P31 Bible Study Week 3 Part 1
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Hey ladies! Are you ready for Chapter 2 of our Bible study on ‘The 7 Virtues of a Proverbs 31 Woman?’ This week, our focus is on selflessness. When we choose to value others higher than ourselves, we’re putting the needs and interests of others first. Throughout the week, we’ll draw inspiration from Sarah, who made personal sacrifices to faithfully support her husband, Abraham, on their God-ordained journey. We’ll also look to Jesus, who selflessly gave of Himself time and again. Join me on this journey as we uncover the true meaning of selflessness according to God’s Word.
A Sweet Word from Karissa
Years ago, Michael and I attended church in a cozy little chapel not far from home. Like other churchgoers, the members believed in the power of service. You know the type, the Sunday school teachers, the ushers, the men stacking chairs after service, the women serving coffee and tea… Nestled among these familiar faces, there was one that stood out from the crowd. Judy’s aura wasn’t striking due to her appearance; rather, it was her quiet heart that touched us—a heart so filled with the love of Jesus that it overflowed in her service to others.
Judy cleaned the church. Though this might seem humble and ordinary, it was extraordinary because of the spirit she brought to her work. She vacuumed the carpets, dusted the tables, cleaned the toilets, and wiped down the nursery, as a silent prayer that one might offer to God. A wage was offered to her, but Judy declined. Her compensation, she said, was joy in serving the Lord.
One Sunday, as a token of appreciation for her tireless service, the congregation decided to present Judy with a bouquet of flowers. Her reaction wasn’t as one would expect. Rather than basking in the applause, she appeared noticeably uncomfortable with the public display of gratitude. She later humbly explained to the pastor that while she appreciated their kindness, she preferred to work quietly, unnoticed, and unrecognized.
Judy’s service to the church reflects the essence of a Proverbs 31 woman who was selfless in so many ways. Proverbs 31:15 tells us,
She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
Maybe Judy wasn’t in the kitchen kneading dough or simmering stew, but she was just as much a provider. Her service sustained us. It was food for our souls. As she cleaned the chapel, she made sure it was a place of comfort and peace—a spiritual home where everyone could come and be fed with the Word of God. Her hard work was a vital ingredient in the recipe that made our chapel a sanctuary, a refuge, a place of communion and fellowship.
In our video this week, Karissa talks about pride and how because of it we desire to be recognized for the things that we do. She brings up an important question when she asks, “And, who are you working for again?” Are we working for the affirmation of others or are we working for the Lord? Remember, the Bible says,
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24)
Attitudes change when we work for the Lord. It leads us to grow in ways that we never imagined. It develops within us selfless humility, kindness, and a deep-rooted joy that worldly applause could never provide.
You are loved by an Almighty God,
Darlene Schacht
The Time-Warp Wife
This Week’s Challenge
This week, let’s cultivate a spirit of selflessness and demonstrate care and compassion for others in our daily lives. Take intentional steps to slow down and prioritize the needs of those around you. Try to identify at least one person or situation each day where you can extend selfless love and support. It could be a family member, a friend, a colleague, or even a stranger.
This Week’s Bible Verse
Week at a Glance
Want to print out a copy of the “Week-at-a-Glance”? Click here
Tuesday:
Watch this week’s video at Time-Warp Wife.
Print off this week’s Bible verse at Time-Warp Wife.
Read Genesis 12 & 16
Check in on the community at: facebook.com/groups/biblestudies. While you are there, maybe you could drop in a friendly message wishing others a blessed week, or share a prayer for the week ahead.
Wednesday:
Read through Chapter 2 of “The 7 Virtues of a Proverbs 31 Woman” in your study guide.
Fill in the P31 Challenge at the end of the chapter.
Share your reflections in the Facebook group.
Respond to at least one other person’s post in the group to encourage others.
Thursday:
Look over the chapter again, answering the questions. (Answers will be posted on Friday, for those who don’t have a copy of the study guide.)
Friday:
Visit Time-Warp Wife to read Darlene’s closing thoughts on the chapter.
Reflect on Darlene’s insights and how they align with or enhance your understanding of the week’s study.
Share your own closing thoughts or responses to Darlene’s reflections in the Facebook group.
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I am just about to start the Proverbs 31 study. With starting late will the blog/videos, etc..still be up to follow?
Charmaine, all the content remains on the website for subscribers to use. You can go back through any of the studies whenever you like.