Introducing the Women's Bible Study

By: Susan Skomesa

The Women’s Bible Study, one of the ministries under the umbrella of Sara’s Tent, is drilling deep on winning the battlefield of the mind. As we look at all aspects of taking our thoughts captive (II Corinthians 10:4-5) we are experiencing astounding victories. Since there are women who cannot attend for various and important reasons, I’d like to start sharing nuggets that come out of our study.

To set the stage, let me give you a peek into a typical gathering of the Women’s Bible Study. We meet Wednesday mornings from 10 am to about 1pm. We socialize and eat for about 30 minutes and then Pastor Kathleen opens our time with awesome worship on her guitar. (Yes, she plays, sings, and is truly amazing.) We often have a time of brief testimony and sharing before we dive in to the study. During the teaching time, Pastor Kathleen draws from Joyce Meyer’s book  Battle Field of The Mind, as well as from her own wealth of wisdom and pastoral care experience. She leaves plenty of opportunity for us to add our insights, making the sharing and study very rich. We close our time in prayer for one another and for those of you ladies whose needs we are aware of. See, you are with us even when you are at work.

I am amazed and blessed by the work of the Ruacḥ Haqodesh in and amongst us.  The level of growth, mutual respect, support, love, and encouragement is warm, unifying, and increasing.

Time for a gold nugget from our first study.

Our mind is the starting place for all our actions. Proverbs 23:7_(NAS) says: “For as he thinks within himself, so he is”. Romans 8:5_(NAS) echoes this passage: “For those who are according to the flesh set their mind on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” So as our mind goes, so goes our actions and our emotions. Have you ever had a conversation in your head with someone, and found yourself angry and all worked up? Have you ever fought depression with scripture and worship, and found peace?

This is why Paul challenges us to take every thought captive. “Because the weapons we use to wage war are not worldly. On the contrary, they have God's power for demolishing strongholds. We demolish arguments and every arrogance that raises itself up against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey the Messiah.” _{(2 Corinthians 10:4-5; CJB)}  Notice that the thought must be taken captive before we can make it obey Messiah. To what do we take our thoughts captive? How do we know when our thoughts are in obedience to Messiah? According to this scripture, if we can answer these 2 questions, if we can take our thoughts captive and make them obey Messiah, we have in our possession God's power for demolishing strongholds… and who doesn’t want to destroy a stronghold that is strangling the life out of their heart or their relationships?

So, again, to what do we take our thoughts captive, and how do we know when our thoughts are in obedience to Messiah? We take our thoughts captive by noticing them. So many thoughts slip by unnoticed. But just because a thought goes unnoticed, doesn’t mean that that thought doesn’t have an impact, either positive or negative. We take the step to notice our thoughts and make it [our thoughts] obey the Messiah by discerning whether the thought is true or false, uplifting or destructive, consistent with the fruits of the Spirit or pure flesh. We can train our mind to be a holy place by setting “our mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” _{(2 Corinthians 10:4-5; NAS)}, and by allowing our thoughts to focused on “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise”. _{(Philippians 4:8)}

As these scriptures make clear, the only way to discern if our thoughts and actions are obedient to Messiah, is to know Him. He revels Himself in His Word, and has revealed to us everything we need to know about Him and how to obey Him. For he says in John 15:14-15 “You are my friends, if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave doesn't know what his master is about; but I have called you friends, because everything I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.”

I challenge us to think about what we are thinking about (the topic of another post to come) and examine if what we believe, what we think, and what we do, lines up with scripture. Let’s not be convinced that we know the scriptures so well that we no longer need to be challenged by them, no longer need to meditate on them, that they have nothing more to teach us. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is valuable for teaching the truth, convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living; thus anyone who belongs to God may be fully equipped for every good work.” _{(II Timothy 3:16-17; CJB)}

Taking every thought captive is not easy and is a challenging discipline to develop, but it is well worth doing as it is a vital step to Shalom – Nothing missing, nothing broken.

He Speaks... Even Through A Lilac Tree.

By Denise Runyan

Lilacs are my favorite flower. They remind me of my Grandma Tutu who was from Virginia and planted three lilac trees in her Southern California backyard because that was the one piece of the South she just wasn't willing to give up. When I was in elementary school, lilacs came to represent peace and solitude for me. At the border of the farthest fence that surrounded the school yard, a huge lilac bush grew over the top, and during recess in the spring after hunting up a few ladybugs in the clover, I would meander over to the fence, pull down a branch laden with blossoms, and breathe in the heady scent, always amazed at the intricate beauty of each individual floret.

Several years ago, I began taking long, early-morning walks around Redlands, and that was the first time I encountered a lilac tree growing in the city. It was such an unexpected blessing, and I felt such an up-welling of joy at the sight, that I voiced a spontaneous prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord because in that moment, the lilac tree was the embodiment of His merciful kindness—He has given good, beautiful gifts to all mankind. Ever since that day, when I come upon a lilac, the Lord and I have a moment of communication. Not many people plant lilacs in Southern California, so I don’t come across them very often, but in the past three years, the Lord has led me to them once each year, and each time He has had something different to tell me. Believe it or not, it has never been the same lilac tree—I rarely remember where they are when I find them!

Three years ago, I was walking in a neighborhood near the Redlands Bowl when I looked up to see the lilac. I caught my breath in happy surprise, whispered, “Thank you, Lord—It’s beautiful!” And He said to me, “Denise, I know how you love lilacs, and I want to bless you.” That moment has never left me. The Creator of the universe knows my favorite flower, and what’s more, He gave me one!

The following year, His lilac message to me was a precious demonstration of His tenderness. I had been trudging through a very long, difficult season of several years, and really felt that I was almost out of strength. I was holding onto the Lord with everything in me, refusing to let go, but so heartbroken and weary. During that season, every now and then, I would offer up a feeble prayer, “Please, Lord, I know you are there, I know you haven’t left me, but I need to see you, just for a moment, could you show me that you are with me in this?” In the midst of that time, I drove up to Forest Falls to run an errand. It hadn't even occurred to me that it was lilac season, but as I turned onto the road leading back to the small town, I saw a flash of purple embedded in deep green leaves, “Was that a lilac?!” I couldn't see it because I had driven past it so quickly, and I felt a moment of loss—had I missed my lilac for the year? I kept driving, rounded a bend, and nestled back in a shady corner I saw another bush completely covered in lilac blooms. I was overwhelmed, praising the Lord, and pulled over so I could breathe in the scent. I must confess, I even pulled off one of the stems so I could take the beauty with me. I got back in the car, kept driving down the road, looked to the left, and there, across the street was another lilac. I looked forward, and saw again, another; my eyes darted all around, to the right, to the left, in every yard it seemed, all along the road, purple and white lilacs were bursting forth in full bloom. I had never seen anything like it. They were at their peak…vibrant with color, robust, sweet. With each glance, I heard the Lord say to me, “I love you…I love you…I love you.” And I wept. I couldn't help it. In the darkest cave, He is there. He knows. He loves.

Last year, in the spring, I was beginning to see an end to that long, dark season. There was a stirring that I could feel in my spirit. I didn't know exactly what was occurring, I just knew the Lord was leading my family to something new. There was hope in my heart, but also a lot of uncertainty because my husband and I were making some huge decisions about the direction of our family, and I confess I was afraid. I knew that after coming through one difficult season, I didn't have anything left to enter right into another one. So I was in constant prayer, pleading with the Lord for direction. I can’t even say it was a prayer of faith—it was a prayer of fear and desperation, of “What if we decide wrong?” I was walking one morning, and praying that prayer, when I suddenly came upon a small lilac bush. It wasn't particularly beautiful or healthy looking, but there was one lone cluster of flowers, holding onto the branch for dear life, and I was thankful to see it. “Thank you, Lord, I love you too!” I kept walking, meandering, praying, turning right, left….this is why I can never find the lilacs again…when suddenly in the yard to my right, was another lilac bush. This one was larger, healthier, and had quite a few blooms.I was stunned—never before had I come across more than one lilac in one day in the middle of the city, and this day I had found two! What abundance! “Thank you, thank you, Lord!” I kept walking, with no plan or direction, but I eventually came to an intersection where I felt an inexplicable tugging in my spirit to turn right. I hadn't experienced that before, but I figured I ought to follow the direction, just in case it was the Lord. I turned right, walked a ways down the street and there in front of me was a lilac tree. Not a little bush. Not a shrub. A huge tree, absolutely full of lilacs. It was stunningly beautiful. I stopped. “OK, Lord, you’re trying to tell me something pretty significant. I’m listening.” And this is what He said. “Stop worrying about where you are going. I will direct you. You will hear me, follow my voice, and I will cause you to flourish like this beautiful tree. You will no longer be a weary bloom barely hanging on to the vine. You and your family will flourish and bear much fruit. Trust me. I will lead you.” My spirit rejoiced! I had a promise from the Lord, and I grabbed hold of it with both hands.

In the year since that promise, the Lord has led us.  He has clearly closed some doors, opened others, and is teaching us to hear His voice.  We are still in the process of making some decisions and still seeking a great deal of wisdom, but those decisions that have already been made have begun a new season of growth in my family.  I am watching as my children take hold of the things of the Lord, as my husband is filled anew with love for the Lord and His Torah.  For my part, I am seeing the Lord answer very specific prayers I had brought before Him over the years on behalf of my family.  And I feel joy.  It is almost uncontainable, for I have seen the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  I am not blind to the suffering of this world, or to those around me.  I am not blind to the difficulties I myself continue to face, but none of that is enough to overcome the joy that is in the Lord.  He is good.  He does good.  He loves His children with an unbridled love that we cannot possibly comprehend.

At our Sarah’s Tent meetings we will be talking about developing intimacy with the Lord—we have to have that before we can experience true intimacy with each other, even in our sisterhood.  The first step to intimacy with the Lord is to believe at the core of your being that He wants to know and be known by you.  The second step is to pay attention.  He is talking to you.  He is doing all sorts of things to get your attention, to bless you, to speak with you.  If you aren't already, begin to look for them.  Ask Him to open your eyes to the way He communicates with you.  Your spirit will only be satisfied by intimacy with Him, so press in, and be ready.  He’ll meet you in ways that astonish you, that make you laugh out loud, that cause you to weep, that inspire spontaneous praise.  When He does, write to us to let us know.  Start a conversation on the website—you will encourage and edify us all!

Lilac season is almost upon us again.  I can smell the orange blossoms in the air, so I know it is close!  Even though I know it is too early for blooms, I am expectant.  I took a walk this morning, craning my neck around every neighborhood I passed.  I haven’t seen any lilacs yet, but already the Lord is speaking to me about them and beginning to teach me a new lesson.  Perhaps someday I’ll be able to share this year’s lilac message with you. 

Shalom!

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What Does "Sister" Mean To You?

By: Denise Runyan 

Sisters.

No doubt that word evokes different feelings and memories in everybody. Some may remember whispered secrets and giggling late into the night until Dad’s voice reverberated through the door, “That’s enough—time to sleep!” Others were the big sister, helping to dress and look after a smaller one until suddenly she had grown up and was old enough to become a friend. I’m sure many remember slammed doors and snarky fights—what sisterhood would be complete without a few of those? Maybe you don’t have any of those memories because you were an only child, but how you longed for a sister to giggle and whisper with! Being an only child is often lonely. Perhaps none of these feelings reflect your own because you did have sisters, but the relationships were painful and difficult.

When we call Sarah’s Tent a “sisterhood,” are these the kinds of relationships we’re talking about? Well, yes…but also, no.

That we are a sisterhood is clear from Scripture—all who have believed in the name of Yeshua have been adopted into the family of Abraham, complete with sisters, fellow women of the faith. It is a precious sisterhood. Our mission at Sarah’s Tent is to foster relationships with one another that take the best from our natural families—the camaraderie, the laughter, the nurturing—but leave behind the dross.

In this Abrahamic family, none of us is an only child. Loneliness should be unheard of. And, yet, how many of us are lonely? This modern world, with all of its pressures, demands so much of women. We find ourselves pulled in too many directions—harried, exhausted, overwhelmed…alone. With each new burden we lift to carry alone, isolation becomes more complete, until one day we look up to find ourselves adrift on the sea with no land in sight. This is the condition which so many women have come to accept as normal and necessary. The truth, however, is that woman do not function well in isolation.

We need community.

We need each other.

We need sisters.

Sometimes we need to be the big sister, nurturing another along to maturity in the faith. Sometimes we need to be the younger sister, allowing another to build us up in the Lord. Sometimes we need another pair of hands to carry a heavy burden. Sometimes we just need a moment of unbridled laughter to put things in perspective. Always, we need to band together, working towards a common goal, laboring side by side. If we adopt this perspective, rejecting isolation in favor of community, we will find strength for the journey. 

Finally, please take this last bit to heart—YOU are necessary to this sisterhood. You, specifically, have life experiences, wisdom, abilities, ideas, gifts. Without you, our sisterhood will be incomplete, lacking in some important area. We want to be a fully functioning body of sisters, complete in all parts, lacking nothing. Please see this as a gentle calling. If you are one of those women drifting out to sea, know that there is land in sight, and head this way. If you know of a sister who is drifting, pick up the rope and draw her to shore. We encourage you all to join us at our Sarah’s Tent gatherings, participate in coming workshops, and make yourselves available to the other women of this community so that there truly are no “only children” among us.

Our first gathering will be on Saturday, March 22. We will have a light lunch, get to know each other, and learn from Pastor Kathleen about the beauty of sisterhood in Yeshua. We are full of joyful anticipation as we prepare for that special date, and look forward to seeing you there.

Shalom!