Living the Legacy

It is of utmost importance to me to live a life pleasing to God. The woman described in Proverbs 31:10-31 sure makes that cut and every day I strive to be that woman. Most days I barely even resemble her, but God is merciful and extends His hand of grace. I have come to realize that the key to becoming that women is to be intentional about it.

The Proverbs 31 woman doesn't just roll out of bed and hope that her family will be provided for, she works with eager hands (v.13) and gets up early to feed her family (v.15).

The Proverbs 31 woman doesn't rely on the government programs to help others, she opens her hands to the poor and needy (v.20). And when calamity hits home, she has no fear because she has prepared for this and clothed them in scarlet (v.21).

She clothes herself with strength and dignity (v.25).

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness (v.27).

This is a woman to look up to. She takes care of her family and her community by living a life of intention. We won't just wake up someday and be this woman, we have to live these verses out in our daily lives today and hereafter if we want to be the woman 'more precious than rubies'. What are you doing today to live an intentional life as you strive to become like the Proverbs 31 woman?

With Wisdom

During my morning bible studies, God has recently been teaching me a few things; to take hold of my tongue and use it for good, not sinful purposes, and that it is my job to share the love of Christ and His gospel to the people in my life.

The christian life is always going to be about us loving God by being obedient to Him and loving others, by sharing His love with them. Doing the latter is a little hard when your big mouth (or mine in this case) can get in the way.

While on facebook this last week I encountered a few instances where my tongue (or key strokes) were tested. Posts were written that belittled and challenged God, and instead of getting into a hissy fit and typing a big ol' nasty rant, I argued my point with love and my powers of persuasion.

I've found that getting mad about something someone says is just not productive. All that I've learned from the christian apologists (and my Father-in-law) have taught me that the way to reach someone is to ask them questions about their stance. This way the burden of proof is on them, and their views, if in fact illogical, will start to break down. This was the case in these two facebook instances.

Loving others includes loving them enough to tell them God's truth, even if they don't want to hear it. But doing so in a loving way. I am so thankful that God has been leading me through these verses to equip me with the particular situations I have dealt with. It's not always easy to stand up for God and His truths, but if we rely on Him to help us speak His word to them in love, we can accomplish anything.

"Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope." Ephesians 3:20