More Than A Martha

Words of life, love, and encouragement for women who are discovering their identity in Christ.

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about

Brittany is from Eastern Kentucky and works for a local Christian radio station. Raised in church with her family, full time ministry was a natural step. Although, the calling to women’s ministry and writing was a pleasant surprise. When not at the radio station, Brittany is most likely to be found singing locally, staying involved at her church, working station events, and is always up for an adventure.

  • FREEDOM

    FREEDOM

    DISCLAIMER: Although I am a supporter, this post has nothing to do with Charlie Kirk!

    FREEDOM!!!! (If you heard this in William Wallace’s voice from Braveheart – you’re my people!)

    “Whom the Son sets free, is free indeed!” John 8:36

    • What does ‘freedom’ mean to you, generally speaking?
    • What does ‘freedom’ mean to you, biblically or spiritually?

    “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32

    • Why can we only have true freedom in Jesus Christ?
    • Why is it important to know that we’re free in Christ and why?

    Real freedom can only be obtained through salvation by way of Jesus Christ. But it doesn’t happen all at once. We have to let God make room within us and Let GO of the things that we hold onto. Freedom happens when we are released of our former selves, of things that kept us bound and held us back. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth that we are to die daily (1 Corin 15:31). Why? Because if there is less of our carnal selves, there is more of Him within us. More of Him, means freedom from our sinful nature, leading us to become more Christlike.

    • Can we truly gain freedom from completely living carnally?
    • Are we willing to give up control of our lives in order to gain that freedom?

    Freedom does not come without sacrifice. We learn that in our history classes about wars and the sacrifices that men and women have made so that we could have the freedoms that we do in the US. They have sacrificed their families, resources, homes, securities, and even their lives, paying the ultimate price. Our freedom also came with sacrifice – the Ultimate Sacrifice. Before Christ came, it was the sacrifice of animals for atonement. But then Christ came, giving up Heaven. He could have lived comfortably while He walked the earth, but He didn’t. He sacrificed comfort to heal, comfort, and change lives. Christ sacrificed His life, sacrificed His pure and perfect nature to become literal sin; likewise becoming the sacrifice for our atonement forever. Upon His death and resurrection, we freely received the gift of grace, mercy, and a personal relationship with Him. Because of His sacrifice we can have salvation. Because of salvation we are free from our past, guilt, and shame. We receive new citizenship and are then transformed to become more like Him.

    Hallelujah!

  • Like Peter

    Walk on water.

    What do you mean “walk on water”? Like Peter?

    Exactly like Peter…except in your everyday life.

    Every problem in your life is an opportunity to focus only on Jesus and trust that you’re going to make it. Every mountain you feel like you’re climbing is a chance to grow your faith, follow where He leads, and see the victory that comes out of obedience. Every valley you walk through is unsteady like the water during the storm when Peter stepped out. Peter took his eyes off Christ and began to sink, but at least he had the courage and the faith to step out. He was obedient even when he was unsure. He trusted when nothing around him was trustworthy. So…that bids the question – will you step out of the boat?

    “Yeah, but that was Peter, and he was erratic on his best day and besides, Jesus was physically there with him when that happened. This is different.”

    Wrong. You couldn’t be more wrong.

    It’s exactly the same, even if the location is different. It’s exactly the same even if the situation is different. Step out. Trust. Follow. And you will lead.

    Peter messed up. Okay, Peter messed up a lot! But he had a repentant heart. He had a heart for Christ despite his shortcomings. So, what if he didn’t know how to deal with the big feelings that came with being a disciple? God used Peter despite himself. Why? Because he had a willing heart. Peter trusted Christ, loved Christ, and followed Christ until his death. Do we? Peter was shown favor and was able to lead many throughout his ministry. He was able to teach others how to trust and follow because he had been in situations where that’s all he could do. He had seen firsthand what happens when we step out of our comfort zone and fix our eyes on Jesus alone and let Him work out everything else. He knew the blessing. He counted the cost. He knew the reward. He trusted. He obeyed. He was faithful. He followed.

    So…what are you going to do? Maybe God’s not even asking you to have that kind of faith, because He knows the growth it’s going to see. Maybe He’s just asking you to trust Him. To trust Him enough to step out and then take one more step. Another step and clear focus on Him. Another step and understanding His strength is moving you forward. Another step and battles won. Another step and you’ve made it to the other side, holding His hand.

    When He said “I will never leave you, nor forsake you”, He meant it. It’s a promise that we can count on. His promises are sure, they are ‘yes’ and ‘amen’. Because He ALWAYS holds up His end of the deal. ALWAYS. He can’t go back on His word. Better yet, He won’t go back on His word. You may not be able physically see Him, but He is with you every step of the way. Even if we deny Him 3 times like He said we would. He’s there with grace and mercy like we have never known. Why? Because He knew what a mess we would be long before things got messy and loved us anyway. He grew the tree He would one day hang on for us anyway.

    So, you’re facing a daunting diagnosis? Walk on water.

    So, you’re facing divorce? Walk on water.

    You’re facing financial ruin? Walk on water.

    There’s a Goliath in your way? Walk on water.

    Do you get it now? God isn’t spooked by your doubt and fear. He isn’t phased by your uncertainty. There is absolutely nothing that you could throw at Him that is too big, too small, too complicated, too heavy or too painful. He understands, and all He wants is for you to take the burden off of yourself, step out of the boat, and trust Him. That’s literally it. He takes care of everything else.

    So, walk on water.

  • You Have Hope

    Our first reading will be more of a Bible study style, but it’s also a great reminder that our words matter. If you have Jesus, then you have Hope, because He is our hope.

    Hebrews 11:1 >>> This is the foundational verse for this text.

    There is a difference between a wish and hope.

    Wish: the feeling that is wanted might happen or could be had.

    Hope: the feeling that what is wanted can be had or the events will turn out for the best

    1. “…that what is wanted can be had…”

    James 4:2-3, 8-9;         Matthew 7:7-8

    1. Are we asking?
    2. What are we asking for?
    3. How are we asking?

    2. “…events will turn out for the best…”

    Jeremiah 29:11;          Romans 15:4, 13, 12:12, 8:24-25,28;  1 Peter 1:3;     James 1:17

    1. We had a Hope (and a purpose) before we were born
    2. Where are we placing our hope? In Whom are placing our hope?
    3. We are NEVER truly hopeless, unless we rely on ourselves and the world or others, instead of Christ
    4. His will, our good

    We have a Hope beyond all hope. How? Because that’s who He is. Notice that the word is capitalized once, and not the second time. That’s because He is our Hope. He is Hope.

    When hope becomes a ‘Who’ instead of a ‘what’, that’s when we start to see our situation differently.

    Additional scripture:

    Psalms 147:11

    Proverbs 23:18

    Psalms 62:5-6

    1 Timothy 4:10

    Philippians 1:6

    Colossians 3:1-2

    Lamentations 3:21-23

  • Hey Ladies!

    Welcome to More Than A Martha! Grab your coffee or sweet tea, your Bible, and settle in while we take a look at life around us and Life within us. This will be a place where stories, devotions, prayers, and encouragement will be shared. The hope is that you will find yourself in the words written here and within the words of God.