REFLECTIONS OF THE HEART

OUTWARD ADORNING 

Your outward adorning reflects the things that are happening on the inside-in the core of your heart.  You may put up a front allowing your outwear to impress others.  In a world of confusion and a struggle to embrace/express one's identity, impressing others, living a lie, wrongful choices, vulnerability and keeping up with the "status norm" can send out the wrong message or reveal the real you!

Your outward wear, style or fashion may reveal your heart secret and desires to others.  Eventually, whether with time or pressure, your true identity is revealed.  

Many put on a camouflage to decorate or hide the pain they feel on the inside. Their outside behavior also demonstrates their character, personality, and or lack of spirituality.  Let's look at some examples: 

• Provocative clothing can reveal lustful traits or a need for attention
• Loud or excessive jewelry may reveal traits of selfishness, materialism, greed...
• Certain hairstyles can reveal identity issues, lack of self control or rebellion

These are just a few examples to the conversations of what's shown on the outside may be a reflection of the inside of the heart.

TODAY'S FOCUS:  CULTIVATE INNER BEAUTY 

Peter admonishes you that your adorning should not be on just hairstyles, jewelry or the clothes you wear-But rather the focus should be on the hidden man of the heart. 

1 Peter 3:3-4 (KJV)
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold or of putting on of apparel;
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.  

Peter further encourages you to cultivate inner beauty like the women of old who were beautiful by their kindness, loyalty, faithfulness and love to God and their husbands.  

Doing an inventory of the heart will reflect deep rooted issues which manifest in outward behaviors-Your outward reflection will change by changing the man in your heart. 

As a daughter of Abraham you have the privilege of having your outer beauty reflecting good deeds-Allow the hidden man to be Christ Jesus, your Lord and Savior.  Ask Him to beautify you with meekness and love.  Then when you dress, your outwear will reflect Him in beauty, respect and spirituality.  That does not mean you don't have to groom your hair, wear no jewelry or have your clothes sweeping the ground-but you will be modest and moderate, beautifully adorned with the ornament of meekness.   

Remember, "what matters, is not your outer appearance-the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes-but your inner disposition." (MSG).  Don't be intimidated, be beautiful inside out.  Don't depend on jewelry, hairstyles, and or beautiful clothes for outward beauty.  Depend on the Hidden Man in your heart to reflect your beauty. You are precious to God-Be beautiful with the "lasting charm of a gentle and quiet spirit that is so precious to God. (TLB) 

God bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

A MARTHA'S WELCOME

LET'S TALK ABOUT MARTHA 

The story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42 is a remarkable occurrence of hospitality that is often overlooked by the emphasis that is placed on Mary for choosing the good part. 

While Mary chose the good part, Martha was very hospitable.  

Martha knew what it was like to entertain a guest in her home-Far more this special Guest, Jesus that day.  She knew that Jesus came from a long way, and that He was tired and hungry.  Although it may seem  that she chose hospitality over being in the presence of her Lord-Her attributes of serving are phenomenal. 

Let's look at what Jesus' response to Martha's choice: 

Luke 10: 40 (KJV) 
And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

It's not as bad as it seems-Jesus was not discrediting what she had done, but merely saying that He didn't want her to be overwhelmed by doing good even if it was for Him.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  PHENOMENAL ATTRIBUTES 

While Jesus' response indicated Mary made a good choice, He acknowledged some attributes that has some positive reflections:  

Martha welcomed Jesus into her house 
She was cumbered about much serving
Jittery and Concerned over preparation
Fussing and upset about details 
Getting worked up

Let's discuss them: 

Martha welcomed Jesus  
Is Jesus invited in your home, is he welcomed and at home in your heart/home? 
How do you demonstrate that Jesus is welcomed? 

Martha was eager to serve
Are you available to Serve? 
In what area do you serve Jesus? 

Martha was jittery and concerned over preparation
Do you put thought in the preparation of the things of God? 

Martha was fussing about the details
How detailed are you when it comes into being creative about what you do for the Lord?  (examples)

Getting worked Up
Are you using this attribute in the things of God? 
Is there evidence that you are putting effort into what you are doing? 

While you seek to first be "heavenly minded", be also of "earthly good"! 
Ensure that Christ is your first choice and that you prioritize being in His presence over everything else.  In the meantime take time for preparation and service!

Remember, that nothing replaces the good part that Mary chose-However, there are some phenomenal attributes we can learn from the other sister, Martha. You must ensure that Jesus is at home in your heart; be eager to serve Him by serving others; put thought and preparation into your assignments; be creative and detailed-take no shortcuts; and be enthusiastic enough so others can see the evidence! 

God Bless You and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel