THE GLORIOUS RESULT

PERSEVERANCE

The Glorious Results come from persevering.  Most people want a testimony without the test.  We may want the product but skip the process.  

Charles Swindoll  states, " I fear our generation has come dangerously near the "I'm-getting-tired-so-let's-just-quit" mentality."  Not just the spiritual realm but in the natural realm. Let's review a few examples:

• Dieting is a discipline, so we stay fat
• Finishing school is a hassle, so we bail out
• Cultivating a close relationship is painful, so we back off
• Getting a book written is demanding, so we stop short
• Working through conflicts in a marriage is a tiring struggle, so we walk away
• Sticking with an occupation is tough, so we start looking elsewhere

TODAY'S FOCUS:  MARY HEART - MARTHA WORLD 

As you focus on Christ the two becomes one.  God removes the wall between the living room and the kitchen and made them one. You can go forth doing Martha with a Mary heart.  

As you reflect on the above let's discuss:

• How can we serve with the characteristics of both women?

• What examples can you give that reflect the two?
• 
  

Remember, "God uses the pressures of trials to perfect our lives.  When we persevere, we become mature and complete.  We suffer no deficiency.  We have everything we need."

God Bless - Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

THE TESTING OF OUR FAITH

PAIN WITH A PURPOSE

As we dialogue today, focus on this impressive statement and reflect back on your pain.

"God delights in transforming the black-carbon pressures of our life into diamonds of radiant beauty."

The birth of a baby is a great analogy to this subheading.  

For mothers who have experienced painful and long labor will tell you that it is a pain that is indescribable and severe.  The process of the pregnancy sometimes can make you weary, some may even experience "not so nice" thoughts, mixed emotions, some may even regret and question their ability to reach full term.  But the purpose of the pain and pressure has a reward.  A baby! Birthed from within her.  The pride and happiness of the bundle of joy almost deletes the months of anxious waiting and eliminate the memory of the pain.  

GOOD THINGS RARELY COMES EASY - IT WILL BE WORTH IT ALL

James 1: 2-4 

My brethren count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.  

James encourages us to be joyful in our struggles and circumstances and look beyond the painful surface awaiting like a pregnant mother the delivery and birth for that which we have endured.  

TODAY'S FOCUS: THE TESTING OF YOUR FAITH HAS A PURPOSE  

The word states that the trials of the Christians were directed toward a glorious and perfect end.  It will be worth it all if we persevere.  

SHARE OR REFLECT ON YOUR STORY...

• What did you experience that can be compared as a pregnant mother?

• What was your bundle of joy (outcome)

May God bless you as you remain steadfast and joyful in your pain knowing that we have already won and our deliverance is sure.  

Virtuous Jewel  

PARTNERS WITH CHRIST

Are you expecting God to do all the work?

The Lord went all the way to make us His own.  He has given us His Holy Spirit to teach us and guide us.  Though He has invested His own life to sanctify us and make us holy, takes what we have to offer and make it into His masterpiece and good, we are still expected to partner in with Him in the process.  We must do our part for He definitely will do His.  

A LIFE OF EASE PLEASE

Joanna Weaver continues to express that the journey is a challenging one, but we can live it out.

Sometimes we will hear nothing when we approach God except the soft sense of His presence.  The sense that He is there waiting for us to catch on to what he wants to teach us in the process.  

Henrietta Mears says, "there is only one way to learn God's lessons - On your face, with your mouth shut." 

TODAY'S FOCUS -  WHAT'S YOUR APPROACH?

Look at the various approaches and let's discuss which approach are you using to approach God?   

• All-Star-Wrestling prayer approach - "Howsaboutta little help here?"

• Job Approach - Why don't you care?

• Jonah Nineveh Approach - I'm headed somewhere else?

Remember whatever you do, do your part and partner with Christ

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

FINAL CHAPTER

HAVING A MARY HEART IN A MARTHA WORLD

We are closing our study with the title of the book, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World.  

Although it was challenging at times, it has been a great journey.  

LORD OF THE PROCESS

It takes a process to make a product.  I am a living witness. I didn't just happened overnight. There were days when I questioned my faith, my strength and my ability to go through the process. But God! Through the fires of trials, hardship, temptations, loss, affliction, hurt and pain, I was made into His precious Jewel.  

The diamond ring that you wear didn't just happen, it went from the rock to the worker to the jeweler through the  chiseling and fires of refining to become your token of love.

The car you drive didn't just show up on the dealers showroom floor.  It had to take several parts going through different processes to come together, (just think of how the tires became tires, the engine and the various mechanical components were selected) to become your driving beauty. 

The house that you live in was not your place of sweet dreams until it went through the cleaning, excavation and construction drilling, hammering and other environmental and planning processes.

TODAY'S FOCUS:  BECOMING LIKE JESUS REQUIRES A PROCESS

The Christian walk requires a process the same way a product requires a process.

CHRISTIANITY IS A PROCESS AND NOT AN EVENT

If you truly want to be like Jesus you won't escape the refining process.  

Let's concentrate on some of your frustrations, disappointments or trials....

As you look at your circumstances and the various areas of you life can you see the things that you experience as a means and process of becoming what God wants for you?

Do you see even some of your hurt and struggles are the very thing God has perfected in your life and or ministry?  

Share and discuss how they have all formed to be a part of the plan of God for your life or how they have influenced or better your life.  

Remember Jesus is the Lord of the process and He who has started and began the work in you is able to bring it to it's completion.  Hallelujah!!

God Bless and always remember to Keep The Faith!!

Virtuous Jewel 

WATCH YOUR FEED

EAT RIGHT!  

Every where you look today, there are ads and books about eating and healthy living.  

Sometimes it may get confusing as to what is right to eat..

Don't eat this, eat this, eat that.  Sometimes what one person would say don't eat the other person would say eat the same thing that was not right for you.  

Yet despite the confusion, we must eat for survival.  Eating the right foods and essentials will improve our skin tone, strengthen our hair, improve our vision, blood, and other bodily functions.  Our intake must be proportion right, and we must also eat in moderation and have a balance.  

WHAT ABOUT YOUR SPIRITUAL EATING HABITS?

In Matthew 15:11-20 the story is untraveled about some eating etiquette.  It is said that it's not what goes into a man that defiles a man (we know that he was really speaking of eating with unwashed hands rather than eating anything) but what comes out of him, we must note that eating right will ultimately enhance our lives.  

TODAY'S FOCUS - So, what are we feeding on? Consider the following:

• Are you eating right spiritually?
• Feeding on the word daily?
• Engaging in spiritual conversations?
• Thinking pure and holy thoughts?
• Watching inappropriate things on TV or internet?
• Receiving the right counsel and advice
• .........

Today, I would like to engage you in discussing some food we can eat both good and bad, that can affect us after it is processed.  

(example - Hate - will result in murder, sicknesses and other ills; daily bible reading - will result in establishing God's truth etc....) 

Today lets make a list of wrong foods and their results and the right foods and their results.

GOD'S MERCIES

GREAT IS HIS FAITHFULNESS!!!!

Did you know it's because of God's mercies we are not consumed?  

Lamentations 3:22-23 

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning:  Great is His faithfulness.  

TODAY'S FOCUS: Have you experienced God's Mercies?

Today I ask that you reflect on an experience when you knew like you knew that it was God's mercies that kept you or delivered you. Share the experience (if not too personal) that someone would benefit.  Consider the following when expressing and relating your story.

• How did you know it was the mercies of God?
• How did that change your life?
• What did you learn from that experience?
• In what way has that make you express mercy to others?

Know that God loves us and has extended great mercies and compassion towards us.  He could have chosen to let us suffer the punishment for our sins, BUT... His mercies gave us a second chance.

Remember to extend the same measures to someone else.

God Bless you and Keep The Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

YOUR IDENTITY

KNOWING WHO YOU ARE 

TODAY I WANT TO ASK ....

WHAT LABEL ARE YOU WEARING?

1. How are you identified? (i.e.. name, status, position, past mistakes etc...)
2. How has that identity affect you?

WHO DOES GOD SAYS YOU ARE?

1. Have you lived up to what you are called or who God SAYS you are?
2. Write a paragraph of scriptures that God says about you.

Don't let anyone tie you to a label that you are not comfortable with or God did not say that you are.  Renounce anything that others or you have spoken about you.  Trust God to give you the mind of Christ and know that you are a new creature in Christ Jesus.

Love & Blessings

Virtuous Jewel

HIGHER GROUND

ASSESSING YOUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

What does Higher Ground Mean to you?

(Is it become a minister, engaging in some form of ministry, doing more for God, turning your life around, or leading others to Him?)

Waking up this morning to this song in my spirit....
I'm Pressing on the upward way, New Heights I am gaining everyday, got me thinking.....

I would like to engage you with the same thoughts by asking..... 

Question 1.  How have you grown in the last 10 months spiritually?  

This next verse also had me assessing my spiritual position....

My Heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay
Though some may dwell where these abound
My prayer my aim is higher ground

Question 2.  What is your desire? Are you ready to rise to the next level?

I encourage you to engage with me today as we seek spiritual growth to gain new heights on higher ground.

May God bless you as you lift your voice and sing the chorus with me...

Lord lift me up and let me stand
By faith on heaven's table land
A higher plane that I have found
Lord plant my feet on higher ground.

Oh  let this be your desire to..... PRESS ON THE UPWARD WAY!

Virtuous Jewel

CONCLUSION - BALANCING WORK AND WORSHIP

LEANING INTO OUR WEAKNESS

It is important to understand that in order to live the balanced life spoken throughout the week, we need to put more weight on the side we are weakest in.

This is the same of the balance of our lives.  There are instances we have to make a more concentrated effort to lean into our area of weakness and give more weight to the area of work or worship

YOU DON'T NEED TO DO IT ALONE! 

Ask for help.  The Lord is ready and willing to assist through the Holy Spirit to enable you to change.  

BELOW THE WATER LINE

How do we balance work and worship?  The secret is maintaining our connection to Jesus Christ.

The story told by Jeanne Mayo that "It all begins at the water line" has become a spiritual trigger point in her life.  It takes a determined focus and commitment to do first things first. 

What does that mean? Is there enough time and concentration to our spiritual life or is there more time spent in service. We must look below the line - work and worship.    If we concentrate on one or the other our lives will capsize.  There must be weight on both ends to balance or else one will capsize the other.  

There is no doubt that our worship (spiritual lives) must come first.  Because that's where we receive the council  to move forward.  It's in our constant communion and fellowship we can successfully move on to perform the duties of service.

TODAY'S FOCUS - CHECK UNDER YOUR WATERLINE

What's happening under the waterline of your ship?

• Is there enough balance under your waterline?
• Is the top of your water line in service or worship weightier that it's flipping over?

Activity 

1. Draw a boat on water with the bottom of the ship below the water line.
2. Label the top of the boat Service 
3. Label below the water Worship.
4. List your activities in either area 

I ask that you look at your ship (your lives) evaluate if a storm should come your way  is there enough weight in the bottom of the ship to balance you and to keep you from flipping over?

How can you add weight if needed in any area?

Remember as you spend time in the Living Room, walking talking and fellow-shipping with the Lord, you will be rich in the things of God.  You will also see that out of that abundance you will find the ability to find balance and be steadfast in the midst of any storm that come your way.  

Love God and your neighbor.  Balance both ends, rest in the Sabbath and practice hospitality.  

God Bless - Keep The Faith!

Virtuous Jewel  

SPECIAL TREAT

THE GIFT OF SABBATH REST

Today I did a special treat for you letting you know how to let your soul catch up to you!
Enjoy and be blessed

TODAY'S FOCUS -  CONTINUED BALANCE

1.  God has instructed us to observe a regular period of extended rest in the middle of our busy lives.  

• How are you observing the rest of God?

2.  Hospitality isn't an option to anyone who wants to serve Christ.  It is a part of our calling and though hard it is required as must be included in our busy lives.

• How can you practice hospitality?

May God bless and empower you today.  Please provide your feedback on this special treat.  

Keep The Faith

Virtuous Jewel

THE RHYTHM OF A BALANCED LIFE

BALANCE BETWEEN LIVING ROOM AND THE KITCHEN

Chapter 11 continues with the rhythm of the balance.

Sometimes the balance between the two often times may resemble the up-and-down, back-and-forth motion of the teetertotter than of synchronicity.

One side of your life may take predominance at times.  One day you may spend several hours in prayer, bible study or spiritual intimacy, and another time you may find yourself wrapped up in service.  

This may happen from time to time.  As long as you set your balance and there is evidence that both are happening, don't worry.  

Planning is Everything

If you plan to do a week of spiritual activities or attend a retreat, you may not have time to do some of your duties.  So plan ahead, schedule or assign them to someone.  Always ask the Lord to help you schedule and plan your day or week. Don't try to count the hours spent doing both for balance.  You may want to spend a day in prayer and fasting, or a day just resting and reading don't look at it as if your day was not balanced if you have scheduled your duties and spread them out and can spend the day as you choose.  You may have a day where you were out doing community work and made up with that day.  

As long as you balance the two don't feel frustrated.

TODAY'S FOCUS - DO A BALANCE CHECKLIST

Because we were created for balance we can always feel the difference when our souls are out of balance or when an area is tilted too far than the other.  Our moods, attitudes, behaviors and energy level will demonstrate which area needs to be tilted.

Today, I ask that you give heed to your soul and sit down and do a balance checklist.  Our book gives us some signs but I would like you to do our own checklist.  (If you have your copy of your book you can review the one given, but there maybe some things not listed)

• How are you feeling right now as it relates to being balanced?

• Are you tilted in the are of work or worship?

Let's do a little exercise today.....

Depending on how you answered above list the things that have caused or causing you to be tilted. You can share a little story of your balanced or tilted life.  

Make a list also of all the things that you have to do as a routine with both service and worship

(perhaps committee, community, church or other activities, family and other engagements)

Give that list to God in prayer and ask him to help you develop a schedule that will help you to fulfill them without tilting over or feeling frustrated.

As you let the Holy Spirit guide you commit to be balanced.  Don't copy anyone's schedule, but what will work for you.  Let me also let you know that your schedule will change as you seek to find balance, so be flexible and open to change.  

Remember balance is not just finding and staying in perfect equilibrium but a matter of finding the perfect rhythm for you.  

God Bless and Keep The Faith!

Precious Jewel

 

CONTINUING YOUR BALANCE

CORRECTIVE MEASURES

Joanna Weaver states, " But there is more to this balanced Christian walk than only serving."

What measures have you taken to correct yours?

Jesus provided the story of the good Samaritan to prove the point to the lawyer in His day.  When we say we love serving people to what extent do we do it.  Is it way and beyond, off balance that there is no room for worship?   Or are we living on the spiritual side of life that there is no room for others?

Worship naturally comes first.  But even though we were created for worship, we were also created to do good works and do good deeds as in the story of the good Samaritan. Sometimes it seems like we are so caught up in worship that we neglect to do good deeds. 

"WE WERE CREATED TO SAY YES TO THE CALL OF BOTH DUTY AND DEVOTION."

PRACTICE SAYING YES

It seems that some people only know how to say no.  No matter what you ask them to do whether serving or ministering they would answer NO.  

We must practice to say YES.  Of course within reason and as God leads into our spirits.  We do not want to forget God's counsel and allow leanness into our souls.

TODAY'S FOCUS - WATCH YOUR BALANCE -                                                                                Less you become spiritually malnourished!

Jill Briscoe states " It's great release to know that the secret to "doing it all" is not necessarily doing it all, but rather discover which part of the "all" He has give us to do and doing all of that."  

So I pose the following questions...

• Are you doing it all?

• In Which area (duty or devotion) are you weighing most?

• Are you saying yes when you should be saying no?

• Are you saying no when you should be saying yes?

As you go throughout your day, think about the questions above and ask the Lord Jesus to direct you to His leading and point you to balance and fulfillment of His will and purpose for your life.  

YOUR FEEDBACK IS VERY IMPORTANT TO OUR MINISTRY

I know you have been reading and enjoying the journey with us, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World.  I would love to hear your experience.  Please share with us and let us know how we are doing, how you have been enjoying the journey and the blogs.  

If you would also like to express your appreciation with a financial seed or blessing, please go to our website and help us continue to be a ministry who has purposed to empower, encourage, inspire, educate, motivate, bring deliverance, wholeness to others to enable them to enjoy an abundant and balanced life.  

 We love you and appreciate you and welcome your feedback.  May God bless you. 

Pastor Julie V. Modeste-Rhymer

Virtuous Jewel

CHAPTER 11 BALANCING WORSHIP and SERVICE

BAD CASE OF THE "BUMPSIES"

(When you are heavier on one side than the other and get bumped down or become unbalanced.  Teeter-totter or get the bumpsies.)  

After receiving a response to his first question the lawyer was reminded of what was written in the law.  Seeking to justify himself further he challenged Jesus with the question - "Who is my neighbor?  (Luke 10:29)

It is obvious that the answer he got was probably not the answer he was expecting.  He got the bumpsies.. and was brought right back down to earth from his legalistic and super-spiritual outlook.   

Love for God and Love for Others - Worship and Service

These are examples of a balance. - They exist with each other to form a balance.

The same way we must balance our service with worship.

Today's Focus:  Are you suffering with the Bumpsies?

Sometimes we are one sided tumbled over with worship or service.  Let's discuss...

• Is one area stronger than the other? Which one?

• What are you willing to do to find balance?

Share an experience where you were overpowered by one or the other

1. How did it make you feel?
2. What did you learn from that experience?
3. How would you handle it again in the future?

May God bless you as we go through this week balancing worship and service.

Remember always to chose the better part and find the perfect spot of synchronicity.  

Virtuous Jewel

KISSES

KISSES CAN HURT!

Kisses are supposed to be gentle, tender, affectionate and make you feel better.  But...

Judas gave Jesus one kiss.  The kiss of betrayal.  The kiss that identified Him as the son of God. The kiss that was the signal to kill.  

Yes, kisses can hurt! That kiss hurt the son of God and caused Him to die.

Mary's loving and lavishing love was on the other hand different.  They were given in love and from a heart that was thankful.  

TODAY'S FOCUS - (Self Awareness)

1. DOES YOUR KISS HURT OR HEAL?

As you look at the two scenarios of affection, where do you see yourself?

Are your actions and demonstration of love hurt the Lord or are you like Mary pouring out your oil of praise in lavishing love?

As you respond think about...

• How you treat your family, friends, church co-workers etc..
• The condition and motive of your heart when you give 

    2.  A TEST OF LOVE... (Summarized from St. Augustine- Self Test)

"Suppose God proposed to you a deal and said, "I will give you anything you want.  You can possess the whole world.  Nothing will be impossible for you.. Nothing will be a sin, nothing forbidden.  You will never die, never have pain, never have anything you do not want and always have anything you do want- except for just one thing you will never see my face."

Question?  Let's talk....

Did that question give you the chill?  

How would you feel if you were allow to do everything but not see His face?

As you reflect on the two sections of today's focus.  Inspect your heart and ensure that the precious aroma of extravagant love rises to heaven out of a pure and sincere heart.

Keep the faith - God Bless!

Virtuous Jewel

LAVISH LOVE

LOVING WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART

1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: THAT'S LAVISH LOVE!

Do you ever wonder why some people are so giving and no matter what they keep doing and doing, giving and giving?

Most times these people are not recognized or stick out in the crowd but they ...

•   Are heroes of faith
•   Know how to love

TODAY'S FOCUS... ARE YOU HOLDING ANYTHING BACK?

In Mary story... MARY GAVE HER ALL.

She didn't consider the cost or the quantity but poured it all over her Lord!

She unwrapped her headpiece of her custom and let down her hair to wipe the feet of her Lord.  

Your extravagance may be misunderstood and adversely affect others.

Let's discuss...

• Have you had to do anything outside of the custom or norm to show your love for your Lord?

• What have you done that may have caused others to classify you as extravagant?

•  What was the outcome or end results approval or disapproval?

Like Mary you may be vulnerable, fragile and open for rejection or rebuke.  

But go ahead and give Him your all.  

Remember, the silent approval of Jesus is maybe all you need.  

God Bless - Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel  

TWO KINDS OF HEARTS

IS YOUR LOVE TIGHT-FISTED?

It is said Mary had a heart of gratitude, but Judas had a heart o greed.

Godliness with contentment is great gain.  Discontentment on the other hand can creep in our lives and make us very unsatisfied with what we have.   That's why the apostle Paul said that greed and eagerness for money have caused some to err from the faith and pierce themselves with many sorrows.

Without gratefulness we can fall prey to the same hardness of heart and darkness that Judas displayed.  It's only the grace of God that keeps us.  

MARY'S HEART VS JUDAS'S HEART

Mary came with abandon - Judas came with an agenda

Mary heard what Jesus was saying - and she responded - Judas heard but did not understand.

Mary held nothing back - Judas gave nothing up

TODAY'S FOCUS:  Extravagant Scarifice

Extravagant love is difficult to understand.  People will always tell you what you should or should not be doing.  They may tell you that you going overboard or you putting in too much or giving too much.  

What do you think of the statement... 

TRUE LOVE ALWAYS COSTS THE GIVER SOMETHING

Can you relate to that statement?  Answer the following.....

• What did it cost Mary?

• What did it cost you?

Remember Jesus had an extravagant love and His love cost the extravagant sacrifice of His life.  

God Bless you! - Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

A VIEW FROM THE DARK SIDE

WAS IT A WASTE?

Judas thought it was a waste that Mary poured out her perfume on the master.

Jesus didn't.  

Judas thought the fragrance should be sold and the money given to the poor.  

Jesus didn't.  He stated that it was a preparation for His burial.

Judas statement of the use of the perfume was not of concern for the poor, but it was because of  the condition of His heart and greed for money.  Jesus words still did not pierce Judas heart.  He had already agreed on the payment to turn over the savior to be crucified. 

TWO DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

Judas situation caused the evil to rise up to the surface.

Mary situation cause spiritual intuitiveness and made her worship.  

Chapter 10 reveals that Jesus comes into the dark hidden corners of our lives and shines the spotlight of His Holy spirit and if we allow Him, He will clean up our personalities.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  What's your thoughts on the following statement by William Barclay?

The best way to reclaim someone who is on the wrong path is to treat him not with suspicion but with trust; not as if we expect the worst, but as if we expected the best."

That's what Jesus did with Judas.  He made him the treasurer knowing his intentions. Yet Judas remained unchanged and carried out his mission.  

• Comment on the statement by William Barclay and then answer the following:

• Do you feel someone who has a weakness should be trusted after they have been saved with the things they are weak in?  Why or Why not?

• What other suggestions do you recommend?

Meditate on this.....

If we let the Holy spirit temper our lives we won't fall to the strong sides of our weakness and the weak sides of our strengths. 

God Bless and always remember to KEEP THE FAITH!

Virtuous Jewel