Expectant Prayer - Guest Writer

Welcome to The Bible For Women Blog! 
Please enjoy this writing from a lovely young lady who is super inspiring, she is called Lauren Smith.

Hello Sisters!!

My name is Lauren Smith. I am 24 years old. I live in Sacramento, California. I have a 3 year old son name Jaden. I love to teach women of all ages about God and the Bible! I am lauching a modest clothing line this summer called Adorning Grace! You can find me on Instagram @AdorningGrace_ (don’t forget the underscore)!

I’m excited to talk to you ladies today about praying in expectation!

Expectant prayer (or prayer in general for that matter) is not about what you say to God, or how you say it. It is about 1 thing . . . and that’s faith.

Having faith and trusting God is the very foundation of prayer.

 I’m sure having faith while praying seems very simple and obvious to many of you but there are so many times that we pray to God but think to ourselves “Oh, that’s never going to happen” or “God’s not going get me out of this situation, I’ve been this way for too long”.

When we think those thoughts we are letting God know that we do not expect Him to not think He can, give us what we ask.  James 1:6 tells us, “. . . when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”

When we pray to God but don’t fully expect Him to come through for us, we will give up and lose hope at any sign of trouble.

Ladies, we are women of God! We walk by faith, not by what we see! We have to remember WHO we are praying to and WHAT He has promised us. God -- Creator of Heaven and Earth. He spoke this very world into existence. . . He is more than capable to answer your prayers! When we pray, we must KNOW that our prayers will be answered. Does God always say yes? No. Does God always answer prayers? YES!

 

God has the birds’ eye view on your life. When you pray, even if the answer is no, God is STILL working on your behalf. All things are working for your good because God has had your life planned out from day 1. Psalm 139 tells us that God had everyday of our lives written out before any came to be! Meaning, God knows what will happen tomorrow, next week, next year, and so on. If you lose your job tomorrow, God already knows, if you get that last minute call that you got the job you’ve been praying about, God already knew it was coming! So imagine how God feels when He has promised to take care of us, but we constantly doubt Him when we pray?

I love what God tells us in Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

And also, Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

From these we know that God has good things planned for us!

Meditate on these scriptures. Memorize them. Keep them in your heart.

There were times in my life where everything looked hopeless. But I kept my faith in God no matter what my situation looked like. And you know what? God carried me through! The answer wasn’t always exactly what I prayed for but it was perfect.

In 2008, I was 18 years old working in retail and my car was giving out on me, it was a problem that took way too much money to fix. I prayed to God, and told Him, “Lord, I need a new car. I don’t see how I will get through this situation but I KNOW you will take care of me” I didn’t just say it. I truly believed it. I expected God to help me.

Exactly 2 weeks before my car completely gave out. A woman crashed in the back of my car-totaling it. Now I’m thinking oh great, I’m out of a car sooner than I expected, but I still had peace in my heart and expected God to take care of me.  I had basic car insurance at the time so I got a check for $1500. I was grateful because I could at least afford a down payment on a new car. 

My dad and I came across a used car dealership and the salesman offered to give me a 2001 Ford Taurus in great condition for $1500 even- with no tax! It didn’t hit me until later that I had just gotten a car for free! If that lady never hit my car, I would not have gotten the $1500 that paid for my new one.

Initially, my situation went from bad to worse. But in the midst of that I kept my eyes on God, and my faith strong. I expected God to deliver me and He did! I have more and more stories like this that I wish I could share with you right now, but we’ll save that for another time =]

Sister, no matter what your situation looks like, no matter what your vision in life is, no matter how big your dreams are look to God to help you. Expect him to see you through.  Worry about nothing, Pray about everything!

 So, pray in confidence that God hears you! Expect Him to answer! Have faith and trust that no matter what the answer is ALL things in your life- the good, bad, the trials & hardships. ALL work together for your good, because of God’s love for you.

I am so happy I got to share with you gals today! & I pray that this touched at least one person! Have a great day!!!

Love,

Lauren Rachel =]

I would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU! AMEN! Isn't Lauren a prayer and preacher warrior! Love it! Thank you my lovely for taking this opportunity to write a guest blog! You have put a huge smile on at least one persons face! 

 If any one would like to write a guest blog feel free to email me on

jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk

or Twitter or Instagram @bibleblogwomen

Have a very blessed day! 

Here are some scriptures on expecting from God which I personally picked out which help me in my day to day routines. 

www.bibleforwomen.co.uk

Blossom and Bloom Finale!

Blossom and bloom has been amazing! It has brought people closer to God and now I want to share a very special lady with you! 

Guest Writing today is a beautiful young lady of God. Her names Kerrington! She is a guest writer for blossom and bloom finale! Wahoo! 


Kerrington is a 16 year old homeschooled gal, who currentlyabides in Ontario, Canada.She has a burning passion to see Women of all ages rise up and be everything God has called them to be. She adores journaling, shopping, and Star-bucks! She desires to continue following Jesus Christ more and more intimately each day!Her favorite pass time is Blogging on her own Blog…Which you can find here at: www.kerringtonuniquely-yours.blogspot.com

Kerrington- 
Straight from a Servant's heart!

"If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will be my servant also. If anyone serves me, the father will honour him."
-John 12:26

Ever since a very young age,
I have grown up in the church serving and volunteering.
I was born with a very BIG servants heart!

Whether it be cutting pickles for the Church picnic, to leading the Children's worship...I was there.
Passionately serving, serving, serving and some more serving.
I think you get the point,
I was always serving.

For quite awhile...
I just was going to church, to serve.
Never to receive...running around getting little jobs done for the Pastor's or in the Sunday school room teaching the Kiddos about Jesus Christ, cleaning the closets, vacuuming...and so much more.

Whenever I would have the opportunity to sit and receive...
A guilt would then overcome my heart. Or when the clip-board for volunteers got passed around the congregation and I wouldn't put my name on it, because I was simply just to exhausted...the devil then started to play with my mind in that time of pure exhaustion.
It was definitely NOT what church was intended to be like.

Church in my eyes, should be a place of refuge and of strengthening.
A place where you come in incredibly weary and leave fresh,
and totally renewed!

Which Church...Yes! Is all of those things, but not when you have the mindset of always having to volunteer, to be close to God.

God dropped this letter upon my heart, when I started thinking about this post...

Dear to all Faithful Servants,

I know that this may seem like some sort of shock to you...but did you know that things wouldn't run properly if you weren't around?!
Did you know, we would feel as if something was missing if you wouldn't be here??
Did you know that we as a church family appreciate everything you do for this ministry?!

Volunteer, You are so very much appreciated, not only by your church families, but also the visitors of your church.

These people come in and see the diligence and faithfulness in your work and they are so blessed by it.
I know sometimes that you're willing and always ready to serve gentle spirit, may have grown quite weary and felt almost maybe, misused
over the past few months with the Churches being busy at work, preparing for the coming revival...
But I see your tired spirit,
And I'm here to fill you up
and restore you...So that you will be able to serve me with a joyful heart,
more and more faithfully!

I'm so proud of you!!
Seeing you surrendering your hands and feet to me, so that we all can extend the kingdom together, is such a joy to see :)

All the Volunteer hours that don't get noticed... I appreciate each and every one of them. I am always with you, if you need to chat.

I'm with you when you are busy running around doing tons of Volunteer work, I'm with you when you are in the prayer room for a few moments of rest, I'm with you In the grocery store when you are about to get the courage, to witness to someone.
Thing is, I'm always with you!

I'm your strength when you are weary, your peace when you feel in complete chaos, I'm your God and I'm always with you ❤️

Always remember you are appreciated...
I see every minute you are passionately serving me and I am
so incredibly proud, words can't even describe it :)

Love always,
~God,Your Proud Heavenly Father!

Galatians 6:9 says...
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

So if you are new to this journey of volunteering in your church, embark with a joyful-serving heart, pray and ask your Heavenly Father, what he would have you to do!

If you grow weary in your well doing, don't give up...
Pause and find sweet rest
in Him.

Until Next time,

~Kerrington


WOW! What an inspiring young lady! I believe that Kerrington will have an amazing life with Christ at the center and encourage others in the making to become closer to God. I am very excited to have met her and to have worked with her! I am blessed and humbled by her support.

Blossom and Bloom part 3.... There's not much more I can add to the wonderful writings of Kerrington but I will just say that my life has changed for the better since I have started serving and volunteering at my church! I want my church to grow and bloom into a beautiful place of worship and I'm doing my part to make sure that happens. 

I hope you have enjoyed this blog series and I hope it has encouraged you to serve in church and serve Jesus in your life! Because there's nothing more important than a strong relationship with Jesus! 

Simply God is Love and Love is God! 

Have an awesome week!!! 
Lots of Love 
Jessica Louise Xoxo

God Bless :-) 

Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week.

Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week.
12th- 18th May 2014

Hello lovelies, just a short blog today to help everyone become more aware of anxiety and depression.
Please visit www.anxietyunited.co.uk 

For more information on the illnesses and how you can help support the cause. It’s a mental health problem what can so easily be fixed in time with the right funding and information. 

Personally I have been freed from them and I am now happy, and living happily with family and friends around me, yes I still have my problems but everyone does, where not perfect. 

But if you’re in crisis the website above will tell you your options and give you contact details of different people and organisations who can help.

I hope this information helps you if need help and guidance. 

Thank you and God Bless

Love Jessica Louise Xoxo

Don't forget to check out the new 3 part series too- Part 1&2 are up and running now! 

www.bibleforwomen.co.uk

Blossom and Bloom Part 2

Hello my lovelies I have had such a hectic week! Started a new job to earn some extra pennies for my summer holiday in June 2014!!! I now have 2 jobs (one I am still waiting for more work- supply teaching) but hopefully I’ll get more work and be an ever busier bee.

I now work with my best friend she is such a funny and free spirit, she’s not a Christian but she’s very open minded and supportive to me.

My best friend got me the job and now we are working together (which is awesome, as we basically get paid to walk and talk really) the job is to pay for my holiday with her so it’s going to be amazing just to leave cold rainy England and venture to Turkey (again).

Last year at Cherish Women Conference at the Life Church I met a beautiful girl called Lesley and we have kept in touch and it’s just amazing that children of the Lord can keep in contact from long distance and share our separate journeys with each other and pray for each and just be there for one another.

Follow Lesley on Twitter- @barnorelle 

We have spoken recently and are very excited at what God’s doing in our lives and how he’s connecting us together. Therefore watch this space for news and what’s in store for Bible for women in the NEAR future.

Let’s start with Blossom and Bloom part 2

The questions I asked last week included ‘do you believe that God wants you to serve in your church?’ The answer (in my opinion) IS YES!!!  

If you follow Jesus then you should serve him in church, our purpose first in life is having a relationship with God and others around us. We were created to be in a relationship. Our calling is personal but I know my calling is to spread the word of Jesus through my love of writing – my blog and my website and to influence the young minds of children with Christ – I am serving at Kids Church at the creativity and crafts area.

Using my skills to influence others is what it’s all about. It’s my calling in life. What’s yours?

My pastor Angela at my church has influenced me hugely on this! I have woken up every day and before I get out of bed I have asked myself ‘What’s my purpose? And what’s my calling? And this is such a great way to wake up and just question your entire life and make it clear for the day ahead that everything you do is in the Lords name.

Ephesians 4:4 - There is one body and one Spirit, and God chose you to have one hope.

By serving the lord and following his word you can only hope to reach the kingdom of God.

Speaking from personal experience some Christians ‘cant’ serve as there life is a mess, they have way too many things to do before they even consider serving. I used to serve at a food bank and because my personal life was literally falling apart, personally I had been through a lot, I stopped serving, when the truth is that when your life isn’t going the way you planned you need to serve its good for your soul and faith. It strengthens you by helping others.

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”

― Ralph Waldo Emerson

I believe this to be truth.

“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”

― Maya Angelou

While at a Christian conference last year, I realized how important it is to help others, by simple donations of clothing and money. For example Cherish conference had a giving bucket and before you get the bucket, you get to watch a small clip on the screen to what your donation can do to help others, then you get the opportunity to contribute.

I decided to split my money into 3 days’ worth and give a third each night, and it’s a great feeling knowing your donation is going to help others in need.

I’m not saying you NEED to give your wages or money to every single charity as you would be broke, but think about if you really need that fancy pair of shoes or that new black bag and think do you NEED those accessories or does a girl in Uganda need water. 

Think. Pray. Act.

Giving to others doesn’t mean money, it could be food…. Or even love and compassion. You can give love and compassion to people who need it, give the gift of conversation to others who just need someone to open up too. That’s serving the Lord!

So in the next week I want you all to wake up and come up with at least 3 good deeds you can do to help others and put others first . If you want to let me know how you’re doing, email me on jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk

I’d love to know how this had helped you or what else you want me to speak about.

Interested in guest blogging…. Let me know as I have quite a few people currently writing for the blog now.

Questions for the next week.

Have helped more than 2 people this week?

    Have you asked anyone if they would like to go to church?

    Has serving at church strengthened your faith?

Again let me know your answers if you want a 1-1 talk with me.

I hope you all day have a lovely week! Have a blessed day and remember be a blessing to someone else who needs a little light on their life.

Thank you for reading! God Bless

Love Jessica Louise Xoxo

Blossom and Bloom - Part One

Welcome to the BRAND NEW 3 part blog series which will question you and your way of life. 

The Series will begin every Saturday for 3 weeks and all you have to do is read the blog and answer the questions. If you want to send me your answers to be published on the final blog then you are very welcome to do that. 
jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk
I pray that this blog will be used to glorify God and show others who don't believe what their missing out on. Thank you for supporting me and the prayers you have prayed over the       Bible For Women.

Lets Start with a piece of scripture- Colossians Verse 3 Chapter 23-24

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

This piece of scripture is all about serving, this is something that has been very important to me, especially recently, I have become more involved in my church and now I am helping at Kids Church with arts and crafts. 

God has gave you gifts and talents where you can use your expertise to serve God and spread his word throughout the nations. 

In the words of a brilliant christian author Caroline Barnett "Remember you are not responsible for changing the entire world or doing grand acts of service. Every bit willingness matters to God" this was taken from her amazing book called Willing to Walk on Water. I bought this book at Cherish Conference 2013 and this was such a inspirational event! If you haven't already, book for Cherish 2014 its going to be so encouraging and life changing! 

Activity 1 - Think about your skills and try to think about what your good at (This is a hard thing for most people as we don't like to be modest, but try your best)
For example - Have a passion for working with children - Therefore you could serve in Children's church groups. (Like me, I start serving at Kids Church this Sunday- Super Excited!)

You could serve Jesus and church by inviting people to church and bringing people closer to God. In the next 2 blogs I will go into further details and length to serving in church, what it does for the church and also for your faith.

Proverbs Chapter 11 Verse 30 - A good life is a fruit bearing tree; a violent life destroys souls. If good people barely make it, whats in store for the bad? 

This to me is very important, A life with God in the centre is a good life and will be praised and rewarded in the long run. In heaven you will be rewarded with eternal life. Why do people chose to live a violent life, to me this makes no sense, would you not rather live in peace and have a flourishing faith and loving family and church family. Violence is never the answer, NEVER! 

Violence does destroy souls and especially the soul of the corrupted person. 
To me it's as simple as a Disney film, Good always conquers evil, good characters always come out on top, they always live happily ever after and so could people on earth, they could live in peace and serenity and have a beautiful life with Jesus Christ, he is risen therefore he is a living God.
Without God you haven't got a firm foundation and you will crumble, but the upside to crumbling is you may find God if haven't already, for example we all love looking at the stars in night sky but before the stars come out and are visible we need to see the dark skies.
When darkness is upon us don't forget to look for the stars because there ready to shine through the darkness and give you light and hope.

The light and hope is Jesus Christ! 

We need to introduce Christ to nonbelievers, we need to get more people into church's and serving and making an impact on this world, because at the end of the day that's what were here to do. Serve the Lord, because he gave his only son to die for us so we can live in peace and have a beautiful life on his beautiful planet. 

Question Time:
1. Do you believe that God wants you to serve in your church?
2. If you are already serving, what are doing?
3. If you aren't serving, why not? 
4. Have you asked God to use you? 
5. Do you believe that serving in church can strengthen your faith?

Email me your answers - jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk
Or Tweet me @bibleblogwomen 

Thank you for reading my introduction to serving at church in the Blossom and Bloom Blog! This is something that means a lot to me and I have recently started serving more in Church and want to help encourage others to serve if they aren't already. 

Enjoy the next 2 blogs... there a lot longer than this one so have a coffee! 
Thank you and God Bless
Love Jessica Louise Xoxo


www.bibleforwomen.co.uk


Check out Moriah Peters album I choose Jesus and the song BLOOM - Amazing Song and the theme of the blogs so enjoy! 

I also would like to Thank Paradox Church and my loving church family for the opportunity to serve at Kids Church! Thank you I am truly blessed to have you all surrounding me and giving me encouragement and inspiration. 
Love Jessica Xoxo