CALVARY CHAPEL RENO-SPARKS WOMEN'S NEWSLETTER JULY-AUGUST 2012

Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks

Fragrant Life Ministry

Women's Newsletter

July-August 2012

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God Bless Your Day Today!

Kelly

The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis; Currently Reading for Review

The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis

Currently Reading For Review

(So far it is engaging!  Don't wait for the review!  Start reading it today!)

Watch the Book Trailer

God Bless Your Day!

Kelly

CHOOSING GRATITUDE by Nancy Leigh DeMoss at Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks

Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

JOYFUL BOOKS BOOK CLUB MINISTRY at Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks will begin our next book of the month, July  11, 2012; being off the first two weeks of July for Independence Day and Vacation Bible School.

             Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss is a heart changing read!  Don’t be afraid to dive in with both feet as it will help point you to scripture on how to choose gratitude and lose the unthankful attitude.

Don’t believe for one moment that Nancy doesn’t struggle just like the rest of us.  I appreciated her open and honest reflection on her own life struggle with ingratitude.  But, God is greater than our heart!  It says in  1 John 3:20-21 “For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.”  You can have confidence in knowing that even as we struggle in the area of being thankful in all circumstances;  God knows everything and He is still in control.

Gratitude is a choice.  We can either choose a heart full of ingratitude and become angry, bitter and cynical, or we can choose to be thankful, more loving, more caring and more thoughtful.

Please come on July 11th having read Chapters 1-3.  

Then July 18th - August 29th it will be one chapter each week!

God Bless Your Day Today!

Kelly

FRUIT OF HER HANDS-August

Coming August 11th, 2012, 

The next Fruit of Her Hands Ministry Activity!

"Give her the fruit of her hands, 

And let her own works praise her in the gates."

Proverbs 31:31

Click the link for more information.

(All information is posted at the Bottom of the Fruit of Her Hands Page!)

WOMEN IN THE MINISTRY- Joyce Rogers

Today I want to share with you a woman who has served the Lord Jesus Christ throughout her life; a woman who understands; "The joy of the Lord is our strength!

MEET JOYCE ROGERS

"Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,

My lips shall praise You.

Thus I will lift up my hands in Your name."

Psalm 63:3-4

Joyce is the wife of the late Pastor Adrian Rogers.

She has served in ministry for over 60 years.  Today take a moment and visit her site; read her biography and be encouraged.

(Click to visit Joyce Rogers Website)

Enjoy!


God Bless Your Day Today!
Kelly

Discipleship The Road Less Taken, Chap 8 - end of book Reflection

Staying Committed as a Disciple of Jesus Christ

“Then Jesus said to the Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32

If someone asked you what your level of commitment was to following Jesus Christ, what would your response be?  Do you study God’s Word?  Do you pray and worship?  Do you Fellowship with other believers; go to church and get involved by serving?  Do you tell others the Good News of Jesus Christ and what God is doing in your life?

If not, then begin today…

Jesus tells us in John 8:31-32 that if we abide (remain, continue, dwell) in His word, we know that we are His disciples (a learner, a follower, one who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ.)

Jesus is the source of truth.  He shows us the way to everlasting life with God.

It says in 1 Peter 2:21-25 “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow in His steps:  “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;  who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return;  when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness – by whose stripes you were healed.  For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

We all have a choice.

We have all been called.

Commitment takes the desire to live a godly life through obedience.

Christ is our example.

As we finish up the book, “Discipleship the Road Less Taken” by Pastor Greg Laurie this week, take some time to evaluate your level of commitment.

Ask yourself what kind of heart you wish to have; a loyal heart or a divided heart. 

Pastor Greg says, “As Christians, we ought to tell the truth.  It means we should not steal.  It means that we should keep our marriage vows.  It means we are to be men and women of integrity, because people are watching us…you are the only Bible some people ever will read.”

God Bless Your Day Today!

Kelly

HELP! I CAN'T PLEASE EVERYONE!

"If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men."  Romans 12:18

I don't know about you, but sometimes it seems so difficult to try and please everybody!  It is stressful and overwhelming!  

Did you know that it says in Galatians 1:10 "For do I now persuade men, or God?  Or do I seek to please men?  For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ."

I really like this picture of the woman at the feet of Jesus.  It makes me think of how Mary sat at the feet of Jesus.  

In Romans 12:18 we are told to "live peacefully with all men."

We need to pray for wisdom and grace, especially in our speech.  Ask the Lord to help us to live for Him.

Today spend some time at the feet of Jesus.  He will give you peace during these stressful times.  Let Him minister to your heart.  You won't be disappointed!

God Bless Your Day Today!

Kelly

Proverbs 19:22 WORD STUDY "checed"

WORD STUDY

Several weeks ago we were reading the book, "A Confident Heart" by Renee Swope.  As we read, we came across the verse Proverbs 19:22 (NIV) "What a [woman] desires is unfailing love".  Renee goes on to emphasis that God has put in our heart the desire for unfailing love because it would lead us back to Him.  "Only God's unfailing love will fill and fulfill the desires of our hearts.  It is the deepest thirst of our souls.  Until God's love is enough, nothing else will be."

When checking the translation of Proverbs 19:22(KG) with Blueletterbible.org the King James version reads, "What is desirable in a man is his kindness, And it is better to be a poor man than a liar."

The word kindness in the King James and the word unfailing love in the NIV point to the Hebrew word, "checed" which means: goodness, kindness, faithfulness, mercy, lovingkindness.  

Several of us at Joyful Books Book Club questioned if the NIV translation of the word "checed" "unfailing love" was accurate.

Scott Crawford, a pastor at Trinity Baptist Church has written a paper on the word "checed" and is well worth reading in answering the above question.

Please take some time and visit www.wordoftruthclass.org to read his paper, or you may continue reading below.

God Bless Your Day Today!

Kelly

 Scott Crawford

has been a serious student of the Word of God since he was a little more than 13 years old, initially cutting his teeth on deep Bible study with Clarence Larkin's famous book, "Dispensational Truth". Scott joined Trinity Baptist Church in 1991, where he later served as treasurer for two years, and taught Sunday school for five years before assuming the podium at Word of Truth. Scott and his wife, Betsy, have two children.  Scott is a graduate of Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a graduate of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Religion. 

WORD STUDY:

MERCY OR CHECED IN HEBREW

BY SCOTT CRAWFORD

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this paper is to study the Hebrew word  checed.   Checed is spelled

various ways in the Hebrew Old Testament.  Sometimes it is spelled  hesed or  chesed or

some variant.  The word  checed appears 248 times in the Hebrew Old Testament according

to a search of Strong’s Concordance via the Blue Letter Bible  internet search program.   

Strong’s Concordance assigns OT # 02617 to checed. 

According to the Blue Letter Bible internet search program the following translations

of the word  checed are made in the King James Bible (unless otherwise indicated, all

references are from the King James Bible):  “mercy” occurs 149 times, “kindness” occurs 40

times,  “lovingkindness” occurs 30 times,  “goodness” occurs 12 times,  “kindly” occurs 5

times, “merciful” occurs 4 times, “favor” occurs 3 times, “good” occurs 1 time, “goodliness”

occurs 1 time,  “pity” occurs 1 time, “reproach” occurs 1 time, and  “wicked thing” occurs 1

time for a total of 248 occurrences of the word checed in the Hebrew Old Testament.

The above analysis indicates the meaning of this word, which via the English

translation, overwhelmingly invokes the idea of a positive display of affection.  In contrast,

the translation to “reproach” and “wicked thing” indicate a negative aspect of the word. The

remainder of this paper will seek to further illuminate the meaning of checed via the analysis

in English of various Old Testament verses.

ONE OF GOD’S ATTRIBUTES

God is depicted in the Old Testament numerous ways, and He has various attributes. 

Checed is used many times to describe one of His favorite attributes.  Micah 7:18 says,

“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of

the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in

mercy. ”  The NIV translates checed as “mercy” while the NASB translates it as “unchanging

love”.  Notice that the Lord delights in mercy or unchanging love.  Hence,  He takes  great

pleasure in showing mercy.  Parallelism can be seen vividly in this passage.  God pardons

iniquity and passes by transgression. He does not retain anger and delights in mercy.  Mercy

is contrasted with anger in this verse.  His anger toward His people is short lived in

comparison to His mercy.  Since mercy is an attribute of God and God cannot change, He

will always be a God of mercy.  Certainly, He is a God of justice and judgment; but He is

many times portrayed as rich in mercy.  Mercy, love, truth and forgiveness are closely

linked when describing God and His attributes.   The extent of  God’s love and mercy are

indescribable and unfathomable to the human mind.

Describing God’s many  attributes, the Psalms mention  chesed more than any other

book in  the Old Testament – more than 125 times.  His paths are described as mercy in

Psalm 25:10. His lovingkindness is exc ellent according to Psalm 36:10. In Psalm 86:5,2

mercy and truth have met together in the Lord. God is full of compassion and plenteous in

mercy in Psalm 86:15.

Psalm 107 is an interesting case study in inclusion or  book ending which gives

emphasis upon God’s checed.  Checed is used 6 times in 43 verses.   Four of the 6 times it is

used are examples of the literary technique of inclusion.  Verses 8, 15, 21, and 31 all read

exactly the same way, “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his  goodness, and for his

wonderful works to the children of men!”  The NIV translates  checed as “unfailing love”

while the NASB translates it as “loving kindness”.  Emphasis upon God’s

goodness/unfailing love/loving kindness is abundant in this passage.  He is to be praised for

His  goodness.  His faithful works of goodness for His people are stressed to show how

worthy He is of praise.

A REQUIREMENT FOR GOD’S PEOPLE

Notice Micah 6:8,  “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD

require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”  The

NIV translates  checed in this verse as “mercy” and the NASB translates it  “kindness”.  In

Micah  chapter  6, the Lord is speaking directly through the prophet Micah.  He has a

contention with His people, Israel.  The Lord uses rhetorical questions to cause His people to

think about their actions.  He outlines 3 requirements for His people:  to conduct themselves

in a just or honest manner, to love mercy or kindness, and to walk humbly.  If mercy is one

of God’s favorite attributes, it follows that He would want  his people to favor mercy.  God

says his people should  “focus their attention” in three areas and one of the three is showing

kindness or mercy. 

Proverbs 21:21 further illustrates this concept, “He that followeth after righteousness

and  mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.”   The NIV translates  checed as “love”

while the NASB translates it as “loyalty”.  Notice righteousness and mercy/love/loyalty are

closely tied together.  It is interesting that the NASB supplies the word loyalty instead of

mercy or love.  However, when one thinks of love, he must realize love is shown via action    

- not just words or thoughts.  When God shows love or mercy, He does so by a certain

action.  Loyalty invokes the idea of action because if one is loyal, they  have been faithful.   

God is loyal to us and expects us to be loyal to others.  Being loyal or faithful is an

expression of love or mercy.  Maybe this could be part of the reason why the NASB

translators choose the word loyal for this passage.    God is a righteous and merciful God;

and in this verse,  He says the man who imitates His characteristics will find true fulfillment. 

Several times, mercy is emphasized as a requirement for blessing and approval from God in

this book of wisdom.  Other verses to consider are Proverbs 3:3; 11:17; and 20:28.

UNMERITED MERCY

Checed occurs for the first time  in the Old Testament in Genesis 19:19, “Behold

now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy  mercy, which

thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some

evil take me, and I die.”  The NIV translates checed as “kindness” in this passage while the

NASB translates it as “lovingkindness”.3

The context of the passage is of  God’s decision to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah.   

He sent two angels to destroy the city and deliver Lot and his family.  Lot recognizes the

angels have spared his life and is speaking to them about where he wants to go when he

leaves the city.  He realizes the favor shown to him and describes the “mercy” shown to him

as more than just mercy, but “magnified” mercy.  His life has been saved; and thus, he has

been spared the judgment o f Sodom and Gomorrah.    He realizes the mercy is not merited by

referring to an act of grace.  Thus, grace and mercy are closely tied together in this passage

to describe God’s decision to spare Lot and his family.  Both are seen as unmerited and

undeserving.  Genesis 32:10 is another example of Jacob realizing God’s unmerited mercy. 

Numerous other Old Testament passages speak of the unmerited mercy of God  (see  1

Chronicles 16:34; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalms 103:8).

MERITED MERCY

Observe Numbers 14:18,  “The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving

iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the

fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.”  The NIV translates  checed

as “love” in this passage while the NASB translates it as “lovingkindness”.  Checed occurs

in this passage and is tied to the longsuffering and forgiving nature of God.  A close study of

the chapter reveals a different aspect of His mercy than that seen in the previously

mentioned passages in Genesis.  It seems to identify something different than simply  His

unmerited grace.  The Israelites, who were already benefactors of God’s mercy and grace,

had made God extremely angry.  He was ready to disinherit them (not allow them to partake

of the blessings of the promised land as a nation)  and make a nation out of Moses alone. 

Moses pleads for God’s mercy and reminds Him of the surrounding nations who will say He

is not able to deliver on His promises.  So, instead of  destroying the entire nation, God in

mercy spares the nation but declares that those individuals who have seen his  wondrous

works and disobeyed Him would not see the land.  Thus, God is seen showing mercy on a

national level but not an individual level.  Again, unmerited grace and mercy is described for

the nation of Israel but not for the undeserving individuals who spurned God’s love and

provision via wicked works and murmuring against the Lord.  However, in one sense here, 

God is seen showing mercy to those who are obedient i.e. Moses and Caleb, in verses  12,

20-24.  Consider  Exodus 20:6; Deuteronomy 5:10; 7:9, 12; 2 Chronicles 6:14; Nehemiah

1:5; 13:14; and Psalm 25:10 for further study on the aspect of merited mercy.

SUMMARY

God is certainly  depicted in the Old Testament as full of  checed.  The unchanging

love, kindness and mercy  of God are clearly illustrated to Israel.  He reminds them and  us,

over and over, that He is worthy of praise because  of the mercy He has  bestowed upon

mankind.  His very nature centers on His mercy/lovingkindness/goodness; and He wants

those who believe in Him to also center their lives on mercy. 

God’s   mercy as well as His grace are illustrated in two basic ways: merited and

unmerited.  First and foremost, God’s mercy is unmerited.  No man has any way to claim he

has won God’s approval for salvation via works.  However, those who have trusted God for

salvation can receive further mercy.  God delights in His people acting like He acts.  He 4

wants to be gracious to those who are obedient to Him.  Unfortunately, many times in the

Old Testament, Israel rejected God’s love and tested His mercy.  The lesson for us is that we

should recognize and praise God for His unmerited grace and mercy and seek to win more

mercy which He wishes to bestow.

JOYFUL BOOKS BOOK CLUB BRUNCH

Wednesday, June 27th 9:30a.m.-10:30a.m
Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks 3rd/4th grade classroom.

Email: gardner.joyfullbooks@gmail.com to RSVP

Please join us for a POTLUCK Brunch as we fellowship and encourage one another.

A new schedule will be available for our next book, “Choosing Gratitude, Your Journey to Joy” by Nancy Leigh DeMoss; which will begin JULY 18th, 2012.

The potluck is open to those who have attended Joyful Books Book Club or who are thinking about joining us for our next book.

God Bless Your Day Today!
Kelly

DISCIPLESHIP the Road Less Taken Chap 7 Reflection

How to Disciple Others

Discipleship the Road Less Taken by Greg Laurie; Chapter 7

This week in Joyful Books Book Club Ministry at Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks, we are reading Chapter 7 in the book, “Discipleship the Road Less Taken” by Greg Laurie.

In this chapter Greg discusses our greatest calling in the Christian Life and that is to disciple others.

We accomplish discipleship by living out our life of faith and by telling others about Jesus Christ.

It says in 1 Thessalonians 2:4 “But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.”

God trusts “US” with the gospel.  We are to please “God” with our lives not others.

It goes on to say in 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12 “You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”

Our behavior should be devout (holy).

Our behavior should be justly (righteous).

Our behavior should be blamelessly (virtuous without spot without blame).

We are called to:  exhort (to teach, encourage and strengthen) and to comfort (by encouraging and consoling) others to walk worthy of God.

It is so important in the life of a disciple to teach others that Greg says, “The failure to do so will have damaging results on your own walk with Christ.  Attending more Bible studies, more prayer meetings, reading more Christian books, and listening to more teaching without an outlet for the truth will cause us to spiritually decay.  We need to take what God has given us and use it constructively in the lives of others.”

How do we disciple others?  We share our testimony, live our life holy and righteously and by tell others about Jesus Christ.

Jesus commands us in Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Amen…

God Bless Your Day Today!

Kelly

Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks Annual Church Picnic

PICNIC IN THE PARK

AT 

BOWERS MANSION STATE PARK

SUNDAY, JUNE 10TH, 2012

This is our annual all church picnic in the park.  So, it leads us to the annual question, 

"What would you bring to a Church PICNIC?"

Yes, we want to know!  So leave a comment on the blog and remember to stop by the picnic in the park this coming Sunday, June 10th, 2012!

"PRAISE the LORD!  I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation."  Psalm 111:1

God Bless Your Day Today!

Kelly

DISCIPLESHIP THE ROAD LESS TAKEN, CHP 6 (Reflection)

Giving to Others What God Has Given to Us; Fellowship and Participation in the Church

This week in Joyful Books Book Club Ministry at Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks, we are reading Chapter 6 in the book, “Discipleship The Road Less Taken” by Greg Laurie.

CHURCH FELLOWSHIP AND PARTICIPATION

It is written in Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” 

We have been given a privilege to come together and to encourage one another in our faith in Jesus Christ.  Hebrews 10 tells us to “consider one another”, “exhort one another”, and to “assemble ourselves together.”  When we find that we are full of excuses of why we cannot come together, such as in attending church or different church activities, we sorely miss out on the ability to give and receive encouragement with one another. 

In chapter six we learn that when we are assembling ourselves together we are able to use the spiritual gifts we have been given by the Holy Spirit in the following ways:

·       For perfecting and maturing of the saints (Ephesians 4:11-12)

·       For being able to bless others in love (Ephesians 4:16)

·       For bringing unity to the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:13)

·       For bringing growth to believers spiritually and corporately in the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:16)

We know from the early church that it is written in Acts 2:42 “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."  These believers were united with other believers to learn God’s Word, pray and grow in their faith.

DO YOU HAVE AN ATTITUDE?

When opportunity arises to attend church or maybe a Women’s Koinonia do you have “EXCUSES” to why you can’t go?

BECOME SIMPLE IN HEART!  Live your life with one direction and purpose.  Seek Jesus Christ and come together with one another.

It says in Isaiah 43:7 “Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have created him.”

God has created us to glorify Him!  To tell others about Him!  We must come together and be active in our faith in order to fulfill what we have been called to do!

So fellowship with one another and share with others what God has given to you!

God Bless Your Day Today!

Kelly

Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks Women's Retreat

Their greatest bond was faith in God.

"But Ruth said:  Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go;  And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;  Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God.  Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried.  The LORD do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me."  Ruth1:16-17


PLEASE PRAY...


Pray for the women attending the Retreat this weekend.


Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you Lord and lift up all the women who are attending the Calvary Chapel Women's Retreat this weekend.  Lord would you fill each one with your presence.  Minister to each woman as you know what each individual needs.  Father, be with each leader and each presenter, fill each one with your Holy Spirit.  Keep each person safe while driving.  Be with those who are at home that are taking care of the family while each woman attends the retreat.  We love you Jesus.  Thank you for what you are going to do this weekend.
In Jesus Christ we pray, 
Amen


God Bless Your Day Today!
Kelly