04/24/12

Meet Our Director

 Charlene W. Kirst, the Director of Women Under His Wings, is a transplanted Virginian. She was born and reared in Newport News, Virginia, the daughter of Pastor Royal C. Wesley, Sr. (deceased) and Irene Ivory Turner Wesley(also deceased). Charlene came to Wisconsin with her preacher husband, John, and daughters Elizabeth and Christina in 1991. Settling in Sparta, John and Charlene co-pastored First Pentecostal Baptist Church from 1991 until 2002. Charlene and her family moved to Town of Bangor in 2003, and they are presently ministering through Grass Roots Revival Ministries. Charlene is a women’s pastor, preacher, and leader of Women Under His Wings. Also a music minister, Charlene is in love with anything that is under the sole dominion of Jesus Christ.

Charlene is an avid learner, and has an A.A.S. degree from Thomas Nelson Community  College in Hampton, Virginia. She acquired a Bachelors in Biblical Studies and a Masters in Servant Leadership from Viterbo University in LaCrosse, WI in 2006. She has studied at Wakefield Seminary in Wakefield, Virginia, and is at  present seeking her Doctorate in Servant Leadership.

“Study to show thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”   2 Timothy 2:15

 Her passions are The WORD, prayer, counseling, music, teaching, the prophetic, helps, and womens ministry.

Hobbies include art, blogging, writing, songwriting, photography, sewing, and truck gardening.

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2012 Rev. Charlene Wesley Kirst

 

This entry was posted in Women UHW Staff by admin.

02/20/12

Charlene's Thoughts: A Belated Look At Valentines Day

Charlene’s Thoughts: A Belated Look At Valentines Day

     Holidays are wonderful. They take the drab out of our existence and give us opportunity to relate to loved ones and friends. For some, however, holidays can be a hurting time. Singles, especially, may find Valentines Day to be a hard holiday to embrace.

I can remember being single. It was a lonely existence with time spent working; visiting family and friends; fishing and bowling–just in an attempt to fill my hours and keep my thoughts off of going home to my empty house. I can remember driving down to the ocean and staring out at the water while bemoaning my single state. I am an extreme extravert–and being alone for me was not a good thing then or now.

I listen to my daughters, both single, and realize that they also struggle with this love holiday. While they are searching and praying for their special person, it is emotionally trying to view everyone else around them in relationships. They struggle with the decision to attend a valentine’s party, or not? What they do not realize is that the state of being single also has it’s own merit.

When you are single you can choose to make your own agenda. You can motor to a quiet spot on a whim; go shopping without extreme guilt, or sleep in (a rare privilege for us married folk). There are none to argue with your politics unless you choose to allow them. You can invest and save for a rainy day and…you can buy a luxury car or a sports car because you are usually the only occupant. In other words you have more freedom. On the down side–you may experience less social interaction.

There are some single people who love being single. They surround themselves with family and/or friends and choose to live a single lifestyle. They are happy in the knowledge that this is their choice, and many are true nurturers. They become the aunties and uncles that shower love on everyone.

I guess this all boils down to realizing that the old axiom, “grass is always greener on the other side” may not always be true. Not all singles want married bliss, although I can safely say that most do, and not all marrieds want to stay married. Marriage is hard work and extreme commitment,and is definitely not for the faint of heart!!

That said, Valentines Day can be painful for singles and marrieds alike. So the next time you bemoan your fate as a single on Valentines Day, please remember that there are widow(ers), divorced persons, and people in abuse situations out there. Valentines Day is a struggle for them also.

credit: Charlene @charlenesattic.com

Be Blessed

This entry was posted on Monday, February 20th, 2012 at 10:12 am and is filed under My Look at the World.

01/16/12

Psalm 53 David Expounded

 Psalm 53

 For the director of music. According to mahalath.[b] A maskil[c] of David.

 1 The fool says in his heart,
   “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their ways are vile;
   there is no one who does good.

 2 God looks down from heaven
   on all mankind
to see if there are any who understand,
   any who seek God.
3 Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt;
   there is no one who does good,
   not even one.

 4Do all these evildoers know nothing?

   They devour my people as though eating bread;
   they never call on God.
5 But there they are, overwhelmed with dread,
   where there was nothing to dread.
God scattered the bones of those who attacked you;
   you put them to shame, for God despised them.

 6 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
   When God restores his people,
   let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 53:1 In Hebrew texts 53:1-6 is numbered 53:2-7.
  2. Psalm 53:1 Title: Probably a musical term
  3. Psalm 53:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term

I find it so amazing that these words expressed by the Psalmist echo through time to our present age as a testimony of the nature of man. We read in Scripture that GOD does not change. Sadly, neither does mankind.

Yes, we do change in our outer lives–some prosper and accumulate wordly wealth. Others may prosper and accumulate spiritual wealth. In some cases both forms of wealth are realized–but mankind has this tendency to stick to a basic, selfish nature. “The fool says in his heart, “There is no GOD”. Verse 1a. This obviously happened long ago and is still happening today. That is the reason why we still need a Savior to intervene and stand in the gap for us. Jesus is our intercessor, and He is the one who declares the reality and righteousness of the Father. We have a warrior King on our side, and even within this historical timeframe; because of this historical timeframe; it is even more desperately important to see that the Kingdom of GOD is presented to the masses, and that the people are given opportunity for redemption and salvation.

David saw into the heart of man because of his own human experiences. He also saw into the heart of GOD because of his own spiritual encounters with GOD and personal deliverance. David speaks frankly and fervently here. He knows the mercy of GOD’s Spirit–the Comfort of His presence.

“God looks down from Heaven on all mankind, to see if there are any who understand, any who seek GOD”  Verse 2.  This statement was relevant tn David’s time–it is also relevant in our own time.        Charlene

 

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

11/15/11

Psalm 8: A Psalm Of David

Republished January 2, 2012

 

Psalm 8

For the director of music. According to gittith.[b]

 A Psalm of David.

1 LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory
in the heavens.
2 Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?[c]

5 You have made them[d] a little lower than the angels[e]
and crowned them[f] with glory and honor.
6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their[g] feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
8 the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Footnotes:
a.Psalm 8:1 In Hebrew texts 8:1-9 is numbered 8:2-10.
b.Psalm 8:1 Title: Probably a musical term
c.Psalm 8:4 Or what is a human being that you are mindful of him, / a son of man that you care for him?
d.Psalm 8:5 Or him
e.Psalm 8:5 Or than God
f.Psalm 8:5 Or him
g.Psalm 8:6 Or made him ruler . . . ; / . . . his

Psalm 8 is a Psalm of Inquiry. David is contemplating the nature and work of GOD.

 “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, and human beings that you  visit them…”  ?

David is asking “Why am I here, LORD, and what is the purpose in my relationship with you”? 

 Haven’t we all asked this question at many times in our lives? It is astonishing to us that, we, as mere sinful mortals, have the attention of the Triune GOD. We have a Father in Heaven who looks down upon his children and sees each one as the creation he ordained into being. We are all here for a specific purpose because GOD sees us as equals in His sight. We have all been preordained to perform a work in Him that will draw others unto Him. No one is more important than the other, and each of us has to seek out our personal place in His ministry.

I’m learning as time goes on to concentrate my energies into fewer projects. To spread my Godly gifts more discreetly. This does not mean that I turn my back on those things that have gone before–it means that I embrace new possibilities while gradually passing the baton to others to guide ministries in which I am presently engaged. The word ‘gradually’ is employed here because stewardship demands that we keep our responsibilities until others are fully able to assume them.

David said “You have made them a little lower than the angels, and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the work of your hands, you put everything under their feet… ”  Why would GOD place us in such a position in Him?

There is a trust that exists between a committed believer and Christ.  We engage in a covenant relationship with Him, God’s Holy Spirit, and GOD the Father. This relationship is what fuels our abilities, our heart committments, and our purpose here on earth. We knew GOD before we were “formed in the belly”, and our connection to Him is not severed at birth but diverted until we learn to conquer he of this world through Jesus our LORD. “You, dear children, are from GOD and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” !    John 4:4 NIV

God has made us to be His hands, His voice, His feet, and His heart here on earth. We have been given a ‘trust’ in Him to guard, keep, and distribute wisely. Everything that is GOD’s is ours–therefore we are to keep His WORD, His world, His work, His church, and His people from all harm and danger. Can we do this alone? No we cannot. We must work together through GOD’s Holy Spirit to perform the works of Christ in all humility and diligence, establishing His Kingdom here on earth, and seeking the reward of Heaven. Does that mean that we do, or give, to get? No–it means that we do to give and allow GOD to determine the reward. Keep in mind that GOD is justice–therefore when we turn our backs on His WORD,  His world, His work, His church, and His people He will establish a just reward here also.

The Psalmist gives GOD praise. We  should all praise the King of Kings and LORD of LORDS for it is He who gives us life, breath, and hope for this world and beyond.  PRAISE YE THE LORD, HALLELUJAH!!

Rev. Charlene

All Scripture Quotes are from the New International Version of the Bible@  www.biblegateway.com

 

09/15/11

Psalm 92 Verses 12 through 15 King James Version

“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our GOD.

They shall bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the Lord is upright: He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him”.

12/16/10

Does God Use Women In Ministry?

Greetings Ladies,

Another Teaching based on “The Confident Woman” by Joyce Meyer and The Holy Scriptures“.

One of the most controversial scriptures in the Bible is that expounded by Paul the Apostle in 1 Corinthians 14 NIV. “As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.” 

This scripture has been misapplied for the entire history of the Christian church, and has impeded the ministry of the church. Women are especially inclined to instruct and to exhort.  Men can also be gifted this way–but it is my belief that women naturally love to instruct.  Women can also be outspoken, inquisitive, and demanding as human beings. We want to know what is going on right now.  This trait can bring troubles of its own.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul is addressing an issue in the church that arose out of the need for the church to transition from the pagan practices of the time before Christ’s death and resurrection into the Christian practices of the early church. Sad to say, a lot of those pagan ways are resurfacing in the church today and leading God’s people astray, and some practices were never purged from the church.

The early church was inhabited by many people who had come out of the pagan worship arena. Some pagan services were noisy and out of control, and many people brought this behavior into the assemblies of the early Christian church. Let me pause here to make a distinction between the prevailing worship attitude of the church today, that is inspired by God’s Holy Spirit, and the pagan attitude of worship that did not include the check of God’s Holy Spirit on the heart of His people. They erred for lack of knowledge.

The women, even though they were now in the Christian church, still carried the habits they had learned in the pagan worship ceremonies. The Jewish converts were also inclined to ask  for explanations of the service content. They would call out comments and questions due to the early church’s lack of providing education for their women. The Jewish temple structure included a women’s court. The women were not allowed into the inner temple area. As a result, they were forced to inquire of their husbands and sons as to what was occurring in the service.

There are many examples of the Apostle Paul’s association and work with women in the church. To name a few we have Priscilla, Tabitha, Phoebe, and Lydia. Paul gave high praise to all of these women. It would be contradictory to assume that he would embrace these women but no others. 

It is our role as workers in the Kingdom to listen to God’s Holy Spirit and to act upon His leading. There is no room for gender consideration in the Lord’s army. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for all are one in Christ Jesus”. Galatians 4:28

Source: Myer, Joyce. “The Confident Woman”. Copyright 2006. Warner Faith Hachette Book Group USA

All Scripture quotes taken from the Holy Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers,. NIV Version

10/4/10

Words from The Lord

      Word 1:  A Heart Applied Appropriately

          Will Always Be A Prayer

 

Word 2:  I Am the One in Control

    Follow after Me, not after man

For I AM the One you will be

standing before in judgment

Man will not judge you,

I will judge you

Follow after Christ,

not after man

And do as I command you to do

 

09/18/10

Lead Me to the Rock/Joy Comes In the Morning

Psalm 61: 1-5 Living Bible      The Prayer of a Troubled Heart

          “O GOD, listen to me! Hear my prayer! For wherever I am, though far away at the ends of the earth, I will cry to you for help. When my heart is faint and overwhelmed, lead me to the mighty, towering Rock of Safety. For you are my refuge, a high tower where my enemies can never reach me. I shall live forever in your tabernacle–Oh, to be safe beneath the shelter of your wings! For you have heard my vows, O GOD, to praise you everyday, and you have given me the blessings you reserve for those who reverence your name”.

Psalm 30: 4  Living Bible         GOD’s Deliverance

          “Oh, sing to Him, you saints of His; give thanks to His Holy Name. His anger lasts a moment; His favor lasts for life! Weeping may go on all night, but in the morning there is Joy”.

04/9/10

You Matter More Than You Think Update

The women are truly enjoying the teaching: You Matter More Than You Think by Dr. Leslie Parrott. We have been exploring our roles as women in GOD’S Kingdom by studying women in the scriptures–Ruth, Deborah, Mary, Mary and Martha, Tabitha and others.  We are also studying Paul, Barnabus, and Timothy as additional  examples of servant leaders. The goal is to inspire each other through teaching the WORD to be our best for the Kingdom as women ordained to do the LORD’s service. We will then apply these principles to our lives and the lives of those around us.

09/16/09

Real Torn…Beneath the Veil

While reading the book Real Torn…Beneath The Veil by Pamela L. Ellis, The LORD placed it on my heart to share this book with you and to also share the author. Rev. Pamela L. Ellis lives in Onalaska, Wisconsin and is concerned about the eternal souls and spirits of men and women. GOD has called her to share her story with others as a means of forwarding the Kingdom of GOD. 

I have personally known Rev. Pam since 1994 and have watched her grow in her quest to do GOD’s will. May GOD Bless her work and her ministry.

You may access her book of encouragement and overcoming at Amazon.com by clicking on Rev. Pamela L. Ellis on the Blogroll sidebar.

                                                      Rev. Charlene Kirst

08/20/09

Rev. John Kirst–Bio

Rev. John Kirst is my partner in Ministry. He originates from Tonawanda, New York, a city near Buffalo. John has a B.S. degree in Entrepreneural Marketing from UWL-LaCrosse and has used this degree to enhance his work for the LORD. He is a avid computer enthusiast and is adept at building websites. John has been my spouse for 26 years and we have come through many joys and trials together and have grown together in the faith because of them. John is a licensed, ordained minister, preacher, and teacher who has much to share with us all. As he gives me material for the Kingdom I will share it with you and, prayerfully, the world. This is a great time of revival for the Church and a renewed zeal for the work set before us. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. ”  Matthew 28: 19 & 20.

                                                                                                   Charlene