Then... you STAND

This is why I love country music! The lyrics so adequately depict true emotion! This song is a definite favorite of mine for obvious reasons... now if it only had lyrics about God being your rock and helping you to stand...

Stand by Rascal Flatts

You feel like a candle in a hurricane
Just like a picture with a broken frame
Alone and helpless
Like you've lost your fight
But you'll be alright, you'll be alright

[Chorus:]
Cause when push comes to shove
You taste what you're made of
You might bend, till you break
Cause its all you can take
On your knees you look up
Decide you've had enough
You get mad you get strong
Wipe your hands shake it off
Then you Stand, Then you stand

Life's like a novel
With the end ripped out
The edge of a canyon
With only one way down
Take what you're given before its gone
Start holding on, keep holding on

Cause when push comes to shove
You taste what you're made of
You might bend till you break
Cause it's all you can take
On your knees you look up
Decide you've had enough
You get mad, you get strong
Wipe your hands, shake it off
Then you stand, then you stand

Everytime you get up
And get back in the race
One more small piece of you
Starts to fall into place
Oh

Cause when push comes to shove
You taste what you're made of
You might bend till you break
Cause it's all you can take
On your knees you look up
Decide you've had enough
You get mad, you get strong
Wipe your hands, shake it off
Then you stand, then you stand

Another great song from George Strait with awesome lyrics:

"The Breath you Take"

Love the words in the chorus! How true they are...

"But life's not the breath you take, the breathing in and out
That gets you through the day, ain't what it's all about
You just might miss the point trying to win the race
Life's not the breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away"

Serving in a "ME first" society

Philippians 2:1-8:

"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. "

How well are we serving one another? Do nothing out of selfish ambition... Do nothing out of conceit (or vain conceit NIV)... in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself (or "in humility consider others better than yourself" NIV)... How well or how often do we do this?

"God's kind of serving love comes from choice, not coercion, from strength not weakness, from gladness, not guilt" (Jaynes 103).

Luke 6:38: "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put in to your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you".

1 Peter 5:5b: "Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (See also James 4:6; Prov 3:34)

James 4:10: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up"

Humility requires a personal quality of dependence on God and respect for other people; it is a God-given virtue of holy living. The essence of the mind of Christ was humility and sacrificial love for others. Christ came as a humble savior, was obedient to God's will, which led to His death on the cross. Now that's humble serving!! To reflect God's love, we need to have this same heart of humility, of sacrificial love in our "me first" society!!

Matt 23:12: "And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (see also Luke 14:11, 18:14).

References:

All scripture from NKJV Women's Study Bible, unless otherwise noted

"Becoming the Woman of His Dreams" by Sharon Jaynes

Beauty and the Beast

The story of Abigail... an intelligent beauty and role model for the kind of wise, godly women we are called to be. Her story is found in 1 Samuel 25 and it is the true biblical story of "Beauty and the Beast".

Unlike the kind and gentle "Beast" in the classic Disney story, Abigail's husband Nabal was a wealth, foolish scoundrel who was harsh and overbearing.

1 Sam 25:3 "The name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. And she was a woman of good understanding and beautiful appearance; but the man was harsh and evil in his doings".

Right from the beginning of the story we are told by the author the characteristics and personalities of these two individuals. After all, Nabal's name means "fool". Who names their son "fool" anyways? The same verse in the KJV uses the word "churlish" to describe Nabal, which is not found anywhere else in the Bible. It means "rude", "hard-hearted", "difficult to get along with", "mean", "vulgar" according to various dictionaries. It's hard to imagine having to be married to such a man that is defined by such terms, so much that he is the only man in the Bible to be described in such a way. On the other hand, Abigail had "good understanding and [a] beautiful appearance", or as the KJV describes, a "beautiful countenance". I imagine she reflected Christ and radiated a beauty in her appearance and behavior which only God can give; a beauty that no woman can have from within apart from Him.

(1 Samuel 25:4-13):

"When David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep, David sent ten young men; and David said to the young men, "GO up to Carmel, go to Nabal and greet him in my name. And thus you shall say to him who lives in prosperity: 'Peace be to you, peace to your house, and peace to all that you have!! Now I have heard that you have shearers. Your shepherds were with us, and we did not hurt them, nor was there anything missing from them all the while they were in Carmel. Ask your young men, and they will tell you. Therefore let my young men find favor in your eyes, for we come on a feast day. Please give whatever comes to your hand to your servants and to your son David". So when David's young men came, they spoke to Nabal according to all these words in the name of David, and waited.

Then Nabal answered David's servants, and said, "Who is David, and who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants nowadays who break away each one from his master. Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers and give it to men when I do not know where they are from?"

So David's young men turned on their heels and went back; and they came and told him all these words. Then David said to he men, "Every man gird on his sword." So every man girded on his sword, and David also girded on his sword. And about four hundred men went with David, and two hundred stayed with the supplies.

Nabal lived up to his name in these verses. The presence of David and his men likely protected Nabal's men and flocks from attacks from robbers; making David's request not unreasonable. David was full of wrath and infuriated after hearing what Nabal had said.

1 Samuel 25: 21-22: "Now David had said, "Surely in vain I have protected all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belongs to him. And he has repaid me evil for good. May God do so, and more also, to the enemies of David, if I leave one male of all who belong to him by morning light".

Meanwhile back at the house...

1 Samuel 25: 14-17:

Now one of the young men told Abigail saying, "Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master; and he reviled them. But the men were very good to us, and we were not hurt, nor did we miss anything as long as we accompanied them, when we were in the fields. They were a wall to us both by night and day, all the time we were with them keeping the sheep. Now therefore, know and consider what you will do, for harm is determined against our master and against all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that one cannot speak to him."

Nabal was certainly no Prince Charming! He displayed no integrity or hospitality and rudely insulted the future king of Israel and his men. David reacted swiftly, with intent on vengeance. Abigail was intelligent enough to know her household was in danger and she moved with perception and precision to try to avert the extermination of the entire household. She intercepted David with humility and warm hospitality. She also knew the way to a man's heart- food!

1 Samuel 25:18, 23-24: "Then Abigail made haste and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five sheep already dressed, five seahs of roasted grain, one hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and loaded them on donkeys... Now when Abigail saw David, she dismounted quickly from the donkey, fell on her face before David, and bowed down to the ground. So she fell at his feet and said: 'On me, my Lord, on me let this iniquity be! And please let your maidservant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your maidservant".

Abigail was willing to intercede for her household and take responsibility for everything that had happened. She stood in the gap to protect them.

1 Samuel 25:25-31: "Please, let not my lord regard this scoundrel Nabal. For as his name is, so is he: Nabal is his name, and folly is with him! But I your maidservant, did not see the young men of my lord whom you sent. Now therefore, my lord, as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, since the Lord has held you back from coming to bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hand, now then, let your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be as Nabal. And now this present, let it be given to the young men who follow my lord. Please forgive the trespass of your maidservant. For the Lord will certainly make for my lord an ennduring house, because my lord fights the battles of the Lord, and evil is not found in you throughout your days. Yet a man has risen to pursue you and seek your life, but the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living with the Lord your God; and the lives of your enemies He shall sling out, as from the pocket of a sling. And it shall come to pass, when the Lord has done for my lord according to all the good that He has spoken concerning you, and has appointed you ruler over Israel, that this will be no grief to you, nor offense of heart to my lord, either that you have shed blood without cause, or that my lord has avenged himself. But when the Lord has dealt well with my lord, then remember your maidservant".

Abigail encountered the 400 angry men with wisdom, respect, and submissiveness. She reminded David that he was the Lord's anointed, fighting the Lord's battles, and under the Lord's protection. Abigail knew the Lord; her knowledge of Him is very evident throughout this passage. Her responsibility was to Him first. She uses the word "lord" several times, referring to David, showing submissiveness and respect of him. If David had carried out his mission, it would have caused David to sin against the Lord and His people. God preserved David from shedding innocent blood through the swift and wise intervention of this strong woman. David listened to Abigail's words as well as heeded her advice, both of which are admirable traits in this strong leader and wonderful man of God. Abigail knew the Lord so well that she was able to give a prophetic exhortation to David that he would recognize and realize that the Lord was speaking to him through Abigail.

1 Samuel 25:32-34: "Then David said to Abigail: 'Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! And blessed is your advice and blessed are you, because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hand. For indeed, as the Lord God of Israel lives, who has kept me back from hurting you, unless you had hurried and come to meet me, surely by morning light no males would have been left to Nabal!"

The conclusion of the story is amazing. "...the Lord struck Nabal, and he died" (1 Sam 25:38). God delivered Abigail from that awful place. David was relieved that he had allowed God to take the vengeance. He also wasted no time in asking Abigail to continue to bless his life as his wife. Her response, again, was very humble. "Then she arouse, bowed her face to the earth, and said, 'Here is your maidservant, a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord" (1 Sam 25:41). Now that is a very respectful response from a God loving, God fearing woman. I think most women if they were asked to be the king's wife would have responded with more of a "what should I wear?"Now that is a happy ending for the true Biblical story of "Beauty and the Beast"!

We need Abigail's humility to reflect God. We need to have that submissive and respectful attitude, regardless of who you are married to, to truly reflect God. We are to love God first and husbands second. Abigail displayed all these qualities if though she was married to such a foolish, harsh man. Her love for God was reflected in all she said and did.

1 Peter 3:1: "Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives".

Colossians 3:18: "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord."

Ephesians 5:22-23: "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body."

Proverbs 15:1a: "A soft answer turns away wrath"

John 13:12-17: "So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, he said to them, 'Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them."

We have so much to learn about how to love and serve others! May God help us to reflect His love to others. May God give us a servant's heart, always willing to serve and wash the feet of others.

References:

All scriptures from NKJV Women's Study Bible, unless otherwise noted.

"Reflecting God" by Kay Smith

More lessons from Ruth

Blessings came upon the family...

Naomi trusted in God, Ruth depended upon God, and Boaz relied on God. When Ruth "happened" upon Boaz's field, he took on the support of both Ruth and Naomi and extended to them extra privileges (Ruth 2:14-16). "The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge" (Ruth 2:12). This brought joy and hope back to Naomi's heart, which had once been so overcome with bitterness and despair. "Blessed be he of the Lord, who has not forsaken His kindness to the living and the dead!" (Ruth 2:20). God's sovereign mercy and lovingkindness was being shown to these women through Boaz.

The theme of devotion and love continues in the lives of these two brave women. The older, wiser Naomi began to coach Ruth in the customs of the land and for securing a marriage partner (Ruth 3:3-4). Ruth obediently followed the instructions, securing a future for her and Naomi (Ruth 3:5).

Everyone in Bethlehem saw in Ruth's hard work her concern for her widowed mother-in-law (Ruth 2:11). As the landowner Boaz declared to Ruth, "all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman" (Ruth 3:11). "A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband" (Prov 12:4).

More comparisons between Ruth and the wife of Proverbs 31:10-31:

1. Devoted to her family (Ruth 1:15-18/Proverbs 31:10-12,23)

2. Delighting in her work (Ruth 2:2/Proverbs 31:13)

3. Diligent in her labor (Ruth 2:7, 17, 23/Proverbs 31:14-18,19-21, 24,27)

4. Dedicated to godly speech (Ruth 2:10, 13/Proverbs 31:26)

5. Dependent on God (Ruth 2:12/Proverbs 31:25b, 30)

6. Dressed with care (Ruth 3:3/Proverbs 31:22,25a)

7. Discreet with men (Ruth 3:6-13/Proverbs 31:11-12,23)

8. Delivering blessings (Ruth 4:14,15/Proverbs 31:28,29,31)

The blessing of a Godly, virtuous husband and his attributes:

Diligent- Boaz is described as "a man of great wealth" (Ruth 2:1), and we see him carefully and thoughtful overseeing his property.

Friendly- Boaz greeted his workers with warmth, and even welcomed the stranger named Ruth. (Ruth 2:4,8)

Merciful- Noticing Ruth at work, Boaz asked about her situation and acted on her behalf. (Ruth 2:7)

Godly- Boaz asked Jehovah to bless Ruth in return for her care for Naomi (Ruth 2:12)

Encouraging- Boaz pointed out Ruth's strong qualities and spoke of them to cheer on (Ruth 2:12; 3:11)

Generous- Although Ruth needed food and was wiling to work for it, Boaz gave her extra (Ruth 2:15)

Kind- When Ruth reported the considerate ways of Boaz, Naomi thanked God for His kindness shown to both of them through Boaz (Ruth 2:20)

Discreet- Boaz exhibited wise discretion by sending Ruth home before daylight (Ruth 3:14)

Faithful- Following through on his promise to Ruth, Boaz "went to court" to clear the way to marry her (Ruth 4:1)

The blessing of a grandchild:

Naomi received the blessing of a grandchild (Ruth 4:16), one that would continue the heritage of her dead husband (Ruth 4:17). This child was not only a blessing to his parents and grandmother, but was part of the lineage of our Savior! "[Obed] is the father of Jesse, the father of David" (Ruth 4:17). The family tree or "the book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David" includes these names: Boaz, Obed, Jesse, and David (Matt 1:1, 5-6).

Now that's a blessed ending to the story of these two remarkable women!!

Messages to take away: "Look for the kindness of the Lord extended to you though the good deeds of others". "Extend the kindness of the Lord to others through your own good deeds".

References:

"The Remarkable Women of the Bible" by Elizabeth George

Scriptures taken from "Woman's Study Bible" NKJV

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times"... Such a famous sentence from Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities, as well as an accurate depiction of the different seasons of life we all encounter. Further studies into Ruth's life also show many other lessons to be learned from Ruth and Naomi.

The Best of Times...

Naomi, her husband and two sons moved from Judah, where a famine had struck their hometown, to Moab, where there was food (Ruth 1:1). Times were good- they were able to feast and each of Naomi's sons found a mate in Moab. It was a season of joy and of plenty.

The worst of times...

Soon after though, a dark season of pain and despair reared its ugly head. A triple blow hit this once joyful woman: her husband and two precious sons died (verses 3 and 5). How could life go from being so beautiful and sweet- a season of blessings, to so dark and grim- a season of great loss and pain? It is in the later seasons that we must remember and cling to God's amazing promises to us:

Jeremiah 29:11- "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope".

Romans 8:28- "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose".

It is by living and walking in these promises that our Father leads us straight in to the discovery of His good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2)!

So Naomi decides to leave Moab to return to the land of Judah after learning that the famine was over. Both of Naomi's two daughters-in-law started out with her on this journey. She urged both of them to return to their mother's house and kissed them goodbye; Orpah returned home, but Ruth stayed with her:

Ruth 1:8-14- "And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, 'Go, return each to her mother's house. The Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. The Lord grant that you may find rest, each in the house of her husband'. So she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept. And they said to her, 'Surely we will return with you to your people'. But Naomi said, 'Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Are there still sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Turn back, my daughters, go- for I am too old to have a husband... No, my daughters; for it grieves me very much for your sakes that the hand of Lord has gone out against me!' Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her".

Life never unfolds the way we predict it will. It is through these unexpected circumstances that come into our lives that we learn to trust God more- through unexpected people, tragic events, and difficult situations. Naomi had depended upon her husbands and sons, now she had to depend on Ruth, a young and widowed daughter-in-law. Naomi now had to trust that God would work through the tragedy of the deaths of the men in her life. Naomi also now had to head back to Bethlehem without her husband or sons- it was a long road home and she would have to trust God the whole way.

Naomi was returning to Bethlehem a widow with only one daughter-in-law from a foreign land. Naomi and Ruth walked the 70 dusty miles back to Bethlehem (verse 19). Naomi's friends greeted her upon entering the city asking "Is this Naomi?" (verse 19). Naomi's name means "pleasant". However, upon entering the city, Naomi replies, "Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara [which means "bitter"], for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the Lord has brought me home again empty" (verses 20-21a).

God works in and through every aspect of our lives. However, as followers of Christ we are not to become bitter (Heb 12:15- "looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled"). The way we respond to suffering determines whether that hurt makes our hearts bitter or better. We are commanded to:

Eph 5:20: "... [give] thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ". It's impossible to be bitter and thankful at the same time.

1 Thes 5:16-18: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you". Pray through the tears, for God hears our cries (2 Chronicles 7:12; 1 Kings 9:3).

2 Cor 1:3-4: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God".

Teachings from Paul: Phil 4:11-13: "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".

It is our response to our circumstances, not the circumstances themselves that determines our joy. In the life of God's children, there is no such thing as coincidence. "There is only the great sovereignty of God Almighty, who watches over His children and guides their steps, sometimes quite obviously... and other times not so obviously" (George 147). Ruth went out in search of grain without a guide. She was alone except for God, who directed her steps to one particular field. Ruth just "happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz" (Ruth 2:3, emphasis added). She "happened to" come to the field of the man that would become her husband (Ruth 4:13)- isn't it so interesting and amazing how God works?

If we believe in our sovereign God, then we must trust that His hand is at work in all of the events, tragedies, coincidences, blessings, luck, and flukes of life. All that happens, is Him at work once again in us and through us. Times are often difficult and hard, just as they were for Naomi and Ruth, yet God was and is present, faithful, and at work in the details of their and our daily lives.

References:

"The Remarkable Women of the Bible" by Elizabeth George

All scriptures taken from "The Woman's Study Bible" NKJV

A prayer from 1 Corinthians 13

A different take on 1 Corinthians 13:

If I teach Bible study classes, volunteer for women's ministry, and sing in the choir, but do not love my husband, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal, If I have a college degree, high-paying job, and successful career, but do not love my husband, I am emotionally and spiritually bankrupt. If I have faith that can move mountains, am quick to pray for those in need, and even have half of the Bible memorized, but do not love my husband, I am disobedient and do not please God. If I keep a spotless house, maintain a well-manicured lawn, and prepare nutritionally balanced meals, but do not love my husband, it is all for naught. Hired hands can do as much.

Lord, help me to be patient. Help me to be kind. I pray that I will not envy others who have seemingly happier marriages and husbands who are more helpful around the house or thoughtful or romantic. I pray that I will never try to lift myself up by putting my husband down. lord, I pray that I will not be a proud woman who refuses to listen to her husband, who always has to have the last word, who always thinks her way is best. I pray that I will not be rude to my husband with curt comments, disregard his needs or be ungrateful for all he does and is, but treat him with respect and honor that the king of a castle deserves.

I pray that I will not be self-serving, always thinking about what is best for me, but thinking of what would be best for my husband. I pray that I will not be angered easily, not hold a grudge, not keep a record of wrongs, not plan ways to retaliate, and not use my tongue as a weapon to cause pain. I pray that I will not rejoice and say "I told you so" when things don't work out the way my husband hoped.

Lord, above all, I pray that my husband will see me as his chief cheerleader who desires to rejoice with him in his victories, both big and small. That he will see me as one who longs to protect our marriage and out love. Help me to create a warm and loving environment in which he feels safe, wanted, and revered. I pray that You will give me endurance when things get tough. Help the word "divorce" to never enter my mind or cross my lips as an option. Lord, I know that love never fails and that You never fail. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit to give me the endurance to stand up under trials and love my husband as You would have me love him-till death do us part.

In Jesus' name, amen.

"Becoming the Women of his dreams" Sharon Jaynes pages 31-32.

Remember November 5th

Needed to hear this today from Streams in the Desert

"Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Gen 18:14

This is God's loving challenge to you and me each day. He wants us to think of the deepest, highest, and worthiest desires and longings of our hearts. He wants us to think of those things that perhaps were desires for ourselves or someone dear to us, yet have gone unfulfilled for so long that we now see them as simply lost desires. And God urges us to think of even the one thing that we once saw as possible but have given up all hope of seeing fulfilled in this life.

That very thing, as long as it aligns with what we know to be His expressed will- as a son was to Abraham and Sarah- God intends to do for us. Yes, if we will let Him, God will do that very thing, even if we know it is such an utter impossibility that we would simply laugh at the absurdity of anyone ever suggesting it could come to pass.

"Is anything too hard for the Lord?" NO, nothing is too difficult when we believe in Him enough to go forward, doing His will and letting Him do the impossible for us. Even Abraham and Sarah could have blocked God's plan if they had continued to disbelieve.

The only thing "too hard for the Lord" is our deliberate and continual disbelief in His love and power, and our ultimate rejection of His plans for us. Nothing is impossible for Jehovah to do for those who trust Him.

Ruth and the virtuous woman

A comparison between Ruth and the "Virtuous Woman"

Her family commitment is noted by others:

Ruth 2:11-12: "And Boaz answered and said to her, 'It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before. The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge".

Proverbs 31:11-12: "The heart of her husband safety trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life".

She provided sustenance for her household:

Ruth 2:14,18: "Now Boaz said to her at mealtime, 'Come here, and eat of the bread, and dip your piece of bread in the vinegar.' So she sat beside the reapers and he passed parched grain to her; and she ate and was satisfied, and kept come back"... "Then she took it up and went into the city, and her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. So she brought out and gave to her what she had kept back after she had been satisfied".

Proverbs 31:15: "She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants".

She gave attention to her appearance:

Ruth 3:3,5: "Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking". "And she said to her, 'All that you say to me I will do".

Proverbs 31:22: "She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple".

Her selfless lifestyle drew praise from others:

Ruth 2:11; 3:10; 4:15: (see 2:11 above) 3:10: "Then he said, 'Blessed are you of the Lord, my daughter! For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich". 4:15: "And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him".

Proverbs 31:28: "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her"

She committed herself to Yahweh as God

Ruth 1:16: "But Ruth said: 'Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God".

Proverbs 31:30: "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised".

Commitment

Ruth 1:16-17:

But Ruth said:

"Entreat me not to leave you,

Or to turn back from following after you;

For wherever you go, I will go;

And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;

Your people shall be my people,

And your God, my God.

Where you die, I will die,

And there will I be buried.

The Lord do so to me, and more also,

If anything but death parts you and me."

Commitment is the foundation for every relationship. Ruth willingly accepted an unsettled future and bound herself by solemn oath not only to Naomi but also to the God of Israel. Ruth officially joined the people whose God was Yahweh. He had become her God as well as Naomi's and was the present witness to and future judge of all subsequent activities. A commitment described by permanent bonding of hearts and pervasive linking of lives extends beyond a passing companionship.

Ruth 1:14: "Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her".

Ruth 2:8: "Then Boaz said to Ruth, "You will listen, my daughter, will you not? Do not go to glean in another field, nor go from here, but stay close by my young women".

Ruth "clung" to Naomi (the same word is translated "stayed close"). This covenant language is also used to describe the intimate relationship between husband and wife (Gen 2:24) and to picture the faithfulness of God to His covenant people (Deut 10:20). The word describes friendship more binding than brotherhood.

Gen 2:24: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh".

Note: The marriage covenant has 3 parts:

1. to leave father and mother, a reference to the wedding ceremony or time of public commitment,

2. to "be joined", suggesting tender affection and faithful commitment in a permanent relationship of growing love, and

3. to "become one flesh" in physical union, which notes the deepest and most exclusive intimacy.

Deut 10:20: "You shall fear the Lord your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name".

A foundation of purposeful love and the outworking of devoted deeds set Ruth's commitment apart from verbal cliches and the whim of momentray emotions. Ruth left her pagan homeland on her own initiative, despite the protest of her mother-in-law, in order to come under the "wings" of God.

Ruth 2:12: "The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge".

Ruth offered herself first to Naomi and ultimately to God.

"Following Jesus" is the definition of "commitment". Commitment demands a choice. The choice to commit is the same for all believers- either we den ourselves or deny Him; either we go His way, or we pursue our way.

The disciples were to take up their crosses daily (Mark 8:34). Carrying the cross was a public declaration of Rome's authority. Jesus challenged them to put themselves voluntarily under God's authority, doing His will His way. Commitment demands action; it cannot be divorced from responsibility. Talk about Christ would be meaningless without the walk with Him. Ruth's words of commitment to Naomi did not speak as loudly as her actions to leave her family and homeland to return with Naomi to Bethlehem.

Commitment limits choices because it is exclusive. Commitment builds up faith and develops character. It is a spiritual discipline (Prov 16:3). It is a lifetime venture, requiring time, work and determination (Matt 16:24).

Prov 16:3: "Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established". (Commit= lit. "roll" or "roll away". Carries the idea that each woman should roll her efforts or roll away her burdens on the Lord)

Matt 16:24: "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me".

The Woman's Study Bible NKJV, 2nd edition. Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Trusting patiently

Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave (1 Kings 8:56)

Someday we will understand that God has a reason behind every no He gives through the course of our lives. Yet even in this life, He always makes it up to us. When God's people are worried and concerned that their prayers are not being answered, how often we have seen Him working to answer them in a far greater way! Occasionally we catch a glimpse of this, but the complete revelation of it will not be seen until later.

If God says yes to our prayer, dear heart,

and the sunlight is golden, the sky is blue,

while the smooth road beckons to me and you,

and songbirds are singing as on we go,

pausing to pick the flowers at our feet,

stopping to drink of the streams that we meet,

Happy, more happy our journey will grow,

if God says yes to our prayer, dear heart.

If God says no to our prayer, dear heart,

And the clouds hang heavy and dull and gray;

if the rough rocks hinder and block the way,

while th sharp winds pierce us and sting with cold;

yet, dear, there is home at the journey's end,

and these are the trials the Father does send

to draw us as sheep to His Heavenly fold,

if God says no to our prayer, dear heart.

If only we had the faith not to rush into things but to "be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him" (Ps. 37:7)- waiting for HI full explanation that will not be revealed until Jesus Christ comes again! When has God ever taken anything from a person without restoring it many times over? Yet what are we to think if HE does not immediately restore what hs been taken? Is today His only day to work? Does He have any concerns beyond this little world of ours? Can He still work beyond our death, or does the door of the grave open on nothing but infinite darkness and eternal silence?

Even if we confine our thinking to this life, it is true that God never touches the heart with a trial without intending to bestow a greater gift or compassionate blessing. The person who knows how to wait has grown to an exceptional degree in God's grace.

When the frosts are in the valley,

and the mountaintops are gray,

and the choicest blooms are blighted,

and the blossoms die away,

A loving Gather whispers,

"This all comes from my hand";

Blessed are you if you trust

when you cannot understand.

If, after years of toiling,

your wealth should fly away

and leave your hands all empty,

and your hair is turning gray,

Remember then your Father

owns all the sea and land;

Blessed are you if you trust

when you cannot understand.

Beautiful devotion

Sometimes God causes severe winds of trial to blow upon His children to develop their gifts. Just as a torch burns more brightly when waved back and forth, and just as a juniper plant smells sweetest when thrown into the flames, so the richest qualities of a Christian often arise under the strong winds of suffering and adversity. Bruised hearts often emit the fragrance that God loves to smell.

I had a tiny box, a precious box

of human love- my perfume of great price;

I kept it close within my heart of hearts

and scarce would lift the lid lest it should waste

its fragrance in the air. One day a strange

deep sorrow came with crushing weight, and fell

upon my costly treasure, sweet and rare,

and broke the box to pieces. All my heart

rose in dismay and sorrow at this waste,

but as I mourned, behold a miracle

of grace Divine. My human love was changed

to Heaven's own, and poured in healing streams

on other broken hearts, while soft and clear

a voice above me whispered, "Child of Mine,

with comfort wherewith you are comforted,

from this time forth, go comfort others,

and you will know blest fellowship with Me,

whose broken heart of love has healed the world".

Streams in the Desert devotion

Poem from Streams in the Desert

When winds are raging o'er the upper ocean,

And waves are tossed wild with an angry roar,

It's said, far down beneath the wild commotion,

That peaceful stillness reigns forevermore.

Far, far beneath, noise of tempests falls silent,

And silver waves lie ever peacefully,

And no storm, however fierce or violent,

Disturbs the Sabbath of that deeper sea.

So to the heart that knows Your love, O Father,

There is a temple sacred evermore,

And all life's angry voices causing bother

Die in hushed silence at its peaceful door.

Far, far away, the roars of strife fall silent,

And loving thoughts rise ever peacefully,

And no storm, however fierce or violent,

Disturbs the soul that dwells, O Lord, in Thee

Harriet Beecher Stowe

Wives: Encourage Manliness Through Your Femininity

by Mary Farrar from her book: Choices: For Women Who Long to Discover Life’s Best

Marriage Vine Ministries article June 2010

What a man needs is an emotionally grounded, God-dependent, soft woman who understands her husband, loves him deeply, knows how to draw healthy boundaries, and—most important—encourages every step he takes toward true manliness. This means that we women have to grow just as much as our men do. We cannot fully study healthy femininity and how to achieve it in this article. But for now, let us simply say that the more healthy we are in our femininity, the more we can encourage our men in healthy manliness.

True femininity stirs the embers of manliness. It awakens a man’s calling, and breathes life into his manly quest.

Our men and boys need such women.

In this feminized world, where else will your men be encouraged towards healthy manliness? Your encouragement will be like rain in the desert.

The Hebrew word for “encourage” means “to strengthen.” And the Greek word carries the idea of “putting courage into.” That’s what every man and boy needs from us.

There is nothing more encouraging to a son or a husband than a woman who believes in him. One man put it this way: “It’s all about whether my wife thinks I can do it. A husband can slay dragons, climb mountains, and win great victories if he believes his wife believes that he can.”

Oftentimes men don’t step up because they feel it will involve a battle. Or they may simply find it is much easier to be enabled by a wife who will do their job for them.

May I tell you what many men from around the country have expressed to my husband? An astonishing number who grasp their call to godly manliness and decide to make a serious change in their lives, face a surprising resistance at home. Not long ago Steve received an e-mail from one bitter wife:

My husband has left me in charge of the house for so long that I will not give it up … I REFUSE TO GIVE THAT UP. THIS IS MY HOUSE AND CHILDREN. I’m the one who has been reading the Bible to the kids. I defaced the book my husband bought from you, and hid it in a place he won’t find it. If he really wants to be a leader of the house, then he has to KILL ME FIRST, OR YOU CAN.

Okay. Is it any wonder that this man didn’t feel overly inclined to attempt his manly role sooner? As over-the-edge as this e-mail was, it represents a certain kind of control that kills a man’s spirit. A man needs to know that if he is attempting to step into godly manhood, he is not going to have to face a continual counter-attack. Or be killed. If your husband expresses a desire to become the man he has not been in his home, love him for it and give him all the space he needs to grow into that role.

Most of us, however, are guilty of enablement. We have allowed our men to depend on us to discipline the children, oversee their education, make family decisions, and basically determine our social, financial, even spiritual lives. The single best thing an enabling women can do is to step back. Way back. And we must do it graciously, without great drama.

If you never step back, he will never step forward.

This doesn’t mean that you drop everything or cease being his helpmate. Think of it rather as gently laying the mantle of leadership at his feet. Where once you would have led the charge, you are now turning to him. Let your husband hear, see, and feel by your actions that you are serious about stepping back. Dead serious.

“What if I do this and he does nothing?” you may ask. Give it time. Hold off. Let the void be felt. Let the chips fall where they may. Pray for him. Let God have an opportunity to work in the void. Your children will not die and your marriage will survive. Men need time and space and all kinds of encouragement.

Is this easy? No. It may be the hardest thing you have ever done.

But it is the first—and possibly most important—of many steps you must take in being a catalyst in helping your man to grow into his manly role.

Does this raise hard questions? You bet. It raises a boatload of questions. And we will try to tackle at least some of them later in this book. But for now, think on this:

There is a distinct difference between demanding manliness (which attempts to manipulate and change a man) and encouraging it (which expresses need and verbally appreciates manly behavior when it shows up). It is entirely possible to express a desire for manliness in a way that emboldens a man rather than making him feel like he is a complete failure.

Submission

Submission is an attitude of the will. Bringing our lives into submission to God's will in everything is the key to being a godly woman (Phil 2:8-11). The gospel needs to be at the center of our thoughts and deeds every day. I's an ongoing, daily choosing of God's ways over our own ways (James 4:7-10 Heb12:9). We must discipline ourselves to submit to God's will-to live as our husbands' helpers (Genesis 2:18), submitting to and respecting their position (Eph. 5:22-24), and developing a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Pet 3:1).

Husbands

In comparison to the woman of strength found in Proverbs 31 is the man of integrity in Job 31. These parallel passages present challenging patterns and examples for godly characters and lifestyle.

A Man of Integrity:

Stands in God's presence (Job 31:4)

Exemplifies integrity (Job 31: 5,6)

Commits to personal purity (Job 31: 7-12)

Reflects justice in all dealings (Job 31: 13-15)

Gives generously to others (Job 31:6-20)

Shows compassion to all (Job 31:21-22)

Gets godly priorities in life (Job 31:23-35)

Lives out faith in God (Job 31: 26-28)

Forgives others (Job 31:29-30)

Opens home to the needy (Job 31:31-32)

Walks with the Lord (Job 31:33-37)

Seeks to do right (Job 31:38-40)

Study notes:

Job 31:1-40: Job was desperate to proclaim his own righteousness. He invoked four curses to com upon himself if he was not found innocent (vv. 8, 10, 22, 40). In so doing, his blameless stand before God was all the more bold (v. 35-37).

Job 31:1: Job was careful not to let lust have a chance by covenanting with his eyes to remain blameless (James 1:14-15). People fall into sin when they allow their desire to sin to be conceived and grow.

Job 31: 9-10: The sin of adultery, which involved a relationship with another man's wife, was serious because of its damage to the family. This curse is particularly humiliating and heinous. Adultery is described as a fire because of the destructiveness of illicit sexual passion (v.12). For the wife to suffer because of her husband'd adultery- a sin committed against her- is entirely comprehensible because of the nature of the family. Certainly this would explain partially Job's determination to avoid adultery.

Husbands: treated as a gift

During times of vulnerability, a man desperately needs an understanding helper (Heb. ezer, Gen 2:18). He needs acceptance (treat him as if he is already the person God desires him to be), appreciation (to recognize worth, to hold in high regard or to respect, Eph. 5:33), admiration (Eph. 5:33) and affirmation (speak kind words, Prov. 31:26, and assure him of her love and fidelity, Prov. 31: 11, 12). A godly husband is going to show respect for his wife in the way he treats her. This begins with his thought life (Prov. 23:7) and moves to his lifestyle (1 Pet. 3:7) and communication (Eph. 4:29). Because women are responders, they generally will respond to efforts or lack of efforts from their husbands. This reciprocity is part of the mystery of God's design for relationships.

Masculinity: the nature of a man

God has gifted men with great capacities for responsible leadership. THis can be channeled positively into the church and all walks of life through teaching, leading by moral example, and supporting righteous causes (1 Tim 2:8). Masculine power when sanctified can be used in a positive way, such as in the lives of great men through whom GOd provides leadership. Abraham showed us the trait of "adventure" with God by taking steps of faith where no man had gone (Gen. 12-18). We see vision in Moses (Exodus) and faithfulness in Joshua, even when he was in the minority (Deut. 31:6-8) David showed courage to fight against incredible odds (1 Sam. 17), and Nehemiah had initiative as a builder, organizing men to rebuild a wall and a city (Neh. 1-8). By contrast, men like Nebuchadnezzar used their power for destruction and cruelty in war (2 Kin. 24:10-17).

How wonderful that God balances this image of dominant masculine strength and power with the example of the Lord Jesus who was moved by compassion (Matt. 20:34), loved little children (Mark 10:14), cried at the death of His friend (John 11:35) and gave His life so that others might live (John 3:16). The "man of integrity (Job 31) finds a parallel in the "women of strength" (Prov. 31:10-31).

Women's Study Bible, NKJV, 2nd ed.

The Virtuous Wife of Proverbs and some thoughts on Holiness

Proverbs 31:10-31

31:10-12: "Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life." (NKJV)

A virtuous woman (lit. "a woman of strength") is trustworthy and would never do anything to bring dishonor to her husband's name. "All the days of her life" indicates her "forever" commitment to her husband.

Many outstanding women appear throughout the Bible, but the virtuous wife of Proverbs merits special praise (Prov. 31:29). The passage describes what kind of wife a woman should be and what kind of woman a man should choose to marry. An acrostic poem, each of the 22 verses begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, encouraging the memorization of this literary masterpiece. We are told not who she was but what she was. This woman of strength comes alive.

This rare woman was a paragon of virtue: trustworthy, industrious, organized, and loving. Yet amazingly she was able to order the priorities of her world. Her husband totally trusted her (v.11); her grown children voluntarily praised her (v.28), and her home was a model of efficiency (v.15-16; 24; 27). She still found time to reach out to her community (v.15), to help the poor (v.20), and even to increase her family's resources through wise investments and productive management of all placed in her care (v. 13-22; 24; 27). Moreover, she was as outwardly beautiful as she was inwardly wise (v. 25-26; 30).

The portrait of the virtuous wife closes the key to her success (v. 30). Illustrating the theme of wisdom found throughout Proverbs, this woman first feared and reverenced God. Therefore, relationships and responsibility were wisely balanced. She exemplifies the truth spoken by Jesus Christ, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all things shall be added to you" (Matt. 6:33). A close look at this woman can prove invaluable in helping every woman set her own priorities in managing time, resources, and giftedness God has given.

31:28-29: This description of the wise woman of strength ends with the testimony of those who knew her best: her husband and her children. Her children blessed her for their early training. Her husband praised her for her excellence among women. The praise from family was the most meaningful because they were the ones who had observed her in every situation and truly knew her character. Such praise should encourage every woman to follow in the steps and acquire wisdom as did this extraordinary woman.

Titus 2:3-5: "... the older woman likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderer, not given to much wine, teachers of good things- that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed." (NKJV)

"Admonish" (Gk. lit. "to cause to be of sound mind") suggests training that would develop sound judgment and wisdom. The relationship between the women is not formal and structured but a nurturing, spiritual mothering. The goal of the older woman/younger woman relationship is compelling- that God's Word would not be dishonored. The behavior of Christian women plays an important part in the honor that the world gives to God's Word.

1 Pet 1:15-16: "... but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy for I am holy" (NKJV)

see also:

Lev. 11:44-45:

"For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy. Neither shall you defile yourselves with any creeping thing that creeps on the earth. For I am the Lord who brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy." (NKJV)

Lev. 19:2:

"Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: 'You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy." (NKJV)

Lev. 20:7:

"Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God." (NKJV)

"[God] certainly did not create women to conform to the wrong concept... or the backwards concept Hollywood pushes or any negative concept you might have of holiness. The behavior that 'becomes holiness' is an inner quality of consecration to God that cannot help but produce an outer beauty. The most beautiful women I've known have been those who walk in the deepest holiness" (Smith, 43).

"A woman 'whose behavior becomes holiness'- or reflects holiness- is a vibrant woman because she is continually filled to overflowing with the living water. When you meet a woman who is overflowing with the living water that Christ gives, you'll see a woman who was changed and transformed like the woman at the well (John 4)". "The woman whose behavior reflects holiness is a radiant woman because she's infused with the light of Jesus Christ". "The holy woman is peaceful because she has her mind stayed on Jesus. 'You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You' (Is. 26:3). She's unflustered because she trusts God". "They holy woman is joyful. Since she walks in obedience, she doesn't have a lot of guilt to disturb her emotions. Sin is a joy robber". "But for the woman who walks in obedience, nothing can rob her of joy" (Smith, 44).

"The holy woman is fruitful because she abides in Christ. John 15:5 says, 'If we abide in Him and His words abide in us, we will bear much fruit". "The holy woman is satisfied because she hungers and thirsts after righteousness- and Jesus promised those who do this will be blessed and fulfilled". "The holy woman is loving because she walks in prayerful communion with Jesus. She's not filled with bitterness, unforgiveness, malice, or wrath. Instead, her words are peaceful, gentle and loving" (Smith, 45).

Proverbs 4:18: "The path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day" (NKJV).

The Woman's Study Bible NKJV

Reflecting God by Kay Smith, 2009.

God's plan for marriage

To continue some thoughts...

Marriage: God's plan for marriage

God's plan for marriage is introduced in Genesis (Gen. 2:24) and repeated in the Gospels (Matt. 19:5) and in the Epistles (Eph. 5:22-33; Col. 3:18-19; 1 Pet. 3:1-8). Marriage was perfect in its establishment: one man and one woman in a lifetime commitment.

God never intended for man to be alone (Gen. 2:18). The very bone from which woman was crafted came from man (Gen. 2:23). Woman was taken out of man, then presented to man in order to complete him. God created the man and the woman in His image (Gen 1:26-27) with physical and emotional needs that only the other could meet (Gen 2:18).

No parents were in Eden, but God's plan extended to the future with His formula for oneness in marriage. The partners are to "leave" their parents and "be joined" (KJV "cleave") in order to become one (Gen. 2:24). They are to be willing to lay aside all that pertains to their old loyalties and lifestyles of separate goals and plans and be joined to one another. This "joining" refers to a strong, enduring bond- making one unit bound together by unconditional commitment, love, and acceptance- resulting in a combined unit much stronger than either individual had been separately (Ecc. 4:9-12).

No other human relationship is to supersede the bond between husband and wife. Marriage is a covenant commitment- a vow made to God and the partner, not only to love but also to be faithful and to endure in this lifelong exclusive relationship (Matt. 19:6).

Marriage is a threefold miracle. It is a biological miracle by which two people actually become one flesh; it is a social miracle through which two families are grafted together; it is a spiritual miracle in that the marriage relationship pictures the union of Christ and His bride, the church (Eph. 5:23-27). God clearly intended transparency and openness as part of His plan for the marriage relationship- vulnerability without shame (Gen 2:25).

NKJV

Have no worry

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want" (Ps. 23:1)

"Be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Heb. 13:5-6)

"There's a stream of trouble across my path;

It is dark and deep and wide.

Bitter the hour the future hath

When I cross its swelling tide.

But I smile and sing and say:

'I will hope and trust alway;

I'll bear the sorrow that comes tomorrow,

But I'll borrow none today."

"Tomorrow's bridge is a dangerous thing;

I dare not cross it now.

I can see its timbers sway and swing,

And its arches reel and bow.

O heart, you must ope alway;

You must sing and trust and say:

'I'll bear the sorrow that comes tomorrow,

But I'll borrow none today."

"The eagle that soars at great altitudes does not worry about how it will cross a river."

Despair

More thoughts from Streams in the Desert

"He said, 'This is the resting place, let the weary rest'; and, 'This is the place of repose'- but they would not listen." (Isaiah 28:12)

Do you think all the commotion and the uproar of this life is evidence that God has left His throne? He has not! His mighty steeds rush furiously ahead, and His chariots are the storms themselves. But the horses have bridles, and it is God who holds the reins, guiding the chariots as He wills!

Tonight, my soul, be still and sleep;

The storms are raging on God's deep-

God's deep, not yours; be still and sleep.

Tonight, my soul, be still and sleep;

God's hands will still the Tempter's sweep-

God's hands, not yours; be still and sleep.

Tonight, my soul, be still and sleep'

God's love is strong while night hours creep-

God's love, not yours; be still and sleep.

Tonight, my soul, be still and sleep'

God's heaven will comfort whose who weep-

God's heaven, not yours; be still and sleep.

I implore you to not give in to despair. It is a dangerous temptation, because our Adversary has refined it to the point that it is quite subtle. Hopelessness constricts and withers the heart, rendering it unable to sense God's blessings and grace. It also cause you to exaggerate the adversities of life and makes your burdens seem too heavy for you to bear. Yet God's plans for you, and His ways of bringing about His plans, are infinitely wise. Madame Guyon

Femininity and Equality

Some thoughts on femininity and roles from some searches in my bible (NKJV) after some recent discussions on the matter.

Femininity- The nature of a Woman

"Femininity is a reality of God's design and making- His precious gift to every woman- and in a very different way, His gracious gift to men as well. The difference between men and women is not a mere matter of biology. Throughout the millennia of human history, up until the past several decades, people took for granted that the differences were so obvious as to need no comment. Yet never as now have we more needed Paul's reminder to the Roman Christians not to let the world squeeze us into its own mold but to let God re-mold our minds from within (Rom. 12:2)."

"Surrender is a key ingredient in femininity. As a bride, a woman in marriage surrenders her independence, her name, her destiny, her will, and ultimately her body to the bridegroom. As a mother, she surrenders in a very real sense her life for the life of the child. As a single woman, she surrenders herself in a unique way for service to her Lord and for service to family and community."

"Femininity receives. It takes what God gives. In other words, women are to receive the given as Mary did (Luke 1:38), not to insist on the not-given, as Eve did (Gen 3:1-6). This does not imply that a woman should surrender to evils such as coercion or violent conquest."

"The gentle and quiet spirit of which Peter speaks is the ornament of femininity (1 Pet 3:4), which found its epitome in Mary, the mother of Jesus. She was willing to be a vessel, hidden, unknown, expect as Somebody's mother. This maternity is available to every woman who humbles herself before the Lord, not simply as a biological role but as an attitude of selflessness in her own heart and submission to the Lord."

"The challenge of biblical femininity for you is to be a woman, holy through and through, asking for nothing but what God want to give you, receiving with both hands and with all your heart whatever that is. Femininity is a precious treasure to be guarded and nourished each and every day."

Biblical Equality: Distinct but Complementary Roles

"Male and female were created as equal and complementary expressions of the image of God. Both bear His image fully, though in different ways. Their distinct roles in relationship to each other provide a picture of who God is and how He relates to His people.

Christ Jesus is equal with God the Father, yet submissive and responsive to Him (Phil 2:6-8). God the Father loves the Son and exalts Him. The pattern is repeated in the relationship between Christ and the church. Christ provides loving, servant leadership; the church responds with respect and submission as Christ's 'Bride' (Eph. 5:22-33). Another counterpart to the picture is the relationship between church leaders and local bodies of believers (Heb 13:7, 17).

Sin has distorted the relationship between man and woman at every level, but believers are called to relate according to the Creator's plan instituted in the Garden of Eden before sin entered the world (Gen 2:15-25). This plan is marked by a holy reciprocity in which the husband's love awakens a responsive submission from the wife just as a wife's respect and appreciation draws from her husband leadership and love.

In Christ, distinctions of rank or sex are removed; yet throughout the New Testament, social and sexual distinctions are clearly seen in the family, the state, and the church. The equality of believers Christ reflects a oneness of relationship, not a sameness of function.

Each individual stands before God created in His image, yet, at the same time, a sinner in need of salvation (Gen. 1:27; Rom. 3:23). Therefore, each person has at the same time both an infinite equality of worth before God and in the midst of others and a total equality of need for Jesus Christ as Savior. Yet out of this same "lump of clay" called humanity, the Creator has chosen to make vessels of various kinds and for various purposes according to his will (Is. 29:16; Rom. 9:19-21). Therefore, in contrast to the world's view, biblical equality recognizes the equality of all people before God but also recognize God's right to assign people different functions and roles (Ezek. 33:17).

A woman's rewards are not based upon her role in the kingdom but upon her faithfulness in fulfilling the assignment God gives. Fully equal before God, women and men enjoy the same free grace, are called to the same obedience, and are capable of receiving the same spiritual gifts and blessings. Yet woman is not man, and man is not woman. They are equal in worth and person-hood as the creation of God but remain functionally different in the role assignments each is to fulfill."

Obedience

Thoughts from May 14th devotional:

On that very day Abraham [did]... as God told him. (Gen 17:23)

"Instant obedience is the only kind of obedience there is, for delayed obedience is disobedience. Each time God calls upon us to do something, He is offering to make a covenant with us. Our part is to obey, and then He will do His part to send a special blessing."

"Martin Luther once said, 'A true believer will crucify, or put to death, the question, 'Why?' He will simply obey without questioning.' And I refuse to be one of those people who 'unless... [I] see miraculous signs and wonders... will never believe" (John 4:48). I will obey without questioning."

"Ours not to make reply,

Ours not to reason why,

Ours but to do and die."

"Obedience is the fruit of faith; patience is the early blossom on the tree of faith." Christina Rossetti

Tough Faith

Thoughts from Streams in the Desert May 1st:

Faith is not conjuring up, through an act of your will, a sense of certainty that something is going to happen. No, it is recognizing God's promise as an actual fact, believing it is true, rejoicing in the knowledge of that truth, and then simply resting because God said it. A promise is contingent upon our cooperation. People often pray for more faith, but what they are wanting is their faith to be changed to sight.

"Faith does not say, 'I see this is good for me; therefore God must have sent it.' Instead, faith declares, 'God sent it; therefore it must be good for me.' Faith, when walking through the dark with God, only asks Him to hold His hand more tightly. Phillips Brooks

The Shepherd does not ask of thee

Faith in your faith, but only faith in Him;

And this He meant in saying, "Come to me."

In light or darkness seek to do His will,

And leave the work of faith to Jesus still.

Such amazing words of encouragement and inspiration!

More thoughts on the subject:

"Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith." Hab 2:4 NKJV

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Cor 5:7 NKJV

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Heb 11:1 NKJV

Faith or faithfulness (Gk. pistis) is defined by two words: "substance" (Gk. hupostasis, lit. "that which stands under") and "evidence" (Gk. elenchos, lit. "proof"). Faith then is the foundation for the Christian life and the means by which all unseen things are tested. "Faith" is the nominal form of the verb "to believe" (Gk. pisteuein). Faith, therefore, means trust or confidence in what God has promised, resulting in a life of faithfulness and perseverance. Faith is the only essential response to the grace of God (v.6). Justification is the result of that faith.

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Heb 11:6 NKJV

Similar thoughts on the subject from my memory verses:

"Jesus said... 'If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." Mark 9:23 NKJV

"Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." Mark 11:24 NKJV