iShineInMinistry

Philippians 4:11-12 (NKJV)

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

I know how to be abased and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have leaned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and suffer need.

Content: in a state of peaceful happiness

Do you ever have those days when nothing seems to fall into place? You complete five huge tasks just in time to find out that you forgot about three other more important projects? You are sleep-deprived and everyone wants to be around you today…right now! Life seems to be spinning out of control and all you want to do is take a nap. Remember when you were a toddler and all you wanted to do was get out of taking naps? If only we knew then what we know now!

Ministry is constantly moving and the Lord is always doing some amazing new thing that we get the privilege of being part of as we serve Him. We may lose sight of that when we need rest or need resources or want to sit down for just five minutes to catch up on emails. The thing we need to remember is that we should also be content in the hectic times. Yes we may be overwhelmed, but think of the person that could potentially be saved from your diligence for this busy season. Yes we may not have all the funds we need right now, but think of the person that has the Spiritual Gift of giving that may get to step out in faith for the need you have. Yes we may be tired and want to take a nap, but think of how much deeper that sleep will be at the end of the night when the day truly is over.

Let us not lose sight in those times of weakness, because we know that moments where we are abounding are right around the corner. Let us remain content in all ministry moments and let the Lord continue to help us in those times of need…He will give us the strength to continue this calling we have been blessed with!

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

On this wonderful Sunday I just want to encourage all of us "iShine Ladies" to focus on the cross and the beauty of the Lord's sacrifice. He loves us so much and every opportunity that we are given to be a blessing should be taken with joy.

We get the added bonus of being able to serve in full-time ministry during this amazing time of year...do not take this fabulous blessing for granted! Have a wonderful Sunday and be blessed as you walk in His plans for your life as you faithfully serve Him. Happy Resurrection Day!!

Listen to this fantastic song and be blessed by the goodness of our Savior!

http://youtu.be/-79joJJOdQs

Hearts and Hugs,

Jacquelynn Marie��

1 Peter 1:2 (NKJV)

…in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

Just because we serve in full-time ministry, it seems as though people think we do not have sin issues that we struggle with in our daily lives. Whether our issue is fear, a false sense of control, pride or a tongue that refuses to be tamed, we can sometimes find ourselves trying to ‘fake it until we make it’. Although we teach grace and the work that the Lord does in the hearts of others in our Bible Studies, retreats, conferences and small groups, we sometimes forget that those same messages and bits of wisdom that we impart are also for our walks with the Lord. Here are some things we need to guard against as we serve in leadership so that God can also do a work in those areas of our lives where we struggle.

We need to make sure that we do not try little shortcuts as the Lord deals with those areas in our lives. Many of us try the route of avoidance with the problem we have and having someone hold us accountable. We simply brush off our bad attitude, hostility, and prideful thoughts and excuse them as something else that sounds less sinful. Or, we may even admit we have a problem, but then skirt the issue of having a sister in the Lord help to hold us accountable. Another thing we may do is focus in more on the things we do better in our walks and hope that it balances out that ‘bad thing’ we struggle with. Each of these options are quick fixes that do not allow us to truly deal with what our problem is…sin!

Let us be transparent with ourselves, with the Lord (He already knows anyway, we might as well admit it) and someone that is strong in the Lord that can help us to overcome those areas where we need a little extra assistance in becoming more than conquerors. The end outcome may take longer than we would like to admit, but the blessing of drawing nearer to God as He prunes those dead aspects of our lives away is well worth it in the end!

Will you do the following things this week?

Pray about that “thing(s)” that is an area of struggle

Pray about who the Lord will bring to help hold you accountable (we need to be discerning about who we share things with)

Pray that you will let the Lord deal completely with the issue, even if it takes years!

John 17:17 (NKJV)

Sanctify them by Your truth, Your word is truth.

Romans 12:19 (NKJV)

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

Imagine if you would that someone that you volunteer with is speaking ill things about your character and you as a person overall. They are passive-aggressively commenting or downright telling people things about you when you are not around... You may not even have to imagine this. We have all been on the receiving end of gossip, slander or someone recounting a truth about us that we may not want others to know about. These are very uncomfortable times in ministry, yet we must remember two very important things when this happens.

The Lord is your defense! Do not launch a PR campaign in an effort to tell everyone and anyone you come into contact with about what is going on and how you are innocent. You are not an elementary child on the playground trying to get friends to be on "your side". You are a woman of God and your character should speak for itself.

We should live in such a way that no one would even dare believe we are capable of what people may accuse us of. However, if what they are saying does hold some truth and we are trying to keep us appearances...the problem may actually be us! Although they are in the wrong, do not go to that place with them. Ask God to search your heart and take that trait out so that no one would able to talk badly about our character.

Secondly, if you are the object of slander, gossip or some other random drama, do not play the victim! You are a big girl that trusts the Lord in every circumstance, not a manipulator that needs people to sympathize with your situation. Bad things happen to people all the time...even you. Our eyes should be on the Lord, not the potential adoring fans that we can gain from being pitied. In addition, your character actually is questionable if you go the route of playing the victim.

Ultimately, the truth usually comes out somehow. However, if it does not, the Lord knows the truth and He is the only one that really matters anyway. Serve diligently and trust Him even as these trying relational storms occur. He will make us women after His own heart that fully and completely show His love, grace and mercy in all areas of life (not just the easy ones)!

Psalm 7:10 (NKJV)

My defense is of God,


Who saves the upright in heart.

Philippians 2:13

for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

It is time for all things new and all things spring…kind of. With February already coming to a close, mission trips, ladies retreats, spring Bible studies and all sorts of other wonderful events and outreaches will be underway. There will be planning and praying, fun and fellowship, outlines and outings. All of this blessed fun is enough for us to just explode with the joy of the Lord.

Do you absolutely love the calling that you have as a woman in full-time ministry? Isn’t it so exciting to hear a praise report from a lady in your Bible study group or see God’s provision come through with the donations you need for an event? Isn’t it just the best when you are setting up an event and a new volunteer shows up? You get to spend time serving as well as meeting a potential new friend. Every part of the ministry has an opportunity to bring great joy as the Lord continues to use you for His glory.

When you are sitting with your team members, study leaders, retreat overseers, staff, or other people that you serve with on a daily basis, remember to thank the Lord for them and each of the wonderful gifts He has given to them. Remember to praise the Lord for all of the amazing ways He continues to show His faithfulness in the ministry where you serve Him. Give thanks for those moments that seem difficult and remember that God is in the middle of those situations as well. Pray without ceasing and praise the Lord at all times as you walk in this calling that is such a blessing and an honor.

I hope that you will always be thankful for this opportunity that you have to be a handmaiden of the Lord, ready and willing to be used as He sees fits. Love your calling and happy serving!

Psalm 146:5 (NET)

How blessed is the one whose helper is the God of Jacob,

Whose hope is in the Lord his God.

Are you loving the calling that God has placed on your life? Take time each day to thank Him for the amazing blessing of serving in the ministry and always be grateful in this season.