iShineInMinistry

We all have our moments of struggle, even we ladies that serve in full-time ministry. While we know that we are called to serve and minister to others, we must always make sure to let the Lord help us in areas where we may need to get on track.  As you read this week's devotion, while you pray through others you can help, please also ask the Lord to search your heart and see if there is something you need to get victory in as well.  We want to be completely ready to serve the Lord and shine in ministry...we can't do that if we don't check our own hearts too.  Happy reading!

1 John 1:9 (NKJV)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

There are seasons of our walks with the Lord where we are so on top of life. We are following the Lord with all of our hearts and completely obedient to what He calls us to do. We are strong in the Lord with the whole armor of God, not allowing the enemy to get us entangled in sin that can distract us from living amazingly fabulous and blessed lives. Everything is awesome and we feel like that silly song from the Lego Movie (that song makes absolutely no sense by the way…but is great to listen to during a workout). We are absolutely beaming with the joy of the Lord, encouraging everyone that comes into our path…and then, it happens.

That one area of struggle that seems to sneak up from time to time has reared its ugly head again and before you know it, you’re repenting for “doing the most” in the worse way possible. It could be gluttony, gossip, wrath, lust or any other issue that you find keeps coming to take your life. Mine showed up in the form of a fall event at my favorite store…and coveting sent me into my purse searching for my debit card to buy items to place in my already full closet.

I have obviously received the forgiveness, kindness, gentleness, mercy and grace from the Lord as I asked for forgiveness for getting myself over to the “other side” again. However, I now have to make another trip to the same store to return shoes. Thank God for His faithfulness and the way He reminds us that certain things seem good at the time, but really aren’t necessary in the long run.

Is there something that you find yourself struggling with today? I would love to pray for you…and you can pray for me too! Please feel free to contact me via email and leave a prayer request or simply place it in the comments section. We will make sure to be more than conquerors together and live #TheCharmedLife as God continues to grow us in our faith!

Psalm 136:26 (NKJV)

Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven! For His mercy endures forever.

1 Samuel 2:35 (NKJV)

Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who shall do according to what is in My heart and in My mind. I will build him a sure house, and he shall walk before My anointed forever.

I am currently reading the book of Jeremiah and the thought that keeps coming to mind is how many scriptures from that book we commit to memory. In our eyes, when we think about this prophet’s life, we genuinely say that Jeremiah was faithful and devoted to the Lord. He did great things for the Lord and proclaimed the truth no matter what. We strive to be like many of the people in the Bible; but as we truly think about how Jeremiah’s life played out…why do we place so much pressure on ourselves and our ministries to measure success by numbers and what we call results?

Jeremiah did not have one single person repent and turn to the Lord. He faithfully followed the Lord and ended up in a gross, underground “home” as Israel continued to disobey. When we speak to people and ask them how many they have led to the Lord, do we judge if we hear the number zero, but see genuine faithfulness in their life? Also, do we think lower of someone when we hear they have been in prison? If Jeremiah lived today and was a pastor…would you attend his church after you heard report of him?

I think our focus and thoughts need to shift. The main priority should be obedience to God; then, let Him decide what the results should look like in the end. We think success is measured by higher scores, higher numbers and what we perceive to be “higher callings”. This is not at all the way the Lord thinks. Let’s shift what we think a good ministry or faithful Christian life looks like and let our thoughts match up with what the word of God says. Remember, the faithful church in Revelation had just “ a little strength” and that was all it needed to be in the will of God and sincerely serve in spirit and truth. I hope and pray that we will do the same as we lived #TheCharmedLife.

Deuteronomy 5:32 (NASB)

"So you shall observe to do just as the LORD your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right or to the left.

Revelation 3:8 (NKJV)

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

As we continue Pray May, think of some of the single women you know (including yourself if you fall into this category) and keep them in prayer as you read and throughout the week!

Isaiah 43:4-5 (NET)

...you are precious and special in my sight, and I love you...

Don't be afraid, for I am with you...

For all you single girls out there...yes you, the one thinking about starting an online dating account or giving a few "hints" to the guy at church you're interested in since he won't pursue you...

Why are we settling when God writes us sincere, kind and gentle love letters? They are scattered everywhere in scripture, along with sweet reminders surrounding us during the course of each day. Stop giving that "Christian boy" excuses for why he isn't acting like a true gentleman who is interested in you and pay attention to the One who is giving you the time of day. By the way, He also gave His life so you'd know how fabulously loveable you are...remember that next time Eric, Josh, Seth or whatever his name is doesn't even take the three seconds needed to text you back. You are worth more than that. The God of all the universe has already shown you that you are. Live in that joy today...and always!

This week take some time to pray and ask the Lord to reveal His love to you in a new way. I guarantee He is totally up for the challenge!! If you are married, do the same and be amazed...remember that your husband is not a replacement for God.

Jeremiah 31:3 (HCSB)

...I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued to extend faithful love to you.

Hearts and Hugs,

Jacquelynn Marie

Zechariah 1:3(HCSB)

So tell the people: This is what the LORD of Hosts says: Return to Me” – this is the declaration of the LORD of Hosts – “and I will return to you, says that LORD of Hosts.

Is there a certain someone missing from your small group? Is there a lady that has not made it to a fellowship event, outreach or retreat in years and you are just wondering, “What ever happened to _______?” (fill in the blank as needed). Maybe, just maybe, God may be placing her on your heart right now because she needs to come back to what she knows is true. Maybe she switched churches, moved or attends some other study you don’t lead. Or maybe, she has drifted from the truth that used to set her free. God knows and maybe this an opportunity He has to use you in a new and exciting way.

We have to remember that while ministry is amazing in group settings, we sometimes need to make sure to check up on that one. God wants all of His sheep to continue to feed on His word and truth. We all know about the story of the 99 and the one sheep. Let’s make sure to be the hands and feet of Jesus as we serve so that we can do His will, reach out to those that need some encouragement and bless the heart of our loving Savior.

Matthew 18:12-14 (NKJV)

“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

Pray this week about who the Lord may have you reach out to…then make sure to follow through!!

Psalm 5:2 (NKJV)

Give heed to the voice of my cry,

My King and my God,

For to You I will pray.

I have been on bed rest for almost one full week...and reading a book about radical prayer between my moments of rest. I know that as ladies who serve in full-time ministry we understand how important it is to pray. However, while we may know it in our mind, are we practicing what we know to be true in our daily lives? I know that God allowed me to really see this again in a new way recently, so I want to challenge us all to come to the Lord in prayer as we encounter day-to-day ministry events.

In the midst of planning for a huge ministry outreach I found myself face to face with an obstinate and difficult personality. I was on the offensive already, knowing that the enemy was trying to distract me from the ministry at hand; but I also knew that I needed to extend grace, put on the full armor of God and get praying! I was not going to use my skill and talent to win this person over. I needed to seek God's face, ask Him to soften their heart and allow them to see my heart for ministry so they could kindly and graciously work with me as we planned.

Now, obviously, in the middle of planning, running around and serving, having a little "extra" obstacle is not ideal. But, we must remember to wait continually on the Lord and let Him be our peace, hope, grace and guide. When we do that, we will be blessed with the final outcome and He will produce a more godly character in you (and me) in the process!

Let's always choose to give God the opportunity to show His great faithfulness. Pray and watch Him move, then praise Him for who He is! Enjoy the chances to get to pray and see God move mountains...it's one of the many fabulous blessings of living #TheCharmedLife in ministry!