WOMEN’S MINISTRIES EMPHASIS DAY
June 2013
Package of resources for 2013
“REVIVE YOUR WORK IN ME”
Written byCecelia M. Iglesias
Women’s Ministries Department DirectorInter-American Division of Seventh-day Adventist
Prepared for the Women’s Ministries Department of the
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist
REVIVE YOUR WORK IN MEDivine Service Outline
Call to worship
Responsive reading – Joel 2:21-32
Song of Praise “O spread the tidings Round”, Adventist Hymnal No. 526 (old hymnal)
Invocation – Preacher
Bible reading – Habakkuk 3:2 and 18
Pastoral prayer
Reading for the offering
Special song or instrumental during the offering time
Children’s story – “Eager to share”
Special music
Sermon – “Revive your work in me”
Final song “Hover O’er Me Holy Spirit”, Adventist Hymnal No. 260
Final Prayer
Song of hope – Congregation
Responsive reading
(With Power point)
The outpouring of the Spirit of GodTaken from Joel 2
And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and I am the Lord your God, and none else; and my people shall never be ashamed.
And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams and your young men shall see visions.
And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my Spirit. And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood and fire, and pillars of smoke.
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come.
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in the mount of Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.
(With Power point)
“Revive your work in me”By Cecilia Moreno-Iglesias
Bible Reading: Habakkuk 3:2“Oh Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.”
Purpose:Recognize the importance of reviving our Spiritual flame. Understand that we are the women of the end time and to act accordingly to this great responsibility. Set our minds and hearts on the Lord, permitting the Holy Spirit to do His work in us.
Introduction:Our Bible reading for today is an impressive verse. It permits us to
meditate on the time in which we live. The end time, time for preparation, time for mercy, time to cling to the divine promises. It is time to ask for the power of the Holy Spirit.
Many years ago we heard about the end of time. Some look at it with joy and hope, and others with great fear. But there is a great truth that we cannot hide, the Signs.
It is sufficient just by seeing and listening to the daily news, when we read the news paper, on the internet and on any means of massive communication; we could find countless evidences of the soon return of Jesus.
A week never passes by without a new disaster in different parts of the world and what could we say about the social decomposition and generalize morals. The signs are already out there. It is a reality; we are women of the end time. We are the women who are called to finish the work.It is interesting how businesses carry out disaster drills. We receive the precise instructions to evacuate the building in order to save our lives. A siren sounds and you hear a voice repeatedly announcing the disaster. We see flashing red lights which alerts us of the danger and points us to the exit route.
How marvelous is our God who left us a manual with instructions for the end time; which is our Bible. And if that was not enough, He sent us the counselor to speak to our minds and hearts to encourage us, sustain us and prepare us for the final crisis.
Today more than ever we should exclaim: “Lord, Revive your work in me”.
Context: A message for the people of God in pass times Apostasy was almost general It was the year 630 BC The prophet announced the crisis that was to come with Babylon
The prophet warned his people
Habakkuk ended by affirming his faith in the triumph in spite of it all: “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation”. Habakkuk 3:18
The verses of introduction points out a situation where essentially, justice had disappeared from the earth; violence and lack of compassion were everywhere. The prophet called out for divine intervention (Habakkuk 1:2-4). God’s answer of sending the Chaldeans to judge Judea (Habakkuk 1:5-11) created a dilemma in Habakkuk’s mind. How could God use the Chaldeans to judge His people (Habakkuk 1:12-21)? God answered: “The Chaldeans will also be judged” (Habakkuk 2:2-20). Habakkuk does not find satisfaction in this answer.
The prophet argued over the covenant God made with His people (Habakkuk 1:13). Through this experience he got a deeper understanding of God. Finally, he understood that God should not only be glorified for the temporal blessings. He should be glorified for what He is (Habakkuk 3:17-19).
1. Lord I have heard your word, and was afraid
Fear – A concept that is not strange to us.In some moment or circumstance we have all experienced it. The fear that the text speaks to us about goes way beyond a moment or circumstance. It is the fear we experience when we re-establish our lives as we see it reflected in the mirror of the Word of God.
Fear of SalvationIt is the fear that is produced in the soul as we journey through the pathway toward the heavenly Canaan and we doubt our final victory. The first part of this Bible verse reminds us of the words of the well known hymn “Oh the way is long and weary and our bleeding feet are sore; is it far to Canaan’s land? Is it far to Canaan’s land? In the desert we are longing for its shelter more and more. Is it far; is it far to Canaan’s land?It is true that sometimes we become overwhelmed by fear and we feel as if our struggle in this Christian pilgrimage is in vain.
Faith SavesWe face the final events and the enemy attacks us by all sides. It is the time for us to cling to our powerful God. He is the God of heaven and earth. Is my communion with God close enough? Am I prepared to face the blows of the enemy? Do I have a powerful faith that I could cling to in the trying times that are nearing?
2. Lord, revive your work in the midst of the yearsThe expression “in the midst of the years” is very interesting. It seems that Habakkuk knows the difficulty of keeping the flame alive. It is easy to be a
Christian for moments, when we are in the middle of a week of spiritual revival or when we hear a powerful sermon that touches our feelings. The difficult part is to remain clinging to Jesus’ hands day after day, in the monotony of our everyday lives, when resources are scarce, when we face difficult family matters, etc.
The necessity is to Revive: - It comes from the Hebrew word Chayah- To live- To revive- Worry about- Return to- Regain
There are many meanings for the word Revive. And we could apply all of them conveniently to our current necessity. Today more than ever let us beg for a revival in all aspects of our lives. There is an urgent necessity for the fire to burn in our souls, which will permit us through the work of the Holy Spirit to live a life of covenant with our God and that we are willing to hasten the soon return of Jesus. May this fervent desire of a re-encounter with the Great Master move us to the action of letting others know about the good news of His soon return.
Lord, Revive Us:It is not our work to do the reviving. We should demand it from God. Sometimes we try to revive ourselves through our own means, and then we feel overwhelmed, insufficient and discouraged. Only God can do the reviving. He has left us the necessary tools, and we should take the decision to use them:
I. Christ’s love revives:“The love of Christ compels man to join him in their labors and sacrifices. The revelation of divine love REVIVES in them the reality of their neglected obligations of being light bearers to the world and it inspires them with a missionary spirit”. In order to know you, July 21
II. The Holy Spirit gives the power:“The Holy Spirit is the one who REVIVES the faculties of the deadened soul”. In order to know you, July 6Jesus at the moment of returning to the Father, left for us a wonderful provision: The Power of the Holy Spirit.It is an unfathomable provision, but is used so little. How much blessings it could bring for us, for our families, for our church and community, if we only permit the Spirit of God to fill our lives! How much power to preach His word! We have the provision. Let us make use of it.
III. The Word contributes:“Received into the heart, the leaven of truth will regulate the desires, purify the thoughts, and sweeten the disposition. It quickens the faculties of the
mind and the energies of the soul. It enlarges the capacity for feeling, for loving. COL 101.1
3. In the midst of the years make known:The work to be done is great. But when the Lord revives the work in each one of us, we are only left to say; Lord, what would you have me to do?
There is much more left to be done.The challenge is great: “but you will receive power, when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8There are no limits. Jesus desires that we would be His witness to the ends of the earth. Many are waiting to know Him through us.
Which is your place in the work?There is a place for all. Permit the Holy Spirit to help you find it. Women’s Ministries was planned to help every woman in this search and to train her for an effective service.
The gifts help us to define the place.Use the gift you have been given with enthusiasm until the return of our Lord Jesus.
4. Remember mercy:
May your flame never go outIn the final moments of human history, when our responsibility as Adventist women is greater, we should cry out fervently for mercy. Mercy that the Holy Spirit might give us assurance of salvation.Mercy for our familiesMercy to receive the power so we could proclaim the truthMercy to live according to the truth we announce
Illustration:It is told that a very rich king of India had the fame of being indifferent to material riches and was a very religious man; something that was unusual of a person of his category.Seeing this situation and moved by curiosity, one of his subjects wanted to investigate the secret of the king for not being dazzled by the gold, the jewelry and the excessive luxuries which characterized the nobility of his time.Immediately after the salutes that the etiquette and courtesy demanded, the man asked: “Your Majesty, what is the secret to cultivate a spiritual life in the midst of so much wealth?”The King told him: “I will tell you, if you go through my palace to understand the magnitude of my wealth. But take with you a lighted candle. If the flame goes out, I will cut off your head”. After completing the walk through the palace, the king asked him: “what do you think of my
wealth?” The subject responded: “I did not see anything. I was only trying to be careful that the flame would not go out.”The king said: “That is my secret. I am so busy trying to revive my inner soul, that I have no interest in the outside wealth”.
Let us determine to “see within” and revive our spiritual soul, because:
- By having our minds and hearts fixed on the Lord, we could learn to know Him and love Him
- The trials and worries of this life will not be able to separate us from the right path
- Our love for our families and fellow men who are God’s image will grow
- We will live happy lives, preparing ourselves to enjoy eternal happiness beside our Father
Conclusion:
We have the holy privilege of belonging to a special group of women. We are women of the end time. The many things that are happening around us are surely giving us the evidences of the soon return of Jesus.The time has come for us as Adventist women to take hold of our assignment in the moment of this great conflict that we are living in today. It is true that we are at the doors of this happy reunion, where all our sorrows and sadness will be transformed into eternal joy. O how we long for that day! We know that we will live the “Anguish of Jacob” or as the Spirit of Prophecy puts it “Time of anguish as never before”. This is the moment to be clinging to our good Father and be sure of His love and mercy.There is a great work to be done; first for our salvation and for our family members. And secondly, we have the challenge to tell the world of what God has done in our lives. The work is inconclusive. It is our responsibility. Let us ask God with our minds and heart to be prepared for this time of the final crisis.
It is a new Women’s Ministries Emphasis Day and what a better way to celebrate and express the desire that burns in us throughout these times: “LORD, REVIVE YOUR WORK IN ME.”
Eager to ShareBible reading
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40
Purpose
The children will experience the blessing of shearing. They will understand that they are a very important part of the great family of God and because of this their help is necessary in the home, the church, and the community and in the preaching of the gospel.
Interaction
Have four gifts but only leave of them two visible. Then choose two children to come to the front, give a gift to each one and tell them to give it to the person in the audience that they would like to give it to. Then ask them: How did you feel to receive the gift and then give it to someone? Which of the two experiences made you happier? Explain the happiness you felt by giving. In that moment take out the other two gifts you were hiding and tell them that you also want to feel the joy of giving and then give each of them a gift.
Developing the Topic
Vicky and Miguel were two small children living on the third floor of a building in the center of town; there was a big window in front and one of their pass times was to sit there and observe everything that happened in the theater that was located in front of their house. After nine o’clock one night they saw a group of children and young indigents, who are called gamines in Colombia, arrive in front of the theater and began to organize their beds with cardboards and news paper under one of the eave of the theater, in order to shelter from the rain.
It was an interesting and sad scene, the older ones had the best places and they took away from the little one the little news paper they had to cover with, so that they could be as comfortable as possible. Then Vicky said to Miguel:I have some things that I do not use and I think you do also. Do you think mother will let us give it to them? Sure! Miguel answered. And maybe she has some other things they could use also. They began looking for sheets, blankets, news paper, clothes and some food and they were soon giving out the things to these children. What a joy they felt to see them smiling and enjoy the little they had received!
The following day the story was repeated: the older ones had already taken over everything and the little ones were defenseless again; and from that time on it became a habit for them to gather together whatever they could and share it with these indigents. These street boys acquired confidence and they called out loud to us to ask for whatever they needed. Their faces became familiar and also their necessities.
Time has passed and today Vicky and Miguel are adults and professionals, but they could never erase from their minds the moments when they shared with these boys. The joy of giving they experimented when they were little brought happiness to their hearts, and it is one of the most wonderful memories they cherish.
We do not know what happened to the children, but we are sure that they felt the love of Jesus through two of His small children.
Conclusion
Do you know what the most wonderful thing about this story is? It is that you, my little friend, can also collaborate with Jesus. Do you think that Jesus would have been able to give blankets and food to these children without the help of Vicky and Miguel? Of course he could have, but the Lord wants us to know that He is counting on our help, that we are precious in his sight and He does not want to deprive us of the blessing of sharing. He needs boys and girls who are willing to share, children who will be His right hand in the work of helping others, children who tell others about the marvelous things God has done for us. Do you want to be a volunteer for Jesus?The question some would ask is: How can I be a collaborator of Jesus?My dear children, the answer is simple.You are a collaborator of Jesus when:
Others get to know Jesus through you You are merciful and attentive with those that are in need Your words and actions demonstrates the you are a friend of Jesus You are a help to your parents and teachers You are willing to share not only when you have enough but what is necessary You are loving with your parents, siblings and friends
IN NEED OF THE HOLY SPIRITFriday Night’s Program
BIBLE READING
For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. Luke 6:44.
PURPOSE:
The objective of the program is to realize a meeting of prayer and study, asking for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the presence of His fruit in our lives.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Invite all our sisters to a special night of prayer and supplication for the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
2. It is necessary to have two women as presenters who will be responsible to introduce and lead the program in a pleasant way.
3. Invite two sisters who can give testimony of the transforming power of the Spirit in their lives or in the life of a loved one or friend.
4. Create study groups that will study different quotes from the Spirit of Prophecy. Each group will study a quote and respond to questions to give a short report to the whole congregation of the studied part.
5. Create a prayer committee that will be in charge of inviting you to pray for the specific point that was studied after each report.
6. Get a good music committee that will allow us to prepare our spirit for study and prayer. The singing should be enthusiastic and inspiring. Make provision for beautiful special music that is related to the work of the Holy Spirit.
THE BODY OF THE PROGRAM
Song service: Music committee Welcome to the night of prayer for the Holy Spirit Prayer Committee Introduction: Presenters Special music Testimony Study Groups Study Reports and Prayer Committee Special music Testimony Conclusion Final Hymn
Prayer
INTRODUCTION
The Holy Spirit is one of the tree persons in the Divinity, as well as the Father and the Son. It is good to emphasize this at the beginning of our study today. Very often within God’s children we see the impossibility of identifying ourselves with the Holy Spirit. We think of Him as an impersonal influence and in doing so, lose the blessing of knowing Him as the person who will guide us into all truth.
On this night of study and prayer it’s our cry, to surrender to His influence and guidance, open our hearts to His instructions and give Him our will. Our only desire is to allow His to use us.
It’s true, our finite minds don’t understand completely everything about the nature of the Holy Spirit, but we can receive the biblical teaching about the Spirit by faith, and invite Him to live in our hearts and transform our lives.
Pastor Mark Finley in his article: Is the Holy Spirit a power or a person? Taken from the magazine ‘El Centinela’ (The Sentinel) from March 2011, he speaks to us about the person of the Holy Spirit and His powerful influence in our lives.
LeRoy E. Froom in his book The Coming of the Comforter puts it this way: “Jesus was the most notable and influential person who ever existed in this world; and the Holy Spirit came to fill the empty space He left. Nobody but a divine person could take the place of His wonderful person. Never a mere influence would have been sufficient.” (pp. 37, 38).
In chapters 14 to 16 of the Gospel of John, Jesus describes the Ministry of the Holy Spirit in detail. These are probably some of His most important words. His teachings on the Holy Spirit can transform lives. Here are the words of Jesus himself: “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you.” (John 14:16, 17). In John 16:7, the Master adds: “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”
According to the Word of God, the Holy Spirit serves several functions: (1) The Holy Spirit is our helper (John 14:16). (2) The Holy Spirit is our personal Teacher (John 16:13). (3) The Holy Spirit is our personal Guide in the decisions that we make in our lives (John 16:8, 13). Psalm 32:8 adds: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”
It is therefore our privilege as Adventist women, to urgently ask for the anointing of the Spirit. The work to be done is challenging and as the well-known hymn says “O the way is long and weary, and my bleeding feet are sore.” Today more that ever we must allow the person of the Holy Spirit to take possession of our lives and let Him be our helper, teacher and personal guide.
1. THE NEED TO PRAY FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT
GROUP 1:
Ye Shall Receive Power, page 289
We should be often in prayer. The outpouring of the Spirit of God came in answer to earnest prayer. But mark this fact concerning the disciples. The record says, “They were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:1-4).
FOR DIALOG:
According to the studied text; what should be our condition as a church for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit?
Can the Holy Spirit also be received individually? If so, give an example.
GROUP 2:
Ye Shall Receive Power, page 309
The end of all things is at hand. God is moving upon every mind that is open to receive the impressions of His Holy Spirit. He is sending out messengers that they may give the warning in every locality. God is testing the devotion of His churches and their willingness to render obedience to the Spirit’s guidance. Knowledge is to be increased. The messengers of heaven are to be seen running to and fro, seeking in every possible way to warn the people of the coming judgments, and presenting the glad tidings of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. The standard of righteousness is to be exalted.
The Spirit of God is moving upon men’s hearts, and those who respond to His influence will become lights in the world. Everywhere they are seen going forth to communicate to others the light they have received as they did after the descent of the
Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. And as they let their light shine, they receive more and more of the Spirit’s power. The earth is lighted with the glory of God.
But, oh, sad picture! Those who do not submit to the influence of the Holy Spirit soon lose the blessings received when they acknowledged the truth as from heaven. They fall into a cold, spiritless formality; they lose their interest in perishing souls: they have “left their first love.” And Christ says unto them, “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:5). He will take His Holy Spirit from the church, and give [the Spirit] to others who will appreciate Him.
FOR DIALOG:
What are the results of the outpouring of the Spirit in men and the world?
On the other hand; what happens with those who refuse to submit to His loving influence?
GROUP 3:
Selected Messages Book 1, page 362
Let every one who claims to believe that the Lord is soon coming, search the Scriptures as never before; for Satan is determined to try every device possible to keep souls in darkness, and blind the mind to the perils of the times in which we are living. Let every believer take up his Bible with earnest prayer, that he may be enlightened by the Holy Spirit as to what is truth, that he may know more of God and of Jesus Christ whom He has sent. Search for the truth as for hidden treasures, and disappoint the enemy. The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the third angel has already begun in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer. This is the beginning of the light of the angel whose glory shall fill the whole earth. For it is the work of every one to whom the message of warning has come, to lift up Jesus, to present Him to the world as revealed in types, as shadowed in symbols, as manifested in the revelations of the prophets, as unveiled in the lessons given to His disciples and in the wonderful miracles wrought for the sons of men. Search the Scriptures; for they are they that testify of Him.
If you would stand through the time of trouble, you must know Christ, and appropriate the gift of His righteousness, which He imputes to the repentant sinner.—The Review and Herald, November 22, 1892.
FOR DIALOG:
According to the previous reading; what must a believer do to be illuminated by the Holy Spirit?
What is the only secret to come out victorious in the time of trouble?
Share some methods that have been effective for you in the study of the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy.
GROUP 4:
In Heavenly Places, page 93
Among God’s people there should be at this time frequent seasons of sincere, earnest prayer. The mind should constantly be in a prayerful attitude. In the home and in the church let earnest prayers be offered in behalf of those who have given themselves to the preaching of the Word. Let believers pray as did the disciples after the ascension of Christ.
A chain of earnest, praying believers should encircle the world. Let all pray in humility. A few neighbors may meet together to pray for the Holy Spirit. Let those who cannot leave home, gather in their children, and unite in learning to pray together. They may claim the promise of the Saviour: “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).
FOR DIALOG:
What role do the chains of prayer have for the world in the final crisis?
How can these meetings benefit the family and the children in particular?
What are you doing in your homes to pray for the Holy Spirit?
GROUP 5:
Our Father Cares, page 127
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. John 14:16, 17.
Christ was about to depart to His home in the heavenly courts, but He assured His disciples that He would send them the Comforter, who would abide with them forever. To the guidance of this Comforter all may implicitly trust. He is the Spirit of truth; but this truth the world can neither see nor receive....
Christ desired His disciples to understand that He would not leave them orphans. “I will not leave you comfortless,” He declared: “I will come to you” (John 14:18, 19).... Precious, glorious assurance of eternal life! Even though He was to be absent, their relation to Him was to be that of a child to its parent....
The words spoken to the disciples come to us through their words. The Comforter is ours as well as theirs, at all times and in all places, in all sorrows and in all affliction, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing and we feel helpless and alone. These are times when the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith.
There is no comforter like Christ, so tender and so true. He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. His Spirit speaks to the heart. Circumstances may separate us from our friends; the broad, restless ocean may roll between us and them. Though their sincere friendship may still exist, they may be unable to demonstrate it by doing for us that which would be gratefully received. But no circumstances, no distance, can separate us from the heavenly Comforter. Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is always there, one given in Christ’s place, to act in His stead. He is always at our right hand, to speak soothing, gentle words, to support, sustain, uphold, and cheer. The influence of the Holy Spirit is the life of Christ in the soul. This Spirit works in and through every one who receives Christ. Those who know the indwelling of this Spirit reveal its fruit—love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. (Galatians 5:22-23)
FOR DIALOG
Describe the role of the Holy Spirit as comforter. Compare it to the work of Christ when He was on Earth.
Remember the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 and talk about the role of these fruits in the Christian life.
GROUP 6:
Reflecting Christ, page 170
Our Saviour, who understands our heart struggles, and knows the weakness of our natures, pities our infirmities, forgives our errors, and bestows upon us the graces which we earnestly desire. Joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, faith, and charity are the elements of the Christian character. These precious graces are the fruit of the Spirit, and the Christian’s crown and shield. Where these graces reign in the home, the sons are “as plants grown up in their youth,” and the daughters “as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace.” These heavenly attainments are not dependent upon circumstances, nor the will of imperfect judgment of man. Nothing can give more perfect contentment and satisfaction than the cultivation of a Christian character; the most exalted aspirations can aim at nothing higher.
FOR DIALOG
What influence does the grace of the Fruit of the Spirit have in our homes?
What is the most exalted aspiration of a Christian?
Conclusion:
The Lord offers us the power of the Holy Spirit so that we get realized as individuals and as Christians, and so that at the same time we are channels through which grace flows into others. The Spirit is an inexhaustible source of guidance, comfort, sustenance and strength. He was left for us as a sigh of our good God’s infinite love. He is a real person in our lives, we only have to allow him to appropriate himself with our wills and turn it into God’s will. Sisters, may God allow us in these times to cling to the Spirit, so that our lives are transformed and challenged to proclaim Jesus’ soon return.
Final Prayer
WOMEN FULL OF THE SPIRITSabbath School Program
Scripture reading: Luke 12:12 - King James Version
“For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.”
Instructions:
We will use storytelling and interviews to learn about the history of these biblical women and the role of the Spirit in them.
We will use these participations to introduce the different parts of the Sabbath School Program.
We will need one communicative lady who will present the biblical characters. She will have the roles of narrator and interviewer.
6 more ladies will play the (clothing and accessories) characters of the time.
We should find a lady to announce the regular parts for the Sabbath School. Presenter.
WOMEN FULL OF THE SPIRIT
Presenter:
Introduction:
The Sabbath School Program will allow us to make a journey through time and find
women, which at crucial moments, under the influence of the Spirit were the instrument
that God used to fulfill a specific need for His people.
1. Miriam. The leader.
PRESENTER: Today I must present a great woman. One with innate leadership. Chosen by God and sustained by the Holy Spirit to lead at a specific time for the people of Israel.
Her name is Miriam or Maria as most of us know her. She is Aaron and Moses’ older sister. From an early age, because of her decisive character and leadership, her parents entrusted her with the care of her younger brother.
When the baby was in danger, without fear and with a cool head, she offered to help without a doubt. She took care of the small basket while it sailed through the Nile River and introduced her own mother to the Princess, as a nanny for the upbringing (raising) of the baby.
This woman is an example of leadership from childhood and throughout her life; but it would be interesting to hear the story from her own lips:
INTERVIEWER: Miriam, it is a privilege to have you with us on this Saturday. Welcome to our Church. We would like to know; what happened in your life during the time that Moses was away from his people?
MIRIAM: Thank you for having me. I grew up with the people of Israel; I suffered their deprivation and abuse, which was a blessing for me. ‘A blessing?’ some will say. Yes, it was. During this time I could closely identify myself with my people. I became their friend, someone who understood them and someone they could trust. Through the Holy Spirit, God was preparing me for the great responsibility of being by Aaron’s side while we reintroduced Moses to these people that did not know him anymore.
INTERVIEWER: It was a very important role in that precise moment of so much discouragement for the people of Israel, because I feel, by what you speak, that they trusted you deeply. Am I right?
MIRIAM: You are right. By the grace of the Holy Spirit I was endowed with leadership. God made me his prophet and I soon became my brother Moses’ right hand in the leading the women. I became the head of the women of Israel and with enthusiasm sang praises to God next to the sand dunes of the Red Sea.
INTERVIEWER: What a beautiful, important and at the same time overwhelming task was put in front of you. Did you sometimes feel like it was too much for you?
MIRIAM: Yes; but now I understand that it was not me. It was the Holy Spirit working through me. Don’t think that it was easy to learn this. I made a terrible mistake against God and against His anointed one, so I had to suffer from leprosy and stay outside of camp for 7 days. But even in those moments I felt the sustaining power of God through His Spirit. I was also encouraged by the love of my people that was paralyzed during that time, awaiting my return. The Spirit touched my heart; God cured my leprosy and forgave my sin.
INTERVIEWER: Thank you Miriam for sharing with us such a wonderful story of love and sustaining power. We’ll be back in a few moments with another inspiring story.
PRESENTER: Just like Miriam, let’s raise a song of praise to the One that deserves all of our praise. Let’s sing Hymn # “Live in Me”
2. Rahab, blind faith.
PRESENTER: The woman’s life that we are about to meet shows us how someone who lived in total darkness can be touched and used by the Holy Spirit to play an important role in the development of God’s plan. Rahab, a woman who was born and raised in a pagan nation, full of idolatry, in the most important moment of her life, takes possession of a God that had been unknown to her until that moment and shows greater faith than that of the spies.
INTERVIEWER: Rahab, we are pleased that you have been able to share a little of your time with us this morning. We know that there was an amazing experience in your life, which divided it into two. Would you like to tell us your experience?
RAHAB: Well, as you know, I grew up in a completely pagan and idolatrous community, I was very proud t olive in a walled city that seemed impenetrable. I had a profession, that although it is the oldest profession in history, it wasn’t one that I could be proud of. As I was living inside those walls, I could see what was happening around me. I noticed how a camp was erected on the outskirts of the city. One day I received a visit from two young foreigners who were being followed, I don’t know why I felt in my heart the desire to help them, even though I didn’t know anything about the God that they spoke of, I felt something inside of me that told me that my life
would be totally transformed from that moment on, so I made the decision to support them even though that meant putting my life in danger.
INTERVIEWER: Did you not fear the consequences that this could bring?
RAHAB: I can’t deny that it wasn’t an easy decision to make, but the Spirit had already done His work in me, and His strength kept me firm in my decision to help them escape Jericho. When the Israeli army came back to invade the city, my life and that of my family’s was preserved. I joined the people of Israel and I was greatly blessed to be a part of the genealogy of the Saviour of the world.
INTERVIEWER: Thank you Rahab for sharing with us a part of such a beautiful experience of faith and for having been the human instrument to welcome the young spies and through them all of Israel to the city that had been promised to them. In this same way, we want to say to all of our brethren and visitors, that our greatest desire today is that all of you feel VERY WELCOME in this place.
3. Deborah, the prophetess.
PRESENTER: The next person that we are going to have the opportunity to meet is a woman that lived in an era where leadership of the people was almost exclusively limited to men; but thanks to her strong character but merciful at the same time, became the only woman to occupy the position of judge of Israel. I leave you with Deborah.
INTERVIEWER: Deborah, it must have been extremely difficult for you to live in a time when your people, whom you loved so much, were plunged in a great oppression and cornered by pagan people.
DEBORAH: That’s how it was. As you already Heard, I was elected by God to be Judge in Israel. My house was near a beautiful palm tree under which I was always delighted to hear the voice of My Lord. The love I felt for my people made of to be like a mother for them, and that is what the people really needed. The Holy Spirit revealed to me that we should go into battle, and as Israel’s leader’s fearful position, I took the lead. The people showed me their support, and sought mi physical presence in battle saying: If Deborah goes, we’ll know God is with us”. What a great demonstration of confidence they showed me!
INTERVIEWER: It must have been a marvelous experience!
DEBORAH: That it was. God gave Israel a great victory through the hands of a woman! With a beautiful song of praise, that even today reverberates in my ears, I manifested before all the people that the only One that deserves Honor and Glory, He that gives victory in battle, is the GOD of Heaven.
INTERVIEWER: Thanks, Deborah, for giving us that beautiful report of the battle. In the same manner, here this morning, we have a beautiful MISSIONARY Report that comes to us from our brethren that are toiling laboriously, leading the ______________ Union.
4. Abigail, the prudent one.
PRESENTER: Abigail is the next character we have invited for this interview. This woman has distinguished herself for her knowledge and her prudence. Moved by the Holy Spirit, she became the instrument of salvation for all her family. We are going to learn a little more about her immediately.
INTERVIEWER: What did your husband do to elicit such anger from the future King of Israel?
ABIGAIL: My husband, Nabal, had a mean and egotistical character that led him to commit a horrible mistake against God’s anointed, as he denied him and his small army the food they had earned and desperately needed. I realized immediately the dire consequences my husband’s stupidity would bring upon us, so I asked God to help me do the right thing correctly. The Holy Spirit moved me to present myself before David bringing a present of food for him and his men. Kneeling before him, I asked his pardon for the foolish mistake my husband had made. And the King understood the enormity of the sin he would commit if he spilled innocent blood.
INTERVIEWER: And what was David’s reaction before your intercession?
ABIGAIL: The King praised my words, and the way I had avoided an injustice. You have no idea how important it was for me to sense the Holy Spirit moving within my mind, giving me the right words to speak, leading my steps, guiding my actions to be able to face this desperate situation…!!!
INTERVIEWER: Thank you, Abigail, for sharing your experience and your confidence in God’s power to solve extreme situations. In the same manner in which King David delighted in praising God composing, singing and sharing psalms of praise to our Creator, this morning we will delight in praising God’s Name and Glory as we enjoy our Special Music, our praise in song.
5. Esther, the brave one.
PRESENTER: The character we will interview next, fulfilled the dream that many of us had, as little children: to become Queens and Princesses of a beautiful kingdom. Esther was an orphan since she was a little girl. She grew up with her uncle Mordecai. He taught her to trust in God and to depend on Him for all her decisions. This gave Esther the strength to face the greatest challenge of her life. Lets get to know this wonderous woman a little closer.
INTERVIEWER: Queen Esther, how was your experience as the queen living in the grandest palaces of Persia and the World of your time?
ESTHER: There was a huge change in my life as I came to the King’s palace as his wife. I think I was brought by God to the exact spot where He wanted to use me. When my people were facing a death sentence, the Holy Spirit showed me the need to fast and pray to obtain the strength I needed to take the steps I had to take. I invited all my people to bond with me in fasting and in prayer, that I might find grace before the King.
INTERVIEWER: Did you know the expected consequences of the risk you were taking as you went before the King without being asked to come into his presence?
ESTHER: YES, I KNEW! But throughout the whole ordeal I felt the sustaining power, the strength of the Holy Spirit within me. On my own, I wouldn’t have even gotten closet o the throne room. I depended entirely on IT’S help, or I would be completely lost. After three days of fasting and praying I felt absolutely certain, and I made the decision: “If I perish, I perish”. I presented myself before the King, and by the grace of God, the life of my people was preserved for His glory.
INTERVIEWER: Queen Esther, what a beautiful story of valor and of dependence on God’s power was demonstrated throughout your life and your experiences. Thank you for sharing it with us today. As you did in your time, we would also like to promote spiritual growth in all aspects of our life. Now it is time for our SABBATH SCHOOL DISCUSSION.
6. Mary, mother of our Lord
PRESENTER: For hundreds and hundreds of years, the Israelite maidens were expecting the fulfillment of the Promise. Each one expected to be the Chosen One to be the Mother of the Messiah, the Hope and expectation of all Israel. Mary, a young, humble girl that had been born in one and brought up in another of the most poor, run-down villages un Israel, was finally the chosen one to bear upon her the grandest responsibilities ever entrusted to a woman: she was to be the earthly mother of the Savior of the World. I am certain we are all anxious to hear her.
INTERVIEWER: It is truly an honor for us to have you among us. What a great responsibility was placed upon you, and at such a tender age. Did you feel prepared to do this?
MARY: When the Majesty of Heaven descended as a Baby, I was chosen to care for Him. As you say, it was a great responsibility. I should educate Him, cultivate His principles, help to form the character of whom would be the Savior of the World. What a great commitment had to be made! Not one detail should be unattended of His physical, mental or spiritual development. I learned to depend completely upon the knowledge of the Holy Spirit to guide Him. I felt so proud to see Him talking with the main teachers of the Synagogues! I saw Him grow in stature and in grace before God and men.
INTERVIEWER: It must have been very hard for you to see the last scenes of His life here on Earth.
MARY: My heart bled as I saw my Son die on a cross for those that, even on the moment of His death, would reject Him. I just don’t know what I would have done without the power of the Holy Spirit strengthening me and sustaining me at that moment. Today, my Son is not physically with me, but I raise a song of praise as I know that He fulfilled the great purpose of His life on Earth. What a great and beautiful responsibility was placed upon me!
INTERVIEWER: Thank you for accompanying us and for allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and give you wisdom to bring up her child in His way. What a beautiful legacy she has left to all mothers of love, devotion and complete Divine dependence to accomplish the task that has been entrusted to us. Like Deborah and Ana you were known for your songs of worship. We want to invite you to imitate these women, joining our voices to praise our Creator, with the beautiful verses of the hymn # .
PRESENTER: Today we have talked about examples of women in the Bible, that just like us, made mistakes, but that at the same time, were examples of the power of change that one life can make when they allow the Holy Spirit to take charge of them; and they become a blessing, not only for their own, but also in the community where they develop. May God help us as we seize that power. One of the forms to do so is maintaining a direct communion with Him through prayer.
FINAL PRAYER
