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© 2014 Advent Press Limited © 2014 BUC Women’s Ministries Department WOMEN OF VIRTUE PROGRAMME MANUAL All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in an information or retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or recording without the prior permission in writing of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published. First Print, 2014 Unless otherwise indicated all Bible quotations are taken from the New King James Version. © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data. A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. ISBN 978-1-909615-09-0 Principle Author Sharon Platt-McDonald Contributing Author Sandra Golding Published By ADVENT PRESS LIMITED High Wycombe Although published by Advent Press Limited this book is a self-published product and solely the work of the author. The contents herein have not been checked for factual accuracy (or otherwise) and the author assumes full responsibility for this piece of work. Advent Press Limited have contributed in no way to the writing and contents of this book. Printed and Bound in the UK by Advent Press Limited Cover Image © Shutterstock / EUGENE SERGEEV Design & Layout, Advent Press Limited THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN King James Version Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and called her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:10-31 The Message (MSG) Version A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long. She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises. She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden. First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking. She’s quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor. She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks. Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers. She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly. She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: “Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!” Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praise! Contents FOREWORD HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL INTRODUCING THE AUTHORS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ENDORSEMENTS WOMEN OF VIRTUE SONGS INTRODUCING THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN GODLY CHARACTER WOMEN AS SINGLES WOMEN AS WIVES WOMEN AS HOMEMAKERS WOMEN AS PROVIDERS WOMEN AS MOTHERS MAINTAINS HER APPEARANCE A STRONG WOMAN WOMEN WHO ARE INDUSTRIOUS WOMEN AS INVESTORS WOMEN AS COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT ENCOURAGING AND AFFIRMING EXCELLENCE A WOMAN COMPARED CONCLUSION BIBLIOGRAPHY Proverbs 31:29 – 31 “Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” Forward FOREWORD “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” Edith Wharton The imagery of ‘light’ and ‘reflection’ are ones that mark the life of the Christian. As we emulate the character of Christ, who is the Light of the world, we become reflectors of His light. As Christian women, we can be both the candle and the mirror in this dark world to help illuminate the lives of others; pointing them to Christ. We also find a reference point from those whose exemplary lives have blazed a trail which illuminated the path and navigated the way for fellow travellers. The admirable life of the Proverbs 31 women is a beacon of light pointing Christian women to their Creator and their potential through Him. The portrayal of this Virtuous Woman has been an inspiration to me as she epitomises what it means to be a Godly, productive and influential woman who positively impacts her home and community alike. As I analysed the outstanding attributes of this commendable woman it became evident that there were some principles on which we could build in order to enrich our role as women and enhance the ministry in our homes, churches and communities. It was this inspiration that propelled me to write a programme for women. Subsequently the birth of the Women of Virtue Programme and the compilation of this manual is the product of that vision of the Proverbs 31 woman. Realising the high calling on our lives; to fulfil God’s will for us and achieve our full potential as Christian women, I have formatted the programme around thirteen aspects of life that shape us as women. These are the foundational principles depicted in Proverbs 31:10-31 for which this woman is praiseworthy. Each chapter is based on one of these principles. At the start of each chapter I have placed Case Studies which portray the lives of women who have experienced challenges on their journey to becoming women of virtue. This enables a realistic look at where women are coming from in their varied life experiences and how we can assist women in similar situations to reach up to God to transform their lives. It is my prayer that as you read through this manual, utilise the complimentary materials and attend the accompanying seminars and workshops, you will become ‘lights’ that brighten your homes, churches and communities. In so doing may you reflect Christ as you develop into women of virtue to the honour and glory of His Name. Your sister in Christ Sharon how to use this manual HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL The following guidelines are written to assist us in getting the most out of this manual and support the training that will accompany the Women of Virtue Programme. CASE STUDIES The case studies are written to bring an element of ‘real life’ into the programme. It is intend to demonstrate some of the real life issues women are currently facing. Whilst we all want to aspire to be like the Proverbs 31 woman the reality for many women is a life circumstance that is challenging and somewhat different from the ideal outlined in verses 10-31. How do we meet these women where they are currently? We need something that speaks to their place of reference and gives them hope to move forward. These case studies are a compilation of real life experiences which have been adapted to protect the anonymity of individuals. Whilst there are fictitious elements, the case studies are drawn from the combined life events of various women. Discussion questions have been placed at the end of each case study for your personal reflection and to facilitate group discussions in your Women’s Ministries programmes. CHAPTERS The chapters are based on the attributes of the Virtuous Woman of Proverbs 31 detailing specific aspects of her life. Added to these are current issues faced by 21st century women that have been included to give some relevance and comparative analysis for today’s women. REFLECTION This is the reflective point in the manual which enables you to pause and consolidate what you have read so far. It is also a moment to make a relevant application where necessary. ACTION POINTS The action points allow you to take some suggested steps based on the themes of the chapter. This gives an opportunity for some experiential learning. It also helps to strengthen the reflection points. RECOMMENDED READING AND RESOURCES The identified books, magazines, websites and other materials are the recommendations of the authors. This is material that they have previously used for their personal nurture and development and also to accompany the workshops and seminars that they have undertaken. An augmented version of these listings have been placed in the bibliography section at the back of the manual. PRAYER The prayer section is a place for you to connect with God as you reflect on the information you have read. You may choose to prayer your own prayer of commitment asking God to assist your development in the areas of need or thanking Him for what He is already doing in your life. NURTURE This manual is intended for the nurture and development of women on their journey to be all that God intends for them. It is the reference book for the Women of Virtue programme. The intention is for Women’s Ministries leaders to go through the manual for them to become conversant with its content. Leading on from this will be the accompanying seminars and workshops that give additional information and offer experiential learning. OUTREACH As a ministry tool, this resource can also be used to engage women in the community. These are most likely to be women that you are currently working with or who have been invited to your church or Women’s Ministries programme. They can also be invited to the associated events that will follow. CHURCH DEVELOPMENT As this is a British Union Conference initiative we would encourage you to promote the use of this resource and programme in your Women’s Ministries departmental programmes. As you implement the actions, attend the workshops and seminars and develop discussion groups around the subject matter in this manual, we pray that this will have a positive impact on your church. We pray also that the women who attend this programme will experience growth as they become the Women of Virtue God has ordained them to be.

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and develop discussion groups around the subject matter in this manual, we pray that this will .. hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted Baker Publishing Group. 2010 Woman Thou Art Loosed! TD .Jakes. 1 57778 020 5. Albury Publishing. 1997.
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