Be Connected
Throughout 2020 we are going to pray for each other on the themes of the 2019 GLD Resilient Ministry Conference--Spiritual Formation, Self-care, Emotional/Cultural Intelligence, and Marriage/Family. (Messages are available HERE). If you are not in a GLD pastors' wives' prayer group or have questions, please contact me at jancthompson@gmail.com. 
         
Be Encouraged Key thoughts from Resilient Ministry by Dr. Guthrie
Spiritual growth is dependent on the care and feeding of our soul and the ongoing process of maturing as a Christian, both personally and interpersonally. It is a lifelong journey in which, using a phrase from C. S. Lewis, we move "farther up and further in" toward our understanding and appropriation of God's grace. Each of us must explore the rhythms that make our life fruitful for God. These rhythms include the mental, physical, emotional, and social aspects of our unique selves. Pastors and wives need to slow down to reflect on their lives with Scriptural meditation, prayer, sabbath, repentance, and worship. "Before you were called to be a shepherd, you were called to be a lamb." Dr. Diane Langberg
 
Our Spiritual Formation Scriptures to pray for each other (from ESV):
  • John 14:23   Making His Word, our Home
"If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." 
  • 1 Timothy 4:7   Personal Training in Godliness
"Train yourself for godliness for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also the life to come." 
  • Proverbs 27:17 Forming Spiritual Journey Friendships
"Iron sharpens iron, and one (wo)man sharpens another."
 
Prayer partner idea--Share what your 2020 plan is for training 
yourself in godliness and nurturing spiritual journey friendships this year?
 
Be Resourced
A delightful way to continue in our Spiritual Formation is to resource others around us, including our children and grandchildren. Here are two app ideas to share with your family and church.
  • This month Samaritan's Purse/Operation Christmas Child launched a new app for kids called the Greatest Journey. It provides an exciting way to explore the Bible and learn how to follow Jesus.
  • YouVersion Bible has an interactive app called Bible for Kids with engaging content that brings the Bible to life.
 
Praying for your Spiritual Formation to be sweet, fun and the Lord's hug to your soul every day,
 
Jan Thompson and the GLD Pastors' Wives' Team
jancthompson@gmail.com, 630-881-7050 
Link for GLD Pastors' Wives on the Great Lakes District website
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www.gld-efca.org  |   574.299.9711  |  gld@gld-efca.org