Fervent Women of Bridgeway

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. Matthew 5:13

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

The joy of the Lord is your strength! -Nehemiah 8:10

I hope you've been enjoying the Advent devotionals each morning from Bridgeway. Each of the 26 people have something beautiful and encouraging to share. A friend just sent this to me, A Bay Area Church Blessing. It's beautiful and so points us to the meaning of Christmas. I hope it encourages you as we are all "home for Christmas".https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XB9Raut1Eto&feature=youtu.be

Jesus, the Prince of Peace!

Peace isn’t a destination; it’s a companion for the journey. We can have peace while we are in process. Where in your life do you need more peace right now? Invite God into it.

Ladies! Make sure you don't miss today's Advent Audio on the Bridgeway website. It's quite a beautiful inspiration on peace by our very own women's ministry leader, Diane Bussani.

So then, we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. -Romans 14:19

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. -1 Peter 1:13

By Heather Johnson We enter into the Christmas season differently this year. Some have already decorated seeking the lightness and joy that Christmas brings. Others are dreading trying to plan meaningful gatherings while the virus is affecting more people we personally know. Most days I’m barely keeping my head above water amidst the new level of family togetherness and the real challenges of working from home. No matter how you are entering Christmas, 2020 is presenting us... with a unique opportunity to experience Immanuel, God with us. Jesus is not merely a symbol of God with us; He is God with us in person. Jesus is not a partial revelation of God; He is God with us in all His fullness: For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. (Colossians 2:9 NLT) Think for a minute about the reality of Jesus’ humanity. He experienced childhood, awkward adolescence, and adulthood. He was tired, his bug bites itched, and he navigated complex family dynamics. When we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we’re drawing attention to those limitations and celebrating the accessibility of a very personal God who chose to dwell among us. The virus has revealed a lot of our own vulnerabilities. Rather than be embarrassed or afraid, we can embrace those as an invitation to rely upon, and identify with, our God who was fully human and knows our struggle. Join me, and the apostle Paul, this Christmas as we hear the Lord say to us, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 2:9a) What weaknesses have been revealed this year? How can you see these as an opportunity to uniquely connect with Immanuel?

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore, the zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this. -Isaiah 9:6-7

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalms 103:1-5

To be always in a thankful state of heart before God is not to be considered a high plane of spirituality but rather the normal attitude of one who believes that "all things work together for good to them that love God, who are called according to his purpose." -William Law

God's steadfast love endures forever!

Upcoming EVENT: New Year, New Mercies JANUARY 9, 2021!... 9am - 12pm We plan to start the new year by coming together as women to thank God for His mercies, look at our unusual journey in 2020 and find ways to lighten our burdens. We've been pretty beat up by 2020 and life doesn't seem to be going back to what we knew, at least not yet. Let's celebrate His mercies. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness! Questions? Contact [email protected]