POWER OF THE HAND

BRIGHTNESS

I was in awe of a scripture revealed to me in my devotion time early this morning and felt it very fitting for today's blog.  

Habakkuk 3 reveals a prayer of Habakkuk.  He was reflecting on what He heard about God from the ancestors.  He was reminding God of His greatness.  Although he was afraid, he asked God to do what He did before, and ask that in His wrath, he extends mercy.  

Habakkuk envisioned the greatness of God as He moved across the desserts from Mount Sinai-His glory filled the heavens, and the earth  filled with praise!  

I see God moving across the deserts from Mount Sinai.[b] His brilliant splendor fills the earth and sky; his glory fills the heavens, and the earth is full of his praise! What a wonderful God he is! (Verse 3 TLB) 

What was even more amazing was the awesome power of His hand-Rays of brilliant light flashed from His hands. (Verse 4)  

Habakkuk's prayer was considered a triumphant one because He recognized the hidden power of God's fist.  He believed what he heard, and it seems like He wanted to experience it personally.  In the remaining verses of the chapter, he had a dialogue and asked many questions.  However, he concluded by saying he would wait patiently to see God at work, but in the meantime he will rejoice in God! 

TODAY'S FOCUS: A PRAYER OF TRIUMPH 

The Lord's awesome power was hidden in His hand.  And when opened, rays flashed, and His power was released.   Let's discuss the following: 

Do you need to see God's hidden power released over you today? 

What have you heard, or can you remember what He did in the past (wrath or mercy) that can encouraged you through your circumstances? 

What do you need God to help you with today? 

As you reflect and or answer these questions, consider writing your own prayer. 

If you were to write a prayer of triumph what would it sound like? 

What would you conclude about God? 

God's power is hidden until you pray-until praise and worship is resounding, God's power will remain hidden.  Once they are, God's glorious brightness and power will be seen as he releases His power hidden in His hands!

Throughout scripture God's outstretched hand revealed His power!  

Can you think on some other ways God's power was demonstrated with or in the hand? 

Who / What / Where? 

Remember, when you are going through your circumstances, reflect on what God did in the past.  Comfort yourself on what He is capable of doing through the power of His hand.  While you wait rejoice in the Lord-Be joyful!  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel 

SOLITUDE AND SILENCE

SOLITUDE

(Wednesday's Blog- We apologize for the late posting) 

By definition, the Word Solitude means:

1. "the state or situation of being alone"- synonyms, remoteness, seclusion, desolation...
2. "a lonely or uninhabited place"- wilderness, rural area, desert...

The Purpose of Solitude   

Solitude is very vital to the refreshing and renewal of the mind, soul and body.  It should be a scheduled routine for everyone especially women.  

The cares of life often overwhelms the spirit and it is important to take "alone time" with yourself and your creator.  

What better place than in a solitary place in nature-A place where you can identify with nature, peaceful and serene.  A place where vision comes alive and hope is evident by the stillness and natural beauty of all creation.  

In solitude, stress is released, worries are lessened,  burdens are lifted, troubles seem to melt away and dreams are realized.  

Do you long for a place of solitude? 

What are the burdens, worries, cares that you are carrying? 

Do you long for a one-on-one time with God where you can share the secrets of your heart? 

If you answered yes to any of these questions, It's time for silence! 

TODAY'S FOCUS: TIME OF SILENCE

SILENCE

It's meaning speaks to stillness, tranquility, noiselessness or absence of sound-It also relates to refrain from speaking, become silent, hush or be silenced.  In any case silence calls for an action of performance without noise, the ritual of routines, heaviness or lifting of concerns. 

In silence, you don't have to do anything-just be still.  It is an opportunity for your spirit to hear, feel, appreciate and live in the moment with no concerns about yesterdays or tomorrows. 

It pays to take time out in silence before God.  Silence allows you to find rest in God and gives you hope to face the challenges and life's difficult moments.  If you are going through a difficult time right now find rest by going silently into a place of solitude,

 

Psalm 62:5 TLB

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.

As you remain silent, open your mind up to the greatness of God.  Use the time to journal the thoughts that come to you. Silently worship within your spirit-no words, no movement, no noise.  Be at peace, become one with your surroundings, one with yourself-One with God.  

Embrace the blessings of solitude and remain in silence to accomplish what cannot be otherwise achieved with the noise and busyness of life.  Seclude yourself to that solitary place where God whispers hope and comfort to the troubled and weary.  You can also use solitude and silence to discover purpose and God's plan for your future-Jeremiah 29:11. 

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

REFLECTIONS-WOMEN'S RETREAT 2019

DAMAGED GOODS

The theme, Damaged Good, reflects our conditions from the struggles of life. Whether it be victims of trauma, acts of violence, emotional/physical abuse, family/personal issues, wounds/hurt, fears.... 

YOU HAVE NOT LOST YOUR VALUE BECAUSE YOU HAVE BEEN DAMAGED! 

The three segments of the theme was/is very relevant to.... Get a Fresh Start! 

FACE THE DRAMA  

This section allowed all women to face the drama that they have been avoiding or  covering up. Pastor Thora Daley shared a powerful story of a family drama in 2 Samuel 13- Tamar who was raped by her brother.  

The scheme and plot was not her fault, but she suffered greatly and was told to keep it quiet. She was rejected, thrown out and abandoned and remained bitter and desolate all her life! 

DEAL WITH THE BAGGAGE 

This session began with devotional breakfast by Minister Paula Modeste-Clarke, who taught us how to love and forgive and deal with the issues as a result of our drama.  First Lady Rolda Serieux spoke the word that equipped and encourage the heart of the broken to deal with the baggage.  She expressed that there was no shame because Christ bore the shame we face-He was naked on the cross bearing ALL guilt and shame so we can deal with the baggage in our lives!

HANDLE THE LUGGAGE

Pastor Julie Rhymer expressed how important it is to handle the luggage that has been carried-through three remarkable women.  

Martha (from the story of Mary and Martha) Luke 10:38-42- Martha crowded and drowned her drama with busyness.  She could have been covering up sibling rivalry, jealousy, hurt or other emotions from her childhood/past.  

Many times women uses busyness to avoid confronting the drama, baggage, and luggage they are carrying around!

The Woman at The Well in John 4, exhibited a thirst by her continuous exchange of men and issues of her womanhood.  She depended on her knowledge and heritage for survival. Her thirst was evident by her response to the Lord.  

Confrontations, excuses, and arguments are used when we are not handling our luggage well-Very obvious in the conversation with the woman at the well, but her drama/baggage was identified. 

Mary with the Alabaster Box in Mark 14:1-11 carried her luggage (her profession).  She was a victim of criticism and label which many women can identified with today-Your past or even current drama perhaps make you a topic of gossip.  

It was obvious that Mary carried her identity luggage.  She became a target of criticism and was told she wasn't good enough to get close to God!  

All three of these women got a fresh start ... What was the secret?

TODAY'S FOCUS:  IT'S TIME TO GET A FRESH START

The secret is all three women had an encounter with Jesus Christ! 

Martha was admonished by Jesus that spending time with the Lord was the better part, and she should remove herself from her busyness to get to know Him.  When she did we see that in another chapter, Mary remained at home while she ran out to meet Jesus. 

The woman at the well when she encountered the Savior, left her water pots and went to spread the news of the man who had quenched her thirst and allowed her to handle her baggage! 

Mary with the Alabaster Box broke her most valuable and precious possession when she met the Lord.  Although she was criticized and condemned, she turned to worship and was rewarded for doing that.  

Remember, Tamar never got a chance to get a fresh start, but you do-All you have to do is...

Face the Drama- Allow yourself to speak- Don't be silent about what have happened in your life (personally or otherwise).

Deal With the Baggage - Don't be afraid to to address and deal with the shame, guilt or any other issues. 

Handle the Luggage - Don't be afraid to identity the things that you are attached to, and let them go regardless of the cost.  

We encourage all to share their experience of the retreat or comments on this post:

What stood out to you in the session?

What would you like to say to others in the 3 areas(Drama/Baggage/Luggage)?

Damaged Goods was a remarkable experience, and we know that our women are ready and equipped to have a fresh new start.  Pray that those who are reading will consider joining us at the next retreat! 

SAVE THE DATE FOR NEXT YEAR GOD'S WILLING - MAY 1-2, 2020

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel