L'importanza della comunità

by Toni Weisz/Spiritual Disciplines

Scritture: Ephesians 4:4-6, 11-13 E 15-16, romani 12:15, Ephesians 4:14, and Ephesians 3:17,19.

Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV)
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Ephesians 4:11-13, E 15-16 (NKJV)
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

I have noticed over the years that the women who stay connected and accountable in a safe community continue to grow spiritually, and they feel safe, deeply connected and loved. These women have huge victories in their lives because they are dedicated to following the Lord and living in community. Each of us has been given a role in the body of Christ by God. We see in the Scriptures above that Christ is the Head, and each one of us is a part of the body. We are called to do a specific job in the body to keep the body functioning properly.

Why is community so important? You have all heard the saying, “There is safety in numbers.” That is true for your spiritual life also, not just your physical safety. When we stay connected in community, we are protected from the enemy’s fiery darts. His primary goal is to get Christian women isolated so he can lie and torment us. How many of you know what I am talking about? We have all experienced the loneliness and despair that overcomes us when we are isolated, especially women with abortions and abuse in their past; we are an easy target for the enemy. But after we join a safe group and stay accountable, we are now protected.

It’s not just being a part of a group that protects you. It’s being an active member of the group, serving and participating consistently, not just being an observer. We must invest in the group by sharing our hearts, our tears, our triumphs, and our prayer requests. By sharing with the group, you don’t know how your share may help encourage another woman.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (romani 12:15)

This is how the church is supposed to operate. We should be more like a hospital than a social gathering.

My hope and prayer for each of us is that:

• Our faith will grow stronger.
• Our relationships with one another will grow deeper.
• We will be mature, strong, confident believers in Jesus.
• We will not be tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine.
• We will have a strong Biblical worldview.
• Christ dwells in our hearts through faith.
• We will be rooted and grounded in love.
• We will know the love of Christ which passes knowledge.
• We will be filled with all the fullness of God.
• Everything that we do is pleasing to God.
• Our words will always speak life and encouragement to others.

  
  (Ref. Ephesians 4:14; 3:17,19)

God has so much more for us to accomplish in the upcoming year, but we as a group must be ready and equipped for this season in the ministry. I see God doing a new thing. On April 20, 2024, several of us from the ministry went to an event. Afterwards, we had lunch together, and out of the seven of us who attended, five came from Spanish-speaking backgrounds. I believe this is the next area of growth for us. God is raising up strong, healed, equipped women to minister to Spanish-speaking women. Soon my gospel tract will be on our website in Spanish with these precious women in mind. We want them to hear the gospel and be saved.

Look at these joyful faces. Would you believe that five out of the seven have been abused and all have had at least one abortion?

Toni Weisz and friends lunch at Nauti Dawg April 20, 2024 Lighthouse Point, FL

I pray you are encouraged to step up your game and make Jesus and sharing His love your priority in everything you do. I pray if you have not been regularly connecting in a deep and meaningful way that God will give you the courage to be open and vulnerable to share. God has so much for you as an individual and for us as a group to accomplish. Will you pray and ask God what your role in the kingdom of God is and in this ministry?

I am honored to be serving with you in this ministry. It truly is a beautiful thing to watch God work in and through us.

Questions to take to heart:

1. What are some areas in your life that you are working on?
2. What is God leading (calling) you to do?
3. How can we be praying for you?

Please reach out if you need prayer or encouragement. Just email me at: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

Sei amato,

Toni