Proverbs 31:26 When she speaks,her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness.
Sometimes the Proverbs woman does have to correct and give instruction. We need to learn that we are expected to guide each other and hold each other accountable in some ways. When we see a brother or sister going the wrong way sometimes we need to do something. If our neighbors house was on fire we would warn them right? We wouldn't run over and say wow you are so dumb to catch your house on fire you must have left the stove on your a failure. The key is we just need to do this with a getle, humble, and selfless spirit. We need to become teachable and open to counsel ourselves first though.
This makes me think about how Jesus only spoke truth to people. This was not and will not be percieved as nice and humble in this day and age. That is why so many Christians have started to dilute scripture in certain company so the world will accept it and still like them. If Jesus had limited his message to only a soft acceptable one then he would have never been put on the cross. The teachings were straight up a harsh truth for some. I know we are to not scream and yell and do this in self righteousness but we are to say what is right with a right heart. In the same way God calls us to hold other beleivers accountable and we need hearts that are teachable and humble enough so that as brothers and sisters we can do that for each other. All to be done for the purpose of love and building up not tearing down. "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins" (1Pet 4:8).
There are cases where yes we need to remain silent and it's just none of our business.
There are also some where we should gently speak up.
"Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal 6:1-2).
Matthew 18:15 "If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.
Here we have to see that it says to first point out the offense offense privately. An example: If we constantly point out our husbands offense infront of everyone, in front of our kids it will only tear hearts down not build them up.
Above all we have to watch our own sins first. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad" (2Cor 5:10).
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Day 14 Self Control
Self Control it's a big one. I have to dig deep and really get some healing done on this one. There are so many areas in which to exhibit self control that I am sure we each fail somewhere. I know I do big time!
I am just going to copy the list here from Revive our hearts and then we can examine our own hearts and start praying about where it is we tend to lose control.
•Are you self-controlled in your use of time?
•Are you prone to emotional outbursts, to anger, to temper?
•Is your tongue controlled and restrained by the Spirit of God?
•Do you have command and discipline over your body and your physical appetites: food, sexually, morally, alcohol, drugs?
•Are you moderate and temperate in your eating habits, your exercise habits?
•Are there any habits that enslave you, habits that are not godly habits?
•Are you willing and able to restrain yourself from unnecessary extremes?
◦In the way you spend money?
◦In the kinds of clothes you buy?
◦In your work habits and doing chores around your home?
•Are you disciplined to do the job when it needs to be done?
•Are you a perpetual procrastinator?
If we have self control we can avoid a bunch of situations we would other wise and probably have already gotten ourselves into.
I am just going to copy the list here from Revive our hearts and then we can examine our own hearts and start praying about where it is we tend to lose control.
•Are you self-controlled in your use of time?
•Are you prone to emotional outbursts, to anger, to temper?
•Is your tongue controlled and restrained by the Spirit of God?
•Do you have command and discipline over your body and your physical appetites: food, sexually, morally, alcohol, drugs?
•Are you moderate and temperate in your eating habits, your exercise habits?
•Are there any habits that enslave you, habits that are not godly habits?
•Are you willing and able to restrain yourself from unnecessary extremes?
◦In the way you spend money?
◦In the kinds of clothes you buy?
◦In your work habits and doing chores around your home?
•Are you disciplined to do the job when it needs to be done?
•Are you a perpetual procrastinator?
If we have self control we can avoid a bunch of situations we would other wise and probably have already gotten ourselves into.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Day 13 Modest Hearts
What comes to mind when you hear the word modesty?*
To be modest is to:
be discreet
be reserved
see yourself as you really are-humility
be ashamed if your attitudes or dress were ever to cause dishonor to Christ or cause distraction to other believers, or worse yet, were ever to cause men to sin in their thought life or in their morals.
To be immodest is to:
be showy
be arrogant
be overly loud and arguementataive
be aggressive, controlling, or domineering
1 Peter 3 Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes.You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
I think we can only achieve this if we can grasp and create a meek spirit. I long for a spirit of meekness but I know it doesn't come naturally, we have to first aware and be intentional of our actions and reactions.
meek people are:
•teachable people
•humble people
•open to counsel
If you never open your bible. You are really missing out on God speaking to you big time! It's not just a bunch of profound inspirational quotes or annoying rules, it's counsel, direction, and commands for his people to prosper be blessed and live for his promises! I am listing some good scriptures to look up meekness, I hope you will create the time to read them.
•Psalm 37:11
•Isaiah 29:19
•Zephaniah 2:3
•Matthew 11:29
•Colossians 3:12
•1 Peter 3:4
•1 Timothy 6:11
To be modest is to:
be discreet
be reserved
see yourself as you really are-humility
be ashamed if your attitudes or dress were ever to cause dishonor to Christ or cause distraction to other believers, or worse yet, were ever to cause men to sin in their thought life or in their morals.
To be immodest is to:
be showy
be arrogant
be overly loud and arguementataive
be aggressive, controlling, or domineering
1 Peter 3 Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes.You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
I think we can only achieve this if we can grasp and create a meek spirit. I long for a spirit of meekness but I know it doesn't come naturally, we have to first aware and be intentional of our actions and reactions.
meek people are:
•teachable people
•humble people
•open to counsel
If you never open your bible. You are really missing out on God speaking to you big time! It's not just a bunch of profound inspirational quotes or annoying rules, it's counsel, direction, and commands for his people to prosper be blessed and live for his promises! I am listing some good scriptures to look up meekness, I hope you will create the time to read them.
•Psalm 37:11
•Isaiah 29:19
•Zephaniah 2:3
•Matthew 11:29
•Colossians 3:12
•1 Peter 3:4
•1 Timothy 6:11
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Day 12 Represent Him
It’s not enough to just claim to be a Christian or claim to believe. Is there enough evidence in the way we live and act to convict us of being one? Do we read what the word says and make steps to actually apply it in our lives?
•How is our inner life?
•Is our heart ordered as God commands?
Do we trust God when we are giving, helping, and serving or do we hoard our time and resources to our comfort levels?
•How about emotions? Are we people who are an emotional roller coaster? Doesn't mean be flat and boring but too many of us are living from these very high highs to these very low lows, and we're like yo-yos.Our husband, kids, or friends walk in the house and don't know what to expect.
One of my favorite scriptures about representing God is this:
2 Corinthians 5:20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us.
That's a big important job representing God. We need to stop and examine all the areas of our lives and ask are we doing a good job of this to the eyes of the unbelieving world? If we can't and won't try to get our emotions and our lives under control and under surrender he just won't be able to work through us.
•How is our inner life?
•Is our heart ordered as God commands?
Do we trust God when we are giving, helping, and serving or do we hoard our time and resources to our comfort levels?
•How about emotions? Are we people who are an emotional roller coaster? Doesn't mean be flat and boring but too many of us are living from these very high highs to these very low lows, and we're like yo-yos.Our husband, kids, or friends walk in the house and don't know what to expect.
One of my favorite scriptures about representing God is this:
2 Corinthians 5:20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us.
That's a big important job representing God. We need to stop and examine all the areas of our lives and ask are we doing a good job of this to the eyes of the unbelieving world? If we can't and won't try to get our emotions and our lives under control and under surrender he just won't be able to work through us.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Day 11 Clothed in Modesty
Paul says, in 1 Timothy 2:9 and 10, And I want women to be modest in their appearance.
If you are a virtuos woman of God then we should be one in appearance, in attitudes, and in actions.
Who we are and what we are will come out in the way that we look, the way that we act, and the attitudes that we demonstrate toward other people.
If we are woman who claim to worship God then we should wear respectable apparel and exhibit modesty and self-control.
Why would we want to help the enemy against the weakness of man by dressing a certain way? Why would we want to put ourselves out there so that men will stare and fail because of us. You and I know what mans big weakness is on this earth, why add fuel to that fire?
A last note on that would be the obsession with looks. Yes we want to put some thought into dressing and we all like and feel comfortable in certain things. There is nothing wrong with that. But it's not good to obsess too much with outer beauty. I think anything we obsess with gives the enemy something to put in the way of our relationship with Jesus. I also know some of us never feel peace about this. Something is always wrong or ugly and we try so hard. God would be so sad to see us so unhappy with the way he made us and we can get very trapped in insecurity. I say we pour much more energy into looking good and polishing to shine on the inside.
Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
If you are a virtuos woman of God then we should be one in appearance, in attitudes, and in actions.
Who we are and what we are will come out in the way that we look, the way that we act, and the attitudes that we demonstrate toward other people.
If we are woman who claim to worship God then we should wear respectable apparel and exhibit modesty and self-control.
Why would we want to help the enemy against the weakness of man by dressing a certain way? Why would we want to put ourselves out there so that men will stare and fail because of us. You and I know what mans big weakness is on this earth, why add fuel to that fire?
A last note on that would be the obsession with looks. Yes we want to put some thought into dressing and we all like and feel comfortable in certain things. There is nothing wrong with that. But it's not good to obsess too much with outer beauty. I think anything we obsess with gives the enemy something to put in the way of our relationship with Jesus. I also know some of us never feel peace about this. Something is always wrong or ugly and we try so hard. God would be so sad to see us so unhappy with the way he made us and we can get very trapped in insecurity. I say we pour much more energy into looking good and polishing to shine on the inside.
Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Day 10 Selfless
Don't be stubborn and immovable!
Alot of times we hear scripture from God and if what we read is challenging to us we react. We usually react in three different ways.
#1 We reject it.
I will be honest here. This picture of the Proverbs 31 woman can make me angry. I thnk to myself It's just not fair that God created woman this way ...so I am just gonna pick and chose what I do and don't listen to and kinda make up my own mind about what he is "really" saying. We may convince ourselves that God wants us to change with the times so that we can be a cool Christian. Sometimes I even think to my self is he belittling us women? But I just know he is not because he loves us and when we follow his way we live in harmony. It takes walking against the flow to live as God has called us. We can fight it but he made us and it's his decision.
#2 We try way too hard to be super perfect and copy the scripture on our own by our works. We cannot do it no matter how late we stay up and how much our knuckles bleed.
We cannot do what God has called us to do alone. Once we realize this and really get it we can start the road to victory!
#3 We accept it and fall on our knees for help to fulfill it. It’s a life of faith. It's a life of total surrender. It's a choice. It's the only way to live a life contolled by God. We can, and some will infact choose to not fear the Lord and be mighty on our own. But then like it says in Proverbs 1 verse 31, “therefore, they shall eat the fruit of their own way.
If we live selfish lives now, we will eventually reap the fruit of our own hands. We will see that like in the world our families fall apart, finances fall apart, things just start to fail, and it’s because we’ve rejected God’s counsel for our lives. We’re reaping the fruit of our own hands.
But opposite of that if we live selfless lives following Gods counsel he promises us so much! I know that alot of us never get to hear words of approval from this world and it can be hard, it can hurt. But if we live this life by the power of the Holy Spirit, one day when we arrive to that party in Heaven! we will hear those words of approval, ahhhh those dream words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!
Ha! Just imagine that after party...I hope to see you there!
Alot of times we hear scripture from God and if what we read is challenging to us we react. We usually react in three different ways.
#1 We reject it.
I will be honest here. This picture of the Proverbs 31 woman can make me angry. I thnk to myself It's just not fair that God created woman this way ...so I am just gonna pick and chose what I do and don't listen to and kinda make up my own mind about what he is "really" saying. We may convince ourselves that God wants us to change with the times so that we can be a cool Christian. Sometimes I even think to my self is he belittling us women? But I just know he is not because he loves us and when we follow his way we live in harmony. It takes walking against the flow to live as God has called us. We can fight it but he made us and it's his decision.
#2 We try way too hard to be super perfect and copy the scripture on our own by our works. We cannot do it no matter how late we stay up and how much our knuckles bleed.
We cannot do what God has called us to do alone. Once we realize this and really get it we can start the road to victory!
#3 We accept it and fall on our knees for help to fulfill it. It’s a life of faith. It's a life of total surrender. It's a choice. It's the only way to live a life contolled by God. We can, and some will infact choose to not fear the Lord and be mighty on our own. But then like it says in Proverbs 1 verse 31, “therefore, they shall eat the fruit of their own way.
If we live selfish lives now, we will eventually reap the fruit of our own hands. We will see that like in the world our families fall apart, finances fall apart, things just start to fail, and it’s because we’ve rejected God’s counsel for our lives. We’re reaping the fruit of our own hands.
But opposite of that if we live selfless lives following Gods counsel he promises us so much! I know that alot of us never get to hear words of approval from this world and it can be hard, it can hurt. But if we live this life by the power of the Holy Spirit, one day when we arrive to that party in Heaven! we will hear those words of approval, ahhhh those dream words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!
Ha! Just imagine that after party...I hope to see you there!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Don't learn the hard way
About words....I said words that hurt a friend today. They didn't sound like anything bad to me but they also didn't sound like anything good either. The worst part is I have done it before and apologized for it before! I never intend to hurt on purpose but I need to walk in other peoples shoes some shoes are worn differently then others. I should have thought hmmm... will this joke lift you up? or could it flatten you. What's my purpose here? I've known her and her situation long enough to know better. Now I get to squirm in regret and learn the hard way. Forgive me Lord the road to virtue lies ahead and I have many miles to hike. Ashamed of myself but forgiven.
Proverbs 31:26 When she speaks,her words are wise,
Proverbs 31:26 When she speaks,her words are wise,
Friday, July 23, 2010
Day 9 Give and Serve
The woman in proverbs 31 is a lover, giver and servant. Some of us will say we just were not called to do that, to be a servant. Just remember one important thing: You are never ever more like Jesus then when you are serving others.
Nancy Leigh Moss :God does not want you to go through the motions of caring for your family and your home. You can have a spic-and-span, perfectly decorated home and not be a spiritual woman. But when you take the love of Christ and a servant’s heart after Christ, and you apply it in the context of your home—that’s a beautiful woman! That’s a godly woman.
What you’re doing in that home may not seem very important. It may not seem very meaningful. It may not seem very fulfilling. Where did we get that word? Fulfilling— everything today has to be fulfilling. That is so selfish!
The question is: Are you fulfilling God’s purpose and God’s plan for your life? Not: Are you fulfilling what you want to do with your life? If you want ultimate joy and ultimate happiness, then set yourself to do the will of God, and you will find there is, long-term, nothing more fulfilling.
Nancy Leigh Moss :God does not want you to go through the motions of caring for your family and your home. You can have a spic-and-span, perfectly decorated home and not be a spiritual woman. But when you take the love of Christ and a servant’s heart after Christ, and you apply it in the context of your home—that’s a beautiful woman! That’s a godly woman.
What you’re doing in that home may not seem very important. It may not seem very meaningful. It may not seem very fulfilling. Where did we get that word? Fulfilling— everything today has to be fulfilling. That is so selfish!
The question is: Are you fulfilling God’s purpose and God’s plan for your life? Not: Are you fulfilling what you want to do with your life? If you want ultimate joy and ultimate happiness, then set yourself to do the will of God, and you will find there is, long-term, nothing more fulfilling.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Day 8 Watchful and Disciplined
Proverbs 31:27 She carefully watches everything in her household
and suffers nothing from laziness.
Keep a watchful eye over what goes on in your household. There is no time to rest on this. You need to know what your children are reading, what they’re listening to, what they’re wearing and what they talk about.
This part is hard for me because I want to control everything and I know I cannot.I do know if we start young we can help kids fill up with God's way of living, thinking, and acting.
We are all busy but families need talk time, turn off the tv time, time to let kids and husbands know that we see them, we hear them, we love them, we have time for them, and we are paying attention to their life just as God pays attention too. Part of having a watchful eye is knowing and caring to know our family.
Then comes the end of the scripture: she suffers nothing from laziness some versions say she does not eat the bread of idleness.
The truth is being a virtuous woman is some crazy tiring, hardcore work! It means constantly working and being alert. If we are idle, things will be out of control in our homes. If we spend too much time doing things that aren’t for us at this point in our life (like Facebooking! heheh) , then our home will suffer and be a wreck. Homemaking is important because it’s important to God. Does this mean you never take moments to just sit down, relax, play with kids, and to do things you like? yes you do because things will be and stay in order and you will have time. There’s so much freedom in being set free from idleness.
Some basic organizational skills to help or get started:
•Get your family calendar organized. (Know your obligations, where everybody needs to be, what you need to do.)
•Organize your meals and menu plans.(Care that your family eats healthy. Nutrition is important and makes bodies and brains work better. Help protect the health of the temples of the Holy spirit that depend on you. If you don't know how to cook learn! It's truly not brain surgery)
•Organize your household cleaning. (There is a peace and ambience to a clean good smelling home) Household cleaning is only hard if you don’t do it. It’s really not that bad if you keep up with it and you have a strategy. Plus kids should be taught, expected to and held accountable to help.)
•Organize your finances. We are stewards but God owns it all, so every spending decision is a spiritual decision. Financial stress can suck the life out of lives. If you don't know God's perspective on finance start learning it. There are over 2,350 verses that address how to earn, save, spend, invest and give money.
and suffers nothing from laziness.
Keep a watchful eye over what goes on in your household. There is no time to rest on this. You need to know what your children are reading, what they’re listening to, what they’re wearing and what they talk about.
This part is hard for me because I want to control everything and I know I cannot.I do know if we start young we can help kids fill up with God's way of living, thinking, and acting.
We are all busy but families need talk time, turn off the tv time, time to let kids and husbands know that we see them, we hear them, we love them, we have time for them, and we are paying attention to their life just as God pays attention too. Part of having a watchful eye is knowing and caring to know our family.
Then comes the end of the scripture: she suffers nothing from laziness some versions say she does not eat the bread of idleness.
The truth is being a virtuous woman is some crazy tiring, hardcore work! It means constantly working and being alert. If we are idle, things will be out of control in our homes. If we spend too much time doing things that aren’t for us at this point in our life (like Facebooking! heheh) , then our home will suffer and be a wreck. Homemaking is important because it’s important to God. Does this mean you never take moments to just sit down, relax, play with kids, and to do things you like? yes you do because things will be and stay in order and you will have time. There’s so much freedom in being set free from idleness.
Some basic organizational skills to help or get started:
•Get your family calendar organized. (Know your obligations, where everybody needs to be, what you need to do.)
•Organize your meals and menu plans.(Care that your family eats healthy. Nutrition is important and makes bodies and brains work better. Help protect the health of the temples of the Holy spirit that depend on you. If you don't know how to cook learn! It's truly not brain surgery)
•Organize your household cleaning. (There is a peace and ambience to a clean good smelling home) Household cleaning is only hard if you don’t do it. It’s really not that bad if you keep up with it and you have a strategy. Plus kids should be taught, expected to and held accountable to help.)
•Organize your finances. We are stewards but God owns it all, so every spending decision is a spiritual decision. Financial stress can suck the life out of lives. If you don't know God's perspective on finance start learning it. There are over 2,350 verses that address how to earn, save, spend, invest and give money.
Day 7 Words
No matter how awesome we decorate, how clean everything is, and how great our house is we can destroy our home with the strongest weapon of all: THE TONGUE
So let's imagine if we had a little recorder following us everywhere we went recording our words. Oh boy! Would we be ashamed? Or would we be happy to let people hear it? The problem is we do have that recorder. It's God. We can't hide anything from him.
It's really scary to think of the damage we can do with our mouth.
I remember being maybe 10 years old and visiting my dad the one time in life that we actually did. I still can hear his words clearly and I am 35 now. I wrote what they were but decided to delete them. Let's just say we can really hurt people and tear them down with our words.
I am 35 now and I still remember those words. I am a Christian and I know God loves me and I still remember those words. There is no excuse to be walking with God and not have our tongues under control of the spirit. Our feelings have to be under control. If feelings control our responses we will always be unstable. It's time to stop saying things we wish we had not said. To lift up, and build up, to be kind when correcting, think before we speak and if we can't then stay silent instead.
Proverbs 31:26
When she speaks,her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness.
So let's imagine if we had a little recorder following us everywhere we went recording our words. Oh boy! Would we be ashamed? Or would we be happy to let people hear it? The problem is we do have that recorder. It's God. We can't hide anything from him.
It's really scary to think of the damage we can do with our mouth.
I remember being maybe 10 years old and visiting my dad the one time in life that we actually did. I still can hear his words clearly and I am 35 now. I wrote what they were but decided to delete them. Let's just say we can really hurt people and tear them down with our words.
I am 35 now and I still remember those words. I am a Christian and I know God loves me and I still remember those words. There is no excuse to be walking with God and not have our tongues under control of the spirit. Our feelings have to be under control. If feelings control our responses we will always be unstable. It's time to stop saying things we wish we had not said. To lift up, and build up, to be kind when correcting, think before we speak and if we can't then stay silent instead.
Proverbs 31:26
When she speaks,her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness.
Day 6 Perspective
Anything that we do for loving God and the true love of others doesn't seem as burdensome. Isn't it true? When our heart is willing to serve, everything has a way different perspective.
Whatever it is today that weighs on us the most as we do it, if we change our perspective to serving God as we do it then it will weigh less on us. The work may still be hard but the perspective of it will change our hearts as we do it all.
One writer on Proverbs 31 said, “Only love can make such diligent service sweet and delightful. Where love is lacking, this work will be the worst drudgery.”
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever it is today that weighs on us the most as we do it, if we change our perspective to serving God as we do it then it will weigh less on us. The work may still be hard but the perspective of it will change our hearts as we do it all.
One writer on Proverbs 31 said, “Only love can make such diligent service sweet and delightful. Where love is lacking, this work will be the worst drudgery.”
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” Ecclesiastes 9:10
Monday, July 19, 2010
Day 5 Attitude
As we work in our homes and do the million little things to care for our family we have to remember this ministers to their needs. Through Proverbs 31 you see that the core place of our work and ministry should be at home. The woman stays up late and wakes up early to make sure everyone is taken care of and she does it for God. If we can swallow this then we can get to a place where we can do all the details with Joy and gratitude minus the attitude.:)
Have we accepted our calling as a privilege to serve our family and others for God? Or are we still living in regret of a life we could have had in dreams of being somewhere else much more spectacular and exciting? I know growing up we imagined it to be much more fabulous then keeping dishes washed or dinner made. But when we were growing up we were not godly people who knew that it's not about us and it's not about being glorified now and making sure we are happy and noticed. Our family and those around us sense our true feelings when we angrily clean, tiredly make food, help people with annoyance on our hearts. Is this life we live the outworking of our love for God and do we express it in our homes? It's a choice really. We can forever let our attitude and lack of joy poison us and our families, we can complain until the day we die. Or we can surrender our hearts to God and live in gratitude that we even have a house to clean up or a family to feed and food to feed them with. It's our choice.
Attitude has great power.
Please pray this for us: Lord can you give us peace in the life that you have given us. Peace that we are to be where we are and that is exactly where you need us. Give us the eyes to see the doors that you open and the strength to walk through those doors. Forgive us when we lack joy in our lives and wish we were someone else or with someone else. Please give us love for those who deserve it least, love that we don't expect and may not get in return. Help us grow to be women who do all things for you and fear only your dissaproval and no one elses. Amen
Have we accepted our calling as a privilege to serve our family and others for God? Or are we still living in regret of a life we could have had in dreams of being somewhere else much more spectacular and exciting? I know growing up we imagined it to be much more fabulous then keeping dishes washed or dinner made. But when we were growing up we were not godly people who knew that it's not about us and it's not about being glorified now and making sure we are happy and noticed. Our family and those around us sense our true feelings when we angrily clean, tiredly make food, help people with annoyance on our hearts. Is this life we live the outworking of our love for God and do we express it in our homes? It's a choice really. We can forever let our attitude and lack of joy poison us and our families, we can complain until the day we die. Or we can surrender our hearts to God and live in gratitude that we even have a house to clean up or a family to feed and food to feed them with. It's our choice.
Attitude has great power.
Please pray this for us: Lord can you give us peace in the life that you have given us. Peace that we are to be where we are and that is exactly where you need us. Give us the eyes to see the doors that you open and the strength to walk through those doors. Forgive us when we lack joy in our lives and wish we were someone else or with someone else. Please give us love for those who deserve it least, love that we don't expect and may not get in return. Help us grow to be women who do all things for you and fear only your dissaproval and no one elses. Amen
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Day 4 No expectations
Proverbs 31:12
She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
Proverbs doesn't say this woman does him good and not evil as long as he does her good.
It says She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. Do good towards people with nothing of self gain expected in return. To me this seems like it can only happen through a total forgiving heart. Forgive faults, forgive words, forgive actions and do everything you do for God.
This can be applied to all of our relationships and we can live free if we do what we do to serve God. We will never be let down. If you are a believer then you know that we have great things promised to us in the Kingdom to come!
God gives us all gifts from the spirit to use to help each other. We have to use the strengths, gifts and minds we have for helping people with a spirit of brokeness, gentleness and consideration of others.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5,6
She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
Proverbs doesn't say this woman does him good and not evil as long as he does her good.
It says She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. Do good towards people with nothing of self gain expected in return. To me this seems like it can only happen through a total forgiving heart. Forgive faults, forgive words, forgive actions and do everything you do for God.
This can be applied to all of our relationships and we can live free if we do what we do to serve God. We will never be let down. If you are a believer then you know that we have great things promised to us in the Kingdom to come!
God gives us all gifts from the spirit to use to help each other. We have to use the strengths, gifts and minds we have for helping people with a spirit of brokeness, gentleness and consideration of others.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5,6
Day 3 Humility
The righteous man falls down seven times” (Proverbs 24:16).
It’s so important in our home, marriage, and relationships that we model humility more than perfection. Oh man do I fail here! People already know you’re not perfect. Admit it because we will fail that's a given. Thank God when we do fall we can pick ourself up and go on by grace.
I'm going to add something here that is very hard to practice and live out just for the fact that children are so innocent and easy to love but here it is: If you are married with kids, then you are a wife before a mother. The children come later, in order, and in order of priority. Your most important human relationship is with your husband. Even if we are super perfect all the time but our relationship is failing and it's last on our list that is what the kids will see and feel. Try it for a year try making your husband a priority you will see how the natural order falls into place.
This is really really hard because some of us are dissapointed in our husbands lack of leadership and manly character. I do know that preaching and lecturing isn't gonna get them there. But really if we take the time to learn what God wants of us as biblical woman and then look in the mirror, we will be just as disspointed and fall just as short ourselves. I say we work from the inside out.
It’s so important in our home, marriage, and relationships that we model humility more than perfection. Oh man do I fail here! People already know you’re not perfect. Admit it because we will fail that's a given. Thank God when we do fall we can pick ourself up and go on by grace.
I'm going to add something here that is very hard to practice and live out just for the fact that children are so innocent and easy to love but here it is: If you are married with kids, then you are a wife before a mother. The children come later, in order, and in order of priority. Your most important human relationship is with your husband. Even if we are super perfect all the time but our relationship is failing and it's last on our list that is what the kids will see and feel. Try it for a year try making your husband a priority you will see how the natural order falls into place.
This is really really hard because some of us are dissapointed in our husbands lack of leadership and manly character. I do know that preaching and lecturing isn't gonna get them there. But really if we take the time to learn what God wants of us as biblical woman and then look in the mirror, we will be just as disspointed and fall just as short ourselves. I say we work from the inside out.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Day 2..selfless
Being a virtuous woman doesn’t mean that you don't have struggles and challenges.
Read all of proverbs 31 and you will see a woman who is soooo totally busy all the time you wonder how does she have time to get to know anyone?
I feel like sometimes we take steps forward and then steps back. But I believe spiritual maturity is not just where you are but the direction you’re headed. I think staying stagnant and content with our relationship with Jesus is a perfect way to fail.
(Nancy Leigh Moss):
The woman in Proverbs is a woman who does have virtuous character, and she does have an intimate relationship with God.
Any woman who is a child of God can be like this woman. Any woman who is a child of God can be like this woman because Jesus lives in us, and He’s the One who fulfills the righteousness of God. So as we’re filled with the Holy Spirit, you and I can be a virtuous and excellent woman.
The most outstanding thing about this woman is not all the things she can do. It’s her heart. It’s her priorities. It’s her values.
Everything that she does flows out of this reverence for God. She’s seeking to please Him first and foremost
Here’s a woman who is a lover. She loves. She’s got the fruit of the Spirit in her life, which is love. It’s a love that’s joyful. It’s a love that’s peaceful, that’s patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled.
Then she’s a woman who has a servant’s heart. That strikes me as I read this passage, that she’s utterly selfless. There are hardly any references to her doing anything for herself. Now our culture would tell us that makes a miserable woman. But I just read that passage. Does that sound like a miserable woman to you?
Here’s a woman who has joy. You see the world has sold us a bill of goods. It has told us that if you look out for yourself then you’ll be happy. But look at all those women out there looking out for themselves. Are they happy? It’s the women who live for God and others, who serve, who are the women who are truly joyful.
Read all of proverbs 31 and you will see a woman who is soooo totally busy all the time you wonder how does she have time to get to know anyone?
I feel like sometimes we take steps forward and then steps back. But I believe spiritual maturity is not just where you are but the direction you’re headed. I think staying stagnant and content with our relationship with Jesus is a perfect way to fail.
(Nancy Leigh Moss):
The woman in Proverbs is a woman who does have virtuous character, and she does have an intimate relationship with God.
Any woman who is a child of God can be like this woman. Any woman who is a child of God can be like this woman because Jesus lives in us, and He’s the One who fulfills the righteousness of God. So as we’re filled with the Holy Spirit, you and I can be a virtuous and excellent woman.
The most outstanding thing about this woman is not all the things she can do. It’s her heart. It’s her priorities. It’s her values.
Everything that she does flows out of this reverence for God. She’s seeking to please Him first and foremost
Here’s a woman who is a lover. She loves. She’s got the fruit of the Spirit in her life, which is love. It’s a love that’s joyful. It’s a love that’s peaceful, that’s patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled.
Then she’s a woman who has a servant’s heart. That strikes me as I read this passage, that she’s utterly selfless. There are hardly any references to her doing anything for herself. Now our culture would tell us that makes a miserable woman. But I just read that passage. Does that sound like a miserable woman to you?
Here’s a woman who has joy. You see the world has sold us a bill of goods. It has told us that if you look out for yourself then you’ll be happy. But look at all those women out there looking out for themselves. Are they happy? It’s the women who live for God and others, who serve, who are the women who are truly joyful.
Friday, July 16, 2010
We are not friends of this world
Day 1
How do we really live out a life where God is in control?
First we have to know God, it’s all about your personal relationship with Him.
It’s not just about what we know in our bible or saying we believe, because even the devil believes in God, and demons can quote scripture. Off course it is super important to read the Word of God daily. God has packed this love letter full of armor to shield us, directions on which way to go to get by in this world, love, and promises. Why would we not want to read it?
But, It is also how we live out our relationship with God every moment. How does being a Christian affect every area of our life? Is there enough evidence to convict you as a Christian?
Going to church or saying we believe doesn’t make us a Christian.
When we say “I’m a believer; I follow Jesus; I believe the gospel” How does that affect the way that we view life? How does that affect the way we react to pressure, how we treat different people, husbands, and children? How do we make decisions? What do we give? What do we save? Financial habits, moral habits, TV-viewing habits, using the computer, in friendships, in use of free time, diet and exercise! How does being a believer affect and impact every single area of my life? (Nancy Leigh Moss) We can’t say “ok God please take care of making sure I have enough money but I will decide how many new pairs of shoes I buy with it”, or “yes God guide me in the way I treat my friends but I am still going to yell at my husband because he deserves it”.
If we are children of God, He lives in us, His Holy Spirit lives in us. He’s supposed to be in control of every area of our life.
I was chatting with my brother the other day and he said something that stuck out to me so much, I wrote a song about it.
He said “we are not friends of this world.
and it doesn't guide us”
I’ll tell you I find myself writing things and deleting them because I don’t want to look to much like a Jesus Freak. Well you know what? The alternative to that is serving both man and God. The alternative is being lukewarm and afraid to say and live out things people might frown on or that might make us look crazy. Did Jesus do that? No!, he never did and so he was beat and killed for us. And we are afraid of hurting someone’s feelings or them thinking we are weird or crazy. You can’t just kind of believe and pick and chose the comfortable parts. It’s all or nothing and I am not risking eternity in heaven so that a person will like me.
“We are not friends of this world.
and it doesn't guide us”
It’s so true. Let God guide you in every step, you won’t be sorry. He has promised a great treasure to those who love and seek him with all their heart.
Here is the thing, we can read moving words, we can get all excited about it!, we can pray and talk about it forever but until we jump off that cliff into his arms with tested blind faith. Then it will all just be another inspirational moment in our lives.
I want to be a woman after God’s heart, in every area of my life controlled by the Word of God, by the Spirit of God, the gospel of Christ.
I am living for the day that I hear “well done good and faithful servant”
How do we really live out a life where God is in control?
First we have to know God, it’s all about your personal relationship with Him.
It’s not just about what we know in our bible or saying we believe, because even the devil believes in God, and demons can quote scripture. Off course it is super important to read the Word of God daily. God has packed this love letter full of armor to shield us, directions on which way to go to get by in this world, love, and promises. Why would we not want to read it?
But, It is also how we live out our relationship with God every moment. How does being a Christian affect every area of our life? Is there enough evidence to convict you as a Christian?
Going to church or saying we believe doesn’t make us a Christian.
When we say “I’m a believer; I follow Jesus; I believe the gospel” How does that affect the way that we view life? How does that affect the way we react to pressure, how we treat different people, husbands, and children? How do we make decisions? What do we give? What do we save? Financial habits, moral habits, TV-viewing habits, using the computer, in friendships, in use of free time, diet and exercise! How does being a believer affect and impact every single area of my life? (Nancy Leigh Moss) We can’t say “ok God please take care of making sure I have enough money but I will decide how many new pairs of shoes I buy with it”, or “yes God guide me in the way I treat my friends but I am still going to yell at my husband because he deserves it”.
If we are children of God, He lives in us, His Holy Spirit lives in us. He’s supposed to be in control of every area of our life.
I was chatting with my brother the other day and he said something that stuck out to me so much, I wrote a song about it.
He said “we are not friends of this world.
and it doesn't guide us”
I’ll tell you I find myself writing things and deleting them because I don’t want to look to much like a Jesus Freak. Well you know what? The alternative to that is serving both man and God. The alternative is being lukewarm and afraid to say and live out things people might frown on or that might make us look crazy. Did Jesus do that? No!, he never did and so he was beat and killed for us. And we are afraid of hurting someone’s feelings or them thinking we are weird or crazy. You can’t just kind of believe and pick and chose the comfortable parts. It’s all or nothing and I am not risking eternity in heaven so that a person will like me.
“We are not friends of this world.
and it doesn't guide us”
It’s so true. Let God guide you in every step, you won’t be sorry. He has promised a great treasure to those who love and seek him with all their heart.
Here is the thing, we can read moving words, we can get all excited about it!, we can pray and talk about it forever but until we jump off that cliff into his arms with tested blind faith. Then it will all just be another inspirational moment in our lives.
I want to be a woman after God’s heart, in every area of my life controlled by the Word of God, by the Spirit of God, the gospel of Christ.
I am living for the day that I hear “well done good and faithful servant”
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Biblical Womanhood - 30 Days
This is a 30 day journey, mostly through Proverbs 31
Our goal will be towards becoming and growing as people who, in every area of our lives, are controlled by the Word of God.
Alot of Proverbs 31 pertains to a married, mother type of woman, but that does not mean that if you are not at that point in life you can't join in and talk about biblical women.:)
Feel free to invite anyone else.
Deniz
--
Hebrews 13:6
So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
Our goal will be towards becoming and growing as people who, in every area of our lives, are controlled by the Word of God.
Alot of Proverbs 31 pertains to a married, mother type of woman, but that does not mean that if you are not at that point in life you can't join in and talk about biblical women.:)
Feel free to invite anyone else.
Deniz
--
Hebrews 13:6
So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
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