I recieved these daily notes from Nicole who attended the True Woman's Conference just recently.  I was so blessed by these daily thought provoking and convicting text that I thought I'd share them with you as well.  You can read more for yourself on the website . Here you can sign up to recieve 30 days of biblical instruction directly to your inbox.  Check it out.

I am also looking to gather a group of women interested in attending the conference in Fort Worth, TX

October 14-16, 2010 at the Ft. Worth Convention Center. Let me know if you are interested in joining by commenting on this post.

Complementary Versus Competing

Scripture Focus: Mark 9:33-41

“Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” —Matthew 23:12, NASB

“The role of men and women in ministry is complementary. True enrichment for both Christian men and women comes when these roles are fulfilled side-by-side. A woman’s ministry is primarily maternal in flavor and style, and the man’s is primarily paternal. This marvelous and rich role difference should be celebrated and reflected. It’s cooperative ministry.” —Joni Eareckson Tada*

The woman was created to fulfill a vital role in man’s life, serving as his co-regent over creation and functioning as his helper. Some women react to the concept of being a “helper” as if that were an inferior position. But to the contrary, the helper role is honorable, vital, and can be embraced when it is seen as a necessary complement for the man.

Let’s look at one “helper” whom Jesus commended as the greatest Old Testament prophet.

In the Gospel narratives, John the Baptist stands out as a premier player, one of a kind and necessary in preparing the way for the coming King. But what did John say of Jesus and himself? “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30, NASB). Why didn’t John grasp for fame? Why didn’t he grumble over losing the following he had acquired in his wilderness ministry? Because he understood the principle “It’s all about Him; it’s not about me.”

Do we view John as less than the impacting proclaimer that he was because he played a supporting role when the Son of Man arrived on the scene? No, we hold him in even higher regard for humbly taking his rightful position as the “preparer of the way” while refusing to be proclaimed as “The Way.”

So why do we, as women sometimes take offense at being considered a supporting player rather than the leading character when it comes to God-assigned roles? Somehow we’ve convinced ourselves that there is less value in this position, so we view our role as demeaning or as less significant than the man’s.

Where did that kind of thinking come from? Perhaps during a dialogue in Eden? We’ll take a look at that fateful exchange tomorrow.

Take Time to Reflect

How did Jesus respond to His disciples’ competitive spirit in Mark 9:33-37? Do you compete with the men around you, or do you try to use your gifts and abilities to complement them? Do you seek to honor worthy men in respectful and appropriate ways, or do you have a demeaning attitude toward men? Ask God to open your eyes to your own attitude and behavior.