Assemblies of God USA     SearchSite GuideContact Us

Printed from www.WTOnline.ag.org

Visit www.WTOnline.ag.org for more great leadership tips, articles and resources for Christian women.

Obedience and Surrender

Women's Ministries Unlimited! for women involved in Women's Ministries Leader's Unlimited! for Women's Ministries Leaders

Reader Poll

What part of your life is most difficult to surrender to God?

My finances

My future

My past

My family

My physical body

My feeling of control

View Results
 
From the Editor From the Editor

Masterpiece

By Arlene Allen

On a wall near the Alamo's main entrance hangs a portrait with the following inscription:

James Butler Bonham—no picture of him exists. This portrait is of his nephew, Major James Bonham, deceased, who greatly resembled his uncle. It is placed here by the family that people may know the appearance of the man who died for freedom.

Before we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are dead in our sins, doomed without God and without hope. But God, the Creator of the universe, is so rich in mercy and love that He purchased our freedom from sin through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus! Scripture states in Ephesians 2:10, "We are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago" (NLT).

A masterpiece is something passionately and carefully created to have great value, especially to its Creator. God wants every woman to understand that she has great value and He will give her a life full of purpose.

You may feel it is impossible to measure up to today's ideals. Our culture tends to define beauty and value in ways that are beyond most of us. But God has made it clear: You are His masterpiece. Don't allow the artificial and ever-changing measurements of our society to dictate your identity. If God considers us His works of art, we dare not treat ourselves or others with disrespect—God does no inferior work! Listen to your Creator: You are a masterpiece! You and I could never ask for more significance than the value we have because of who we are in Christ.

Like Bonham's portrait, no literal portrait of Jesus exists either. But the likeness of the Son who makes us free can be seen in the lives of His true followers. Could your portrait be chosen for others to see because of your resemblance to your Creator?

Arlene AllenARLENE ALLEN is national director of the national Women's Ministries Department and editor in chief of WTOnline.

Previous Letters