Rahab: common woman, uncommon faith

July 22, 2014 by Julie 4 Comments

How does a common woman who makes a living using her sensual skills end up in the faith chapter of Hebrews? If there’s hope for Rahab to be praised for living by faith and to end up in the family line of Jesus, there’s hope for women today. Common women can live by uncommon faith.

If you’ve ever wondered if Rahab’s deal with the two spies was really an act of faith or simply good business, you’re not alone. As a woman of the night who strategically lived on the city wall, she was no stranger to transient men. After all, even the King knew Rahab provided lodging for the two young men. But, she willingly deceived him when he commanded her to give them up. So where does faith emerge in the lustful, lying ways of Rahab from idol-loving Jericho? We find the answer in the book of Joshua.

Rahab’s simple Faith

Rahab didn’t know of God’s plans for Israel, His promise of a redeemer, or His holy character, but what she knew was enough to produce simple faith and boldness. She declared her new faith to the two spies as they lay hidden on her rooftop. “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you.” She had heard about Yahweh, and she believed He was all-powerful. Unlike the gods of Jericho, He has the authority to give land and remove nations, and she admitted her fear of Him. “And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath,” (Joshua 2:8-11).

When confronted with God’s actions, Rahab had the uncommon faith to believe in God’s supremacy.

But believing is common, since “Even the demons believe,” (James 2:19).

Rahab’s uncommon faith

Choosing to actively put our faith in what we believe is uncommon. Before she had all of her questions about Yahweh answered, before she knew what would happen after the defeat, before she knew if she would be accepted by the people of God, before she knew how anyone could have such power … she chose to believe. She didn’t have to know it all to put her faith in God. It was enough to know “he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.” True faith is demonstrated by the works we do, “And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?” (James 2:25)

When confronted with what God has done, Rahab had the uncommon faith to act on who He is.

She put the survival of those she loved in God’s hands. As Rahab stood with all of her relatives “outside the camp of Israel,” (Joshua 6:23) watching the dust settle from the fallen walls of her hometown Jericho, she must’ve had no doubt that she had chosen the right side. “By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.” (Hebrews 11:31)

Is your faith uncommon?

God used the uncommon faith of a once-common woman to accomplish His story of bringing grace through faith to mankind. Hers is a story of redemption, born out of simple belief, resulting in bold action. Oh, that we would be uncommon women today! Common women can live by uncommon faith.

Who do you believe God is? Are you boldly acting on who you believe He is?

Gifts from a personal God

October 10, 2013 by Lisa Burgess 22 Comments

She may have thought the worst had already happened. Her husband had died. In the male-dominated Jewish culture, women were economically dependent upon male relatives.

At least she still had her son.

Then the unthinkable occurred: her only son also died. Would this double loss be her end?

WHO WAS SHE?

Who was this woman from Nain, Israel? We don’t know her name; Luke didn’t record it (Luke 7:11-17). While he told more stories about women than the other three gospel writers, he only relayed names of ten women in stories where they had parts to play. Ten others with roles remain unnamed.

Did these unnamed women not matter as much?

Do you not matter as much when you’re not acknowledged by name?

No and no. They mattered. You matter.

GRACE IN HER STORY

The widow in Luke 7 was on the road to her son’s funeral. Her final gift was to follow his dead body to its burial outside the city gates. Many were with her, helping her grieve and carry her son.

But unbeknownst to her, her crowd was about to intersect the path of another crowd, being led by Jesus.

She was about to discover resurrection. And it would be personal.

Jesus saw her. He talked to her. He told her not to cry. Even though she didn’t ask for His help (Jesus had yet to raise the dead—Jairus’s daughter and Lazarus were yet to come), He was about to give her a magnificent gift of grace anyway.

He touched the coffin. Everyone froze. Then talking directly to the dead son, Jesus said, “Wake up!”

And the dead man sat up and talked.

The crowd was awed. They’d personally witnessed a visit from God. They spread the news everywhere of their experience.

GRACE IN YOUR STORY

Even today, Jesus still sees. Even when you don’t know what to ask for, He knows exactly what you need.

It might not be a physical resurrection. That’s not always the best gift anyway.

On the day my mother died of Alzheimer’s, I wouldn’t have wanted her to return to that body. God blessed me instead with other gifts of grace—personalized for my family—to help us heal.

He graces you with resurrection in still other ways. Maybe with a restoration of hope. A friend to share your pain. An open door to something new.

While His salvation gift may look the same for all, His other gifts of grace are unique, personalized just for you.

To fit your personality
To favor your circumstances
To fill your holes

GOD IS PERSONAL

So maybe it’s on purpose that the widow wasn’t named. Maybe you’re supposed to fill your own name in the blank. And watch for how God will intersect your path, showing up with monogrammed gifts just for you.

There’s nothing impersonal about God. If you think there is, you have the wrong view of Him.

He is good, He is generous, and He is personal.

He knows everyone by name and by need. Including you.

That’s a gift of grace worth celebrating.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Philippians 4:19-20

* * *

What gifts of grace have you received after a loss?

How has God blessed you in a unique way, perfect just for you? Please share in the comments.

Resurrection: Preparing our hearts to celebrate Easter

March 5, 2013 by Julie Leave a Comment

We’re born wanting something we can’t have. Have you ever lost a loved one? Have you ever battled for your own life? Since death was announced in Genesis 3:19, people have searched for ways to prolong life, live forever, and outwit death. After all, Adam’s judgment echoes through the ages to all of us: “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.” (Romans 5:12)

From tombs full of riches for the afterlife to quests for the fountain of youth to modern medical technology, the hope of life and fear of death spurs men on to find the key to eternal life. Losses, disappointments, and decay tasted in earthly life point to our shared ultimate end: “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

Only One has power over death. There have always been skeptics; even the Sadducees of Jesus’ day scoffed at the thought of immortality. Scripture records the stories of a few who were powerless over death, but they saw God intervene and do the unimaginable: restore life.

Brought to Life In the Old Testament

The Widow of Zeraphath’s Son (1 Kings 17:17-24)
The Shunnamite Woman’s Son (11 Kings 4:20-37)
The Man thrown into Elisha’s Tomb (II Kings 13:21)

Brought to Life In the New Testament

The Widow of Nain’s Son (Luke 7:11-16)
Jairus’ 12 year old daughter (Mark 5:35-43)
Lazarus (John 11:1-44)
Tabitha (Acts 9:36-41)
Eutychus (Acts 20:7-12)
Saints buried near Jerusalem (Matt. 27:51-53)

These people did not raise themselves, but they were raised by God. His power worked independently, and occasionally through His servants, to defeat death itself. As foretold in Genesis 3:15, the Enemy’s plan suffered a fatal blow when the gospel triumphed in the risen Savior. The resurrected life of Jesus makes our abundant life possible. What man could never do, God did.

Resurrection is the conquering of death, the overcoming of the Enemy’s plan to thwart God’s gift of life. Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.“ (John 10:10)

This month we celebrate the Resurrection victory over loss and pain and death. With “Easter” at the end of this month, we want to prepare our hearts with fresh appreciation for the Resurrection. All month long, we will share Bible Study tools to help you focus on this greatest of all mysteries that makes abundant life possible.

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed … the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality…“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”… thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Excerpts from 1 Corinthians 15:51-57)

Join us this month on Do Not Depart as we share Bible Study Tools to prepare our hearts for a celebration of the Resurrection.

El Roi–The God Who Sees Me

November 2, 2011 by Sandra Peoples 2 Comments

Have you ever felt like your problems weren’t actually your fault?

Someone else made a mistake at work, but you have to fix it.
Your husband wanted the new TV, but now you both have more credit card debt.
Your son told his teacher a lie, but you have to make it right with her.

Hagar had problems that weren’t her fault. She had obeyed her mistress Sarai and did what she was supposed to do. Now that Hagar was carrying Abram’s child, Sarai turned on her. She fled to the wilderness. The angel of the Lord met there. He told her she would bear a son and name him Ishmael, which means “God hears.”

Hagar responded, “So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, ‘You are a God of seeing,’ for she said, ‘Truly here I have seen him who looks after me'” (Genesis 16:13).

She called Him El Roi, the God who sees me. She named her son Ishmael, God hears.

Friends, we don’t have a god who is distant, or busy, or hands-off. He sees. He hears. He knows. When you feel you are in the wilderness, when your problems aren’t even your fault, He sees.

I’m the middle child, and as you may know, we are often ignored (I’m sure if you’re the oldest or youngest, you disagree, but all the other middle children know it’s true). In my teenage-angst I often thought, “No one notices me. They don’t even care.” Even as an adult there are times I think, “No one really gets it. They don’t even care.”

Then I remember God sees. He sees everything—the struggles, the triumphs, the lows, the highs. God hears. He hears everything—the cries, the laughter, the whispers.

If you feel invisible, know that you aren’t. Like Hagar, praise God for seeing and hearing you today.

Jehovah Rophe: The LORD Heals

October 19, 2011 by Teri Lynne Underwood 2 Comments

When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter; therefore it was named Marah. And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” And he cried to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet.

There the LORD made for them a statute and a rule, and there He tested them, saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in His eyes, and give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, your healer.”

Exodus 15:23-26

Bitter water. Doesn’t sound appealing at all, does it?

The Israelites had been freed from the bondage of slavery and now they were faced with bitter water. Does your life ever feel that way? One huge situation is finally resolved and then comes another … it can leave us overwhelmed and broken.

Elizabeth George writes:

What an object lesson this encounter with Jehovah-Rophe, the Lord who heals, must have been for the Israelites (and for us)! God’s people were dying of thirst with only bitter, poisonous water on hand. And God took their physical need and turned it into a spiritual issue. Out of a bitter experience God revealed Himself in yet another sweet, comforting way, as “Jehovah heals.”

Jehovah Rophe, the LORD heals. What a precious truth … and promise.

God’s healing is not just physical. He also reaches down offers total healing … in all areas of our lives.

Consider these three ways God heals and examples of women in Scripture who were the recipients of His total healing.

1. Physical Healing. Remember the woman with the issue of blood? Her story is told in Matthew 9. She had been sick for years and used every bit of money she had to seek healing. When Jesus passed by, she reached out and touched the hem of His garment. I love this story! She was healed immediately and completely! Why? Jesus said, “Take heart, daughter, your faith has made you well.” (Matthew 9:22) I am so thankful for a God who heals us physically.

2. Emotional Healing. Hannah. The broken woman longing for a child, praying so fervently that the priest thought she was drunk. Can you imagine her brokenness? God heard the heart-felt prayers of a wounded woman. And He answered them. I think though the most beautiful part of this story is the change we see in Hannah … from a woman desperate to have a child to a woman willing to give her son back to the God who gave him to her. That, my friends, is the power of God to heal us emotionally. {You can read Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel 1 – 2.}

3. Spiritual Healing. The most profound healing God ever does in any of our lives is spiritual. That moment when He moves us from death into life, when we become new creations, the old gone and the new in its place (2 Corinthians 5:17). Mary Magdalene’s story is such a beautiful example of that total renewal, total healing. From a woman possessed by seven demons (Luke 8:2) to the woman who first saw Christ after His resurrection (John 20:15) … Mary Magdalene offers us a poignant and powerful image of the full spiritual healing offered to each of us by Jehovah Rophe.

Are you in need of healing? Are there some bitter waters in your life? Will you call upon the God who heals and trust Him to mend the brokenness?

Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:1,3

Today, right now, Jehovah Rophe is offering you the gift of healing. Will you embrace it? And praise Him for this amazing gift?

~~~~~~~~~
The quote above is from this book by Elizabeth George. I highly recommend it for either personal study or for a group.

Proverbs 31 Wrap Up

October 4, 2011 by Teri Lynne Underwood Leave a Comment

We’ve reached the end of our study of Mrs. P31 … and we hope you are with us in declaring:

Over the past few weeks we’ve identified thirteen characteristics of the Proverbs 31 woman … and we hope you have been encouraged by what we’ve learned. Here is a recap of those qualities:

We have been overwhelmed by the response to this series! Thank you!! We appreciate all the comments and shares and tweets … you have truly blessed us by your involvement. We’re looking forward to kicking off our next series, The Names of God, on Monday.

Oh, and speaking of wrapping up … I realized that we never announced the winner of Savoring Living Water! Natalie, it’s you!! I’m emailing you with details and hope you enjoy the ebook.

Come back tomorrow for some important news from our team and on Friday we’ll be sharing an exciting new resource available from our own Stephanie Shott!!

Her Reward

October 3, 2011 by Sandra Peoples 2 Comments

grandmas chair — my grandma's chair in her dining room

My grandma had five children, eighteen grandchildren, and twenty great-grandchildren. When she passed away two years ago, we traveled to our hometown to celebrate her life. We sat in the living room telling stories that brought both laughter and tears. We gathered in the kitchen where she so often stood, stirring gravy for chicken fried steak or whipping cream for chocolate pie. We walked around her yard where she had spent hours picking pears, growing roses, and watching birds.

Her marriage of over sixty years, her still growing family, her beautiful home, her ministry at the church, her volunteer hours as the hospital… they were all evidence of a life well lived. In my mind, there is no closer likeness to the Proverbs 31 woman than my own grandmother.

Give her the fruit of her hands and let her works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:31

Like Mrs. P31, my grandma was rewarded for her years of faithful service to God and the responsibilities He gave her. Her life was neither easy nor perfect, but she had set her mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth (Colossians 3:2), and was therefore able to find joy even in all circumstances.

How can we, like Mrs. P31 and my grandmother, enjoy the fruit of our hands and be praised in the gates? I think it comes down to one simple principle–be faithful. Be faithful to God, faithful to your husband, faithful to your children and their children. Be faithful to your church family, to the job where God has placed you, and to your community. Whatever God has called you to do, be faithful in that.

It’s not as easy as it sounds! In fact, it’s impossible. Jesus says in John 15:5, “…apart from me you can do nothing.” Without His help we won’t be able to do all that we have learned in the last weeks that Mrs. P31 did. But God is faithful. When we cry out to Him for help, support, grace, forgiveness, and wisdom He gives generously!

I want to be rewarded with the fruit of my hands, I want my works praised in the gates, but above all I want to hear, “Well done good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

Ask God today to help you live a faithful life. Praise Him for giving you good gifts so generously, to help you live the life He has called you to live!

She fears God and nothing else!

September 30, 2011 by Kathy Howard 2 Comments

So how do you feel about the Proverbs 31 woman now? Still a bit intimidated? Well, don’t lose heart! Today’s characteristic is more than just another attribute on a long list. It’s key to her overall success. And ladies, if we work on nothing but this one, we will go a long way toward becoming that rare wife of noble character.

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30, ESV

The Proverbs 31 woman fears the Lord. I believe this specific characteristic has much to do with the existence of the others. The book of Proverbs repeatedly connects godly fear with wisdom and knowledge of God (see Proverbs 1:7, 1:29, 2:5, 3:7, 9:10, 15:33.) The fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom (9:10). It is the beginning of knowledge (1:7). In other words, if we want to know God more intimately and walk in His wisdom, we must fear Him.

Because she fears the Lord, our P31 woman knows God and His character, she has gained His wisdom, and knows how to apply it to life. Here are just a few connections that Proverbs makes between godly fear and navigating life. Those who fear the Lord will:

Follow the right path (Proverbs 14:2)
Find security (Proverbs 14:26)
Escape death (Proverbs 14:27)
Be protected (Proverbs 19:23)

We see one more exciting result of the fear of the Lord in the life of the P31 woman: because she fears the Lord, she doesn’t have to fear anything else! Godly fear produced godly wisdom for life. She doesn’t have to fear winter (31:21), because in wisdom she has made warm clothes. She doesn’t have to fear the future (31:25), because in wisdom she has prepared for it.

Jesus taught this truth to His disciples. He told them not to fear anything that man could do to them. Only fear the One that has all power over life and eternity (Matthew 10:26-28). God has authority over every circumstance of life – hardship, persecution, grief, and trial. Whether He chooses to deliver you from something or through something, He will deliver you! Fear Him and not the circumstance. Trust in His wisdom and guidance and don’t let difficulty cause you to take your eyes off of Him.

So, what does it mean to fear God? I actually wrote an entire Bible study on that topic, but we only have a few minutes together today! The Hebrew word most often translated as “fear” is yare’. Here’s a quick definition from Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words by W.E. Vine.

Used of a person in an exalted position, [yare’] connotes “standing in awe.” This is not simple fear, but reverence, whereby an individual recognizes the power and position of the individual revered and renders him proper respect.

If you looked up all the passages in the Bible that include this word, you would find that over and over God equates fearing Him with worship and obedience. In other words, if we recognize the true power and position of God (godly fear) then it will cause us to obey Him and give Him the proper worship.

The P31 woman recognized the power and position of God. Therefore, in godly fear, she spent her life obeying and worshipping Him, and living in His wisdom. Her “noble character” (31:10) was a direct result of her attitude toward God.

Do you “fear God?” Before today, what did you think it meant to fear God? If you lived a life of godly fear, how would it be different?

If you want to learn a little more about what it means to fear God, check out this 4-minute video teaching by Kathy.

Her Children What??

September 29, 2011 by Teri Lynne Underwood 1 Comment

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” ~ Proverbs 31:28-29

I love these two verses! For me, they are among the most encouraging in Scripture … because they hold such a promise. On the days when laundry is piled high, dishes are never ending, chaos is overwhelming, noise is deafening, and life is simply too much, I find myself thinking of these verses and knowing that it’s all worth it.

The exhaustion of parenting and the sacrifice of marriage are blessings.

I have a plaque with these verses on it. It sits atop my bookshelf with all the parenting books I love. Why there? Because I need that perspective! I need to be reminded that today isn’t always … that this season of life will end and a new season will bring new challenges and new joys. I believe Mrs. P31 understood that.

When we consider that Proverbs 31:10-31 are not a daily “To Do List” but instead a retrospective of a life lived well, the promise of this blessing become even more precious. Why did her children rise up and call her blessed? And her husband? I believe, based on all we’ve learned about Mrs. P31 so far, it is because she grasped this one truth:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

We end Proverbs with an example of the life lived by the truths shared at the beginning of Proverbs. A woman – a busy woman – who was wise and blessed because she knew the Lord and lived in obedience to His calling on her life.

She juggled all the tasks of the days and years not in her own strength and abilities but in fear of the Lord. Awe of Him, service to Him, love for Him. She cared for those in her home and those outside it. She used her abilities to bless her family and others. She spoke with kindness and lived wisely.

Her life declared one simple truth: She was rare and of great value – to her family, to her community, and to the Lord. That, dear friends, is a life worthy of blessing.

Giving a Hand

September 26, 2011 by Sandra Peoples 7 Comments

Mrs. P31 not only looks after her family, she also takes care of others. Proverbs 31:20 says, “She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy.” We talked recently about how God’s heart breaks for those in need and how He uses us to bless them. This verse in Proverbs 31 speaks directly about the poor, but what would happen if we really opened our eyes to those around us who are in need?

Ruth Graham wrote a book entitled In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart. Her premise was that we can’t tell just by looking at each other in our “Sunday best” how hard someone’s life may be. I think of this each Sunday when I look around our sanctuary. I try to think about it each time I leave the house. There are broken, needy people all around us. Many just need a helping hand to give them the encouragement they need.

The Proverbs 31 woman knew that by giving a little of herself to someone else, she could make a big difference in that person’s life. Here are ten ways we can give a hand to someone in need this week:

Egg Cracked Open Into Mixing Bowl — image via Microsoft

Hold babies in the church nursery.
Write a letter to a friend.
Help another customer at the grocery store pick-up something she dropped.
Bake cookies to share.
Take a friend’s kids to the park and push them on the swings.
Loan a book that had a real impact on your life to someone else who may enjoy it.
Visit a neighbor and take her a pumpkin or mum to decorate her home for fall.
Comment on a blog post that really speaks to you and pass on the link.
Gather up clothes your family has outgrown and pass them on to someone in need.
Ask your waiter if he has any prayer requests and lift him up as you pray for your meal out.

Take time to pray for those you come in contact with this week. Ask God to open your eyes to their needs, big or small. Be sensitive to the Spirit who nudges you to do what you can to help. Be willing to give a hand when you have the opportunity!

What little thing has someone done for you that made a big difference?

Linked up to Oh Amanda’s Top Ten Tuesday!

The Strong Mrs. P31

September 23, 2011 by Stephanie Shott 10 Comments

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” Proverbs 31:25

Strong. It’s a word I always think of when I think about my mom. Her strength was evident by the way she handled life, death and all things in between. She wasn’t perfect, but she was strong.

The strength we see described in the Proverbs 31 woman is much more about her character than it is about her physical strength. It’s demonstrated well when a woman strengthens her arms, it’s demonstrated best when a woman strengthens her heart.

Strength is a beautiful thing when worn with dignity and when a woman is strong, she’s an ornament of grace.

Proverbs 31:25 not only unveils the strength of the illusive Mrs. P31, but it also reveals her confidence as well. Because she is strong, she is confident. Because she is confident, she is strong.

Strength doesn’t mean she is immune to the difficulties of this life – it means she’s confident enough to walk through them with grace.

And while readers of the Word have had the privilege of seeing the strength of Mrs. P31 on display throughout the centuries, we know that the strength which flowed so freely from her life found its wellsprings in her reverential fear of the Lord.

As we ponder the path of the strong Mrs. P31, let’s remember each footprint she left was graciously laced with dignity.

STRENGTH IS…

Morally Upright
Courageous
Persevering
Authoritative
Influential
Self-Controlled
Confident
Prepared
Valiant
Honorable
Gracious

STRENGTH IS NOT…

Stubborn
Arrogant
Rigid
Forceful
Condemning
Indecisive
Argumentative
Harsh

I’m so glad my mom left a legacy of strength and dignity. I long to leave the same.

How about you? What kind of legacy are leaving? Is it one of strength? Is it one of dignity? The fact that she is clothed with strength and dignity begs the question…What are we wearing?

Today, as you consider the strength of the Proverbs 31 woman, will you examine your own strength through the lens of her life?

She’s a Worker, That Girl

September 22, 2011 by Teri Lynne Underwood 9 Comments

I grew up primarily in rural Oklahoma communities. People valued family, God, and hard work. These were farmers and ranchers, small business owners and teachers, and they knew the value of being a person who worked diligently and competently. I can remember hearing older people make the comment, “She’s a worker, that girl” about women I knew and, even as a young child, realizing it was the highest compliment they gave.

I imagine our Mrs. P31 would have received that praise.

She rises while it is still yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants.

She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:15-16, 24, 27

Today, we have so many ways to squander our time … so many opportunities to “eat the bread of idleness.” From the internet to the hundreds of channels on TV, we can spend our days in front of screens and never accomplish one thing of purpose.

This trait of industriousness is a key factor in developing the character of Mrs. P31. After all, she stayed so busy she didn’t have time to waste on meaningless things like gossip. I’m certainly not advocating that we all are expected to become businesswomen and manage companies or home businesses … but I do believe we are all called to the very high privilege of “looking well to the ways of our households.”

Today, will you choose to be industrious over idle? Will you use your time well to bless your family?

Cross country endurance

September 21, 2011 by Julie 8 Comments

Endurance only happens when there is a challenge, usually accompanied by some pain.

This fall I’m learning so much from cross country. I’m not the runner; I’m the mother of the runner, and as I watch and cheer, I’m observing. Last week a large group of girls gathered at the start, some shooting out fast from the line to take front positions, but they couldn’t sustain it. The winners were those who were committed to their goal, prepared to go the distance, and wise enough to set a good pace.

When was the last time God brought a painful challenge into your life as a wife? As if to work out the P31 gal’s endurance in my own heart in a fresh way, just yesterday the Lord led me to a low place. (You can read the nitty gritty here.) I wrestled between my fleshly desires and my godly ones. A hardship tempts us to cast aside the goal of godliness with excuses like, “That Proverbs 31 wife isn’t even realistic!” The pain suggests we weren’t prepared for something “that disappointing.” We might be inclined to just flop down, burst into tears, and whine out our troubles as if we can not be victorious … aka “meltdown.”

In circumstances that stretch us in life and marriage, we do our husband’s good by resisting the urge to fall apart and striving, instead, to persevere in a godly response. In times of hardship, excellence endures. A challenge involving pain gives us opportunity to do our husband “good” by contributing our endurance.

Oh, Lord, help us be women of excellence who:

commit to the goal of godliness, staying focused on that goal when we are under life’s assault

go the distance and embrace the extra mile it takes to be excellent

set a pace of wisdom we can sustain in our married life

P31 isn’t just a sprinter; she is diligent all day, she makes the most of her available time, she provides what her household needs, and sets her selfishness to do what’s best for her loved ones (vv. 14-15, 18). On the cross country trail, as well as on the marriage trail, there will be women on the course who don’t take their training seriously, and it will show in their lack of victory and in the condition in which they cross the line, if they finish. It was show in their husband’s spirit, freedom, and prosperity. Is he carrying an extra load, or doing life alongside a woman of endurance?

There’s no doubt the course is hard, including challenges that promise pain. We’ll see it on the faces of those around us, and we’ll display it in our own. Marriage isn’t for those who lack commitment to the goal, readiness to go the distance, and wisdom in pacing. The teams that win are teams that endure. Let’s make our husbands glad we’re on their team!

What challenge has God allowed in your life to give you the chance to endure with your man?

Most creative

September 20, 2011 by Julie 6 Comments

In my dark closet corner, there’s a plastic bag stuffed with neatly folded strips of crimson material. It’s remnants of a quilt I began and evidence that I’m a Michael’s craft class drop out. Occasionally, my hand brushes against the sack, and I wonder, “How did I go from being voted “Most Creative” in high school (forget Best Hair, Best Smile ..) to being beaten by a Log Cabin pattern in the back of a craft store? Is there hope for me to reach the bar set by the “Most Creative” wife of Proverbs 31?

I could try to sell you excuses like I’m 25 years older, have a husband to keep up with, children to keep me busy, budget with no line for “craft stuff,” and no extra room to “spread out.” But Mrs. P31 was a gal with similar challenges, and she managed to stock up on supplies and clothe herself to reflect her creative flair … all before Michael’s Crafts and Hobby Lobby existed. Proverbs paints an attainable, even realistic, picture of creativity:

13 “She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.”

19 “She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.”

22 “She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.”

Mrs. P31 has a willing attitude. Her hands weren’t obligated, resentful, or angry; they were willing. The focus is on her willingness to use her time and talent, whatever that looked like, to provide for her home. It’s not the particular craft or task that made her excellent. Her home must’ve been more beautiful, comfortable, and unique, because she was the woman of the house. How motivated are you to be inventive in your home?

She has a wide range of skills. Before online shopping, P31 had to “seek” supplies and use manual implements. No one does everything, but she was resourceful and diverse. Remember this is a composite of qualities to strive for, not a single example to copy. Are you looking for new ways to enhance your home?

With her willing spirit and scope of abilities, P31 approaches creativity with a godly manner. Unlike a child’s first cross-stitch, with strings and knots hanging, the excellent woman’s work is something worthy to cover the bed she shares with her husband, something noble and elegant, reflecting her character. Maybe your strings and knots ARE beautiful! Does your home reflect your spirit?

P31 might be sad for us at the way our lifestyles often crowd out creativity. The beauty we add to our household doesn’t have to look just like hers, but we can pursue her willing spirit, her range of skill, and her godly manner as make our world more enjoyable and interesting.

5 Ways to Be a Creative Wife

Let your creativity come through in cooking. How long has it been since you made something new?

Has God gifted you with skill to beautify the lives of your family? Write a poem; paint a wall hanging; make a rug; plant a garden; invent a pizza; redesign your bedroom; create a scrapbook.

There’s more than one way to keep a home. Use your God-given creative juices to move furniture, organize the closet, make a lunch note, write on a bathroom mirror, or make a quilt (you go girl!).

If you have children, you HAVE to be creative. Get creative with entertaining children, using voices to read aloud, making a table tent, or helping your tween match an outfit.

Take it from the “Most creative” of 1986 – Creativity isn’t limited to paint and mod podge. How about enjoying the freedom to be creative in how you show affection to your husband? He’ll thank you.

Am I jealous of the P31 wife? Maybe I’m jealous of her “bed covering” … but I’m inspired to know I can pursue her willing spirit, her range of skills, and her excellent manner. My creativity will look different from hers and from yours, and we don’t even have to sign up at the local craft store.

I’m praying your home and mine will be more beautiful, unique, artistic, & CREATIVE … because we’re the woman of the house!

What can you do today to make your home more creative?

He Can Trust Her

September 16, 2011 by Stephanie Shott 2 Comments

“The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil.” Proverbs 31:11 (Amplified)

I’ve always thought the study of the Proverbs 31 woman was a bit intimidating as well as a little painful. What woman can be all that and a bag of chips? How can she be all of those things at all times? Is that even possible while we live in this flesh?

In context we’re looking at the ideal woman as described by a mother who is giving her son the description of what he should be looking for in a wife – the kind of wife we all pray our sons would be wise enough to marry. But are we that kind of woman? Are we at least striving to be that kind of woman?

As we read through Proverbs 31:10-31, we find a woman of very noble character. Yet, one of the greatest traits touted by Mrs. P31 is that of trustworthiness. As the Amplified so beautifully says, her husband was confidently secure in her. He relied on and believed in his wife – and as the Scottish minister, George MacDonald, once said –

“To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved.

From the framework of Proverbs 31:11, we’re told her husband “confidently” trusted in his wife in the area of their finances. In fact, as you read through each verse that describes this Wonder Woman of the Bible, you find that like a sweet perfume, Mrs. P31’s trustworthiness permeated every area of her life.

Her husband could trust his wife to…

Be a frugal shopper (Proverbs 31:11)
Be wise with their finances (Proverbs 31:11)
Not be sneaky or deceptive about her spending (Proverbs 31:11)
Not pressure her man to make more and more money (Proverbs 31:11)
Not be materialistic (Proverbs 31:11)
Not try to persuade him to do something unethical or desperate to make a buck (Proverbs 31:11)
Do what is good for him (Proverbs 31:12)
Be a diligent worker (Proverbs 31:13-14,19,24)
Not be lazy (Proverbs 31:15)
Care for others (Proverbs 31:15,20)
Be a wise investor with their finances (Proverbs 31:16)
Be a woman of dignity who is prepared for their future (Proverbs 31:21,25)
Take care of the needs of the family and the home (Proverbs 31:22,27)
Encourage, support and promote him (Proverbs 31:23)
Carefully chose words of grace and truth, and guard what she says about him (Proverbs 31:26)

A study of the P31 women can be truly daunting when we try to place our own lives beside hers. She stands tall and lives large! She’s the ideal woman – the one whose steps we we’re to follow.

But I don’t think we’re to be discouraged by her – we’re to be encouraged to be women who rise to the occasion – to set our standards high and seek to be women who will garner the ultimate praise – ‘her husband and children rise up and call her blessed.’

I’ve heard people say that in a marriage, trust is everything. If a man can’t trust his wife, it’s like knocking the legs out from under the foundation of their marriage. Trust is the seed that feeds love.

Marriage may survive when the embers of fizzle out love, but when trust is destroyed, the marriage is on dangerous ground.

So, use this post as an opportunity to evaluate your life as a wife. Can your husband really trust you in the areas that are mentioned above? Are there any areas you need to work on?

Hard to find

September 15, 2011 by Kathy Howard 6 Comments

My name is Kathy and I was once an obsessed collector of Beanie Baby Bears.

The bear I worked the hardest to find was the one that commemorated Princess Diana. Plush, royal purple with a white rose on her chest, Ty© released “Princess” in December 1997 just months after Diana’s death. Admirably, Ty© donated the profits from the bear to the Princess Diana of Wales Memorial Fund.

“Princess” was almost impossible to find. I combed stores. I stood in lines. Finally, I found the object of my affection. Now it’s in a storage container somewhere.

You know what’s harder to find than a Princess Diana Beanie Baby? A virtuous woman of noble character. Here’s how the wisdom of Proverbs puts it:

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies. Proverbs 31:10, NLT

The author of this acrostic poem compares a virtuous woman to the rarity of a valuable gemstone. The Hebrew word, which means “a precious stone,” is translated as “ruby” more often than “jewel” in popular versions of the Bible including the KJV, NIV, ASV, and the NLT. Either one is accurate.

I chose to use a version that translates it as “ruby” because of the unique value the ancient world put in this particular jewel. The ruby was known as “the king of gems.” Some used it as a talisman to warn its owner of danger. Many ancients believed that the ruby – ground to a fine powder and placed on the tongue – could cure blood diseases, stop bleeding, ensure good health, and treat indigestion.

Throughout the history of mankind, rubies have been considered a prized possession. Treasured by royalty and held in awe by the common man, this scarce gemstone commanded extremely high prices. Even today large rubies are hard to find and are therefore more valuable than diamonds of the same size.

So what makes the woman described in Proverbs 31 so rare? It’s her “virtuous” or “noble” character. The Hebrew word used to describe our “rare as rubies” woman is used 85 in the OT as a human attribute, but only three times for a woman. The word means “might, strength, power; able, virtuous, valor. It is most often translated as “army” and “valor.” Our rare lady was a warrior woman of strength and character who fought daily for her family. Mighty rare indeed.

Do you know a “rare as rubies” woman? I would love to hear about her today!