Women of Excellence National

Pastor Margaret Rodgers

Isaiah 43:19, “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Today’s thought…this verse helps build my faith in believing that God can spring forth supernaturally new beginnings in our lives.  It says “He will do a new thing”, not we have to make something happen.  Our faith in His good plan for our lives, can unlock a bright future no matter who we are or where we come from!

Pray…when I am dry, You quench my thirst.  When I am lost, You make a way. Lord, there is none other that can bring such change in our lives.  May our hearts be full of thanksgiving toward You.  All our praise belongs to YOU.

Pastor Margaret Rodgers

II Thessalonians 3:16, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”

 Today’s thought…most of II Thessalonians 3 is a warning about being idle. Then Paul says “the Lord of peace himself”, so we can know that no matter how busy or what we have to do in our day, we can be at peace.

Pray…may we be at peace, Lord, as we begin a new year. I pray that 2012 is a year of great joy and peace as we witness for You and work in the kingdom. May all that we do and say be done in love. We look ahead to an exciting year of serving You.

Pastor Margaret Rodgers

Proverbs 3:3, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.”

Today’s thought…When you look back on 2011, what has been written on the tablet of your heart?  You probably never thought about your heart having a tablet and that love and faithfulness should be written on it? Love and faithfulness are so important that they should never leave you and always be in your heart.  The fruit of living your life in this way is winning favor and a good name in the sight of God.

Pray…Father, help me to love deeply and be found faithful in your sight.  I would like to erase all negative emotions from the tablet of my heart and cover them with the blood of Jesus. I know that without your Holy Spirit I cannot live my life this way. I need you LORD! My trust is in YOU.

Pastor Margaret Rodgers

1 Peter 2:23, “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously”

Today’s thought…it was both the body and soul of Christ that suffered, and he suffered for us, in our place and for our good.  He was born to sacrifice His life for ours.  As we celebrate His birth, let’s remember also His great sacrifice.  My prayer is that you enjoy your time with family and friends.  Give the gift of love this season.  Show the love of Christ and be a witness by that love.  Let’s be thankful for Christ committing himself to God’s plan.

Pray…It is with a humble heart and gratitude for the gift of Jesus, that we come before you Father God.  Thank you for loving us so much that you gave your only son.  Help us this holiday to enjoy every moment.  We commit our time to your plan, and ask that you help us show others the love of Christ.

Pastor Margaret Rodgers

1 Peter 1:24, 25 “For, All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.”

Today’s thought…God is in control.  Christmas is approaching, and time can pass by with you just surviving through it, or you can take each day with a goal of fulfilling God’s plan and purpose for that day.  To be honest, most people want to just make it through the holiday.  Family pressures, finances, time constraints, choosing that perfect gift, etc., are all pressures that can overwhelm and rob you of your joy.  Take time at the start of each day to give it all over to the Lord.  He will help you fulfill the plan He has for your life.

Pray…Father, help us to enjoy the Christmas season.  Our lives are yours. We give you our days, and ask that you help us fulfill the plan that you have for us.  Let our focus be on You in reflection of Christ’s birth and what it all means in our lives.  Help us to be a replica of you when we interact with our families.  We love you, Lord.

Pastor Margaret Rodgers

Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Today’s thought…come to Jesus and He will give you rest.  Exchange your burdens for His yoke.  The burden of sin and the soul of the sinners are weary, but the rest of our conscience; rest of hope; rest and comfort and peace can carry us through each day when we take on the yoke of Christ and believe upon Him.

Pray…thank you for the rest you give our souls. We rest in your sweet presence today.  Gentle sweet Spirit of the Lord be manifested in our lives today!

Pastor Margaret Rodgers

Revelation 3:22, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Today’s thought…A time to worship.  A time to praise.  Sweet refreshing will come our way when we take time to get in God’s presence.  How can we hear if we do not listen?  The Spirit wants to impart to you the things He has for you to hear.  I encourage you to spend some sweet time in His presence just to worship and praise His Holy Name!

Pray…Father, speak to us through your precious Holy Spirit.  We your church wants to be in the center of your will.  Open our ears to hear what you would say to us.  Open our heart to receive all that you have.