God’s Canvas
April, 2009 For Such a Time as This
Key Verse:
“He who is faithful in
what is least is faithful
also in much, and he who
is unjust in what is least
is unjust also in much.”
Luke 16:10
See also Esther 4:14
Family Fun:
Balloon Volley Ball
Tie some string or yarn
across the room. Blow
up as many balloons as
you wish. Divide your
family into two teams…
and let the fun times
begin! The object is to
see how many times
you can volley the bal-
loons across the line
without letting them hit
the floor. To make it
more challenging, add
more balloons. Feel free
to add your own “family
rules” as necessary to
preserve the fun and
your furniture.
A Ministry of New Life Bible Church of the Christian and Missionary Alliance
Deborah: A Faithful Leader
It is a fine day indeed when a woman
is in submission to the plan God has
ordained for her from the beginning of
time. As women, it may seem that we
face a unique set of challenges in this
world, challenges that come with obe-
dient submission. Yet, the Bible
shows us that with submission to God
comes great honor...
Deborah is one of the first woman
leaders mentioned in the Bible. We
find her story in Judges 4. Deborah
the prophetess judged Israel from her
place under the palm tree and the
children of Israel would come to her.
As we read along we discover that
Deborah called for Barak, the com-
mander of the Israeli military, to go up
against Sisera, as the Lord com-
manded. At this time in history, Israel
was under the oppression of Jabin,
the king of Caanan, and Sisera, the
commander of his army. Sisera had
900 chariots of iron. No doubt he was
a formidable force to be reckoned
with, which would explain why Barak
was reluctant to take the lead and
march out against him.
So, at Barak’s request, Deborah went
with him and together they lead the
army of Israel into battle against Sis-
era. However, Barak’s lack of coura-
geous leadership resulted in a hum-
bling reality—the honor of defeating
the king of Caanan would fall to a
woman named Jael who would drive a
tent stake through Sisera’s head.
It was a woman that God used to
bring victory to His people, a woman
who had the faith to trust God at His
word. This passage holds a lot of sub-
tle truth about a woman submitted to
God’s plan, as reflected in Deborah’s
character. John Courson notes in his
commentary that the name Deborah
literally means “bee.” Like bees, there
are three qualities Deborah pos-
sessed: industriousness, discernment,
and sweetness.
Industriousness can also mean perse-
verance and diligence. Deborah knew
that the Lord had commanded Israel
to fight against Sisera and she was
diligent to see that Israel obeyed . It
was godly wisdom that gave Deborah
the discernment to know whether or
not the Lord was to go before them in
battle and that it was time to go. It
was her sweet faith that gave her the
courage to put God up against man,
knowing God already had the victory
and trusting Him at His word.
Most of us will never go head to head
with a military leader or lead an army
into battle, but our role is no less sig-
nificant. God desires us to be diligent,
discerning, and faithful to Him, for that
is the type character that gives Him
room to manifest His glory. If we are
faithful to Him, He will use us in ways
beyond our imagination.
“Yet who knows if you have
come to the kingdom for such
a time as this?” - Esther 4:14
April, 2009
God’s Canvas
For Such a Time as This

Mama’s Corner
Titus 2:3-5 Let the Older Women Admonish the Younger...
FORGIVENESS—Mark is the only one who retained the words of the angel on the morning of Jesus’ resurrection
which include the words “and Peter” in the 7th verse of chapter 16. “Go and tell His disciples and Peter.” Our Lord’s
first thoughts were of Peter who had denied Him, as Jesus told him he would. What those two little words could
have meant to Peter tongue could never tell. Peter, broken-spirited, a failure, feeling so unworthy of forgiveness.
Don’t we too experience these feelings too often? But God, who is rich in compassion, knows before we sin and
forsake Him and still covers us with His love. How can this be? As Paul declares “Oh, wretched man that I am—
who shall deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24). Peter was overwhelmed by God’s grace. Even if
Jesus had miraculously come back to life, could He ever again reckon such a cursing traitor as His disciple?

Fearful backslider, our risen Savior thinks and feels toward you—whose love for Him has given way; you have
slipped back into worldliness, even have basely denied Him. He holds true to His promise to you—He will never
give up on you. He knows the grief you bear because of the loss of your beloved—one you loved more than life
itself. He knows the agony you go through every day because of wrong choices which can never be right again. He
sees your aching heart and longs to bring healing and peace.

See in 1 John 1:9 His forgiveness. Dare to look into His face again. Kneel before Him and see His unchanging love
for you. He receives you, restores you, and re-commissions you to go out and serve Him, even as He forgave and
re-empowered Peter.

Hosea 14:4—”I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely.”
Yes, “tell His disciples...and Peter”!

"Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet
been done…”
~C.S. Lewis (from a letter “To Mrs. L”)

Twins: A Dangerous Pregnancy (from the Biblical Archaeology Review)

Any of you childbearing woman can probably emphasize with Rebekah’s pain as she gave birth to her twins, Jacob
and Esau. Compared to the masses of women, only few can truly understand what it is like to be pregnant with twins.
There are many risks associated with multiple pregnancies, both for the babies and the mother. For the babies, the
biggest risks would be premature birth; Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome, where one baby essentially becomes a
donor to the other; and Monoamnionic Monochronionic (Mo-Mo) twins, where the babies umbilical cords become en-
tangled and compressed. For the mother, the risks include gestational diabetes; placenta problems leading to hemor-
rhaging; heart problems, such as heart failure and heart attacks; and high blood pressure. With modern medicine and
technology, any of these symptoms can be treated by careful monitoring. However, in Rebekah’s day, there were no
such things. The pregnancy and delivery of twins was considered “a highly risky occasion” and even “a malevolent
event”. It was with great pain that she cried out “If all is well, why am I like this?” (Genesis 25:22). Archaeologists have
recently discovered amulets from an ancient ruin site in Israel of a mother pregnant with twins. This pendant, ad-
dressed to deities, is believed to have been worn around the expecting mother’s neck, intending to protect her against
the hazards of a double birth. The Bible makes no mention of this superstitious practice, but instead it tells us what
Rebekah did: “So she went to inquire of the Lord” (Genesis 25:22). Praise God for His deliverance, for through the
seed of Jacob our Savior Jesus Christ was born!

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.—Psalm 139:13

A Ministry of New Life Bible Church of the Christian and Missionary Alliance
 April, 2009
God’s Canvas
For Such a Time as This

“Weight”-Less
Philippians 4:6-7—”Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer
and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to
God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard
your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Please help us get started!
Burdens can be physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. For emotional,
mental, and spiritual burdens, God’s Word gives us clear insight into how If you have any comments, sug-
to handle these. If we do our part, He promises to do His part. Our part is gestions, or new ideas, please
simply to trust His wisdom, sovereignty, and power. If you believe God is don’t keep them to yourself. We
good and that He is who He says He is, as His child you have nothing to want to know your favorite reci-
fear because He will take care of you. By dwelling on your fears and anxie- pes, topics of study that interest
ties you are not giving God the room to work His peace in your life. Our you, your outreach ideas, your
thoughts are a choice, we choose what we think about and dwell on. By favorite activities to do with your
simply choosing not to entertain those anxious thoughts but submersing family—all of it! If there is any-
yourself in the presence and character of God, you can defeat anxiety. Our thing the Lord has shown you
God is a God of peace. He told us if we choose to be thankful and in that blesses you and your family,
prayer over our burdens that He will guard our hearts and minds with His please share it with your sisters
peace. No excuses, simply choose to trust and obey Him. in the Lord.
CHALLENGE: Every time you have an anxious thought, make a lap
around your house—inside or out, repeating Philippians 4:6-7 as you go. Together we can become WOMEN
Train your self to leave your anxiety with God and leave it there. Not only after GOD’s own heart!
will you have a more peaceful heart and mind, but you’ll have a stronger,
healthier heart as well.

“The 21st Time”

A Taste of Heaven
Fiesta Pinto Bean and Corn
Ingredients:
2 cans Pinto Bean, rinsed and drained
1 can Black Bean, rinsed and drained
2 can Whole Kernel Corn, drained
2 tomatoes, diced
1 green pepper, diced
1 red pepper, diced
1 box Jiffy Mix Corn Mixed
baked as directed
1 cup Sour Cream
1 cup Mayo/Miracle Whip
1 package powdered Ranch Dressing
Optional:
1 cup of favorite shredded cheese
1/2lb crumbled bacon
1 can sliced black olives
Outreach Ideas for Today
Directions:
Bake Jiffy Mix
In large bowl, combine pinto
beans, black beans, corn, toma-
toes, and peppers. In smaller
bowl, mix sour cream, mayo/
miracle whip, and ranch dressing
mix. Add to beans and veggies
in large bowl.
Before serving, crumble Jiffy Mix
muffins and mix.
Jesus was quoting Leviticus 19:18
when He told us to “Love your
neighbor as yourself.” This does not
mandate self love, but a desire to see
others fair the same way you wish to
see yourself fair. Put it into practice.
To form a habit of being “Kingdom
minded” instead of “earthly minded,”
look for ways to meet the needs of
your friends, families, and neighbors.
Reach out to those you meet during
your day with a willing servant’s
heart.
This month, pick one person in your
life and find a way to tangibly help
them each week. Take out your
neighbor’s garbage, offer to pick up
their mail, help them carry in their
groceries. Be creative. Add a simple
“May God bless your day.” and store
up your treasures in Heaven.

Contact God’s Canvas Newsletter by e-mailing GodsCanvasNLBC@gmail.com, or leave your

tips, comments, and suggestion in the “God’s Canvas” box located in the front foyer.

A Ministry of New Life Bible Church of the Christian and Missionary Alliance