Day 24 - What Is Jesus Teaching Me Presently
I just finished doing a devotional this evening and it happened to be on Proverbs 31: 10-31. Ha. What are the chances of that. What amazes me about the bible is that I can read a passage hundreds of times and it can be really beautiful every time I read it but, then one special day a light bulb goes off and my soul drinks in every word as if it has never heard it before and my mind burns with understanding and hungers for more. I found myself re-reading each verse and pondering it and reflecting on my life as a woman and as a wife. Am I remotely close to being the woman that God so desires me to be; the woman depicted in these verses? I have come a long way from the uber feminist attitude I had at the start of my relationship. The Lord has been softening me ever so lovingly year after year and He opened my eyes to the beauty and balance that comes from being a joyful wife that serves and tends to her family. I have so much room to grow still though! This passage reminds me to focus on the things that are most important in my role here on Earth: trustworthy, kind, work joyfully, disciplined, prudent with money, enterprising, energetic, good steward, diligent, provident, elegant, influential for good, industrious, poised, wise, manages my home well, praiseworthy, distinguished, God-fearing, and honorable.
I will never "arrive" and be a perfect woman here on Earth but, my heart's desire is to always strive to be more like Christ because Christ was peace, love and unity to all who knew Him. I strive to be more like this To God be all the glory!
The Proverbs 31 Woman :
10An excellent wife, who can find? [an excellent wife is rare and priceless!]
For her worth is far above jewels.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her, [she gives her husband no reason to doubt]
And he will have no lack of gain.
12She does him good and not evil [remember to speak well of your husband in public and build him up. don't tear him down]
All the days of her life.
13She looks for wool and flax [work joyfully, be resourceful]
And works with her hands in delight.
14She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
15She rises also while it is still night [serve your family by giving your best]
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
16She considers a field and buys it; [be a good steward with your money]
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17She girds herself with strength [work hard and take care of yourself so you can handle your tasks]
And makes her arms strong.
18She senses that her gain is good; [don't be lazy or idle]
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
20She extends her hand to the poor, [caring, compassionate]
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household, [is prepared and wise]
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22She makes coverings for herself; [creative, crafty]
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23Her husband is known in the gates, [speak well of your husband, build him up]
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24She makes linen garments and sells them, [look for ways to be industrious]
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
25Strength and dignity are her clothing, [the future doesn't scare you because you know it will all work out]
And she smiles at the future.
26She opens her mouth in wisdom, [kind, wise]
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27She looks well to the ways of her household, [tend to your home and don't become lazy]
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
manages her home
28Her children rise up and bless her; [your family sees all that you do and praise you for it because you are UH-MAZING!]
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
praiseworthy
29"Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all."
10An excellent wife, who can find? [an excellent wife is rare and priceless!]
For her worth is far above jewels.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her, [she gives her husband no reason to doubt]
And he will have no lack of gain.
12She does him good and not evil [remember to speak well of your husband in public and build him up. don't tear him down]
All the days of her life.
13She looks for wool and flax [work joyfully, be resourceful]
And works with her hands in delight.
14She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
15She rises also while it is still night [serve your family by giving your best]
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
16She considers a field and buys it; [be a good steward with your money]
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17She girds herself with strength [work hard and take care of yourself so you can handle your tasks]
And makes her arms strong.
18She senses that her gain is good; [don't be lazy or idle]
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
20She extends her hand to the poor, [caring, compassionate]
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household, [is prepared and wise]
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22She makes coverings for herself; [creative, crafty]
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23Her husband is known in the gates, [speak well of your husband, build him up]
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24She makes linen garments and sells them, [look for ways to be industrious]
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
25Strength and dignity are her clothing, [the future doesn't scare you because you know it will all work out]
And she smiles at the future.
26She opens her mouth in wisdom, [kind, wise]
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27She looks well to the ways of her household, [tend to your home and don't become lazy]
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
manages her home
28Her children rise up and bless her; [your family sees all that you do and praise you for it because you are UH-MAZING!]
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
praiseworthy
29"Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all."
30Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, [focus on what really matters]
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.
honored
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.
honored
And that my friends is what is what Jesus is teaching me tonight!
PS - Tomorrow night starts the Momma in Focus link up!
PS - Tomorrow night starts the Momma in Focus link up!
Aw what a sweet post. Thanks for the abbreviations of the verses!
ReplyDeletegood stuff, I do love when the Lord opens your eyes to something new when you have read a passage so many times. I guess that is why it is the 'LIVING WORD' right? Awesome, and love Proverbs 31, she is a woman, something to strive for, for sure!
ReplyDeleteLinked from TV's Take. Great to see another blog focusing on Proverbs! If you are interested, there is a series right now on Prov. 31 at http://thequietquill.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeletewb
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