Inhalt

A Special message!

GOD FIRST … THEN WOMEN

This is a life-changing daily inspirational guide for busy women

As I am preparing to enter the next step of my leadership journey, I was taking time to learn, be empowered and be equipped for my next chapter. I digested books, inspirational messages, motivational talks, daily devotional materials and the bible as part of my empowerment process.

I have never received so many confirmations before about my next move. The Lord has spoken to me with such a succinct clarity about many things He plans to do with me and provided me with clear pointers.

Two years ago I started contributing in Closer to God, a reflective daily devotional guide published by Scripture Union. One of many exciting revelations I received during my recent encounter with God is a reminder about the power of the devotions I have written for Closer to God in 2015 and 2016. I could hear Him telling me that these inspirations will become an anchor of hope and confidence for many women across the globe as the world is entering a new wave where women are becoming more active in all spheres of the society with the aim to make the world a better place for all.

So, I was encouraged to compile this free booklet as an inspirational daily guide for busy women like me.

I have a promise for you! By the time you finish reading this 2-week inspirational guide, your life as a woman will change for eternity. You will:

Understand God’s plan for women in this world
Recognise your role in the marriage, family and society
Receive powerful tools for successful entrepreneurship
Obtain keys for a thriving professional career

Above all, I am convinced beyond every shadow of doubt that you will discover your eternal purpose and you will choose the live by it!

Enjoy the reading!

Madelein Mkunu

WEEK 1: WOMAN: GOD’S PLAN B

AT GOD'S COMMAND!

Introduction

Throughout history, God had been using women and continue to prepare women from all walks of live as part of His divine plan for humanity. Some of these women include:

Deborah: a Judge (Judges 4)
Virtuous woman: A business woman (Proverbs 31: 10-31)
Ester: An orphan turned queen (Ester)
Sarah: Stay at home mum (Genesis 17:15)
Dorcas: A Social entrepreneur (Acts 9: 36-42)

These women, in the market-place, in the pulpit or at home, were at God’s command to fulfil His plans for their family, community or Country. In their “busyness”, they offered themselves to fulfil God’s purpose for their lives.

Today, despite the complexity of life in this century, God continues and will continue to use women from all backgrounds and classes for His Glory.

For a mid-wife: He uses her to safely assist to bring new change makers in the world
For an entrepreneur: He uses her to create jobs and alleviate poverty
For a woman on pulpit: He uses her to share the Good News of his soon coming
For a lawyer: He uses her to bring justice to the world

As a judge, Deborah was ready to follow God’s Command despite her demanding job (Judges 4: 5) and her role as a wife (Judges 4: 4). She could have all reasons not to undertake a new assignment of going to fight Sisera; after all, she was a woman. But when Barak was overwhelmed by her message, with boldness and courage, she was ready to volunteer to the Mission, knowing that she was part of God’s successful mission. She trusted God despite the long history of Sisera oppression on Israel.

How about you?

Day 1: Are you a feminist?

In this ever changing world, human beings are fascinated by their own innovative ideologies, beliefs and freedom of choices. Some dictionaries define feminism as: “the advocacy of women's rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes. In our ever changing world, it might mean different things to different people and one has to be very careful when dealing with these types of questions.

Read: Proverbs 31: 10-31

I was puzzled when I was asked if I was a feminist by an online Lifestyle Magazine during an interview. I posed for a while, taking a deep breath before even attempting to answer, knowing the diverse views around this issue. As I reflected on the question, I was soon delighted to answer with a big “YES”.

Looking at the lifestyle of the virtuous woman, she actually never even think of claiming her own rights in her family and community. Her rights were acknowledged to her, not by herself, but by the people surrounding her, including her husband and children. Nobody had the desire to fight her, oppress her and silence her. She was publicly acknowledged as a virtuous woman for what she has done and for her status, leadership style and dress code:

Her Status:

Full-time wife
Full-time mother
Full-time Businesswoman

Her Dress code:

She is clothed with strength and dignity (proverbs 31:25)

Her Leadership Style (Proverbs 31:26-27):

She is confident about the future
She speaks wisely
She instructs with kindness
She carefully looks after her household
She is not lazy

Everyone speaks highly of her, starting by her own husband and children. She never complained for numerous responsibilities she had to accomplish in her 24-hour day. She did not entertain self-pity. She was ready to be used by God as part of His divine plan for her family and her community. The news about her strength was all over the traditional media of the time. She was most probably on headlines on City Gate news where her husband was well known. In all these, men were not intimidated by her success and did not refrain from praising her publicly.

So, I came up with my own definition and ideology of “feminism”. If feminism means to use my status and leadership qualities for the benefit of my family and my community and as a result be acknowledged for my genuine leadership, then, I would like to be called a feminist.

How about you?

Day 2: Born to influence

After the death of King Ehud, Israelites went back to their old lifestyle of sin. So much so that God was very angry and turned against them, Jabin, King of Hazor who oppressed them for 25 years. The suffering was too much that they remembered the Lord. Who would champion for their cause?

Read: Judges 4

I was recently challenged by a group of religious guys who were attending the same Investment conference at which I was speaking. “Aren’t you women, trying to run away from your responsibility of rearing children?” they asked. After a short pause I carefully answered: “as far as I am concerned, women I work with are not trying to run away from our domestic responsibilities. We have just come to realize that on top of our traditional roles, we still have leftover energy that can be used to improve the quality of life of our children and our communities”. They seemed satisfied with my answer.

Deborah was not an extraordinary woman. In her time, she assumed the same traditional responsibilities as the modern woman: I guess she started by going to a “Law School” of her time, she got married, most probably had kids (thus the bible is silent about her motherhood), she had a consulting office outside her home like in today’s world. I am sure in evening, she would come home and look after the domestic affairs. Leading such a busy schedule did not stop Deborah from undertaking a seemingly impossible mission from God. Deborah was ready to fulfil her purpose by leading a victorious battle on behalf of her people. She gladly accepted to be God’s plan B during those challenging times in Israel.

A song was sung for Deborah selfish less leadership: “In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, and in the days of Jael, people avoided the main roads and travelers stayed on winding pathways. There were few people left in the villages of Israel, until Deborah arose like a mother for Israel” Judges 5: 6-7.

Every person is born for a purpose and with a purpose and within the scope of this purpose, God wants you to influence your generation. Are you ready to step up and leave a lasting legacy?

Day 3: do the unthinkable

Ester was less than what can be considered as ordinary girl. First she was a Jew living in a foreign land. Secondly, she was an orphan, raised by her uncle. Thirdly, as an immigrant, living in an oppressive land, Ester’s family was among the least in the land. But she was God’s Plan B for the salvation of His people.

Read: Ester Chapter 2 and Chapter 5

Queen Vashti never expected that she would lose her place for a simple disobedience to King Ahasuerus. Well, it happened that she was dethroned by Ester. Her simple disobedience costs her marriage, her honor and respect in the Country. From being the least, Ester was now the Queen. King Ahasuerus found a new love. But no one knew what God was up to, not even Ester herself.

Then came the evil plan by Haman, the prime Minister of Ahasuerus Empire, to wipe out God’s people. The decree to call to death all Jews, was issued. Who was God going to use to undertake this seemingly impossible mission? Mordecai, Ester’s uncle, saddened by the news, tore his clothes, put on burlap and ashes and cried. Mordecai knew, that if his niece does not act quickly, a major disaster was going to happen. Maybe it was for times such as this that his niece was made queen? (Ester 4:14).

When Ester understood the plan of God for her people, she laid down her life in order to be used by God. Part of God’s plan for humanity include sometimes doing the unthinkable. After three days of fast, she boldly sent an unthinkable request to meet the king to plea for the salvation of her people and she obtained the King’s favor. Ester made herself available to be part of God’s plan for His people.

We live in a very individualistic world today. But God is continually seeking for men and women who are ready to lay down their lives for others. Are you ready to be Ester for your family and community? Maybe it is for time such as this that you are still alive?

Day 4: Re-building Godly homes

As a mother of two young boys, I am overwhelmed by the amount of information available in today’s world. Television, internet and media provide all kind of messages in the comfort of our homes. How can we escape from stocking destructive information?

Read: Joshua 24:15

I always tell other mothers that the most challenging job for me now is raising my kids in this pervasive generation where access to information is overwhelming. I would encourage them to allow the children to remain children for as long as they can because they will be adults for much longer. My desire is always to be guided by God on how I can pass on good values to my children while exposing them to as much vital information as possible as part of their growth and development in this competitive world.

A Jewish leader of the time, Joshua, in his days, was also overwhelmed by the ways of life of his people. Idols worshipping was invading the people’s hearts. But Joshua understood that each individual has a set of freedoms and one of them is the freedom to choose. Despite the environment in which they lived, an environment full of gods of Amorites and imported gods from Egypt, Joshua was determined to reinforce God’s values in him home.

As a mother, I feel compelled to ensure the spiritual wellbeing of my children as they grow up. I am sure many other women are experiencing the same struggle within them but we are overwhelmed by the number of hats we have to wear and number of balls we have to juggle. The truth is God is with us.

2 Corinthians 9:8 says: “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”. Believe it! Possess it!

Day 5: Leaving a lasting legacy

I always like reminding myself and others of the fact that we will all pass on one day. The question always remains” what would like to be remembered for when you pass on?”

Read: Exodus 2: 1-10

It is obvious that Moses was part of God’s plan for His people, however looking back, it is undeniable that Moses was influenced by a string of women who impacted his life from birth to his adulthood.

The daring spirit of his mother convinced her to attempt to hide her beautiful baby boy. The courage of Moses sister agreed with her mother to be keeper of her baby brother. Her strategic thinking reconnected Moses with his real mother and the family for a while. The compassion of Pharaoh’s daughter compelled her to oppose her father’s order and allow Moses to live in the palace.

As successful leader of Hebrew Nation, Moses owed his life and achievements to these women and many others who have influenced his life.

As you hold that child in your hands, or you feed those street children or you support the schooling of abandoned kids, you might be raising a new generation of men and women that will influence their generation. And they will owe their achievements to you!

God is in the process of raising a new generation of godly men and women of will positively influence our world. His invitation goes out to all of us to be part of this assignment. Join the journey.

WEEK 2: JESUS EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMMES FOR WOMEN

HIS MERCIES ENDURE FOREVER!

Introduction

I am passionate about women empowerment. Until recently, I did not know that Jesus was a women advocate too. There are many scriptures referring to the actions of Jesus in favour of women in the New Testament. Just by looking at the four gospels, we see Jesus work to defend women’s rights in his time. I believe it is very important for women on this century to realise that God has a plan for women and Jesus has demonstrated it times and times again. He knew that the rights of women need to be protected in order to create balance in the society. Women have a big space in in Jesus’s heart as we can see in the two books we are referring to here. My heart’s desire is to see every woman take up, confidently, her rightful place in her family and community. The knowledge of how Jesus dealt of women’s issues at that time is critical in order to own what is rightfully ours. Some of Jesus advocacy toward women include:

Jesus honoring his mother at the Wedding of Cana, and afterwards going with him to Capernaum (He could choose not to do the miracle, and I am sure Mary would have been embarrassed to have a son that does not listen to her), John 2:1-11
Jesus winning a case of his client, the Adulterous Woman , John 8:1-11
Jesus heals a hemorrhaging woman, he empowered her to regain her womanhood, Luke 8:43-48
In Luke 18, Jesus shares the power of persistent woman, her rights against an unjust judge will be acknowledged
Jesus hears the cry of a friend, Mary and brings back her brother to life, John 11
Jesus gives a woman the exclusive rights to be the first to announce his resurrection

These and many other facts are proof that Jesus designed and implemented many women’s empowerment programmes during his time. He has not changed, what he has done back then, he is still doing it today for every woman.

Day 1: God’s strategic plan for women

By deciding to create a woman alongside a man, God had a clear road map for what he expects a woman to achieve in the world. In Genesis2:18 God said: “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him. Why has God made that move? Ever since, God had been using women and continue to prepare women from all walks of live as part of His divine plan for humanity. He knew that this world needs both the participation of both men and women in order to create a sustainable world before His glorious return.

Read: Genesis 2: 18-24

It is all very well for women to focus on claiming their rights now, to ensure that they have equal standing with their male counterparts, however it is important to do that within God’s plan for women. From the beginning, God has strategically positioned women to fulfil his vision for mankind. Some of these strategic positions include:

In the family: Genesis 3:20: Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living.
In the market place: A business woman (Proverbs 31: 10-31)
In the community at large: Dorcas: A Social entrepreneur (Acts 9: 36-42)

In political sphere: Deborah, the Judge and leaders, Judges 4
In palaces: Ester, An orphan turned queen (Ester)

It is therefore of the utmost importance for women to work alongside men and God in order to their full purpose in life. Men in general are in search for “significance in life”. However, we are witnessing that they are searching for that significance sometimes in places where there is no evidence of finding it. In industrialised world for example, people are so bored with themselves that they are trying to create all kind of programmes not only to entertain themselves, but with the hope that they will discover their purpose. One such TV programmes that fascinate me is “Naked dating”. The game is played as the name says, you have to be naked when dating someone, in the order to find your true love. In this ever changing world, human being in general and women in particular are confused about the real purpose of their existence. But God is not confused about our purpose.

Have you discovered your life’s purpose as a woman?

Day 2: Jesus’s personal development Training Programme for women

Every human being is called to make a spiritual decision in life, sooner or later. Because a man is made up of body, mind and spirit, human beings crave for something powerful than themselves. So, every single person gets to a point of making a spiritual decision before they pass on. Many women in Jesus time were also in the same search. One of them, Mary, the sister Martha and Lazarus, had attended Jesus personal development Training programme and was hooked!

Read: Luke 10:38-42

In the space where I operate we strongly recommend that women receive personal development training to boost their self-confidence and self-esteem in order to face the cruel world out there. The same way, today women are encouraged to gain confidence through awareness of their identity as we live in a very materialistic world with an endless needs and wants. Jesus mission was to teach us our true identity so we can walk with confidence in the world. Mary was a visionary woman who knew that by attending Jesus empowerment class, she would be empowered and gain the much needed confidence to face difficult challenges. This training was offered free of charge, so Mary did not hesitate to spend some of her time to participate in the training. By choosing to sit at Jesus feet during the time when Martha was preparing food, she did not mean to ignore other human’s needs such as foods, dress… this piece of scripture just highlight the fact that, in the midst of busyness of life, one can find time to meet God and hear His instructions and wisdom. Jesus himself commended Mary for choosing the best part. Mary knew that her relationship with Jesus was of utmost importance that she could not afford to neglect it for the benefit of material needs. She has made Jesus, the center of her life. In Good times, Mary abides in Him and sits at His feet to drink from His wisdom. In bad times, when Lazarus died and buried, she fell at Jesus feet. This is still true in our time. Jesus is still expecting women to choose the best part of this world,

Who is empowering you?

Day 3: The “source of life” programme for women

Human beings have different needs and desires in life. Among many of these desires comes a strong need to be loved and to love. Everyone crave for a loving and stable relationship with another person. The Samaritan woman did too. She search for love without success until she met the source of life and love.

Read: John 4:1-42

The Samaritan woman had the same desire like you and I today. The needs to be loved and to love has never changed since the creation of the world. Until there was a companion for Adam, his life was incomplete. Human being is on an unstoppable journey to search for love. Games such as Naked Dating, are proof that people can do anything to find true love. The Samaritan woman was longing for a “happily ever after” kind of life, but it was not working for her. She changed boyfriends in search for love, but nothing worked. She lived together with men that were not hers while hurting her fellow sisters in the process, I am sure. The desire for true meaning of life and love was beyond her, the wanted love at all costs until she met the true source of love, life and happiness. Jesus revealed himself to her as the “source of life”, whoever drinks of the water that he gives, will never thirst again. This is a call for women of this generation too. Life and true is found in no one else but Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Are you ready to discover the true source of life? Have you made Jesus your Lord and savior? If not, let me invite you to make that decision today.

Day 4: Jesus’s “forgiveness” programme for women

Forgiveness is of the most powerful programme Jesus uses to defend the right of women. In adultery case, how come only the woman was publicly exposed? Where was her partner in crime?

Read: John 8:1-11

According to the old laws a woman caught in adultery should be stoned. These practices are still well and alive in some cultures and religions in our today’s world. I am sure Jesus realised that the law was a bit unfair toward women. There was no gender equality in those regulations. Jesus was aware that in case of adultery for example, it always involves two people. If the punishment should be applied than most probably both individuals involved should be punished equally. Jesus therefore introduces a “forgiveness programme” to save women from unfair discrimination. In this piece of scripture, Jesus asks the accusers: “may the one who have never sin” throw the first stone. This question calls for the conscience of each individual present to search deep within him. Indeed, it worked, because no one could confidently answer the question but rather left the scene quietly. This programme is still available today for those who want it and choose to own it. Once you know your rights, you will go out with confidence and that is what Jesus want s from every woman. He asks the woman: ” where are your accusers?... I do not condemn you either, go and sin no more”. And this is the greatest message every woman should know today. Jesus is able to deliver you from the hands of your accusers if you choose to walk in him. He recommends that you walk in sanctification to avoid giving the enemy an upper hand on your life.

Would you like to close all the doors by which the enemy may enter and find an opportunity to accuse you?

Day 5: “Know your rights programme”

Jesus knew the level of inequality that exists in society whether it was based on gender, race or class. In Luc 18, he highlights gender discrimination that existed against women as they had no status and there was no one their rights. But through this scripture, Jesus wants to teach us Persistence despite some regulatory and social constraints.

Read: Luke 18: 1-8

The unthinkable has happened here. My natural mind would think that Jesus would tell us: “you know what, if they do not want to give you justice, don’t worry, I will do it for you”. This is not the case in this parable where Jesus insists that we should always pray and never give up. First of all, this widow knew her rights, secondly she was fearless of the unjust judges, and thirdly she was persistence. Jesus could have referred to a parable of anyone else, but he knew that the nature of this parable could only be real if applied in a case of woman, because women are the ones who are discriminated against most of the times. It is very important though to note that Jesus did not want her to develop a spirit of “victim mentality”. He also did not encourage to form a social club in order to fight the unjust judge. He also did not encourage any form of rebellion against the unjust judge, He was more concerned about the woman standing on her rights until justice has been granted. I am sure many of us have number of unresolved issues in business, at work … where inequality in the order of the day. First you need to establish your rights. Second face confidently the person that owe you justice. Thirdly continue, in orderly manner, to request justice….Surely justice shall be granted to you.

Which of Jesus’ empowerment programmes you need the most?

CONCLUSION

We, women of the 21st century are of views that because the world does not recognise our rights, we need to organise ourselves and take our rights in our own hands. While doing so, we need acknowledge that from the beginning, God already had a wonderful plan for women’s empowerment. Besides giving birth and caring for humanity, God had put a woman at the center of his own heart. He wants us to live with confidence and in victory knowing that he loves us and wants to honor us in every possible way. Like Mary, our first call of duty is to sit at his feet to learn his wisdom, plan and purpose for our lives. Once we have understood his divine plan for our lives as women, he encourages us to walk in sanctification and abide in his instructions so not to give the enemy an opportunity to hold us captive. Once we are standing right with him, we need to own our rights, and take our rightful place in the society.

Find your life purpose

Women have a special place in God’s heart as He positions us to be an integral part of his plan for human kind. More than ever, He is appealing to women to "arise and shine” Isaiah 60:1.

While we all expect change to happen around the world, it is critical to understand that change must start with “me”. Your family and community need a role model and you can be the very agent of change they long to see.

Like Deborah, rise like a “Mother” your family and community want to see
Like the virtuous woman, be the businesswoman who deals with integrity and ethics
Like Ester, be bold to do the unthinkable for the benefit of others
Like Sarah be the home executive that honors her husband and calls him “master”
Like Dorcas, sacrifice some of your wealth to share with those less privileged than you

From the market place to the pulpit, God’s call is upon all of us to influence godly the world. God is looking for accountants, lawyers, engineers, teachers, scientists, doctors, entrepreneurs, home executives… so he can strategically place them in key influential positions so they can impact their world. If you have one or more of the above qualifications and more, He could be looking for you. All it will take is to say “Here I am, use me!”

About the author

Madelein Mkunu is a committed Christian woman operating in the market place as an entrepreneur. I believe I am building an unparalleled reputation for my innovative thinking and strategic approach to women and business development in Africa. Through her genuine leadership, I am establishing a global influence, catalysing change and driving innovation. My dream is to shape a new generation of African leaders through various programmes. I am happily married and mother of two young boys. I am passionate about empowering women to fulfil their purpose on earth and leave a lasting legacy in Africa. For more information please visit: www.madeleinmkunu.com or www.leadingwomenofafrica.com .

Impressum

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 25.07.2016

Nächste Seite

Seite 1 /