"Flawless" thoughts...World's perspective vs. God's

I was back to my workout regime (after weeks of neglecting that area of my life) at my local gym yesterday, when I learned of the death's of 2 celebrity icons: Micheal Jackson and Farrah Fawcett. Running into Christian and non christians alike in the gym, it's interesting watching the reaction of others with worldwide events such as this. The news brought back memories of my childhood days of dancing to his tunes and watching empowered/beautiful women fight for justice in the first run of Charlie's Angels. Somehow celebrities are put on a pedestal at their peak and idolized and when they fall from stardom the rumors fly. Very thankful that I am not the judge and Jesus died for all. Celebrities rise high and fall hard because of our nature to want to worship someone or something. When all is said and done, it is the Word of God that is timeless and perfection comes only through His son Jesus Christ. As sad as the last leg of Micheal's journey was, I pray he made His peace with God. No matter how far one has strayed, or how deep the stain sin is on one's life-there is hope for the hopeless. Farrah on the other hand seemed to have come to a place in her life where she understood beauty and purpose comes from a deeper place- yet only God knows if she made her peace with Him.

Reflecting on the life and death of another human being, (including those who's names have made the walk of fame in Hollywood..) Deep down we are all looking for the same things:
Security
Signficance
Acceptance
Love

The world will try and offer ways to fulfill these longings, but only through a personal relationship with God through His son Jesus is that possible. In Him we are secure, In Him we are significant, In Him we are accepted and In Him we are loved.

"As for God His ways are perfect, the word of the Lord is flawless" Psalm 18:30

This week marks our "KICK OFF" for our next ministry theme: Flawless. It is our 10th anniversary this fall! Our writings, events and seminars will focus on this theme throughout the year. For those who are able to take in the annual conference, we have 2 events this fall in Saskatoon and Calgary. Tickets go onsale today. To read more about it, go to our website or view our latest e-newsletter.

God calls us to be "in the world" but not "of the world". When we watch the news, let us be mindful to pray for all those who are searching for truth and longing for perfection. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.

Blessings to you on YOUR journey of faith!
-Jodi Kozan

WJOF expands to Alberta!

Expanding our ministry into other cities has been a dream for years. Although it's been on my heart for 10 years, the timing seems right to make that move. The board had approved of this decision earlier this year and we are just in the midst of our kick off promotional swing in getting the word out in both SK and AB. The theme for this year is "Flawless" based on Psalm 18:30 which reads "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless". Saskatoon is celebrating it's 10th anniversary since our first conference on Sept 23rd with Carol Kent. Our keynote speaker on November 6-7th 2009 is Liz Curtis Higgs. Our keynote speaker for Calgary's event held on Saturday, November 14th at the Telus Centre is Angela Thomas.

Check out our website for further detials!  

Early Bird Tickets go on sale with ticketmaster June 26th. 

Women's Journey of Faith's May Newsletter link

To view our May Newsletter- click here!

Every month WJOF sends out a newsletter to all those on our data base. If you would like to be added to this list, contact admin@wjof.com with your email address and she will assure you are added. 

Reflections on restoring "the lost"- Luke 19:10

Springtime greetings to our "Journey" bloggers!

I haven't written in quite some time on the WJOF blog..My writings typically gravitate to the "facebook world", so I will share a piece of what wrote in our WJOF Facebook group this week:

I wrote a few months back posing the question of what the phrase "restoration of women" meant to you. Many have posted to the board and others have shared with us one on one. Thank you for that! The words "Restore- Restoration- Restoring" continue to churn within me personally and also as a ministry team. Although we have a clear vision statement posted on our website ("Gathering, Nurturing, Discovering,

 Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ") We are praying for what we at Women's Journey of Faith are called to do- emmulate and pray for in this organization at this time. When Keynote speaker-Lisa Bevere joined us at the "Empowered" conference in 2006, the verse Luke 19:10 made an impact as she shared from the Amplified version of the Bible. (as well as Genesis 1:27 which I will write about another time) She explained that Jesus came to restore ALL that was lost in the fall of mankind when sin entered the world. In the church, we tend to think only of the unbelievers when we hear the word "lost"- but I would like to share with you 3 versions of Luke 19:10 to perhaps expand our theology of what "lost" means from His perspective:

Luke 19:10 (3 v

ersions):

“ For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” (Luke 19:10 New Living translation) Women are lost without a relationship with Jesus, they need the Savior and Jesus IS the only way and truth and life and no one comes to the Father except through Him....

“For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost." (Luke 19:10 Message Version.) Women are lost without truth to guide their path. They need Jesus as their Savior and Lord to guide their journey. Christians continue to face distractions, lies and temptations to lure us off the path of holiness.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10 Amplified version) Women are lost in the shuffle if not positioned in God’s kingdom. They need God’s alignment on '

earth as it is in heaven'. 


It is obvious our Heavenly Father is in the business of restoring -AMEN? 

Would you pray along with us that we would press into His heart for our original intent for women and what He is seeking to restore? 

• Restoring Marriages 
  
• Restoring Parenting 
  
• Restoring Dignity
  
• Restoring Purpose 
  
• Restoring Joy 
  
• Restoring Peace
  
• Restoring Relationships 
  
• Restoring Gender Equality
  
• Restoring Strength -
  
• Restoring His Kingdom -on earth as it is in heaven.
  

After leading Women's Journey of Faith for 10  years, much has changed and I have changed through this process. Amen for that! Yet there is a hunger for something more that we have not yet realized. I continue to press on with our team because we sense we are a part of larger picture as we play our "note on the piano". With the spring season comes the sense of anticipation. When it comes to the "restoration of women", well for that matter- the "FULL restoration of all mankind", my heart skips a beat and I dream of what that day will be like. (smile).-Jodi

WJOF highlights:

1. Tickets go onsale for the "Flawless" conference June 26th
2. http://www.wjof.com/newsletter/09_May/ (To view our latest newsletter)
   

Matthew 25:40 Sharing the Journey -Growing in Love

"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." - Matthew 25:40

Sharing the Journey was a blessed day on Saturday with over 400 women and teens in attendance. Amidst the fun, faith and fellowship with various speakers, singers and ministries were awesome organizations like World Vision and the Bridge ministry right here in our city. Our theme was "Growing in Love", and after that day, I was reminded that as we grow in love, we will naturally pass on the love of Jesus to others....Being ready to share, serve and give onto others as you have been given.....

I am a member of SEMF (Saskatoon Evangelical Ministerial Fellowship) where pastors and leaders of our city gather for a luncheon each month for prayer, fellowship and hearing from a speaker. This month's focus was different . Rather than a noon hour luncheon, we went on a 3 hour bus tour of the inner city of Saskatoon, ending with lunch at the The Bridge on 20th. Although I am familiar with many ministries that reach out to the poor in my city and also with those in need globally with my local church and agencies like World Vision, this morning hit me hard. When Jesus said "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me", it brings a believer to a whole new level of love. Our group traveled to many of the spots that are key points of service to the poor and those in dire need and met with the leaders there. We also stopped on the side and prayed for various aspects of the people in the heart of our city. During one of those stops, we prayed for the women who are trapped in poverty, abuse, addictions or prostitution. Hard to believe what transpires in our own back yard- but it's there. My heart broke deeper for the women as I interceded with the rest.

You may not be called to work in the inner city or on the streets of third world countries but we can do our part in reaching out to "the least of these".
-Is it through prayer?
-Is it through service?
-Is it through donation of your time, talents, money, food or clothing?

Whatever we can do for the "least of these" and done in the name of Jesus- I believe we will grow and reap what we sow into these precious lives trapped in despair and without hope. It seems like a counter cultural concept when we are facing a global recession to reach out to the poor, but I believe God is wanting to get our attention by saying "do you serve me or money?" As we know by HIs word in Luke 13:16 that says:
"No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

Here's a prayer for us to check our hearts in this area of reaching out to the least of these:
Dear God,
We praise you for the abundant blessings that you give us. Food, clothing, shelter, loved ones, a purpose, gifts, talents, time... the list goes on and on. Most importantly we thank you for YOU- Your Son Jesus, and your Word that convicts us to take steps to obey you and your call to reach out to others in this hurting world. Father, direct us to those who you consider "The least of these" in our community and help us discern what we can do to make a difference for those precious people trapped in their pain. Empower us with your love to be a light in the darkness. In Jesus name we pray- AMEN!


Love to hear stories of others who have shared the love of Christ with those who are considered "the least of these" in your communities!

I wrote on this subject on my personal blog as well: Jodi's Journey

Sharing the Journey (March 14th) Keynote Speaker: Connie Cavanaugh

We asked three questions to our keynote speaker Connie Cavanaugh (as well as our break out session speakers) for us to get to know her better before our "Sharing the Journey" seminar: "Growing in Love" at TCU Place Saskatoon on Saturday March 14th.

Q. When you hear the phrase "Love Without Limits", what comes to mind?
What comes to mind is, "I wish I could do it!" But if I'm honest I'll admit that love without limits is way beyond me. My love is limited by all sorts of things: fear of rejection, insecurity, risking betrayal, being vulnerable . . . I'm limited by my humanity. Love without limits is divine. It's Jesus; His perfect life in exchange for my pitiful one.

Q. How will women Grow in Love in your sessions?

 The more I get to know God, the more I love Him. My love grows each time He reveals Himself to me anew. I believe God, through the Holy Spirit, will reveal Himself to women as we spend time together in His Word and this encounter will cause their love to grow.

Q. What do you like to do for fun? The most fun thing is playing outside with my grandkids. Next on the list are: Hot baths, good books, long ski runs, sunny beaches, mountain hikes, funny movies, food someone else cooks, and hockey games where my team wins (but just barely), these are my favorite things.

Sharing the Journey speaker: Marlynn Heagy / Session: Parenting

Q. What does the theme "Love Without Limits" mean to you? I will never be able to fully understand the limitless, unconditional love that God has for me, but as I grow deeper in my love relationship with Him I can begin to love others the way God would want me to. How exciting! His love for me is so deep, so high and so wide that I will never be able to fully comprehend it. What a gift that love is!

Q. How will women grow in "Love" during your session at Sharing the Journey?
One of the most important things that we as moms want our kids to know is how much we love them - we want our children to feel loved. We love them so deeply, but this doesn't necessarily mean that our kids 'feel' loved. In this session, we will be discussing the five different love languages and be challenged to love our kids in such a way that our words and actions shout love to them.

Q. Outside of your passion to speak, what do you like to do for fun?
Fun has always been a big word for me. I really do like to have fun. I love hanging out with my husband and three kids, especially at the lake on a hot, summer day. I love having friends over or going out with friends to chat and laugh together. I love doing activities outside like waterskiing, down-hill skiing, running, walking, biking, hiking, skating. I love going on holidays, especially somewhere hot and sunny and with a beach. I really enjoy working in my backyard planting and tending to my flowers and other yard work. I can hardly wait for summer!

Sharing the Journey Speakers: Vi and Richard Schick /session: Healing Hearts

Q. When you hear the phrase "Love Without Limits" what comes to mind?

God loves us with a perfect love. Our own ability to love is limited by our wounding, our unforgiveness, our dysfunction and our apathy. He loved us enough to sacrifice what was most precious to Him, that is, His own son, so that we might know fellowship with him, now, and for all eternity. As we abide with Him and move towards healing, He works within us changing us more and more into His image, giving us a heart to love as He would love.  

Q.How will women "Grow in love" in your session at STJ on March 14th?
We desire for women to receive revelation as to where their hearts have been wounded, and where there has been a log jam in their hearts preventing them from giving and receiving love. Through teaching and prayer in this session, we desire to invite the Holy Spirit to bring healing to each heart.

Q. What do you like to do for fun?
We enjoy reading, travelling, golfing and walking our dog, who teaches us about love without limits! We especially enjoy seeing God bring healing to people’s hearts.

Sharing the Journey Speaker: Sheri Deobald / Session: Revival Passion

Q.What do you think of when you hear the words "Love without Limits." – When I think of this phrase, I think of God’s unlimited love for us. His love for us is so passionate and unending we could never get close to having a full understanding of it. God showed us His love by sending His Son to the cross and enabling us to have the presence of God available to us now. We have heard much about His past love. However, I am overwhelmed to think of the love, mercy, grace, comfort, and help He wants to give us today. God’s love truly has no limits except the limits we place on Him when we, the children of God, don’t position ourselves to receive and treasure this remarkable gift.

Q. How will women grow "in love" in your session at Sharing the Journey:  The session, “Revival Passion” is going to focus on two things: Seeing God for who He really is and seeing ourselves for who really are. This is what “genuine” revival is. Believers have heard for generations about God’s love for us and we do need to have a greater understanding of this. But, what is our heart condition towards God? In other words, what spiritual state are we really in? True love towards God is a life of devotion to Him, His people, and building His kingdom. God’s love towards us isn’t half-hearted or lukewarm. Yet, we often offer up to God a Christian life with partial commitment and limited devotion. In this session, you will be challenged to love God with your whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. What’s standing in your way of “genuine revival” in your life?

Q. Other than your passion to speak, what do you like do do for fun? Other than speaking or teaching, my favorite thing to do is to come together with passionate believers and worship. Ok, I am not trying to be super spiritual. Honestly, there is nothing like worshipping in a corporate setting where everyone is wanting God’s presence, no one looking around or at their watches, but just bringing honor to Him. Wow! This is explosive! I am so blessed when I am with people that honor God and welcome His presence. Imagine how He must feel!
My second favorite thing isn’t quite as spiritual but oh, so wonderful. I love to travel to hot, sunny places and just enjoy tropical settings. There is nothing better than lying on the beach “Chillaxing!” Ok, what is that? Chilling out and relaxing. It’s a new slang word out there today and I have been waiting to try to it out. Next time you take a rest, remember, it sounds much cooler when you say it in slang.

Sharing the Journey Speaker: Jeremy Hall: Session "Signs of the Times"

Q. What does the theme "Love Without Limits" mean to you?
This is a hard question for anyone to answer. But how much more so, with me having the handicap of being a man, and therefore a natural fear of the ‘L’ word.I suppose the first thing that pops into my head on the issue of Love is found in John 15:13-14.
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.”
It amazes me that while we were yet sinners, that Christ still died for us (Rom 5:8). We all stand guilty by the law (Rom 3:19) at the judgment seat of Christ, and yet He knowing we had no way of satisfying justice by our own accord, died for us… for me. It was my sin that placed him on the cross and yet he suffered in my place.
I’m not sure we can truly understand such love as that. Not to mention the magnitude of our transgression that can now be overlooked to those who would repent and have faith in Christ.

Q. How will women grow in "Love" during your session at Sharing the Journey on March 14th? It is my hope that the ladies attending will grow in their appreciation of the 66 love letters that God wrote to all mankind through His Holy Word.

Q. Outside of your passion to speak, what do you like to do for fun?
I am a fisherman at heart. I love to spend summer days fishing quietly on the lake pondering the important things in life.I also enjoy studying the Word, writing, playing my guitar and spending time with my family. Of no greater source of joy do I have than that in the smiles and laughter of my family. I truly am a blessed man.


Jeremy is Executive Director of Berean Watchmen Ministries.  and is actively involved in the international ministry through lectures, contributing articles and commentaries relating to Bible prophecy and Christian living in these later days. Come visit us at http://www.bereanwatchmen.com