“And let us consider one another in order to
stir up love and good works” Hebrews 10:24
At one of our recent retreats I was feeling par-
ticularly tired. There was a group of women in the
lobby that were so blessed by what they had just
experienced that they couldn’t help sharing about
it with their Christian sisters. In their excitement
they got louder and louder. Unable to get the cher-
ished sleep I desired I stormed out to the lobby
and quoted Heb. 10:24 to them, with emphasis on
“consider me”. Of course this was a totally wrong
use of this scripture. I would have used it correctly
if I had joined them and then encouraged them to
lower their voices because people were trying to
sleep. Do you see the difference? In the first ex-
ample I was condemning and in the second I
would have been encouraging.
James MacDonald, in his commentary on He-
brews, says “The book of Hebrews is saturated
with lessons and illustrations on how to grow in
our faith.” He goes on to say “faith flourishes in
community….not by expecting others to do for us,
but by considering how we may cause the faith of
others to grow.”
We need each
other. We need to
encourage and chal-
lenge each other to
do good. Mutual
accountability is
about sharing with
each other how
we’re doing but
also stirring up, or
prodding, or stimu-
lating others to do
better. The word
consider as used in
Hebrews 10:24
means to really
think about how you might do this. And of course
“the how”, as usual, can be found in the Holy
Scriptures. Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Let nothing be
done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in
lowliness of mind let each esteem others better
than himself. Let each of you look out not only
for his own interests, but also for the interests of
others.”
In my preparation for this letter I came across
this illustration that of the benefits mutual consid-
eration. A traveler was crossing the Alps and an
unexpected snow storm came in. To return to
where he started would take to long because he
was almost at his destination. So he continued
going forward. The cold became so intense but
still he traveled on. His limbs started to go numb
and drowsiness started to overtake him. Finally he
lay down on the snow, just to get some rest, when
out of the corner of his eye he saw another traveler
in worst condition than himself. He crawled over
to the man because he was unable to walk. He
took the man’s cold frozen fingers in his hands
and began to warm them. He rubbed his feet and
applied friction to his body. A funny thing hap-
pened, in trying to warm the frozen man his body
became warm and revived. The two men and got
up and continued on their journey together.
Of course the lesson for us is that there is mu-
tual benefit in considering others and how we
might encourage them to consider others as well.
In this case both men lived as they warmed each
other. The Christian life is to be lived together.
We need each other. Think about this, the next
time you are angry or upset with your sister in the
Lord, “How might I encourage them to love and
good works instead of thinking of yourself and
how they should treat you.” If the first traveler had
waited for the second traveler to come to his aid,
they would have both perished.
Love, Sandie
Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks July-August 2014
Portraits From
Sandie
1
Praise & Worship 2
Fruit of Her Hands 3
Titus 2 4
Joyful Books
Recipe
5
Devotional 6
Expressions of Love 7
Calvary Chapel Info
Calendar
8
Inside this issue:
Our Desires For
Women’s Ministry
To encourage deeper
relationships and spir-
itual growth for the
women in the body of
Christ.
To provide a place
where women will be
encouraged and uplift-
ed to seek God’s best
for their lives.
To give opportunity to
study the Word of God
together that women
might grow in the
grace and knowledge
of our Lord Jesus.
To equip women to be
lights in their homes,
neighborhoods and
workplaces reflecting
the love of Jesus Christ
to all.
Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks
Fragrant Life Women’s Ministry Newsletter
A Woman Who Considers Others
First
Hebrews 10:24-25
Page 2 Fragrant L ife Women ’s
Praise & Worship A Woman Who Cons iders Others F i rs t
WITH ALL MY HEART
(By Pam Snyder – May 2014)
Trust in the Lord with all of Your heart
Lean not on your own understanding
In all of your ways acknowledge Him
And He shall direct Your path
(repeat)
I will trust the Lord, I will trust the Lord
With all my heart, With all my heart
I will trust in the Lord
I will trust You Lord
I will trust You Lord
With all of my heart
He Will Direct Your PathsHe Will Direct Your PathsHe Will Direct Your Paths
There is always such an air of excitement within our hearts
as we prepare to go to our Women’s Retreat each year. The
anticipation for me makes me feel like a young girl again
going on a weekend get away with my friends. My seventy
one years of age suddenly feels like seventeen years of age
as the energy of the Holy Spirit takes control of my com-
ings and goings, and I mean just that.
I was so emotionally on a spiritual high that there was no
room in my day or night for rest. I craved every bit of
teaching I could receive from our speakers. I welcomed the
time to praise and worship my God. I was blessed to be
part of the prayer team and have my sisters come forward
and ask me to pray for them. Without me praying con-
stantly for the refilling of the Holy Spirit to overflow into
me His words, my prayers could not be effective. Only
through Him are we led to fulfill our ministries.
God’s grace and love flowed throughout the week-
end. Sisters laughed, shared memories, tears flowed, and
new friendships were born. Cameras made remembrances,
and hugs displayed love. We shared laughter and tears as
our sisters performed in skits, each with a special lesson
received for each one of us. I think the one that impressed
me the most was Kerry Golden presenting herself as a
homeless person finding refuge from the cold night inside
a church. I can still hear her voice crying out, “Are you
there God?” “Can you hear me God?” She was alone in
life, no place to call home, no one to turn to, but in her
heart she felt the tug to be drawn to the house of God for
refuge. She left us all with the question, did she hear God’s
answer when she laid down in His house to rest her weary
body for a warm nights rest? In my own interpretation I
saw Jesus wrapping His arms around her for warmth and
the love of God embracing her. I can hear God answering
her saying, “Yes, I am here, can you trust in me to direct
your paths?” “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways
acknowledge Him and he will direct your
paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6.
In my heart I have not left the mountain top, and I pray that
all my sisters, just like me, will pray this scripture and con-
tinue on singing His praise that we all shared together at
our 2014 Calvary Chapel Women’s Retreat.
In His Love, Mary Jane Robinette
Women’s Retreat at Lake Tahoe Proverbs 3:5-6
Page 3 Fragrant L ife Women ’s Min i s try A Woman Who Cons iders Others F i rs t
Fruit of Her Hands Ministry Handmade with Love by Kelly Gardner
“And let us consider one another in order to stir
up love and good works, not forsaking the as-
sembling of ourselves together, as [is] the man-
ner of some, but exhorting [one another], and so
much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:24-25
I grew up wearing homemade dresses with pina-
fores, playing with cloth dolls who had embroidered
faces, wrapping up like a burrito in snuggly afghans
made by my Mom and Grandma, and watching my
Mother create a “Sunbonnet Sue” quilt for my bed
made with left over fabric from dresses from my
Great Grandma all the way to me.
My memories are rich and filled with love as I
think about all the ways my family showed love to
one another through cooking, sewing and wood-
working. I can still remember the texture of the red
gingham covered buttons on a hot, itchy, polyester
navy blue dress I wore in Kindergarten my mother
had made for me.
But now, times have changed. Imported, store
bought items seem to have superseded
“Handmade.” We as consumers are lead to believe
that it is not considerate to give homemade. Gift
cards have taken over in the area of appropriate
gifts, and DYI gifts on Pinterest are just a fad for
those who want to seem crafty!
As I remember my upbringing I believe my family
instilled in me the application of what it means when
the Bible tells us in Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us
consider one another in order to stir up love and
good works, not forsaking the assembling of our-
selves together, as is the manner of some, but ex-
horting one another, and so much the more as you
see the Day approaching.”
To consider means to “observe,” “contemplate,
“or “have intelligent insight into.” When my mother
taught me to make things with my hands, she also
taught me how to consider others, to think about their
likes and dislikes, to show love by taking time to con-
template another person’s feelings. The Bible tells
us also to not forsake the assembling of ourselves
together. When we recall in history, Christian wom-
en who assembled together, we are often reminded
of home making activities, such as quilting, baking,
canning and child care. I believe we can look back
to our ancestors and learn from their examples that
fellowship and exhortation among Christian women
is a gift and blessing that allows us to come along-
side one another, inspiring one another to remain
faithful to Jesus Christ, so much the more as we see
the day approaching.
Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks
WOMEN’S KONONIA Please join us Saturday, August 16th, 2014
10am—12pm
(Sign ups at the Women’s Ministry Counter)
Fruit of Her Hands
Handmade with Love
Please join us Saturday, July 12th, 2014
10am—2pm
At the home of Kelly Gardner
We will be making receiving blankets for the Reno Cri-
sis Pregnancy Center. Sign-ups and supply list at the
Women’s Ministry Counter.
Page 4 Fragrant L ife Women ’s A Woman Who Cons iders Others F i rs t
Titus 2 Putting Others First with Putting Others First with
God’s LoveGod’s Love By Beverly Chong
John 13:34, Jesus
said “A new commandment I
give to you that you love one
another; as I have loved you,
that you also love one anoth-
er.” And again, Matthew
22:37-39, “You shall love the
Lord your God with all your
heart, with all your soul, and
with all you mind.’ “This is
the first and great command-
ment. And the second is like
it: You shall love your neigh-
bor as yourself.”
Our lesson for this newsletter is, A Woman
who considers Others First. Jesus made it very clear
that if we loved God we are to love others. We
would love unconditionally, unbiased, nonjudgmental
and certainly without prejudice. As we read this
verse, we need to understand all that it entails, but
exactly what does it all mean and how can I possibly
commit myself to follow Jesus’ command. We have
all heard others confess at one time or another, as
well as our own resonating confessions, “I believe in
God and I know I love God, but I don’t like that per-
son over there. That person just irritates me.” Or,
God can’t really expect me to genuinely love that
person….Why, look at them. They don’t act like a
normal God loving person should act…like I do.”
Really?
Sometimes, I think many accept His love self-
ishly, for themselves only and figure that’s enough.
“I’ve got my share and it’s all good. Don’t have to
worry about anyone else.” But that is not how God
wants us to live. Then again, I suppose it would be
great if God came down here and just loved every-
one Himself, so we wouldn’t have to worry about
showing love to the “unlovable,” but that is not what
He wants or chooses to do, either. He
wants us to take on His heart so He can
flood it with His Agape love, to the point
that it over flows to others. Jesus said,
“You will know them by their fruits.” The
world will know you by your fruits because
you have accepted and been filled with
God’s love, allowing yourself to share that
love so freely with others. That is how we
show we are His children, and when that
happens, we so love others that we will
not question putting them first, above our-
selves.
God sent His son, to become man just like
us, to die for our sins because our world;
our lives had/have became so corrupt and sinful, that
it was going to take something really special; Some-
one so special to forgive it all and pay for it in full,
cancelling our debt to God, once and for all, in order
that we could have eternal life with Him. The bible
teaches this truth and we are confirmed this truth
constantly, whether reading it or hearing it in church
sermons and bible studies, or when sharing with oth-
ers. But have you really thought about all that He
did, really did for us, for all mankind? Jesus gave up
Himself for us. He died for us. He didn’t have to,
but He did, and He did it because of God’s love, gen-
uine, unconditional love for us. Wonderful to realize
this, but then Jesus taught us the importance of lov-
ing others just like we love God, and my friends,
when we can honestly say we love God, we are able
to love others because He has asked us to, and
when we love others, we willingly, unconditionally,
being unbiased and non judgmental, are able to put
others first. Have a beautiful sunshiny “putting oth-
ers first” kind of day!
Page 5 Fragrant L ife Women ’s Min i s try A Woman Who Cons iders Others F i rs t
Joyful Books Book Club Ministry Our next Women’s Ministry
book Selection is, “Love the More
Excellent Way” by Chuck Smith.
This book is a delightful teaching
on what it means to love one an-
other.
FROM THE BACK COVER: “The
loneliness of existence; the empty
feeling of walking through life by
yourself, searching for something greater–a purpose
and meaning! We all have trodden down this path at
one time or another. All generations have had to
grapple with this search– be it the youth culture of
today, the 1960s hippies, or the 1360’s knights in
shining armor. It doesn’t matter what generation the
person lived, the truth is we are all looking for love
and meaning.
One thinker has said that there is a God– shaped
hole in each of us. Until we fill that hole with the love
of God in Christ, we will continue to walk our journey
lonely, empty, and confused. The good news is that
God as demonstrated His love for us– sending Jesus
to show us God’s love, which is the more excellent
way.”
Joyful Books Book Club Ministry, will be meeting
during the month’s of July and August at “Starbucks” on
the corner of Longley Lane and McCarren on Wednes-
day Mornings from 9:30am-10:30am. We will be discussing
(2) chapters each week; finishing on August 27th with a
“Potluck Brunch” at the home of Kelly Gardner. You are
welcome to join us anytime,
“Serving Him”
There is no greater joy than knowing you are serving
The Living God and following Him where He leads
you.
Our missionary friends, Salomon and Rosario Ojeda
will soon be moving to plant and Pastor a new
church for the people in Tejaro, Michoacan, Mexico.
Please remember to continue to pray for them.
Prayer Requests
1. Please Pray that The Lord will keep their hearts
united and focused on serving Him!
2. Pray for travel mercies, health and saftey .
3. Pray that the Holy Spirit would fill them to over-
flowing with His Spirit.
4. Pray that the hearts of the people in Tejaro would
be softened and ready to receive ALL that God
has prepared for them.
Turkey Ciabatta
with guacamole
Ciabatta Roll
Deli Turkey
Provolone Cheese
Sliced Tomatoes
Sliced Purple Onion
Homemade Guacamole
Crispy Bacon
Pickled Jalapeño's
Jalapeño Ranch
1. Prepare
guacamole, fry bacon
and set aside.
2. Slice Ciabatta Roll
and lay deli turkey
and provolone cheese
on top. Toast in oven
until cheese melts.
3. Remove from oven
and layer: jalapeno
ranch, tomatoes, pur-
ple onion, guacamole,
crispy bacon, and
pickled jalapeño's.
My daughter said this was her absolute
favorite sandwich and so easy to make!
Page 6 Fragrant L ife Women ’s A Woman Who Cons iders Others F i rs t
A Woman Who Considers
Others First
When thinking about
writing on “A woman
who considers others
first”, I began to pray,
“Lord show me what this looks like in Your Word. Sever-
al weeks later, during my morning studies through the Bi-
ble, I was in 1 Kings Chapter 17. I read of a widow who
was about to feed herself and her son their last meal, with
the last amount of flour and oil she had. I then read of the
prophet Elijah who asked her to make him a small cake
first, and afterward make some for herself and her son,
and she did. It was then that I knew what God was show-
ing me. “A woman who considers others first” is a woman
who is willing to give the last of what she has, for the bet-
terment of others.
As I looked a little closer in this passage I saw in verse
eight of 1 Kings Chapter 17, that the word of the LORD
had come to Elijah telling him to arise and go to Zarephath
and dwell there, because God had commanded a widow
there to provide for him. God had appointed and com-
missioned this widow to provide for Elijah before provid-
ing for herself and her own son.
Elijah obeys and goes to Zarephath, and the minute he
comes to the gate of the city he sees the widow that God
told him about gathering sticks. He calls to her to bring
him some water, and as she was going to get it, he also
asks her to bring him a morsel of bread. That is when she
explains to him that she doesn’t have any bread, only a
handful of flour in a bin and a little oil in a jar and she tells
him that she was gathering a couple of sticks to go and
prepare “the last meal” for her and her son, that they may
eat it and then die.
Elijah then tells her not to fear; and tells her to go do as
she planned, but he says this, “Make me a small cake
from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some
for yourself and your son. For thus says the LORD GOD
of Israel: The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall
the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on
the earth”.
What!!! You are asking me to feed you with the last
amount of flour and oil that I have?! You are asking me to
consider you, above my own flesh and blood, above my
own son? And then I got it! Considering others first is ex-
actly what God the Father does and He proved it by the
giving of His only Son; He considered us above His own
son. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall have
everlasting life!” John 3:16. Oh Lord, we can be so selfish
at times. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or
conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others
better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for
his own interests, but also for the interests of oth-
ers” (Philippians 2:3-4).
This widow acted in faith and believed the words of
Elijah the prophet; that God would provide for her. She
considered Elijah first, and by doing so, she proved God’s
Word to be true. We read back in verse 8 that God had
commanded her to provide for Elijah. She was appointed,
for such a time as this, to trust and obey; and although the
nation of Israel was suffering from a drought, God provid-
ed for a widow who willingly took Him at His Word and
was willing to “consider others first”. God not only pro-
vided for her, but used her to encourage the prophet Elijah
and I bet her son’s faith grew as he saw the hand of the
LORD. As Elijah obeyed and as she obeyed, they were
both used to encourage one another.
Verse 16 said that the bin of flour was not used up, nor
did the jar of oil run dry, according to the Word of the
LORD which Elijah spoke. Each day that she partook of
the flour and oil she would be reminded of the value of her
faith in God, who alone is sufficient to meet our every
need.
Hebrews 10:24, “And let us consider one another in or-
der to stir up love and good works”.
Simply His, Pam Snyder
Devotional
Putting Love Into Action by Mary Jane Robinette
When we accepted Jesus into our hearts we were filled
with God’s love. Left behind us should have been all
tendencies to think and act selfishly. The Holy Spirit at
the same time came to take up residence within our hearts
and the love of God grew from within us like a new bud-
ding rose. The splendor of God’s love became a new radi-
ance that shines from within each one of us.
1John 4:16 “God is love, and he who abides in love,
abides in God and God in Him.” This is one of my favor-
ite scriptures. And let me share why. I had the privilege
several years ago to share conversation with my brother in
his last days. He ever so softly spoke these words to
me, “Mary, love everyone.” I realized how important it
was for him to make sure his sister always remembered
those three words. He spoke to me knowing that soon his
earthly body would no longer be able to greet and spread
the love of God. He was going home to be with Jesus.
What a blessing my brother left with me to always be pre-
pared to encourage and come before others in sharing the
love and grace of God. These free gifts from the Lord cov-
er us like a kiss of dew on a summer flower awakening to
the warm morning rays of sunshine. What a godsend it is
for us as a body of Christian sisters-in-Christ to use these
precious gifts in ways to consider other’s needs first.
God’s love and grace is power. The Lord is always giv-
ing us opportunities to share His gifts. Considering others
first involves sensitivity, humility, and a genuine unselfish
desire to love and serve others. God will give us the ability
we need to comfort, to encourage, to pray with others, the
time to run errands, visit the sick and more, when we show
we are available. Putting love in to action requires a heart
that walks in God’s love. Hebrews 10:24 “And let us con-
sider one another in order to stir up love and good
works. Pastor Chuck Smith reminds us “we want to
grow in our understanding and knowledge of the purpose
and will of God in our lives, so let’s “consider one anoth-
er in order to stir up love and good works.” Let’s encour-
age each other to love and to do the right things.”
It is during our fellowship with others that we soon dis-
cover the areas where we are sometimes called by the Lord
to come beside a sister. Book Club is a time to share our
own feelings related to the book of the month. Sometimes
things are revealed where we can pray together, or assist
another sister through a difficult time, and even share in a
happiness. Wednesday evenings and Thursday morning
Women’s Prayer meetings are a valued time to come to-
gether to pray for others. I have been privileged to Greet
on Sundays where the love of Jesus shared with a simple
hug can make a lonely heart feel special and loved. Our
Women’s Bible Study sessions brings us together to study
God’s Words. What a special atmosphere of bonding and
love shared. We are so blessed at Calvary Chapel to have
so many Women’s Ministry choices. Each one in some
way gives us the opportunity to show consideration to put
other’s needs first. I feel tremendous joy when the Lord
touches my heart to give love and grace to others. We
don’t need to be noticed about these things, we just do
them. God will cover all the details. The person you bless
can feel your heart attitude of love in the manner in which
you make yourself available to walk along side of her dur-
ing her difficult times. This is a pay forward kind of love
in action. Just like Pastor Chuck said, “Let’s encourage
each other to love and to do the right things.” It is an
awesome feeling to help others difficulties and emotional
pains feel lighter.
I also find that our demeanor outside of our church en-
vironment is also a meaningful time to consider one anoth-
er in putting God’s love and grace into action. I frequently
find that while out shopping I am nearly always put in the
path of someone not having a good day. Taking the time
to smile and say good morning, or to help someone disa-
bled to reach things from higher shelves, to bless someone
with your place in line, with these little acts of love will go
a long way to make other people’s days more encouraging
to pay it forward in doing the right things.
Our Women’s Ministries gives us many paths we can
choose from to serve with the purpose of considering oth-
ers first. We should consider the many opportunities we
have to placing someone else’s needs on our busy daily
schedule. God gives us these moments of decision to help
others and He will provide the time. It is up to us to gra-
ciously receive them, implement them, and use them to
glorify God in serving others needs first. Putting love in to
action requires a heart that is always ready to listen, to
share, to help, and to be available in making others needs a
priority.
Page 7 Fragrant L ife Women ’s Min i s try A Woman Who Cons iders Others F i rs t
Expressions of Love
Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks
July-August 2014
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED AT CALVARY CHAPEL?
First: Present yourself to God (Romans 12:1) for confirmation that He has planted you in this fellowship. If so, then
discover your gifts and God’s calling your life.
Second: Study to show yourself approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15). As you grow in your relationship with God,
let Him prepare you for effective service.
Third: Be doers of the Word (James 1:22). Commit yourself to the work of Jesus Christ in this fellowship. Get in-
volved as a yielded vessel to God’s guiding anywhere He directs.
Helps Ministry: Food Pantry, Meal Ministry
Café 2:42
Women’s Greeter’s
Women’s Monday Bible Study: 10am & 6:30pm
Women’s Conferences, Koinonia’s & Retreats
Women’s Wed Evening & Thursday Morning PRAYER
Children’s Ministry, Nursery, Childcare
Fruit of Her Hands Ministry
Widows Meeting (Encourage &Prayer) 2nd Sunday of the
Month in Café 2:42 8:15 am
Mom’s In Prayer Monday’s 12pm. This ministry is for moms who
want to get together and pray for their children. We meet on a
weekly basis in the 3rd/4th grade classroom. Child care will
be shared as needed. Call DiAnn at 843-1386
Fragrant Life Newsletter (Recipes & Devotionals) Contact: Kelly
Gardner at 843-0650
Joyful Books Wednesday’s 9:30am
Contact the Church Office and Fill Out a Ministry Questionnaire
(775) 856-1110
Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks
220 Edison Way, Reno, NV 89502
(775)856-1110 FAX (775) 856-2031
www.calvarychapelreno.org
Senior Pastor Tom Luitwieler
Admin. Pastor Rob Wolfe
Youth Pastor Juan Rodriguez
Worship Pastor Scott Cresta
Mission Pastor Leonard Sanchez
Secretary Kim Bowser
PRAYER CHAIN
ANN-(775)673-1238
EILEEN (775)972-1790
CHURCH OFFICE: (775) 856-1110
Summer Break Women’s Bible Study
2,9,16,23,30 Joyful Books 9:30am
6th Mission’s Prayer 12:30pm
13th Widow’s Meeting 8:15am
2,9,16,23,30 Evening Prayer 6pm
3,10,17,24,31 Morning Prayer 10am
12th Fruit of Her Hands 10-2
8th-12th Youth Mission Trip to S.F.
Summer Break Women’s Bible Study
6,13,20,27 Joyful Books 9:30am
3rd Mission’s Prayer 12:30 pm
10th Widow’s Meeting 8:15am
6,13,20,27 Evening Prayer 6pm
7,14,21,28 Morning Prayer 10am
9th Church Baptism Sand Harbor
16th Women’s Koinonia 10-12
23rd Couples Potluck 6pm
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