Today’s Reading: Proverbs 30-31; Acts 5:22-42
I’ve always admired the Proverbs 31 wife. She seems to have it all so together. She’s smart, strong, dignified, handles the family finances, and weaves her own linens. But most of all, she makes her husband look good. Because of her good, hard working nature, he is “respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land” (vs. 23 NIV).
What an honor, for your husband to look good because of you! I long for the same thing to be said about me. So many of the women in Proverbs seem to put men to shame. They tempt them, ridicule them, and cause discord in their lives. Instead of doing this, the Proverbs 31 brings good into the lives of her family. Her children and husband call her “blessed” because of all her hard work (vs. 28). They value her upright character and giving spirit. Instead of thinking about herself, the Proverbs 31 wife seems to always be putting others first. She loves her family so much that she wants them to look good.
This is the same desire I have in my own life. I want my husband, and future children, to be respected because of me. I don’t want to drag them down, but instead what to encourage and lift them up. It’s a hard thing to master, but something I’m willing to improve on through the years.
What do you think about Proverbs 31 woman? In what way can you strive to be more like her?
Lord, thank you for this beautiful example of the kind of woman I can be. Help me to always love and serve those around me with a giving heart.
Showing posts with label Proverbs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Proverbs. Show all posts
Friday, July 2, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Evident Love
Today’s Reading: Proverbs 25-26; Acts 4:23-37
“Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a qquarrelsome wife” (Proverbs 25:24 NIV).
Sometimes I think it’s good to take stock on how I’m doing at this whole “wife” thing. I’ve only been a wife for 1 ½ years, so I know that I still have a lot to learn. It’s been tough learning how to live and communicate with someone so different than myself. Just the same it’s wonderful watching our relationship develop and flourish. I can honestly say I love my husband more today than I ever have. But is that always evident in my words and actions? Probably not. At times I pick at his faults, and point out how he falls short when it comes to loving me. At times I really don’t give him the love and respect he deserves. I’m so thankful he hasn’t made a dash for the roof as of yet (see verse above), but instead puts up with me and my faults. In fact, he’s more than willing to work through issues in our relationship, big and small. We’ve actually just started reading a book together called Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. So far I really like what this book has to say on relationships. Love and Respect are so important in a relationship. I pray that these values are evident in ours, as we continue to grow together in the Lord. I’d always rather have my husband next to me, instead of on the roof.
What about you? Is the love you feel for your friends and family evident in your life?
Lord, please help me to always have a loving attitude when I deal with those around me.
Monday, June 28, 2010
To Train a Child
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6 NIV).
“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him” (Proverbs 22:15 NIV).
“Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with a rod, he will not die. Punish him with a rod and save his soul from death”
Soon a little baby will be entering our lives. We’re so excited to meet this little one. Just the same, my husband and I are aware of the great task being placed before us. With the help of God, we plan to raise this child to be a strong, loving, follower of Christ. We are nothing without Christ; we want our child to see just how essential a relationship with Christ is in this life.
I’m sure raising a child will have its joys and struggles. We will be the ones who will have to set rules for our little one to follow. Sometimes, I’m sure, we’ll feel like the mean parent, having to take away privileges because our child didn’t obey. There are so many things that the two of us will have to figure out along the way. We’ve never had a child before, so this experience will be entirely new for us.
Just the same, I’m waiting for anticipation for the day when I can look my little one in the eyes and tell him or her how much I love them.
How do you handle discipline in your home?
What are your greatest challenges as a parent? Greatest joys?
Unfailing Love
Readings: Proverbs 19-21; Acts 3
“What a man desires is unfailing love” (Proverbs 19:22, NIV).
We are all on a search of unfailing love. But where is it to be found? I know that my husband loves me with every ounce of his being. He would do absolutely anything for me. Yet, he’s still human. I’m sure there will be times throughout our life together that he lets me down, both in big ways and in small. Just the same, I trust him with my heart. He’s my lover, my best friend, and my companion on this road called life. And most importantly, he’s the person who always directs my focus toward God. From the beginning, our marriage has been based on the understanding that God needs to be number one. He needs to be the one we focus on day in and day out. He needs to be the one I ultimately look towards for happiness, fulfillment and love, because my husband has the ability to fail, God does not. God loves me with an unfailing love. The love my husband and I share together strives toward this agape, complete, love that God exemplifies. This love is whole, overarching and complete. It sees into our very hearts, and loves us right where we are. This love is so amazing that it’s hard to comprehend at times. But it’s there, and it’s oh so ready for the taking.
How is real, unfailing love evident in your life?
Lord, please help me to experience a dose of your agape love today.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Hope Differed
Today’s Reading: Proverbs 13-15; Acts 2:1-21
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12 NIV).
I’ve been a dreamer for as long as I can remember. As a little girl I used to imagine what it would be like when I grew up. I pictured myself living in a little blue house with a husband and a family. I imagined being a famous writer, having my work known throughout the world. I imagined being happy, successful, and living close to all of my family and friends.
I had so many dreams as a child. But as I grew older, I ran into an awful thing called reality. In this world, people were not always honest; they took advantage of my sweet little heart. In this world not everyone liked me. I would lose friendships, jobs, and opportunities throughout my life. This world has been a lot harder then I imagined it as a little girl. Time and again my hopes have been crushed and pushed aside. My little girl heart has become bare and broken. I have had to lay it all at the feet of Jesus and ask Him to pick up the pieces.
And He has. He’s taken all those differed dreams, and created something far more beautiful out of them. He’s taken all of the things I thought I wanted, and changed them into the things He wants me to have. He’s looked into the depths of my heart and given me my true desires, the things I didn’t even realize I wanted. Because He knows me better than I even know myself.
As a little girl I may have dreamed of one thing, but He has a far greater reality in store for me.
What hopes and dreams have been deferred in your life? Has God ever blessed you with the unexpected?
Some verses to ponder:
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).
“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4 NIV).
Lord, thank you that your ways truly are not my ways. Help me to stand strong through life’s disappointments, and to always remember that you truly do have good things in store for me.
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12 NIV).
I’ve been a dreamer for as long as I can remember. As a little girl I used to imagine what it would be like when I grew up. I pictured myself living in a little blue house with a husband and a family. I imagined being a famous writer, having my work known throughout the world. I imagined being happy, successful, and living close to all of my family and friends.
I had so many dreams as a child. But as I grew older, I ran into an awful thing called reality. In this world, people were not always honest; they took advantage of my sweet little heart. In this world not everyone liked me. I would lose friendships, jobs, and opportunities throughout my life. This world has been a lot harder then I imagined it as a little girl. Time and again my hopes have been crushed and pushed aside. My little girl heart has become bare and broken. I have had to lay it all at the feet of Jesus and ask Him to pick up the pieces.
And He has. He’s taken all those differed dreams, and created something far more beautiful out of them. He’s taken all of the things I thought I wanted, and changed them into the things He wants me to have. He’s looked into the depths of my heart and given me my true desires, the things I didn’t even realize I wanted. Because He knows me better than I even know myself.
As a little girl I may have dreamed of one thing, but He has a far greater reality in store for me.
What hopes and dreams have been deferred in your life? Has God ever blessed you with the unexpected?
Some verses to ponder:
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).
“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4 NIV).
Lord, thank you that your ways truly are not my ways. Help me to stand strong through life’s disappointments, and to always remember that you truly do have good things in store for me.
Friday, June 18, 2010
The Battle of the Tongue
As I was reading through Proverbs today, I couldn’t help but pick up on some of the things God has been teaching me as a wife. I know that I often fall short, but I really do want to be “my husband’s crown.” It’s always been my goal to make our home a place that my husband looks forward to coming come to in the evening. In doing this, I’ve had to pray time and again for big doses of love, because I don’t always feel like being very kind. I don’t always feel like loving my husband the way I should. One of the big areas in which I’ve improved in the last 1 ½ years of our marriage is with my tongue. I’m slowly learning that there’s no excuse for harsh words or condescending tones, even if it is “that time of the month” or I’m pregnant. These times may work havoc on my emotions, but just the same, my husband still needs love from me. By reigning in my reckless words, I’m giving myself those few moments to think, and decide whether it’s really worth saying. More often than naught, the words are only foolishness. I don’t really mean them. And by not saying them, I’m able to build a foundation of love and kindness in our home.
I’m no where near perfect when it comes to my tongue, but I’m learning, slowly, and trying my best to become the kind of wife and future mother God wants me to be.
A Kindhearted woman gains respect (Proverbs 11: 6 NIV)
A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown (Proverbs 12:4).
From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things (Proverbs 13:14 NIV).
Reckless words pierce like a sword (Proverbs 13:18 NIV).
The tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs 13:18 NIV).
What Proverb spoke to you in today’s reading? What might God be teaching you through this?
Lord, please help me to continue to grow as a woman of God. Reveal any faults, and draw me closer to you.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Guarding My Heart
Today’s Reading: Proverbs 2-4; John 19:23-42
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4: 23 NIV).
What good advice from King Solomon. I have striven for many years to guard my heart. As a girl, this influenced the way I interacted with boys, the kinds of dating relationships I chose to be in, and the kinds of books I read and movies I watched.
As a married woman, my life has changed. I’ve now opened my heart up completely to one man, but I still have to guard my heart when it comes to the world around me.
For even now there are things to tempt and distract, and take me away from truly worshiping my Father in Heaven. Even now my heart has to be guarded.
In the past I’ve made some mistakes. I’ve opened my eyes to certain types of movies and books, and had to realize the garbage these things put in my life. And so, I adjusted my principles, made my rules stricter, and tried to keep my life cleaner.
Why? Because I love God more than anything. I want to live my life solely for him.
A good question for me over the last few years has been: would I let my child read this book or watch this movie? If the answer is no, then, for me, book or movie isn’t worth owning.
Each person has his or her own standards. What are yours? How do you guard your heart?
Lord, please help me to guard my heart each and everyday. Show me changes that have to be made so that I can live my life solely for you.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4: 23 NIV).
What good advice from King Solomon. I have striven for many years to guard my heart. As a girl, this influenced the way I interacted with boys, the kinds of dating relationships I chose to be in, and the kinds of books I read and movies I watched.
As a married woman, my life has changed. I’ve now opened my heart up completely to one man, but I still have to guard my heart when it comes to the world around me.
For even now there are things to tempt and distract, and take me away from truly worshiping my Father in Heaven. Even now my heart has to be guarded.
In the past I’ve made some mistakes. I’ve opened my eyes to certain types of movies and books, and had to realize the garbage these things put in my life. And so, I adjusted my principles, made my rules stricter, and tried to keep my life cleaner.
Why? Because I love God more than anything. I want to live my life solely for him.
A good question for me over the last few years has been: would I let my child read this book or watch this movie? If the answer is no, then, for me, book or movie isn’t worth owning.
Each person has his or her own standards. What are yours? How do you guard your heart?
Lord, please help me to guard my heart each and everyday. Show me changes that have to be made so that I can live my life solely for you.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Love is... not easily angered
The attributes in 1 Corinthians 13:5 can be really tough to carry out sometimes. The Apostle Paul tells us that love is not easily angered, but how do we live this out?
I have to admit that I’ve already had a few times today when I’ve become angry and resentful. It’s easy for me to hold a grudge when I feel that I’ve been wronged, and harder for me to show the love and graciousness God calls me to.
For me not being angry includes holding my tongue.
Proverbs 29:23 says that “An angry man stirs up dissension and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.” I know I have said many things in a moment of anger, only to regret them later. This verse from Proverbs reminds us that sin often results from anger. Isn’t it true that we often do and say things in a moment of heated argument that we often regret later? As James tells us, the tongue is a dangerous weapon. It is poison in our lives (James 3:8). In moments of anger it hurts deeply… the wounds it causes are hard to repair.
The destruction an angry tongue causes are not products of love. What does love look like then? How does a Christian respond to moments of irritation?
Instead of anger, those who love with the Love of Christ must exhibit patience. Listen to the words of wise King Solomon: “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11).
Sometimes, holding one’s tongue is what love is all about. Sometimes all it takes is a little God given patience to get past those moments of irritation and move one. For love is being patient when those we love the most annoy us the most.
Prayer: Lord, please replace any angry moments in this coming day with patience and love.
I have to admit that I’ve already had a few times today when I’ve become angry and resentful. It’s easy for me to hold a grudge when I feel that I’ve been wronged, and harder for me to show the love and graciousness God calls me to.
For me not being angry includes holding my tongue.
Proverbs 29:23 says that “An angry man stirs up dissension and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.” I know I have said many things in a moment of anger, only to regret them later. This verse from Proverbs reminds us that sin often results from anger. Isn’t it true that we often do and say things in a moment of heated argument that we often regret later? As James tells us, the tongue is a dangerous weapon. It is poison in our lives (James 3:8). In moments of anger it hurts deeply… the wounds it causes are hard to repair.
The destruction an angry tongue causes are not products of love. What does love look like then? How does a Christian respond to moments of irritation?
Instead of anger, those who love with the Love of Christ must exhibit patience. Listen to the words of wise King Solomon: “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11).
Sometimes, holding one’s tongue is what love is all about. Sometimes all it takes is a little God given patience to get past those moments of irritation and move one. For love is being patient when those we love the most annoy us the most.
Prayer: Lord, please replace any angry moments in this coming day with patience and love.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Love is... not envious
1 Cor. 13:4 “It does not envy”
Newly married, my outlook on life has drastically changed. One look around my apartment and I can easily find myself wishing I had something better. The mismatched furniture and ancient kitchen appliances fall short of my desires for an up-to-date, trendy household. Not that there’s anything wrong with our second hand things, but they’re not new. When I was a college student the used furniture was fine, but now that I’m married, it’s not. It’s easy for me to get into the pattern of comparing my lot in life to my friends and family. Before long, I start wishing that I had what they have. This cycle of envy is never ending. If I’m not careful I could constantly pick out the shortcomings in my own life and compare myself to my friends. This is not a peaceful way of life. Proverbs 14:30 says, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
Envy rots… it’s an ugly thing. My encouragement for you today is to not get stuck in this cycle of envy. Instead, thank God for the blessings he has placed in your life, big and small.
Lord, please help me to not focus on the things I don’t have, but instead focus on all that you have given me. Today I will chose to give thanks, for you are good and your love endures forever (paraphrased, Psalm 107:1).
Newly married, my outlook on life has drastically changed. One look around my apartment and I can easily find myself wishing I had something better. The mismatched furniture and ancient kitchen appliances fall short of my desires for an up-to-date, trendy household. Not that there’s anything wrong with our second hand things, but they’re not new. When I was a college student the used furniture was fine, but now that I’m married, it’s not. It’s easy for me to get into the pattern of comparing my lot in life to my friends and family. Before long, I start wishing that I had what they have. This cycle of envy is never ending. If I’m not careful I could constantly pick out the shortcomings in my own life and compare myself to my friends. This is not a peaceful way of life. Proverbs 14:30 says, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
Envy rots… it’s an ugly thing. My encouragement for you today is to not get stuck in this cycle of envy. Instead, thank God for the blessings he has placed in your life, big and small.
Lord, please help me to not focus on the things I don’t have, but instead focus on all that you have given me. Today I will chose to give thanks, for you are good and your love endures forever (paraphrased, Psalm 107:1).
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