Fri, 18 May 2012 09:49:18 -0800WeeblyTue, 10 Jan 2012 20:38:58 -0800http://fbcelyriawomen.weebly.com/1/post/2012/01/praying-for-a-fruitful-year.htmlHas it really been five months since we challenged ourselves to "Abide in Christ" to the end that we might bear fruit as disciples of Christ?  Since our post in August, our gardens and fields have been harvested.  Many of us are enjoying tasty corn and applesauce from our freezers and are thankful for jars of vegetables, fruits,  jams, and jellies we are serving at our tables.  All these blessings are evidence of the fruit of physical labor.
These growing and harvest seasons serve as reminders of Christ's teachings on the work that remains to do in His spiritual harvest fields.

We understand that in nature fruit bearing branches are dependent on the vine.  Branches draw nourishment from the vine. If there is even a small disconnect between the vine and the branch the quality and quantity of fruit will suffer. So it is the Spirit.  The branch does not bear fruit of itself.   Christ words in John 15:5 describe our relationship to Him, "I am the vine you are the branches. He that abides in me and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit:  for without me you can do nothing."

These instructions were spoken only a few hours before Christ.'s arrest.
I am so thankful that the Word of God has preserved these Last Words to Jesus' disciples in John 15.  His Word is full of references to the Fruit of the Spirit.  I hope you will use a concordance and look them up in the coming days. But here in a few urgent verses Christ give us a formula for Spiritual Fruitfulness, guaranteed to bear much fruit.. 

In Christ teachings in John 15, we learn that the purpose for a follower of Christ is to produce fruit that remains. (vs 16). Disciples of Christ will keep His commandments (vs-10), do whatever Christ commands (vs-14),  love one another (vs-12),  and glorify the Father by bearing much fruit. (vs-8) 

Earlier in John 13 and 14,  the Lord had spoken of His death and departure.  The disciples were confused about this message.  Perhaps they were wondering how they would survive without Him., and here He was asking them to carry on His name.

Christ had already promised that they (and we) would not be alone. In John 14:16-17 Jesus said, "And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Comforter that He may abide with you forever;  Even the Spirit of truth; ...for He will dwell with you and shall be in you."  None of us can Glorify God in our fruit-bearing without the empowering of the Holy Spirit.

Every child of God has been indwelled by the Spirit.  The fruit of the Spirit
(Galatians 5:22-23) is produced in us as the Holy Spirit uses God's precious Word to teach us "all things" (John 14:26) .  With the indwelling Holy Spirit, we have the resource to produce fruit that will bring Glory to God.  Producing fruit is what God has given His children to do today.  There are souls to be won, services to perform, and opportunities to glorify God.  May God give us a Fruitful 2012.

]]>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 18:43:15 -0800http://fbcelyriawomen.weebly.com/1/post/2011/08/post-title-click-and-type-to-edit1.html
            Earlier this summer I traveled to North Carolina where I grew up. One of the joys of the trip is coming through the mountain pass out of Virginia and viewing the miles and miles of the NC agricultural region known as the Piedmont (the foothills).  A generation ago this area of the south was known for its production of tobacco.  Then as this region and its cigarette industry were besieged by government lawyers, the fields switched to soybeans or corn or some farmlands lay fallow.  But about 20 years ago something changed.  The local community college working with a few entrepreneurs began to plant grapevines in the red clay soil on some of these farms.  The success of these early experiments paved the way for the North Carolina Vineyards Association.  Today this group is nationally recognized as producers of quality grapes. 
            Sadly, most of the fruit of these vineyards is producing wine which they are bottling locally.  Once again, large trucks make there way to these former tobacco fields; but today they carry away cartons of wines that are served in restaurants and sold in grocery stores throughout the nation.  The fields that once produced the “cancer plant” now yield fruit that is turned into intoxicating beverages. The use of the fruit saddens me, but this success story does illustrate for us what fruit production can do for a community. Throughout the Piedmont, communities are benefiting from increased employment, revenue, and tourism.  That little community college that sponsored the first soil tests now offers an associate degree in Wine Production through NC State University.  The fruit of the vine has totally transformed the agricultural opportunities for North Carolinians.
            Why have I spent this much space in our Women’s Ministries blog talking about the success of the Wineries in North Carolina?  I will get to the point.  Growing grapes has proven to be beneficial; not only has it produced the fruit of the vine, but it has become profitable for the grower, and has provided benefits to others as well.   How does our fruit production compare to those very profitable vineyards in NC?  Are we producing fruit that benefits God’s economy or provides for the needs of others? 
             John chapter 15 is a beautiful illustration of the relationship between the Christian and his Savior.  John 15:5 sums up that relationship, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
             Simply put, if we are not abiding in the vine, we are unproductive, unprofitable and unfruitful.  What is the formula for bearing spiritual fruit?  What is the catalyst that insures production? Jesus addresses both these issues in verses 7-8; “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.  By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. "
The formula is:
   Abiding  +     Absorbing   +     Asking    →    Glory to God   → Much Fruit
  (in Christ)      (His Word)     (the Father)
             Notice the results;  "...so you will be My disciples".  (John 15: 8b)
             Isn't that what children of God naturally become?  Jesus gives us this wonderful formula in verse 7 and follows with verse 8 which gives us the proven results.  God receives the Glory and His Branches bear much fruit . We have all the instructions we need to be His Disciples.
            John 15:16-17 offers further commentary; “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another."   As we begin another season of ministry together, let’s evaluate and hold ourselves accountable.  I pray each ministry will be fruitful and that our fruit will remain (abide).  May our church and our community know that we are disciples of Christ and that we have love for one another!

]]>Sat, 14 May 2011 19:55:12 -0800http://fbcelyriawomen.weebly.com/1/post/2011/05/thankyou.htmlPraise the Lord for a wonderful Spring Luncheon today.  It was a great day as we came together as women and families.  The salad buffet was a great hit.  I am thankful to my leadership team who cooked for us and worked hard to prepare tables and centerpieces.  First Women gave their best today!  Thank you for sharing in our day. 
Special thanks to our Program Chairman, Karen B.  for all her hard work.  She, Susan and Suzanne did a great job with the "Recipe for Life" skit, too.  Some of our ladies and girls made their stage debut today.  Great job  Kim R., Maddie and Heather and Kim B. with opening and closing our program. Wasn't it great to see the future "First Women" on the risers speaking and singing praises to our Lord? And didn't you love hearing the tremendous ministry of our youth ensemble? I enjoyed seeing the Faith Baptist Community Center ladies today.  This Spring event  closes our year's ministry with their Monthly Bible Studies. We will be returning to the Center in September.
I hope you enjoyed the picture opportunities.  Thanks to John Butcher Photography for making this service available.  Purchased pictures will be made available at the church.
The message of the day was to experience joy in this journey of life.  What  a wonderful reminder that successful living doesn't happen by accident.  God has given us His Recipe for life in His Word.  Yes, trials will come.  It is how we respond to life's appointments and disappointments that determines the outcomes in many of these situations.  God's Word is all we need for life and godliness.  Have you tried His Recipe?
]]>Wed, 09 Mar 2011 13:13:06 -0800http://fbcelyriawomen.weebly.com/1/post/2011/03/have-you-claimed-the-promises.html     God's Word is full of encouraging words that give us wonderful resources to live victorious in this present age.  I recently studied II Peter.  The apostle Peter wrote this letter to gentile Christians that were facing extreme challenges.  The world they lived in was riddled with false teachers, scoffers, temptation, and corruption.  Does that sound familiar?  
    Chapter 1, verses 3 and 4 are the encouraging words that preface what follows.  Before he issues his warnings against the "pollutions" of this world he gives the believers hope to believe that they can overcome iniquity through God's power.

    "According as his divine power  has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."

      God's Word is His gift to us!  How can we neglect to claim His Promises?  I have marveled so often at how God's Word is never out dated and is always relevant.  Are you needing encouragement to face the extreme challenges of life?  Read the New Testament letters to the early churches.  Memorize the words and claim them as your own. 
    If you are on the "net" every day but not daily in the Word, check out the many websites for women that send you a passage or devotional every day in an email.  I guarantee that God's Word will be a blessing, even when it arrives via the internet.
     Early in my Christian life I chose a passage of Scripture that  I had memorized in Pioneer Girls to remind me that God goes before me and that I can trust Him.  Maybe you have claimed Proverbs 3:5-6 as  your life verses as well.  Another passage that I have personalized is I Corinthians 2:9:  "As it is written, eye has not seen nor ear heard neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him."
    Women's Ministries desires to be a help to women of First to be in God's Word.  It is our prayer that all our ministry opportunities will be centered in the Word.  If we can encourage you to know God's Word let us help.
    I am so excited about our Women's Ministries  plans for the coming spring.  Our Women for Missions, our More than Mommies, our small groups, our Bible Studies  and our Heart to Heart mentoring ministry are blessings to scores of ladies.  Check the calendar page for times and places if you would like to join one of our ministries. 
]]>Sat, 06 Nov 2010 00:42:37 -0800http://fbcelyriawomen.weebly.com/1/post/2010/11/claiming-gods-blessings.htmlThose who attended this year's Ladies Retreat  with Mrs Kim Brennecke were greatly encouraged last weekend.  We had an unusual time of sharing after each session as we studied Ephesians 1 and 2 and recognized God Blessings in our lives and shared ways we can teach others to Claim God's Blessings.  It was a wonderful weekend for the 34 ladies that attended,

Women's Ministries has enjoyed a great beginning throughout the  fall. We are praising the Lord for the many  women who are participating in our various ministries.  We are "Weighing the Word", "Weighing our Bodies",  and "Learning our Purpose" in the women's Bible studies this fall.  More than Mommies has celebrated the "Fifties" (check out the new pictures on the Encouraging Women page), picked apples at an orchard, and in just a few days will be making pumpkin rolls together.  Mentoring other women has been a priority for many of our ladies over the years, so it was a joy to have several young women sign up to be paired up with an older woman for this year. I encourage all of you to look around you and find someone that could be encouraged or discipled.. It would be a blessing to you and her.

Women for Missions has renewed its purpose and is on track for another great year. God blessed our efforts with the Quarter Savers Christmas Offering.  We are going to divide $3000.00 among our missionary families. Praise the Lord!  We had a great time with the missionaries at the Conference last month.  Shawn Smith was a great speaker.  Her stories about God's Miracles among the Simbai people will never be forgotten by those of us who shared that day with her.  We raised enough money to buy $600.00 in gift cards for the two families. I am looking forward to the November 9 meeting with Karen Peck. I know she will encourage us in our desire to serve our missionary families.

Our women have enjoyed the Faith Baptist Community Center ladies who attend our monthly luncheons.  We will be doing a Thanksgiving meal later this month and Joy Anglea will be sharing a report of her trip to Cambodia.

Hopefully you know about the Ladies Day Out lunches, the Stitching Sisters, and the Legacy Srapbooking Sessions.  We have many women who serve in the Taste of Grace and Shut-In Visitation ministries. If your are able to choose one of these ministries or small groups to join, we would love to have you participate. Women's Ministry is all about ministry, but we sure have fun together as we serve the Lord.
]]>Sat, 28 Aug 2010 09:31:47 -0800http://fbcelyriawomen.weebly.com/1/post/2010/08/post-title-click-and-type-to-edit.html How many times have you said to fellow Christians, "I don't know how anyone can go through this kind of pain, sorrow, loss, or circumstance without the Lord Jesus"?  We usually follow that by stating the obvious, "It is only through His grace that I am standing up under this heartache".  As I reflect on this summer's sorrows, losses, and circumstances it is with the confidence and knowledge that God was there with me.  He kept His promises and His Spirit brought peace and comfort through the ministry of His Word.

As some of you know, I was away from Elyria for 6 weeks this summer, as I attended the needs of my mother and sister-in law as we awaited the homegoing of my brother, Michael.  Michael called me "Sis".  He served his country in the US Air Force for 20 years. He was a gentle man, full of humor and wit.  His life had many disappointments, but he clearly did not let broken relationships, broken dreams, or broken health take away his love for family or the Lord.  Phil 4: 11 was Michael's life verse, "For I have learned that in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content."  His wife included this quote in his obituary. "Many would say that CANCER claimed another life this week but we would say, 'Cancer cannot corrode faith, shatter hope, silence courage, invade the soul, kill friendship, conquer the spirit, cripple love, suppress memories, or steal Eternal Life'."   God took my brother home one month before his 58th birthday.

During the time I was away, our dear Pastor continued his own battle with cancer.  I arrived home from NC just as we all learned that the fight was over and that there was no more to be done for Pastor on this earth.  In one of my last visits with him I heard him quote from Phil. 4: 13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  He had claimed that promise his entire Christian life but in the midst of his suffering he offered it to those of us who stood around his bedside.  He wanted us to know that it is TRUE.  God's Word is TRUE and we only have to "...draw near to Him with a True Heart in full assurance of our faith" (Heb. 10:22a), for us to experience Christ's strength and peace also.

Hebrews 10 encourages us to rejoice in the truth that Christ is our Savior, our intercessor, and our coming bridegroom.  He will someday come in majesty, glory and power to claim his church, the Bride of Christ. 

Notice in verses 22-25 we are given instructions for living while awaiting His coming and the anticipated reunion with all who have gone before.
This passage is specific and given for every believer to follow. It says:
22)  "Draw near with a True Heart in full assurance of faith.."
23) “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering..."
24) "Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works..."
25) "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together ...but exhorting one another as ye see the day approaching."

It is hard not to be envious of those who have gone on to their prepared mansions!  But do not be discouraged; we are left for a purpose.  So let us be busy doing the things God has given us to do until that day we will all see Jesus.

Serving with Joy,
Barbara
]]>Thu, 27 May 2010 19:19:16 -0800http://fbcelyriawomen.weebly.com/1/post/2010/05/-oh-magnify-the-lord-with-me.html                                                                                  ....and Contact Us!

What a wonderful Spring we have had in WM. Praise the Lord for the positive feedback from the several  Bible Studies that are ending this month. I appreciate the leadership of Judy Fiest who is so faithful in her planning and teaching for this ministry.  I pray that many more will be able to participate in the year to come.  Keep your ears open for the start up times in the fall.  If you are wanting to put  to practice what you learned in studies this year, maybe this summer would be an opportunity to engage your friends and neighbors in an evangelistic Bible study.  If you are interested in having help getting yours started, please Contact Us . 

We have also had a great year with Heart to Heart ministry.  The Mentors Tea on Saturday was such an encouragement.  One of our mentors and one of our "daughters of the heart" each gave a tremendous testimony to what God  is accomplishing through this effort.  Praise the Lord for women who are willing to pass on to the next generations some of the lessons they have learned from the Lord and from others who have invested in their lives.  Thanks to Judy Fulks and Sue Friesner for their leadership in the mentoring ministry. Training began for new mentors this week. IF you are interested in being a mentor or if you feel led to request a mentor you can Contact Us at the link to the left.

WM also had a very successful Ladies Luncheon in May.  Mrs. Carrie Puff spoke to many of our hearts about how important it is to give the Lord the moments of our days, so that we can accomplish more for Him.  We also recognized Norma Nolph for the 50 years she has been in inner-city ministry in Cleveland.  It was a joy to have her Ladies Bible Study group join us again this year.  Thanks to Sharron Vanek and Lorna Carey for their leaderships in the Faith Baptist Community Center ministry.  If you would like to sign up to be a "Soul Sister" to one of the Faith women you can Contact Us at the link to the left.

Stitching Sisters have completed some beautiful creations this year.  It has also taken on several projects this spring for some in our church family.  They will still have some sessions this summer, so if you would like to join them, plan to come.  It is usually the last Tuesday of each month but be sure to check our calendar updates for the details. Iris Tewksbury will be glad to add you to her contact list.  Click on the Contact Us page to the left if you want to be added.

More than Mommies is a small group ministry for mothers of young children.  It may be one of our best kept secrets!  From all I have heard, this year has been one of the best in program planning. As a result of last week's workshop with Kathy Little, there are several young women looking for canning jars, they will plan to use when the summer harvest comes. Thank you Linda, Beth , Cathy, and Diana for the great work with our Mommies.  If you would like to donate jars or even bounty from your home gardens or orchards for some of our young families you can click on the Contact Us page to the left.

I will be mentioning other opportunities to serve next time, so stay tuned. I praise the Lord that so many of our First Women  are taking advantage of the many opportunities that are under the banner of Women's Ministries.  Won't you "magnify the Lord with me?   And let's exalt His name together. " If you have praise or blessing , click on the comment  tab above to share. Or you can write to me in private on the Contact Us page. Just click on the link to the left.

Serving with joy,
Barbara]]>Sat, 27 Mar 2010 15:48:56 -0800http://fbcelyriawomen.weebly.com/1/post/2010/03/wm-realizing-a-two-year-dream.html       Our Leadership Team has dreamed for two years of launching our website for First Baptist Women.  We are thrilled that we can now be available to you 24/7.  Through our Contact Us page and the First Women Blog Center you can become part of the Team.  Please  come to the site often and take advantage of the opportunities we offer.  We want to hear from you, but most of all we want to be a blessing.
       Tomorrow  we are offering the newest edition of Essence.  I hope you will pick one up at the Welcome Center.   Below is a copy of my article.  There are many passages in God's Word that speak to planting, growing, and bearing fruit.  Read more about fruit bearing in Proverbs 11:30, Galatians 5:22-23, John 15:4-5, and Hebrews 13:15.

Spiritual Gardening.
       Springtime has come to Ohio. Many of us are watching the green shoots that have broken through the ground with their promise of blooms to come.  Eager gardeners are planting seeds in indoor trays and cups to give the plants for their summer gardens a head start.  Spring is a natural time to plant and an excellent opportunity to encourage growth.
            Spring is also a good time to jump-start our spiritual gardens!  There is something about saying goodbye to the harshness of winter, and welcoming the signs of spring that triggers in many of us, a desire to start fresh in our personal lives. 
            What fruits do you desire to produce in your life?  Ephesians 5:9 says, “The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.”  The character of God is comprised of goodness, righteousness, and truth.  It is out of these seeds that the fruit of the Spirit will be produced.
            Abiding in the Spirit germinates goodness in our lives.  The original language implies more than “being good”.  It actually is having the character that will produce good actions.  It is zealous goodness, which as it matures will thwart evil.  The second component of the Spirit is righteousness.  Righteousness is God’s character.  The only One who is Right and Just has freely imputed His righteousness on us.  All who receive the gift of salvation through the finished work of Christ on the cross are righteous. A fruit bearing life must recognize its origin in the righteousness of God.  The third quality of the Spirit is truth.  God’s Word is truth.  As Truth takes over a believer’s life it will be manifest in a life of integrity.  Truth that is sowed in the life of a Christian will discern truth, shun evil and reject falsehood, while spreading seeds of truth in the lives of others. 
            Just as we toil in our home gardens to gather a good harvest, we also need to toil in our spiritual lives to bring forth fruit.  Tending godly seeds that will grow and bear spiritual fruit requires hard work
            To encourage growth, soil needs to be prepared.  Just as we make ready our garden plots, we must fall on our knees and prayerfully prepare our spirit by rooting out weeds of neglect, inaction, bitterness, anger, falsehood, and ingratitude.  Only when the “soul” is ready, can the righteous seeds prosper.
            After the seeds take root, we must feed and continue to weed.  In order for the fruits of the spirit to be produced, our spiritual nature needs to be nourished from God’s Word and acknowledge God’s showers of blessings upon us.   There also needs to be diligence in keeping our “soul” free of weeds.  Spiritual seedlings will not thrive among the thistles and unfruitful weeds that seek to crowd into their lives.
            Gardening for the purpose of gathering fruit will include sacrifice of time and energy. It may also include personal sacrifice.  Just as flowers and vegetables have to be cut back in order to become more beautiful or fruitful, God often requires that we undergo pruning and  trimming in order to produce the best fruit.
            There is great joy in a fruitful life.  May God increase our joy as we diligently tend our spiritual gardens to produce fruit that remains for all eternity.

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