fruit, nuts, olives, pickles, meats, cheeses, get creative! Greens, dressing, bread, and a special coffee bar will be provided.

• Mascara drive: If possible, bring a new package of mascara to contribute to the ministry of OEB and their partner, Divine Threads.

• RSVP: Text Marcia at 503-720-7197.

---

GOSPEL MAKEOVER

How does the gospel change people on an on-going basis? This is a question of supreme importance—for those who want to change, for those who know they need to change, for those who can’t figure out how to change, for those who want to please God, perhaps even for those who don’t care. Since we are talking about makeovers this month, here are a few resources that might help you grow in your understanding of the “gospel makeover.”

• Need to Know by Gary Millar

• Unlimited Grace by Bryan Chapell

• Changed into His Image by Jim Berg

• Future Grace by John Piper

• Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands by Paul David Tripp

• Counsel the Word podcast has several episodes on sanctification

---

OPPORTUNITIES

ENTRUSTED: Women’s Training Network is an excellent conference for all women who want to grow in their ability to use the Bible well, in ministry and in life. Registration is now open for the Portland/Vancouver conference which will be held July 10-11. Highly recommended!

Two conferences are happening this weekend in Portland! Ignite for women, put on by Western Seminary is Saturday, March 7. And a 9Marks conference on the gospel will be at Hinson Church Friday and Saturday.

If you are part of the Women’s Ministry Facebook Group, you have seen some recent meal train posts. If you create a meal train for someone in need from New Life Church and would like to let others on the Women’s Ministry Facebook Group know of the opportunity to serve, contact someone on the Women’s Ministry leadership team to get it posted. The team includes Elaine Hochstettler, Toni Hedrick, Gay Haugen, Marcia Reavely, Layna Fullington, Karla Thommen, and Michelle Glynn.

---

LINKS

In each newsletter, we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Enjoy!

• Reading without Seeing: How Not to Study the Bible by Joshua Bremerman @ Desiring God

• How (Not) to Respond to Change by David “Gunner” Gundersen @ TGC

• No Condemnation by Kristen Wetherell

• Three Ways Grace Teaches Holiness by John MacArthur @ Crossway

• Being Off Our Food is a Sign of Sickness by Stephen Kneale @ Building Jerusalem

• Surrender Your Right to be Angry with Your Spouse by Melissa Edgington @ Your Mom Has a Blog

• Christopher Ash on teaching Esther @ Help Me Teach the Bible

• Nicholas Reid on teaching Nahum @ Help Me Teach the Bible

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

---

Is God in the details? I pondered it in a Prayer and Providence class at Western Seminary. I wrestled with it as I tried to make some sense of my part versus God’s part in my own life, especially in the loss of two babies. I poured over the accounts of Job, of Joseph, and of the pharaoh during the Exodus. I couldn’t deny it as I read the scope of scripture and saw God not only accomplish but announce happenings that no one but God could do.

Is God in the details? Have you seen it in 1 Kings? Like chapter 13, where a man of God proclaims to the king that a son of David named Josiah will one day make unspeakable sacrifices on this very altar. The sign given is that the altar will be ripped apart and the ashes poured out, and BOOM, the king’s hand turns leprous and the altar splits in two and ashes pour out. Don’t miss that the man of God pleads for the king’s hand to be restored, and it is (1 Kings 13).

Or, I’m just flipping through the pages here, Jeroboam’s wife goes to the prophet Ahijah to learn whether her sick son Abijah will live or die. Yes, indeed, disguised wife of Jeroboam, the boy will die before you get home. And “as she was crossing the threshold of the house, the boy died” (1 Kings 14). Take the more famous story of Elijah, for example, where there is no rain by the word of the Lord, unending flour in the jar and oil in the jug of the widow, fire from the Lord consuming a sopping altar, followed by rain like there was no tomorrow in response to a prophet on his knees (1 Kings 17-18). Details. What about Ben-Hadad? He leads the mighty Arameans into battle against Israel, a little flock of goats. Let’s fight them on the plains, the Arameans say, for their gods are gods of the hills. But God says, “Because the Arameans have said: The Lord is a god of the mountains and not a god of the valleys, I will hand over all this whole huge army to you. Then you will know that I am the Lord” (1 Kings 20). Seven days later, King Ahab and Israel win. Then there’s the death of disguised King Ahab by the arrow of “a man who drew his bow without taking special aim and struck the king of Israel through the joints of his armor” (1 Kings 22:34 CSB). We could go on.

God is in the details. What does that mean? Lest we over-simplify this working of God in the affairs of His universe, laced throughout this sampling of stories are evidences of God interacting with His creation in real-time. When people heed the prophets’ warning, God responds. As people pray, God acts. Where there is repentance, God relents. Even the most wicked King Ahab is shown mercy from his due judgment when he humbles himself before the Lord (1 Kings 21). The way God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility work together is a complex mystery, for theologians to debate. It’s beyond me and certainly beyond this short blog post. But I think we can safely and biblically say that God is lovingly involved in His creation, fulfilling His Word and His promises, accomplishing His purposes, upholding His perfect character, and is powerfully able to do so down to the details. I think our humble minds can see that, even if we can’t explain it.

God is in the details. What does that mean for you and me? It means God is lovingly involved with us, still keeping His promises and bringing about His purposes according to His perfect attributes, and is powerfully able to work in the details of our lives. We may not understand the half of it, but I think I have seen it, even as recently as today. “God is in the details.” I’ve heard it from friends as they accepted the outcomes of small “circumstances” in their lives. It’s come up again when they had events on a much larger scale crash into their lives. Is God still in the details when, like Job, everything in me wants to say, “What? Why?”

We won’t see or know all the why’s on this side of eternity, but occasionally God pulls back the curtain and gives a glimpse into what He is doing in a situation that looks meaningless from our vantage point under the sun. When He does, like Job, all I can say is, "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. 'Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.' I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes" (Job 42:2-6 ESV).

God is in the details. I wonder if we’ll see it this month in the book of Jonah? Maybe a fish, maybe a storm, or a plant or a worm? I wonder if we’ll see it this week in our lives? More importantly, will we humbly pray and rest and worship God who is in the details?

---

1ST THURSDAY CONNECT

We meet monthly to connect over dinner, activities, and teaching from God’s Word. Throughout the month we partner one-to-one to read, discuss, and apply passages from a specific book of the Bible. Resources are available at 1st Thursday Connect, in the church lobby, and on the church website. Our next gathering is February 6, 6:30-8:30 PM. Here are the details.

• Place: New Life Church, West Linn

• Dinner: Italian antipasto and minestrone

• Focus: Missions

This month, missionary to Italy, Alice Simmons, will encourage us with God’s work during her 40 years in Italy. We will hear from God’s Word in 1 Kings and begin our study of the books of Jonah and Nahum for February.

Text Marcia at 503-720-7197 to sign up. If you are on the regular attender list, you can also let us know by text if you will not be able to attend this month. Thank you!

If you took a baby bottle to fill for the First Image Pregnancy Resource fundraiser last month, please either bring your bottle to 1st Thursday Connect or return it to the church office by Sunday, February 9th. Thank you for your participation to help this important ministry.

---

OPPORTUNITIES

• Arise: Ignite Compassion, a local conference for women hosted by Western Seminary, will be held Saturday, March 7. Registration is open.
  

---

LINKS

Each newsletter we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Enjoy!

• Beware the god of Open Options @ The Gospel Coalition—Pairs well with “the details” and 1 Kings.

• New and Notable Christian Books for January 2020 @ Tim Challies

• The Hope of Heaven in the Presence of Death @ Gospel-Centered Discipleship

• Reckless Love— album by Cory Asbury

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

---

1ST THURSDAY CONNECT

“In the beginning.” Those are the important first three words of the Gospel according to John. John tells us in the beginning of his book that the Word was with God, creating in the very beginning. That Word became flesh and lived among us. Those two truths from John 1 shape humanity, reveal deity, and prelude Christianity. Beginnings matter.

The same is true of a new year. You’ve probably heard the quote, “Begin with the end in mind” (Franklin Covey.) What do you want for 2020? If you know what you are aiming for, you are more likely to begin well and end up where you desire. I can’t think of many things better for 2020 than being in God’s Word and reading it alongside my sisters in Christ, growing as women of the Word together. With that as our aim, Women’s Ministry will begin the new year with 1st Thursday CONNECT on January 2nd!

It may be cold outside, but we will be warm inside with chili and fleece and friends. Our teaching time will be from the book of John, and then we start a series of months in the Old Testament, beginning with 1 Kings in January. We will again pair up to read the Bible one-to-one. Would you also consider memorizing 1 Peter? At only a few verses a week, you can do the whole thing in a year. We may not know all that God has done in our lives through His Word and our one-to-one partnerships this year, but we can be confidence He’s done a lot. God promises His Word is an investment that never returns empty.

Babies are another beginning, and it is our privilege in January, the month of the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, to come alongside the ministry of First Image Pregnancy Resource Center. Their mission is: Compassion toward those who are vulnerable, voiceless, or misled. Beginnings matter. We will learn more and work on a small project.

If you haven’t had a chance to read John yet, what better way to end the year than by doing it now. Hope to see you January 2nd!

• 1st Thursday CONNECT, January 2nd, 6:30-8:30 PM

• New Life Church West Linn

• RSVP on Facebook or by texting Marcia at 503-720-7197

---

ENDINGS

As we close out 2019, here are some Women’s Ministry pictures from this fall for your remembrance and enjoyment. Thank you to all who have contributed—with food, teaching, serving, set-up, printing, purchasing, and attending. Yes, your very attendance is a contribution. Not only is your presence an encouragement, but ministry happens as we sit around the table with one another—speaking truth, sharing hope, offering a smile or a hug or a prayer. That matters, a lot, so thank you.

---

LINKS

Each newsletter we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Enjoy!

• Growing in Prayer @ Matthias Media—This helpful little book is on sale through 12/31!

• Plan Not to Fail in Your Quiet Time @ Gospel-Centered Discipleship—Some good ideas here. The main point: make a plan and make it now.

• 1 Simple Step to Encouragement by Al Gooderham—“Presence is the foundation of encouragement, it’s where it begins.”

• Your Buying Guide for Bible Study Resources: Updated for 2019 @ Knowable Word

• Is Being a Stay-at-Home Mom Enough? @ GCDiscipleship

• Share the Joy 2019 —A piano Christmas playlist. Because of Christ, we have much to be thankful for and much to look forward to. Have a joyful Christmas!

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

SHARE THE JOY

There will be no 1st Thursday CONNECT in December. Instead, bring a friend and come for a special Christmas celebration—SHARE the JOY!

• Sunday, December 8, 4-7 PM

• New Life Church, West Linn

• Festive treats, crafts, book ideas, Bible resources

• Best of all, enjoy space to quietly reflect on the Advent of Jesus Christ. Nancy Carlson has taken scripture and written a set of Letters of Love which will be combined with music and visual beauty to create reflection stations. The letters, along with the scripture references, will be yours to keep for further reflection on Jesus’ love.

---

1st THURSDAY CONNECT

Though there will be no 1st Thursday CONNECT in December, there will be 1st Thursday CONNECT on January 2nd! We will enjoy dinner, fun, and encouragement from God’s word in the book of John. More information to come, but grab your new 2020 calendar and pencil it in on day #2!

John has been our book of the month for November. We will be reading John through December as well, so it’s not too late to jump in. There are handouts available in the church entryway and on the church website.

---

ODDS & ENDS

• Every once in a while, there is an event at West Linn High School which maxes out the parking around the high school and New Life Church. Unbeknownst to us, there were about 4 of those events on the 1st Thursday in November! Our apologies to those of you who drove around and couldn’t find a parking place. In looking at the high school calendar, it doesn’t look like we should have another one of those nights in the foreseeable future. But, in general, here are a few parking tips:

1. Come early if you can.

2. Grab a parking spot on the street first if you are able.

3. The upper parking lot at the high school is often an option—workout included!

4. If the church lot is full, pull in or text and let us know. We can shuttle people from parking spots farther away.

• Thank you again to Men’s Ministry for cooking breakfast for 1st Thursday CONNECT in November! It was delicious and so appreciated. Not only did they cook, but they stayed and cleaned up the whole kitchen. When you see Billy Ferguson, Annie Ferguson, Frank Hedrick, Lee Bennett, and Mike Polley, give them an extra thank you!

---

LINKS

Each newsletter we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Enjoy!

• Gratitude and the Dangers of a Good Life by Jen Pollock Michel

• Exploring the Bible: A Bible Reading Plan for Kids by David Murray

• Your Buying Guide for Bible Study Resources @ Knowable Word

• 1st Thursday CONNECT—November Spotify Playlist, Songs for Morning

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

1ST THURSDAY CONNECT

What habits or routines do you have that help you Rise & Thrive in the morning? We will pool our ideas on November 7th at 1st Thursday CONNECT and go away with some practical help. We’re having breakfast for dinner, cooked for us by some of the amazing men in our church because it happens to be “National Men Make Dinner Day.” Can’t wait! In addition, we will have teaching from Exodus and start two months in John over the holidays. There couldn’t be a much sweeter way to celebrate Christmas than by marveling at Christ in the book of John together!

When? November 7th, 6:30-8:30 PM

Where? New Life Church in West Linn

Sign up? On Facebook or text Marcia at 503-720-7197

---

SHARE THE JOY

There will be no 1st Thursday CONNECT in December. Instead, we will be having a Christmas reflection and jubilation on Sunday, December 8, 4-7 PM. Put it on your calendar, plan to invite a friend, and spend an evening preparing your heart for Christmas.

---

LINKS

Each newsletter we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Here are several, along with the reason they are included. Enjoy!

• Camp in the Hard-to-Read Parts of the Bible by Erin Davis—Just what we have been doing this month! Here’s a good reason why, plus help on how to read them well.

• New Every Morning by Audrey Assad—A favorite Rise & Thrive song!

• Give Me Jesus by Fernando Ortego—Another good morning song.

• Endless Alleluia by Cory Asbury— “In the morning when I rise…You’re the first thought on my mind…” Oh, to live an endless Alleluia.

• 5 Loopholes We Use to Excuse Sin by Will Anderson—A fitting followup to our Colossians study.

• When Motherhood Feels Like Death by Courtney Reissig—Good truth here.

• We Become What We Watch by Abigail Dodds—It’s not merely entertainment. It’s changing us.

• An Obedient Woman by Andrea Burke— “…obedience is better than whatever you think is better. It’s genuinely better. It’s not just duty; it’s the key to joy.”

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

MAKING IT REAL

Understanding the Christian life can feel difficult. What does Paul mean when he says in Colossians 2:29, “I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me”? Is it me? Is it Christ? We’d like to know how to perfectly piece that out, divide and conquer the tasks as we are taught to do. Whether we are mathematically minded or not, we’d really like a formula, wouldn’t we?

Christian, which means “little Christ," is by definition all about Christ and wouldn’t exist without Him and His work. Christ is the foundation. The Christian life is about us being transformed into a little image of Christ (Col. 3:10.) But when we come to passages like Colossians 3 with all of its imperatives laced with doctrine, it starts feeling sort of esoteric, like the Christian life is for the elite super spirituals. That is not at all what Paul wants us to think. He is urging every common Christian to strive for maturity since we have a new identity with Christ.

My Paul-like sentence in summary of Colossians 3:1-17 is this: Because of the worth and work of Christ, since you have a new identity with Christ, as you keep seeking the things above, as you put off the things of the flesh and put on the things of Christ, as you do everything in the name of Christ, little by little you become who you are in Christ. That’s a mouthful! At 1st Thursday CONNECT we broke it down a bit, coming up with some key questions to continually ask ourselves to help us flesh out our part in the equation.

1. What will I do today to keep Christ central and prioritize seeking Him?

2. What sin am I killing today?

3. How can I put on love in this situation?

4. What would it look like to do this activity in the name of the Lord Jesus?

How does this all come together, then? If a real life example would help put some flesh on it, here is one way God recently used Colossians 3 in my life.

One day last month an opportunity came up for me to do something that would help and serve my husband. I knew it was the right and loving thing to do, but my feelings weren’t following my mind. I had lots of reasons not to—I was tired and had plenty of other things to do. My “old hat” of selfishness was right there, so easy and comfortable to put on (Col. 3:8.)

But then I thought of you all, my sisters in Christ. I really did. Because we have been meeting One-to-One reading God’s word together (Col. 3:16), Colossians came to mind. I recalled that Colossians 3 says things like, “You have died; therefore, put to death your sin” (Col. 3:3-5.) I wondered, do I really believe that is my true identity? Is my life, like a mother with a baby, so wrapped up in Another that when I think of the cross, I say, “We died. We were raised to life?” I asked myself, “What it would look like to put on love in this situation?” (Col. 3:14) I knew the answer. But I still didn’t feel like doing it.

So I started praying (Col. 4:2.) “Lord, help me believe my true identity with You. You are the powerful one who is at work in me to change me and make me like You. Help me kill this sin of selfishness right now (Col. 3:5), put on love (Col. 3:14), and do this in your name (Col. 3:17.) Oh, and help me do it cheerfully.”

And then I just took the first step. And then the next right step. And I could hardly believe it, but I was unusually cheerful. Before I knew it, the job was done. Suddenly, oh my goodness, it dawned on me what Christ had done! But it wasn’t my goodness; it was the goodness of Another. Now I was beyond cheerful. I was full of joy and thankfulness for Jesus’ work! (Col. 3:17)

Did I do anything? Yes, a little. Did Christ do anything? Yes, a lot. I “walked.” He “strengthened with all power” (Col. 1:10-11.) What was the result? Love was at work binding and bringing harmony between my husband and me (Col. 3:14.) There was peace (Col. 3:15.) There was thankfulness to God (Col. 3:15, 16, 17.) And my faith in Jesus grew.

Yes, I am dead to sin! Yes, I am alive with Christ! Yes, my life is wrapped up in Another. Yes, I can live in the power and for the glory of the Lord Jesus. Yes, He is worthy of my trust! Yes, He is changing me little by little to become who I truly am in Christ. And when I fail, as I so so often do, He is forgiving (Col. 3:13.) Praise God!

Like Paul prayed for the Colossian church, “may we be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May we be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light!” (Col. 1:9-12.)

Let us not cease praying for each other as together we are becoming who we are.

---

PANORAMA

It’s almost time to retreat! Sunday, October 6—yes, that’s tomorrow!—is the last day to register for the Women’s Retreat. We will meet at Hopkins Demonstration Forest Saturday morning, October 12, at 9:00 AM. Dress for the weather so you can take advantage of the beautiful outdoors! You can register on the church website and pay online or with cash or check at the door. Contact Marcia at 503-720-7197 if you have questions or need a ride. It’s going to be a great day!

---

LINKS

Each newsletter we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Here are several, along with the reason they are included. Enjoy!

• Killing Sin Does Not Make You New @Desiring God—A good read to go with Colossians.

• Seven Prayers for Those You Love @Desiring God—Another one from Desiring God, this one on praying big prayers like the ones in the epistles.

• Build My Life—Christy Nockel’s version of this song has been on repeat a lot lately.

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

YOU MATTER

I can’t say it often enough, because the Bible says it often enough. Our togetherness matters. Being together as a local church, being together as sisters in Christ, these things are necessary. For one, they are a display to the world that we are new people with a new identity and a new family and a new powerful love. But getting together also affords us the opportunity to live out our new life in Christ. You just can’t do Colossians 3 on your own: bearing with one another, forgiving each other, putting on love, letting the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, letting the word of Christ dwell richly as you teach and admonish one another with wisdom. Colossians 3, and much of the New Testament, is written to “you” plural, not “you” as an individual. Living the Christian life alone is an oxymoron.

Now, I intend no pressure here. Please don’t feel badly if you can’t come on Thursday! But please do, not because I suggest it but because Jesus says it, connect with your body. Be active in your body. Bear with the members of your family, both physical and spiritual. Don’t let separation in time or space or relationship happen among you. But “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts (plural), to which indeed you (plural) were called in one body (singular.) And be thankful” (Col. 3:14-15.) Your church family needs you (singular), and you (singular) need them (plural.) And did you catch that last add-on in Colossians 3? “Be thankful.” Are you thankful that Jesus designed his church this way? It’s not always easy, but it is necessary and it is for our individual and collective good. You matter, in both senses of the word.

---

1ST THURSDAY CONNECT

Put on some flannel duds and let’s get together on Thursday, October 3, 6:30-8:30 PM. We will eat camp foil dinners, have an opportunity to help the homeless, finish Colossians, and get ready to “camp” in Exodus in October. Let us know you are coming on Facebook or by texting Marcia at 503-720-7197.

---

PANORAMA

Gay Haugen will be teaching us the big story of the Bible at our Women’s Retreat! It will be fun and interactive and so very useful in understanding God’s Word. There will be lunch and coffee and friends and worship and God’s beautiful creation to enjoy as well. Registration is $20 and is open through October 6th on the church website.

We will meet Saturday, October 12, 9-5 at Hopkins Demonstration Forest in Oregon City. If you need financial assistance or a ride to the retreat, please message Marcia at 503-720-7197. See the Panorama site for more details and registration.

---

LINKS

Each newsletter we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Here are several, along with the reason they are included. Enjoy!

• Today is the best day to learn about Providence @Revive Our Hearts—Several new articles on God’s Providence at Revive Our Hearts. Important truth.

• Wait! What (Not) to Ask When Hope is Deferred @Gospel Coalition—Waiting is one of the hardest things; asking the right questions helps.

• Freedom From a Self-Focused Life @Journeywomen Podcast—This is a pretty universal struggle, and Ruth Chou Simons offers much to chew on.

• Beholding and Becoming by Ruth Chou Simons—Ruth’s new book—beautiful title and beautiful book—I’m eager to read it.

• Risen Motherhood by Emily Jensen & Laura Wifler—Another beautiful and helpful new book!

• The Expulsive Power of a New Affection by Thomas Chalmers—A short, rich oldie.

• Answering Difficult Questions @Help Me Teach the Bible with Nancy Guthrie—Thought-provoking insights from Nancy’s guest, Rebecca McLaughlin.

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

1st Thursday CONNECT

Sharpen up those yellow No. 2 pencils. School is resuming and so is 1st Thursday CONNECT for women! We will meet September 5, 6:30-8:30 PM, at New Life Church West Linn. Got questions?

We will start the evening with a back-to-school gourmet peanut butter bar dinner. We will have some fun with questions, learn practical ways to collect questions, and talk about good questions to help us read the Bible well. We hope to answer many of your questions about what is happening in Women’s Ministry this year, but for now, here is what you need to know.

1. RSVP on the West Linn Women’s Ministry Facebook Event or by texting Marcia at 503-720-7197. Your RSVP helps us plan so we have no question about how many will be there.

2. Who might you read Colossians with one-to-one in September? It could be a woman from church you would like to get to know, someone new, an older or a younger woman, a co-worker or neighbor. Think and pray about that question, and then ask someone so you are ready to start on the 5th. We’ll give you more information and resources then.

Here is a little video of some of last year’s memories to make you smile: New Life Church Women’s Ministry 2018-2019. Hope to see you on the 5th!

---

panorama women’s retreat

Knowing the big story of the Bible is critical to reading the Bible well. Where does each era fit into the timeline and geography of the Bible, and how does it all point to Jesus? PANORAMA Women’s Retreat will be held at Hopkins Demonstration Forest in Oregon City on Saturday, October 12, 9-5. Gay Haugen will take us on an interactive journey through the big story of the Bible. Along with learning God’s Word, we will enjoy walks, talks, coffee, lunch, and worship. Registration is open now through October 6 on the church website, $20. See the PANORAMA page for more details and registration.

---

opportunities

Share the Joy, our Christmas reflection and jubilation, will be Sunday, December 8, 4-7 PM. Put it on your calendar, plan to invite a friend, and spend an evening preparing your heart for Christmas.

If you miss 1st Thursday CONNECT, you can still join us in reading Colossians in September. You can also read Colossians one-to-one with another woman. Resources for both are available online and also in the church foyer. Questions? Send an email, and we would be happy to help you get started.

---

LINKS

Each newsletter we try to include links to articles or books or music that might be of interest or help on various topics. Here are several, along with the reason they are included. Enjoy!

• The Worship Initiative, Vol. 17—worship music by female artists that has been on repeat this summer.

• How to Share the Gospel in 90 Seconds @ The Village Church—helpful preparation for sharing the gospel succinctly but thoroughly.

• I’m so glad our vows kept us. @ Fathom Magazine—some of the most beautiful writing on marriage.

• Finding Contentment When I Long for More @ Revive our Hearts—a topic to regularly visit, isn’t it?

• Why God Made Your Mouth @ Desiring God—to follow-up on all those verses about our words that we have been reading in Proverbs this summer.

• Seven School-Year Rhythms to Establish Your Family in the Lord @ Gospel-Centered Discipleship—good personal or family application of our Women’s Ministry key verse, Colossians 2:7.

• 100 Questions to Fuel Mentoring Relationships @ Revive our Hearts—solid questions to make the most from conversations with women from whom you want to learn. These might be good to print off and use with your one-to-one partners this year.

• Group Glue: The Connective Power of how Simple Questions lead to Great Conversations by Jeffrey T. Cook—”Questions, like glue, are a binding agent.” “Questions can and will lead to a better understanding, and even a better, a positive relationship. Open questions will reveal a treasure trove of information that you get to experience. In the end, relationships that you cherish are based on great conversations. Even if you feel these questions are just mediocre, they start the conversation.” More on this at 1st Thursday CONNECT—see you September 5th!

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

Panorama Women’s Retreat

This fall we are having a Saturday women’s retreat to take an interactive walk through the big story of the Bible. There will also be time for walks and talks and lunch and fun. Put October 12 on your calendar! We will meet in Everett Hall at Hopkin’s Demonstration Forest in Oregon City from 9:00-5:00.

1st Thursday CONNECT

1st Thursday CONNECT, our monthly women’s gathering, resumes September 5. We meet in the basement of New Life Church in West Linn, 6:30-8:30 PM, dinner included.

Put the dates on your calendar! More information coming soon.

Go to the Ant

When the ants arrive, I know it’s almost summer. In they march, one-by-one, oblivious that they are uninvited, unwelcome guests. Quickly making themselves at home, they swarm around yesterday’s crumbs as if there was no tomorrow. They never seem to take a vacation or a sabbath. Do they even sleep at night? Though I show them, shall I say, something less than hospitality, they barely slow down.

Interestingly, wise King Solomon encourages us to take a different approach toward these tiny intruders than Terro. He advises, “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest” (Prov. 6:6-8 ESV.) In other words, slackers, take note! A tiny ant, without being forced or told, is purposeful and productive. She has a single-minded focus that keeps her preparing and gathering. It would be wise to follow her example.

The point of a proverb is not to over-analyze or be extreme in its application. It’s not an absolute promise or command, but a practical principle or observation for wise and blessed living. The divinely inspired Proverbs in God’s Word unfurl the way of wisdom that God has always called His people to live. The bookends of Proverbs clue us in that these are more than just good ideas that I can implement on my own. The book begins, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Prov. 1:7 ESV) and ends, “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised” (Prov. 31:30 ESV.) Wisdom is dependent on a right relationship to God.

How, then, do I read Proverbs? Is it practical or spiritual? Yes. Proverbs is practical. It speaks to topics encountered everyday—work, foolishness, temptation, the tongue, sex, money, justice, parenting, and more. Yet, considering the fact that Proverbs is a book within a Book—the Bible, I need to relate all these snippets of wisdom to the fear of the LORD and ultimately to the gospel. Proverbs is spiritual.

God’s heartbeat from the beginning, when He with Wisdom created the world (Prov. 3:19), is that His people would listen and obey Him. This is wise. In Eden, Adam and Eve foolishly failed to trust God’s wisdom, seeking their own instead (Gen. 3:6), and all we like sheep have followed suit. But God promised, "Behold, the days are coming…when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely” (Jer. 23:5 ESV.) Jesus came, exemplifying wisdom and proclaiming God’s heartbeat—listen and obey. This is wise. He said, "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matt. 7:24 ESV.) Since we could not and would not live in God’s wisdom, Jesus Christ who is “the wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24) “became to us wisdom from God” (1 Cor. 1:30 ESV.) This is the gospel good news! “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach (the cross) to save those who believe” (1 Cor. 1:21 ESV.) Praise God!

In the gospel, Christ—the Wisdom of God— changes our foolish hearts and empowers us to live wisely as we were created to do. The Proverbs, then, are treasures of wisdom for those who live in the fear of the LORD, listening and obeying His Word. James, which many of us have been reading this month, is often called the “Proverbs of the New Testament.” Appropriately, he picks up the theme and reminds us to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (Jam. 1:22 ESV.)

In reading and applying Proverbs this summer, yes, gain practical wisdom for life. But even more, consider the fear of the LORD and the greater Wisdom to whom you belong by faith. The ant is a worthy inspiration for diligent labor, but the fear of the LORD stirs me to diligently consider even that for which I labor. The gospel consoles me that Jesus is my Wisdom from God, as I confess my failure and find help in Him. I think I’ve just begun to scratch the surface on considering the ant. Perhaps I better set aside the poison and take a closer look.

---

1st Thursday CONNECT

What do Proverbs and picnics have in common besides ants? Proverbs and picnics are the plans for Women’s Ministry this summer. We will meet June 6, 6:30-8:30 PM, for our last 1st Thursday CONNECT until September. We will be having a picnic, hopefully the first of many you will have over the summer. Sandwiched between that and our conclusion of the book of James, we will hear from the women who are going on mission trips to Alaska and Slovenia in June. If possible, please bring a small package of glow sticks for Shelley to take to English Camp in Slovenia. RSVP for 1st Thursday CONNECT on Facebook or by texting Marcia at 503-720-7197.

On Thursday, we will also prepare to spend the summer in two ways:

1. Proverbs.

   Resources for personal reading in the book of Proverbs this summer will be available at 1st Thursday CONNECT, online, and in the church lobby. At one chapter a day, matching the date with the chapter, you could read it three times between June 6th and September 5th, our next 1st Thursday CONNECT. If you want to discuss it with a friend, you might read the chapter that corresponds to the date and use the questions for “Hebrew Wisdom Literature and Poetry” in the One-to-One Bible Reading notebook as a guide.

2. Picnics.

   We also have resources for engaging with a friend in the book of Mark this summer. Many of us went through Mark in One-to-One Bible Reading last fall, and now we encourage you to invite someone outside the church to read Mark with you this summer. Picnics are optional but would make it even more fun!

One-to-One Bible Reading

Have you been praying for an open door to read the book of Mark with someone outside the church this summer? Now is the time to ask! It could be as simple as, “I’ve been reading the Bible this year with various friends, and I was wondering if you would like to read Mark with me this summer?” One woman told me she has already asked her friend, and they are both excited to start!

All you need is a Bible and a friend. You might start with 4 weeks, and if it’s going well, do 4 more. Set a time and a place, possibly with a picnic. Start your time with a simple prayer. Read the passage aloud together. Discuss what it means and how it applies to you. One-to-One Bible Reading questions for 8 weeks in Mark will be available at 1st Thursday CONNECT, as well as on the church website and in the church lobby. Pick up a copy for yourself and a friend and get started in June! Reading the Bible with someone is one of the easiest and best ways to share the gospel. This could be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding things you do all summer.

---

Opportunities

• Along with Proverbs and Picnics for summer, we suggest working through a free two week study from The Daily Grace Co. called The Word of Life: How to Study the Bible and Why it Matters. Copies will be available at 1st Thursday CONNECT or can be printed from the included link.

• If you would like to be part of a group of women going through The Charles Simeon Trust Workshop for Women this summer to learn to better study and teach the Bible, or if serving on the leadership team of Women’s Ministry interests your heart, please contact Marcia for more information.

• Women’s Camp at Camp Tadmor is July 19-21. Gather some friends, register on the camp website, and make memories while learning from God’s Word. If you plan to go, let the Women’s Ministry team know, and we will try to connect you with others who are going.

• This month, please pray for Shelley Rogers as she serves in Slovenia and for BJ Hayhurst, Alina Gauthier, and Sadie Hayhurst as they serve in Alaska.

Feedback

Women’s Ministry exists to help women delight in God through Jesus and engage others to do the same. Would you please fill out a feedback form for Women’s Ministry to help us do this better. You can do so by downloading this form, completing it, and emailing it to marcia.reavely@gmail.com or putting it in the Women’s Ministry mailbox at church. Thank you so much!

Proverbs Resources

• How to Understand the Context of the Proverbs @ Knowable Word

• God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Book of Proverbs by Timothy and Kathy Keller

• Proverbs: Wisdom That Works by Raymond Ortlund, Jr.

• Proverbs: The Ways of Wisdom by Kathleen Nielson

• Overview of Proverbs Bible Project video

Links

• Three Spheres of Application @ Knowable Word

• Bad News Comes, but Good News Wins by Colleen Chao

• Mothers in the Church (we all are, by the way!) by Jen Wilkin

• The Turquoise Table: Finding Community and Connection in Your Own Front Yard by Kristen Schell

(Resources are curated but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

A Bold New Name

I read it and cringed, “For as long as I can remember, ‘Caution’ has been my middle name.” I realized, ‘Caution’ might even be too generous for me. Caution in relationships, caution in conversation, caution in ministry, caution in sharing truth, caution in saying yes, caution in reaching out, always caution. For some of us caution is such a default position, a knee-jerk response, that it defines us like a middle name. Of course, we’re not talking here about the kind of wise caution that keeps you from getting run over by a car, but the kind of self-protective caution that keeps you from opening your door or sharing your heart. The caution that hinders vulnerability, closeness, new relationships, evangelism. It’s not the name I want.

As I read the book of Acts, there is no mention of Paul ‘Caution’, Peter ‘Timid’, or Barnabas ‘Hesitant’. That doesn’t mean they were plain crazy, rude, or blunt. Neither does it mean they got it right all the time. But when they met the risen Jesus and He gave them the promised Holy Spirit, they were transformed. Life wasn’t about self-protection anymore. No longer denying they knew him, no longer hiding behind locked doors, their new identity is ‘Bold.’ In fact, the words “boldly” and “boldness” are used 18 times in the Bible, 11 of them in the book of Acts, describing the way Jesus’ followers share the truth of the gospel.

What’s the difference? Why were they so bold but I so cautious, especially with the gospel? Every excuse I can come up with for caution in my situation falls short compared to theirs. “I might be rejected or persecuted.” They much more (Acts 4, 5, 6, 12, 14, 16, 17…I get it.) “I don’t have enough education and training.” They much less (Acts 4:13.) “I don’t have the time and energy.” Sometimes they “expounded and testified about the kingdom of God from dawn to dusk” (Acts 28:23.) “No one is interested.” Didn’t stop them (Acts 4:19.) “It might be dangerous.” Paul knew for certain it was dangerous for him to go to Jerusalem and went anyway (Acts 21:13.) So what was it that gave them this determined, life-sacrificing boldness?

First, and foremost, Jesus. Acts 4:13 says the people observed the boldness of Peter and John and “recognized that they had been with Jesus.” Jesus told His disciples to be His witnesses and promised them the power of the Holy Spirit, and when the Spirit came, so did His power! Jesus gave them a mission and provided what was needed. He has done nothing less for us.

Second, if they didn’t have enough boldness after step one, they prayed for more. “And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that your servants may speak your word with all boldness….When they had prayed…they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly” (Acts 4:29,31.) Immediate “yes” to a prayer God still loves to answer affirmatively.

This week, as I prayed my somewhat obligatory prayers for open doors for the gospel in my neighborhood, the words caught in my throat as I realized that the first open door needs to be mine. ‘Caution’ makes me want to give excuses and wait for someone else to initiate and show interest. But the commission of our King Jesus, coupled with the power of the Holy Spirit, compounded by the unchanging and amazing gospel good news, multiplied by the bold prayers of the saints, fueled by God’s “yes,” can change my name. What have we missed under the false shelter of ‘Caution’? Let’s pray for each other, sisters, for boldness to open our doors, boldness to go out, boldness to invite in, boldness to speak. May ‘Bold’ so mark us that people will recognize that we, too, have been with Jesus. May ‘Bold’ become my middle name.

---

1st Thursday CONNECT

Gardening is the theme for 1st Thursday CONNECT, May 2, 6:30-8:30 PM. We will have salad greens, salad dressing, bread, and dessert waiting for you. Please bring a small bowl of a salad bar topping, and together we will create a mega salad bar for dinner. Ideas include: fruit, veggie, nuts, cheese, meat, pickles, olives, eggs, or get creative! Also, be thinking about a Bible verse or phrase or word that has helped you grow spiritually this year or one that you want to be reminded of often. We’ll be using these to create simple garden stones. Bring your Bible, your topping, and RSVP on Facebook, Remind, or texting Marcia at 503-720-7197. Friends are always welcome.

Our final 1st Thursday CONNECT for this school year will be June 6th. We will give out resources and ideas for summer in June and will resume 1st Thursday CONNECT in September.

One-to-One Bible Reading

Will you be praying for someone outside of the church that you could boldly ask to read Mark with you this summer? It might be a coworker, a neighbor woman or two, a family member. We will have extra copies of One-to-One Bible Reading for Mark available in June for this purpose. Reading God’s word with someone outside the church could be easily the most rewarding thing we do this summer, but it won’t happen if we don’t ask. And we might not ask if we don’t first pray. So for now, pray. Ask God who you should ask, for boldness, and for an open door—yours and theirs.

Opportunities

Women’s Camp at Camp Tadmor is July 19-21. Click the attached link for more information. If you are interested in attending or in organizing a group of women to go, please let the Women’s Ministry leadership team know.

If you are interested in teaching the Bible and would like to learn how to better study and prepare, we hope to have a teacher training class this summer. It will include online video classes from The Charles Simeon Trust Workshop for Women, homework, and small group discussion. Please let Marcia know if you are interested in participating.

Links

Just Open the Door: How One Invitation Can Change a Generation by Jen Schmidt

What is the Gospel? by Greg Gilbert

Evangelism is More Prayer than Action for Protestant Churchgoers @ Christianity Today

1st Thursday CONNECT

It’s spring—time for buds, births, and spring cleaning. At 1st Thursday CONNECT, April 4, we will finish our study of 1 Samuel and the budding kingdom of Israel and will launch the book of Acts which describes the birth of the church. We will do a little spring cleaning with a round of speed dusting and finish off the evening with a Minute to Win It Swap Meet.

Don’t forget to do a little spring cleaning of your own and bring 3-5 things that you would like to swap. The items can be from any of these categories: books, home decor, women’s clothing/accessories, kitchen/pantry, gardening/plants.

Bring your Bible and 3-5 items and come to New Life Church, West Linn, April 4, 6:30-8:30 PM. We’ll have dinner, learn from God’s Word, connect with each other, and celebrate spring. Friends are always welcome. RSVP on Facebook, Remind, or by texting Marcia at 503-720-7197.

---

ONE-TO-ONE BIBLE READING

One-to-One Bible Reading resources are available each month at 1st Thursday CONNECT, on the church website, and in the church lobby. Women are encouraged to partner one-to-one to read and discuss a Bible “book of the month.” Up next— Acts for April.

Acts describes the action-packed birth of the Church after Jesus’ resurrection. The Action Hero of the book, the Holy Spirit, explodes on the scene and changes hearts, which have been the bane of our existence since the Garden of Eden. He comes with fire, unleashes tongues, gives languages, makes a murderer a missionary. Long before, God spoke through the prophet Ezekiel, and promised, “…I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will place My Spirit within you and cause you to follow My statutes and carefully observe My ordinances” (Ezekiel 36:25-27 CSB.) It was the gospel in bud stage. But now, the promise bursts into full bloom and the Church is born!

The book of Acts reads nothing short of an incredible story, and even if it were no more than that, it would be worth reading. But, oh, it is so much more! This is our history, our heritage, the baby book of the Church. Though the book of Acts is descriptive of a set of events in a certain time and place, the Hero of the story is also our inheritance and our helper. Because of the Holy Spirit, there is hope for this heart of mine that is often warped with envy and pride and selfishness and evil. God is doing spring cleaning in us, swapping the old heart for a new, placing His Spirit in us, causing us to obey Him. All the Action is His! Praise God! What a gift, this Holy Spirit of God. May God encourage us in April as we read of His Acts.

---

Memories

1st Thursday CONNECT, March edition, was a memorable evening. We provided 50 bags for women in need to Love, INC, an ambitious undertaking and a fitting celebration of International Women’s Day. We replaced lies women believe with life-giving truth. We enjoyed cookies, beauty, friendship, and God’s Word. From the book of Ruth, we gleaned three reasons we can trust God. God’s providence is at work. God is keeping all His promises. God has provided a Redeemer. Enjoy the memories!

---

LINKS

ESV Scripture Journal: Acts “ESV Scripture Journals pair the entirety of individual books of the Bible with lightly lined blank pages opposite each page of Bible text, allowing readers to take extended notes or record insights and prayers directly beside corresponding passages of Scripture.” You might like this journal of Acts to go along with this month’s reading.

New Life Church West Linn Women’s Ministry Facebook Group Join the Women’s Ministry Facebook group to keep in touch, make comments, share encouragement.

What’s Up with the Witch of Endor? by Stephen Dempster. This article might be helpful as you read 1 Samuel 28.

The Secret to Strong Friendships by Kristen Wetherell. Here is another good reason to pray.

(Resources are reviewed but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)

1st Thursday CONNECT

It just so happens that we will be meeting this Thursday, March 7, for 1st Thursday CONNECT. Since it is March, we are giving a nod to the green and the Irish and having a baked potato bar plus a very special sweet treat you won’t want to miss.

March 7th also just so happens to be the eve of the International Women’s Day. Though we don’t celebrate that day because we feel the need of a special day for women, nor to make any demands, we do celebrate the fact that God created us male and female in His image, and He declared His creation “very good.” It is very good to be a woman and very good for us to talk often about what it means to be a Christian woman, so womanhood has become the theme for the evening. It just so happens that we will be filling bags with feminine products for women in need through Love, INC. If you signed up to purchase products, please bring them Thursday evening. And, it just so happens that we are finishing up the book of Ruth, one of the two books in the Bible named for a woman and written about women. Pretty cool how plans coincidentally come together sometimes. If you’ve been reading the book of Ruth with us this month, you’ve probably noticed some of that “just so happened” language there, too, as God worked through the very real plans and choices of Naomi and Ruth to accomplish His purposes and promises.

We hope you can join us Thursday at 6:30! Let us know to count you in by signing up on our Facebook event or texting Marcia at 503-720-7197.

One-to-One Bible Reading

Each month we offer One-to-One Bible Reading resources to help women partner one-to-one to read and discuss a Bible “book of the month.” Up next? One-to-One Bible Reading will be in 1 Samuel for March. We have gone through Joshua where God gives Israel the land He has promised, through Ruth which happens during the time of the judges, and now on to the very next book of 1 Samuel when Israel rejects God and demands a human king. After this month, we will head back to the New Testament and the book of Acts.

If you ended up with a One-to-One Bible Reading binder that isn’t getting used or had to take a break, we would love to help you connect with another woman and get started! Contact us any time about how to do that. If it just isn’t going to work for you at this time and you would like to pass your binder along to another woman, we can help with that, too. All you need to do is put the binder in the Women’s Ministry mailbox at church, and we will recycle it.

---

Spring Cleaning

Spring is coming soon, at least according to the calendar, so “spring cleaning” is our theme for April. As you do a little spring cleaning this month, would you please save 3-5 items that you are ready to part with that still have good life left in them. The items need to be from any of these, but only these, categories: books, women’s clothing/accessories, pantry, home decor, kitchen, gardening/plants. Bring at least three, but no more than 5, items with you to 1st Thursday CONNECT on April 4th for some swapping fun!

---

Quotes

Even as we rightly oppose and strive to overcome a multitude of old prejudices, here is the most ancient and wonderful one—God’s judgment from the beginning that his creation, including us as men and women made in our Creator’s image, is very good. We can and must forever share God’s “prejudice” that to be a woman, as to be a man, is very good. ~Kathleen Nielson, Women & God

I don’t want anybody treating me as a ‘person’ rather than as a woman. Our sexual differences are the terms of our life, and to obscure them in any way is to weaken the very fabric of life itself. Some women fondly imagine a new beginning of liberty, but it is in reality a new bondage, more bitter than anything they seek to be liberated from. ~Elisabeth Elliot, Let Me Be a Woman

I wonder if we can all agree that how we feel about being a woman doesn’t have any bearing at all on what we are. We may feel like we don’t fit the mold, but God calls us to live in a way that shatters the world’s expectations. So in our misfit feelings, he has actually given us a gift. Our misfit feelings don’t change reality. We are women. When we act, when we do whatever it is we do, we do so as women, and we become a living narrative that models womanhood to those around us, for good or ill. ~Abigail Dodds, (A)Typical Woman: Free, Whole, and Called in Christ

---

LINKS

The Daily Grace Podcast is a new podcast to encourage and equip women to seek God in His Word. Episode 4 on the Story of Scripture is a helpful explanation of Biblical Theology with an example from Ruth.

How to Grow Newer When You’re Not Growing Younger by Abigail Dodds @The Gospel Coalition.

When Disappointment Digs Ditches in Your Heart by Samantha Nieves @True Woman.

Women’s Training Network, a conference for women put on by The Gospel Coalition, will be held in the Portland area, April 12-13. If you would like to attend with a group of women from New Life Church, register online, and let us know you plan to attend. We will arrange carpooling in April.

(Resources are reviewed but may not always reflect the views of New Life Church.)