Expressions of Faith
Welcome
Opening Prayer
Express Your Faith Through Song
Suggested worship music links:
“Same God” Elevation Worship – (Jonsal Barrientes) YouTube
“We are Messengers – Come What May” YouTube
“Way Maker” (Michael W. Smith) YouTube
“I’m in His Hands” – Salvation Army Songbook, #478
Also, Phil Laeger “I’m In His Hands” YouTube
Standing on the Promises – Salvation Army Songbook, #522
Let’s Discuss Faith – Group Discussion
Ask the women to look up the following verses.
1 Corinthians 10:13, James 1:17, Numbers 23:19, Psalm 36:5, Psalm 40:10-11, Proverbs 16:6, Isaiah 25:1.
Discuss:
- How does the Bible describe God’s faithfulness?
- Why do we sometimes fail to recognize God’s gifts?
- What are some things that this world puts faith in? How is God’s faithfulness different?
- What good and perfect gift has God provided for you through His faithfulness?
- James is calling us to act on our faith. What is one way to express your faith to those close to you? How about to a stranger?
Express Your Faith Through Creativity – Craft Time
Learn Calligraphy: Suggested links for Calligraphy YouTube tutorial “How To: Calligraphy & Hand Lettering for Beginners! Tutorial + Tips! – YouTube
The Ultimate Guide to Modern Calligraphy & Hand Lettering for Beginners: June & Lucy: Amazon.com: Books
Make A Card Craft: Scripture Verses- Isaiah 25:1, Proverbs 3:3 (Supplies needed: cardstock, scissors, markers, stickers.) Have a list of individuals that would appreciate receiving an encouraging card. Address and mail the cards following the meeting.
Bring Your Own Craft: Knitting, Crocheting, jewelry making.
Express Your Faith Through Service Projects
Mom’s Night Out: Give Moms a much-needed break by offering a night of childcare programming at the corps.
If your corps has a food bank, have the women collect food that will be distributed to the community, or support an area food bank.
Express Your Faith Through Fellowship – Coffee & Testimony Time
Invite the women to bring a favorite snack or dessert to share. Ask them to share their testimony about a time where they experienced God’s faithfulness in their life.
God’s Faithfulness to Us
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17 NIV).
What is your idea of a perfect gift? For a moment, let’s consider physical earthly possessions. Would it be a new designer handbag? A state-of-the-art Tesla? A shiny diamond ring? Each of us has different wants and desires depending on our background and culture. If I had to choose one extravagant gift to receive, it would be a commercial grade La Cimbali Espresso Machine, fully plumbed into my kitchen. However, no matter how much I would love my new espresso machine, it would not satisfy me the way that God’s gifts do.
In James 1:17, we are told about the nature of God’s gifts to us. The Lord is referred to as the “Father of the heavenly lights,” which in Jewish culture is an expression referencing the Creator who gave us the sun, moon, and stars. Morning and evening, they are constant and unchanging. Like the Heavenly Father, His gifts are also unchanging and constant. This scripture tells us that there is no shadow or uncertainty with things that come from the Lord. He provides goodness and light, and best of all, He knows exactly what we need. His gifts to us are perfect, enduring, and will provide us with a safety net as we face seasons of adversity.
The first verse of the hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness” (poem by Thomas Chisolm, music by William M. O Runyan, 1923) declares God’s unchanging mercy and provision for His Creation. Confusion, doubt, and darkness are cast away by His unfailing constancy and merciful love for us. “Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, there is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not; As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be. Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness. Morning by morning, new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided, Great is Thy faithfulness Lord unto me.”
Although I would love an espresso machine to make my morning coffee, God’s gifts are a sharp contrast to our fleeting earthly possessions. Our God is the great gift giver! He knows what we truly need. God’s gifts reflect His nature; they are unchanging, enduring, and good. Although we may not see the purpose in the short term, with time and reflection, God’s gifts are easily recognizable because they bring us peace, joy, and stability.
Closing Prayer
Our good and unchanging Father, thank You for the many gifts you provide for each of us every day. We acknowledge that You are the author of all that is good, right, and holy. In You, there is no darkness, shadow, or confusion. Please help us to stay strong, abiding in Your unwavering faithfulness, so that we may face the trials and temptations that might otherwise lead us astray. We stand firm in your goodness. May we express Your love and light to others, so that more people can come to know Your saving grace. In Your name, Lord Jesus, we pray, Amen.
