Understanding the fear of the Lord

Hi There, On our last post we wrote some thoughts on Proverbs 1 where Solomon encouraged us to fear the LORD. Chapter 2 gives some very strong instruction as to how you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. "My son, if you accept My words and store up My commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find knowledge and understanding. For the LORD gives wisdom, and out of His mouth come knowledge and understanding." Proverbs 2:1-6 The easiest thing for me would be to list these things: 1) accept My words 2) store up my commands within you 3) turn your ear to wisdom 4) apply your heart to understanding 5) call out for insight 6) cry aloud for understanding 7) look for it as for silver 8) search for it as for hidden treasure then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find knowledge and understanding. For the LORD gives wisdom, and out of His mouth come knowledge and understanding. The key to wisdom and understanding is to read the Word of God, study it and hide it in our hearts. Are we willing to take the time to do this? Or do we consider everything else of more importance? I recently read of a missionary from India who returned home on furlough. At a midweek prayer meeting he read a letter that he had received from an Indian elder in the church, which the missionary had left behind. This is what he read: “Dear brother, we have missed you greatly while you have been gone, but we are trying to carry on. We are all studying the Word more faithfully than ever, and God has already been at work and we are having a great "rebible.” For more wonderful verses please finish reading Proverbs 2. He meant “revival.” The missionary reading the letter said, “Brethren, I do not think there was any mistake in that letter because whenever there is a re-Bible movement, there will be a revival.” How important is the Word of God to you, I hope you "read your Bible and pray everyday, and you'll grow, grow, grow."

The fear of the Lord

Dear Readers, How long has it been since you read through the Proverbs? It has been a while for me, so this month I hope to put some time in reading the Proverbs and taking them to heart. Chapter 1 starts with a little introduction giving the purpose of the book. Solomon, son of King David wrote these proverbs, so that young men in particular, could get wisdom and discipline for a prudent life. This is a goal that many a mother of sons has for them, that our sons would live lives full of wisdom, discipline and prudence. That they would have knowledge and discretion in their decision making. Let's read one proverb a day, since there are 31, and we'll be finished in a month. Let's read them to see what Solomon suggests for our sons, really for all our children and for us so that we will increase in learning and discernment. Proverbs 1:1 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." Solomon starts by exhorting us to fear the Lord. The fear of the LORD...does this mean that we are to be afraid of the LORD? In one sense of the word it does. We often treat the LORD as anyone else, with a slight reguard. He is to be feared and reverenced above any other. He holds the power to life and death. In the Hebrew the word here for fear, "yirah" means to reverence; which includes afraid and fear. How might we teach our children to "fear or reverence the LORD? We need to start with ourselves, do we fear or reverence the LORD? Our actions toward the LORD will influence our children. Do we have great respect toward Him, do we love Him, serve Him, put Him first in our lives? As the Christmas season is upon us, are our thoughts turned to the baby in Bethlehem's manger that came to die, so that we might live with Him forever? Or are trees, tinsel, gifts and snowmen crowding out our realationship with Him? As we continue to read Chapter 1, we find that fools despise wisdom and discipline...if we want our children to fear the Lord, we would be wise to fear the Lord ourselves and not despise wisdom and discipline in our own lives. We find that sons are to listen to their Father's instructions and not to forsake their mother's teaching. They will be a garland to grace their head and a chain to adorn your neck. 1:8-9. The chapter goes on to warn the young men about those who would try to take them off the pathway of wisdom. Please read the rest of the chapter and pray about how and when you can instruct your children in these valuable truths and continue to challenge yourself to fear the LORD.

More details from the 1500-1600 home makers

Hi Ladies, Here are a few more intersting facts from the 1500-1600's that make us thankful we live in the here and now. In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire. Everyday they lit the fire and added things to the pot. The ate mostly vegetables and did not get a great deal of meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving lefovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes the stew had food in it that had been there for quite awhile. Hence the rhyme: "Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot, nine days old." Sometimes they could obtain some pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man could "bring home the bacon." They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and "chew the fat." Those who had money had plates made of pewter. Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considerd poisonous. Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or "the upper crust." Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky. The combination would somtimes knock the imbibers out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead an prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait to see if they would wake up. Hence the custom of "Holding a wake." I have a few more interesting facts for you but they will need to wait until next month.

Marriage and home making in the 1500-1600's

Dear Ladies, Have you ever wondered where some of the marital traditions came from? Some date back as far as the 1500's. For instance: Most people got married in June becasue they took their yearly bath in May, and they still smelled pretty good by June. (sigh) Brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married. (sigh) Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all the babies. By then the water was so diry you could actually loose somone in it. Hence the say, "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water! Houses had thatched roofs- thick straw piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice,bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and somethimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof. Hence the saying: "It's raining cats and dogs." There was nothing to stop them from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings would mess up your nice clean bed. Hence a bed with big posts and a sheet hug over the top afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came int existence. How about one or two more interesting facts for this posting? The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. Hence the saying, "Dirt poor." The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread straw, called "thresh" on the floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more "thresh" until when you opened the door, it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entrance-way. Hence: the thresh hold. More to come on the next post.

Home Making- a new recipe

Good Morning Ladies, Recently I tried a new recipe that I wanted to share with you. It's a recipe for the Crock pot. Do you enjoy using a crock pot? I find that on busy days it's wonderful to load it up, turn it on, and come home to a lovely smelling home and at the same time be almost ready for dinner! Here is the recipe: Crockpot Mongolian Beef 1 1/2 lb. flank steak 1/4 c. corn starch Slice the meat thin (it's best to do this if it is partially frozen), put it in a baggie with the corn starch, mixing well. Set aside. 3 cloves, garlic minced 4 sliced green onions 1 t. dried onion (I sliced an onion and added it instead) 1/2 c. soy sauce (I used low sodium soy sauce) 1/4 c. apple juice or white wine 1/4 c. cooking Sherry 1/2 T. white wine vinegar 1 t. seseme oil 1 t. molasses 1 t. ginger 1/4 t. black pepper 1 t. red chili flakes 1/2 T. peanut butter 3 T. brown sugar Mix these ingredients together in a bowl. Empty the meat from the baggie into the cock pot. Put the liquid mixture in the crock pot and stir until mixed. Put the lid on and cook 4-6 hours on low. I also added some cut up broccoli and cooked it altogether. The recipe is very forgiving. If you don't have a spice on hand, you can use something you do have. I didn't have chili flakes, so left them out completely. Enjoy with some brown or white rice and a bowl of fruit.

Give thanks!

"Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever." I Chronicles 16:34 Good morning! Today may we be challedged with the thought of giving thanks to the LORD as we begin our day. Do you feel like giving thanks? Perhaps you do and that is wonderful! Enjoy this opportunity. Perhaps you don't, what do you do then? Let's be obedient and give thanks to the LORD anyway and then see what happens with our day. Everyday we should begin our day by giving thanks to the LORD, for He is good. Do we realize the goodness of the LORD in our lives? Perhaps everything isn't perfect, but there are many things in our lives that He has given us that are good, can we focus on those things? Do we realize His love endures forever? If you don't feel loved, would you simply trust in His love? When we think of what He has done for us by sending His only Son to die on a cross for us, don't that bring to the forefront His great love? Today, let's begin our day with thanksgiving.

Eating- to the glory of God

I Cor. 6:12-13a “Everything is permissible for me”- but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”- but I will not be mastered by anything. Food for the stomach and the stomach for food…” What about the body, how do we go about being pure in body? We might ask ourselves: “What is mastering me, the Holy Spirit or my own wants?” “What am I doing to keep my body pure?” “Are there any things I’m indulging in that might be harmful?” “Do I over indulge in my eating habits?” “How will I go about keeping the Lord the master of my life?” Will you answer these questions honestly? Now that we have answered honestly, are there some things that need work? As with any other sin in our lives we start with confession to the Lord of that sin. Will you tell Him what it is that is mastering your life? Then let Him know that it is Him you want as the master. He will through the power of the Holy Spirit that lives within you (if you know Him personally) that will give you the power to resist those things that overpowering you. He promises that: “Greater is He that is in you, than He that is in the world.” At the cross and the resurrection, Jesus Christ broke the power of Satan to control and master our lives. We have resurrection power to resist and say “no” to what is not fit for our lives. If it is over indulging in food we can say no as He promises a way of escape. I Cor. 10:13 “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” Therefore, my dear friends flee from idolatry.” Will you flee, turn from the food idol in your life by realizing you have the power to walk away and say no or will you continue to harm the body God has given you? I Cor. 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” We can eat and drink to the glory of God…it is true liberty! In this there is no condemnation. My challenge for you and for myself is to eat today to the glory of God.

“Set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God.” I Chronicles 22:19 On the last post I challenged you to listen to a talk by Jon Courson…did you do it? I hope so! It is valuable both for the single and the married. Someday you will most likely counsel someone wanting to get married and the information he gives is worthwhile. Today my challenge is: What are you seeking with your heart and your soul? Do you seek the Lord Jesus each day by praying and reading His Word or are you too busy to seek Him? What is at the center of your life? Is it you and your desires or the plan the Lord has for you? I have to admit that many days I want what I want and loose out on eternal benefit to myself and to others by seeking my way. Won’t you start each day with prayer thanking the Lord for who He is, then for what He has done and then requesting from Him help with your needs and the needs of others? It will be a refreshing way to start. Then move forward in your day following His leading in your life. Don't forget to read a portion of the Word. Once a friend told me they read until there was something that struck their heart….something they could take with them during the day and mediate on. It was good advice. Sometimes we have only a few minutes, but often that is all it takes to find a bit of joy to hold on to. Enjoy your day….start with the Lord Jesus!

Loving your husband

Good morning! Having recently returned from a youth camping experience, I was challenged with a DVD where the pastor spoke on “A match made in heaven.” Based on Genesis 2:18-25. Does that sound possible? To have a match made in heaven? And not a match that will burn you! He challenged the young people when desiring a husband or wife to wait on the Lord, to let the Lord choose, and while you are waiting, you can serve the Lord (my thought added). When you think you have met the one for you, it is appropriate to ask these questions. 1) Am I attracted spiritually to this person? Do we have a similar love for the Lord and a willingness to serve Him? 2) Am I attracted to this person “soulishly”. Do we have similar interests in life, or am I willing to learn and go along with their interests? Will I be supportive of them 20 or 30 years into the marriage? 3) Am I attracted to this person physically? Is there a spark of romance? Do I enjoy their looks? He went on to explain that if there is not an interest: spirit, soul and body that a marriage could work but take “WORK.” But he advised against it. If all three elements are there, and both parties felt the same way, it most likely is a marriage made in heaven. I highly encourage you to listen to the download: “A Match Made in Heaven” by Jon Courson www.joncourson.com Jon went on to talk about marriages where there weren’t all three and did some brief comments on divorce. I highly recommend the time it takes to listen to this talk. Have a blessed day!

Training children- Dependence on Jesus Christ is Maturity

Good morning!
    Which would you rather be:  independent or dependent?  Early this morning I was challenged by the thought that "dependence is maturity."   Aren't we taught to be independent?
    When I see a tiny baby I often think of how dependent that tiny baby is on their mothers for the needs in life. Without a mother's warm care, the nursing breast, the warm baths and clothing, the changing of the diapers, the loving arms an infant would not grow physically as God designed. A tiny baby without loving care would not live long.
     As that baby grows becomes a child, and then a young adult we gradually teach them to make their own decisions and to beome independant of us...so that one day they can go and live on their own and make good decisions.      
     Similarily as we come to know the Lord Jesus personally, as we are "reborn", we sooner or later find out that we are dependent upon Him for all of life, we too become challenged with: "dependence upon Jesus Christ is maturity." We are spiritually like that tiny baby in need of the care of our heavenly Father and our Savior. We need Him, moment by moment to help us, to meet our needs, to show us love, to even change our dirty diapers by removing our daily sins from us.
     Do you realize how much you need the LORD in your life moment by moment? A song I enjoy says: "Moment by moment I'm kept in His love, moment by moment there's life from above. Looking to Jesus til' glory does shine, moment by moment Oh LORD I am thine." Do we desire that moment by moment dependece or do we like our independent spiritual way better? Are we teaching others that moment by moment dependece on the Lord Jesus is a mature way to go? It seems so contraryto what the world teaches us?  Stand on your own two feet?  Reach for the stars?  Grab your chances? 
     As our spiritual or earthly babies grow into children and young adults, do we teach them to become dependent upon the Lord for all their decisions and less and less upon us? "Dependence upon Jesus Christ is maturity."  As you grow in grace and in your relationship with Jesus Christ, I believe you will come to appreciate what He gives and how He desires to have you depending on Him for every move in your life.
Psalm 62:5-6 "For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. He only is my Rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken."

Hello Ladies!
     It is a beautiful day here in southern California, actually we've had several beautiful days in a row and I just really enjoy this weather!  Not too hot or too cold but just right.  Thank you Lord!
     Yesterday was a beautiful day too and it was a day that had been scheduled for a dear ladies Memorial service.  She was 93 and went to be with the Lord Jesus, who she dearly loved.  At the service her children, grandchildren, and great grands praised her kindness and sweet spirit.  The pastor told us her name:  Phoebe meant "bright, shining light".  She was truly a bright shining light to all who came in contact with her.
She loved her family so much and often asked prayer for them, since some of them didn't know the Lord Jesus personally, and she so desired that they would all come to know Him personally.
     One grandson in his final words to her told her he didn't share her faith, so now it is up to us to pray that he would one day be convicted of his sin and come to know Jesus as the Savior of his sins and repent and turn.  Not all come into a relationship with Jesus at the same time.  As mothers, grandmothers, aunts and friends we need to continually pray for those we love that do not know Jesus.
     This young man told his grandma that he didn't want her to speak of Jesus in front of him anymore and he told us she didn't and he respected her for that...this doens't mean that others couldn't tell him of Jesus.  I have prayed for others, that the Lord Jesus would surround them with faithful believers that would tell them of or show them the love of Jesus.  He is able to do that!  You might have a child or another loved one that needs a relationship with the Lord Jesus, keep praying!  Like those in the faith chapter, Heb. 11 , you might not live to see those prayers answered but He is able.
     "All these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apaprt from us they should not be made perfect."  Hebrews 11:39-40
   This should keep the next generation praying and giving out the good news that Jesus saves!

Good morning!
     "Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored."  Proverbs 13:18    How concerned are you for gaining riches and having a popular standing in society?  Are these things more important to you than godly instruction?  The scriptures tell us that heading reproof (accepting correction) will lead to honor.  How much do we love money and the things this world dangles before us?  Are we willing to sacrifice our lives and perhaps the lives of others around us to gain as much as we can and ignore godly correction and instruction?
     The Lord is so faithful in these areas and He wants us to heed the comments of correction from others about these things in order to keep us on the right path. Those who do not heed reproof or correction can plan for poverty and disgrace. 
     When someone corrects you or gives you a word of reproof you do you listen and put into action what they have warned you about when you realize it is truth?   Or do you know better and you stay on a course that leads to poverty and disgrace?  Recently I was in a situation that I just couldn't figure out which way to go...I was frozen in place, down cast and in great need of counsel from a wise person.
     Lovingly the Lord led me to a friend who would tell me the truth according to God's Word and then direct me as to an action I should take.  It still took another day or two of asking God for direction and then I was able, through reading some scriptures to humble myself and put into action what they had proposed.
     It was difficult to swallow my pride and humble myself before God but He promises to "lift us up" if we do.  It was so very cleansing to put into action truth from the Word of God.  There was much to be learned from the humbling situation.  I praise the Lord now looking back on it and learning what would have been a better way to respond if this situation or something similar should ever arise again.
     If someone reproves you today will you seriously consider the reproof?  If it is godly reproof will you put it into action?  When we do not take seriously these times of reproof,  we glean poverty rather than honor and disgrace.  The Bible teaches that: "A gracious woman retains honor".  Let us be women of honor.

Homemaker- wisdom from older women

Good morning!
   This morning I have been thinking of older women that have been an important part of my life.  Can you think of an older woman, or two or three that have taught you lessons or shared things with you that have been very valuable to you in your life?
   May daughter and I were looking for a recipe to share at our Sunday coffee time and she pulled a recipe from my file that is called:  French Breakfast Puffs.  It's a Betty Crocker Recipe that has been around for years.  An older sister once shared that whenever she was having a group of ladies over for coffee she would whip up a batch of these in the morning before they came.  It takes about 10 minutes to put them together and 25 minutes to bake them so the time put into them is minimal and they are "home made."
   My point  here is that there are older woman who have wonderful recipes and tips that they would love to pass along if someone would ask....you will however, once in awhile run into a woman who likes to keep secrets.  They may say the recipe is a family secret and it's good to respect their secrecy but often you can find a similar recipe on Google if you have the name of the recipe.  Google seems to know....
   You may be saying alright then, how do you make French Breakfast Puffs?  So here is the recipe:

1/3 c. shortening
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 c. flour  (Gold Medal all purpose-flour)
1 1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. ground nutmeg
1/2 c. milk

1/2 c. sugar
1 t. ground cinnamon
1/2 c. butter or margarine, melted

1.  Heat oven to 350*.  Grease 15 medium muffin cups or use liners.
2.  Mix shortening, 1/2 c. sugar and the egg thoroughly in a large bowl.  Stir in flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg alternately with milk.  Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
3.  Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
4.  Mix 1/2 cup sugar and the cinnamon.  Roll hot muffins immediately in melted butter, then in sugar-cinnamon mixture.  Serve hot.

   When you are at a party and enjoy a particular type of food, ask for the recipe.  Then start building a recipe file for your own use.  When you are an "older woman" someone may ask you for the recipe!

Dependence upon the Lord

Hello...
   Another beautiful day though I missed the sunrise due to sleeping late :).  After I did wake up I was challenged by the thought that "dependence is maturity".   When I see a tiny baby I  think of how dependent that tiny baby is on their mother for the needs in life.  Without a mother's soothing care, the tender feeding, the warm baths and clothing, the changing of the diapers, and the loving arms an infant would not grow physically as God designed.  A tiny baby without loving care would not live long.
    Similarly as we come to know the Lord Jesus personally, as we are "reborn", we find out that "dependence upon Him is our only way to grow into healthy, mature, believers."  We are like that tiny baby in need of the care of our heavenly Father and our Savior.  We need Him, moment by moment to help us, to meet our needs, to show us love, to even change our dirty diapers by removing our daily sins from us. Do you realize how much you need the LORD in your life moment by moment?   A song I enjoy says:  "Moment by moment I'm kept in His love, moment by moment there's life from above.  Looking to Jesus til' glory does shine, moment by moment Oh LORD I am thine."  Do we desire that moment by moment dependence or do we like our way better?  Are we teaching others that moment by moment dependence on the Lord Jesus is a mature way to go?  It seems so contrary...shouldn't we be independent, make our own decisions, do what we want when we want?  That is what the world teaches us. 
   As you grow in grace and in your relationship with Jesus Christ, I believe you will come to appreciate what He gives and how He desires to have you depending on Him for every move in your life.  He is worthy of being trusted.

     Psalm 62:5-6  "For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him.  He only is my Rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken."   

Good morning! 
    Today's reading took me to Proverbs 12:2  "An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones."    Now there is a challenge, how to be an excellent wife?  What do you think an excellent wife is?  If you are married what does your husband think an excellent wife is? Are there any areas you need to work on?  Some might say, turn to Proverbs 31, there you will see a virtuous woman, pattern yourself after her, and that would be a good place to start the challenge of becoming an excellent wife.   We need to remember that we are a work in progress.
    Perhaps there are some wives in scripture that stand out to you as being excellent.  What is it in those women that you admire and want to emulate?   I have been recently challenged by an article Family Life: Articles on Marriage published called:  "15 things wives should stop doing" by Mary Marmoyeux  One was: 9. Don’t make your husband earn your respect.  Many women think, I’ll respect him when he earns it. But there’s a reason that Ephesians 5:33 says, “Let the wife see that she respects her husband.”  As one friend said: “If women could learn to understand that respect is a man's native tongue, that it absolutely heals his heart and ministers to him like nothing else, it would make the biggest difference in the world.”
    An excellent wife Solomon tells us is a crown to her husband.  A crown distinguishes one man a part from another.  He is royalty, he has a position or a standing in the world.  A man with a crown is given a place of honor.  What I find interesting is that she is the crown.  She brings this royal position to him.
    Solomon was the king and he had wives, we are told 700 of them and 300 concubines...his wives led him astray from God.  (See I Kings 11) They caused him to bow down to foreign gods and he even built alters to them.  He was not a man after God's own heart like David his father.  His wives had great influence on him and caused him rottenness in his bones, rather than being a crown and giving him a place of honor.   I Kings 11:6 "So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and did not wholly follow the LORD."    Solomon chose to follow his wives rather than the LORD.  Is there anything I am doing, that you are doing that would lead your husband away from the LORD rather than to him?
    As a wife we have great influence on our husbands, since men today only have one wife at a time. We can be excellent and bring him favor but we also have a choice to bring shame, like rottenness to his bones.  I believe we want to bring him a crown of honor and not shame.  We need to ask ourselves is there anything in my life that is causing me to bring shame to my husband?  Any bad habits that need to be nipped in the bud?   Any course that I'm on that is leading my husband and myself away from God and His perfect will?   If so, will I repent: turn around and change directions?
     Let's be a crown to our husband and not rottenness in his bones.
  

Praying for your children's salvation

Good morning ladies!
     It's a beautiful day here in Southern California.
     Yesterday I was privliedged to attend a Memorial service of a dear lady.  She had lived 93 years, most of which she knew the Lord Jesus as her Savior and Lord.  She married a man who became a pastor of a church and then a professor at a Seminary.  She loved the Lord and served Him in many ways, one way she served Him was at a Bible Study that I also attended and that is how I met her.
     The pastor who took the service told us her name meant:  "bright, shining light."  Those of us who knew her would certainly agree with this.  She was a bright shining light whereever she went.  Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren readily stood up and told the crowd of her sweet spirit, how her actions should be emulated, and how kind and generous she was to them.  She was greatly loved by her family and others that came in contact with her.  "Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteouness, and honor."  Proverbs 21:21  This Proverb would show us that her life was one that led to honor from her family and others.  As an older woman she displayed character traits that are to be admired and instilled in our lives.  She would have told us that it is Jesus Christ that made a difference in her life.
     One grandson was unable to be there and he wrote that he had lived with her during college years, she often spoke of her faith with him.  He had one day asked her to never speak of her faith in his presence again because he didn't agree with her.  She lovingly didn't and for this action he greatly respected her.....but this didn't keep her from praying for him.  Our Bible study group prayed often for her family and the family members in the other leaders families though not by name many times, God knew their names.
     She, in her lifetime did not come to see him accept the Lord Jesus as Savior as many of the people in the faith chapter of Hebrews 11 didn't see their promises come about, because God has something better planned.  "And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect."  Hebrews 11:39-40.
     She now has left this responsibility of prayer for his salvation, and the salvation of other family members to her friends who know Jesus personally and toothers in the family who care.  Perhaps you could offer a prayer for them right now?  Perhaps there are unsaved family members and loved ones that you have, now would be a good time to pray for them.  You may not see them saved during your lifetime but the Lord is not finished yet.  Paul wrote to Timothy, "God our Savior...wants all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."  I Timothy 2:3-4   God desires all to be saved and He works in families.
    We then wait patiently on God.  "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him."  Psalm 37:7  The salvation of a soul is God's work, though we do our part by praying, by living Christ before them and by speaking to them of the salvation provided for by the Lord Jesus. "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, will not perish but have everlasting life."  John 3:16
      Let's be faithful today to pray for those we love that do not know Jesus personally.  There is nothing better than having a personal relationship with Him.  Then let's trust God to do a perfect work in their lives in His own timing.  Let's trust Him right up to the end of our lives like she did, knowing He would do what was best.
     "The righteous who walks in his integrity--blessed are his children after him."  Proverbs 20:7

Good morning!
     It's a beautiful day outside, the sun is shining and the birds are singing.   It is so peaceful.... I decide to continue my reading in the Proverbs.  Today it's chapter 11.  As I read there are at least 2 verses that stand out to me.
Vs. 16  "A gracious woman gets honor, and violent men get riches."  What is a gracious woman?  Webster's defines gracious as: pleasing, acceptable, attractive, full of grace or charm.    I would like to be considered gracious, how about you?  Webster's goes on to list some Synonyms for the word gracious:  Beneficent, benevolent; charming; agreeable, friendly.  Then some Antonyms:  Ungracious, discourteous, rude, unfriendly.
     These synonym's and antonyms give use something to "chew" on today.  Which one describes me today? Which one describes you?
     Now the second verse that stood out.
Vs. 22  "Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion."    After reading the verse I ask myself :"what is discretion"?  I look in Webster's- 4. Quality of being discreet; prudence; hence, cautious reserve, especially in speech.
     I give myself another challenge.."am I discreet and cautious in my speech?   Today is another day, another opportunity to live for the Lord.  Another day to seek His help in my actions and speech.  Some have said, "we are the only Bible some will ever read."   Will they "read" in my actions and words something gracious and discrete?  I will need to ask Him to help me with this.
     Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD my rock and my redeemer."
     What we meditate on today will be what comes from our mouth and will be one of the things that affect our actions.  Let's check our thoughts today so that we can speak with discretion and graciousness.  Let's be in the Word of God so that we know how we are to think, act and speak. I recently heard a speaker who said:  "What we think about will come out of our mouths."   At first I thought this was quite a bold statement but then I started to see that the things I thought about did come out of my mouth!
     Perhaps today needs to begin with an apology to someone we have hurt with our speech?  A great way to cleanse the conscience is to acknowledge our errors and clear them up.  Let's put into action what we read with the help of the Holy Spirit.  Let us be women of graciousness and discretion, with the Lord's help.

Sensible- Putting on Christ

Good morning!
     This morning the challenge is to:  Put on Christ...""Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."  How do we put on this type of character when our old nature is totally against these traits?      Some say it is like putting on clothing...one step at a time. Do I have power within that will help me to "Put on Christ" since I don't seem to be able to muster up these godly character traits on my own?  We receive power through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
      I know that when it's time to get dressed I think about what might be appropriate for the day.  Am I going to the beach?  To the grocery store?  To a party?  And then I attempt to put on what is appropriate for the occasion.  How about these character traits of the Lord, are they appropriate for your day?  For everyday?
     Sometimes we get into situations in our day that require putting into action these godly character traits but if you noticed in order to put on these traits first we need to have a relationship with God.  Do you?  The verse says we are God's chosen ones.
     Do you realize that you were chosen by God, that He desires to cover you with the blood of His Son?   This doesn't sound too pleasing but it is what is necessary in order to go to heaven one day.  The Bible teaches that a perfect lamb must be sacrificed to take away sin and the perfect Lamb of God was the Lord Jesus who died on a cross, shedding His life's blood for those who will accept Him as their Savior and Lord.
    He desires to cleanse you from your sin to make you perfectly holy in His sight.  No sin can enter heaven where there is a perfect and holy God.  You will not be able to enter heaven, where their is a holy God, with sin on you.  How do we get rid of our sin?  In order to be cleansed before God you must accept the work of His Son on the cross.  He died to cleanse you from your sin.  In faith, pray this simple prayer:  "Lord Jesus, I'm a sinner and in need of a Savior.  You died so that I might live.  Please forgive me and make me fit for heaven by the blood of your Son.  Help me to live for you today and to "Put on godly character traits."  In Jesus Name. Amen
     We seen from our passage that you are beloved by God...since you are chosen, cleansed and loved you have been given power within you by the Holy Spirit to put on a loving heart when it is needed.  Does someone in your life need a compassionate touch today?  Or a word or act of kindness?  Is there a situation that you are in that requires some humility...Jesus was gentle and humble in heart and He wants to give you that humble heart today.
    Will you come in contact with a situation that calls for meekness:  strength under control?   Where you can be strong and controlling that strength in His meekness.   Perhaps you need patience for the day in some area?   We must keep in mind that the scripture teaches:  "Tribulation works patience."    We can expect tribulation in our lives and if we heed the instruction the Lord is trying to give us we will learn patience.
     Today and everyday the challenge is to "Put on Christ."  He'll give us the garment of salvation and covered me with the robe of righteousness: Is. 61:10, and  cover me with the garment of praise:  Is. 61:3.   Let us realize that "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe, sin has left a crimson stain, He washed me white as snow....so now I can live for Him, with a loving heart and desire to bless others with godly character.
The Lord bless and keep you!  Linda

Good morning,
    Are you a worry wart?  I remember that title being given to some when I was a child.  It seemed that they worried about everything or at least a number of things that caused people to label them as a worry wart.
Warts are not very pretty are they?   They are layers and layers of skin around a root...what do you think the root of worry is?
     Perhaps it is not trusting the Lord in every situation in our lives?  Perhaps it is wanting to be in control of all aspects and realizing that we don't have control over everything?  Perhaps it's because we all have a sin nature?  Maybe you have another thought on the root of worry?  But we must ask ourselves am I a worry wort?
     In Luke 12, the Lord tells the disciples to not be a worry wort.  "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on.  For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.  Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them.   Oh how much more value are you than the birds!"
     We are of much more value than birds, though God created the birds and enjoys them.  What might you be worried about today?  Money, clothing, your children's future, bills, your reputation,  or something else that you are trying to line up and it just isn't doing what you want?
     I have some worries but I'm realizing that God is in control and has plans for me.  He says "all things work together for good."  He is working His plans whether I let Him or not.  Sarah Young wrote in her book, Jesus calling: "Worry is a form of unbelief: it is anathema to Me.  Who is in charge of your life?  If it is you, then you have good reason to worry.  But if it is I, (the Lord) then worry is both unnecessary and counterproductive.  When you feel anxious about something, relinquish the situation to Me....In this world you will have problems, but you need not lose sight of Me."  
     When we begin to worry and be anxious, let's be sensible and turn the situation back over to the Lord.  Let's don't loose site of His great love for us and let's trust Him for what He is doing in our lives.