Looking into Proverbs 31:1-3

For whoever knows me very well, you probably already know that Proverbs 31 is my absolute favorite chapter in the entire Bible. It's such a sweet picture of the guidelines of how a woman in the Lord should act: her characteristics, mannerisms, the purity of her heart, how she interacts with others, how she shines the love of Christ in all she does.

Many of you may think that the Proverbs 31 woman is only for those who are getting married...but on the contrary, I clung to this portion of scripture probably more in my singleness than I have in my engagement! It isn't just for the married woman, ladies. It's for any woman who desires to walk according to the beautiful God-ordained life that He has uniquely planned and picked out for you. God has created you so beautifully, so uniquely for His divine purpose, and you're not just another number that He created for no good reason. No, you are His bride, His beautiful daughter and princess. He has created you for a purpose..and as women, we are created differently and for different purposes than the men.

So, can the Proverbs 31 woman pertain to you? Absolutely, and it does. It's our guideline into the perfect woman. And let me tell you, we will never be perfect when we're in our fleshly bodies and apart from the Lord, but He will continue to do a sanctifying work in and through us to become more in the likeness of His image, and to develop and form into the beautiful cherished priceless women He desires us to be. It's your choice, ladies. You can choose to walk in all the beauty, fullness, satisfaction, abundance, and radiance that Christ desires for you, or, you can stumble, fall, trip, falter along the way in pride and stubbornness until you realize that God has chosen you for His divine purpose, and in order to be a woman useful for His work, submission needs to take place. We need to come to terms in realizing that we must admit our wrong, open up our hearts to our sin, and bow before the God of heaven and earth to set us free and make us clean.

So, considering Proverbs 31 is my favorite portion of scripture, and super super important to every single woman on this planet, I have prayed and decided to go through verse by verse. Each post will be only 3 verses..but I pray that you (and I) are ministered to over and over again by this sweet portion of scripture. My prayer is that your hearts and thoughts on this passage would maybe change, be reconsidered, and challenged...because I, too, know that I am no perfect woman. Yet through this portion of scripture I have cried, confessed, been humbled, been humiliated, been torn up, been encouraged, strengthened, and been in awe of how sweet and beautiful God's precious daughters are. No, I do not have all the answers. I'm no teacher, theologian, and I am certainly NOT God! I pray that my words and thoughts would encourage you, cause you to feed more upon the words of the Lord, and to be challenged to change your hearts in order to be the women God has intended you to be. My heart is for you, ladies. My heart desires and yearns to see hearts of women changed, renewed, restored, rejuvinated, awakened, enlightened, and that above all else, personal holiness would be the inmost deepest passion of your hearts. That you and I would come to realize that holiness is not just a one time thing we pray for, but rather, it is a day by day, hour by hour, continual process that we must strive hard after, just as we press on towards the goal of the call in Christ Jesus. We too must strive to press on in our endeavors for holiness.

Proverbs 31:1-3
1
   The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:
2
   What, my son?
   And what, son of my womb?
   And what, son of my vows?
3
   Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.  

Though we don't see the virtuous woman entirely until we get to verse 10, I believe these first 9 verses of Proverbs 31 are extremely important in us women understanding just how important it is to be a woman of high virtue. We see in verse 1, that we know Lemuel was king. He was ranked high in society, and what's neat about this entire portion of scripture is that his mother taught him. This reminds me of how sweet and beautiful it is for moms to encourage, admonish and teach their children in the Lord.

Titus 2:3-5 says:
"The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, 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."

We see that it is our job and duty as married women with children to be mindful that it is our jobs to admonish our youngsters in the Lord. Even if you do not have children, maybe you're helping out with your youth girls at your church, or you're mentoring a younger woman you've just met, or you're being used on your campus to teach a women's Bible study. Regardless of what it may be, you are a teacher. You are responsible and going to be kept accountable for how well you know the word of God, and how you encourage and admonish it to those around you. It's an insane thing to be reminded daily of how my words can either pierce or sweeten someones day. Someday you and I will give an account for how we taught others the Word of God. That scares me. I always want to be sure I'm not just making up my own thing, or that I listen to every single woman teacher out there and take her advice...we need to test all things, and prove what is good and acceptable and truthful.

As we continue to see in verse 2 of Proverbs 31 we are aware, clearly, that Lemuel is her son. Duh, right? But it's neat to see just how much her son means to her. That is why she takes half of a chapter warning King Lemuel the dangers of running after women, but the beauty of what waiting on the Lord for a virtuous woman looks like. Towards the end of verse 2 we see that she refers to Lemuel as "son of my vows." This could mean that before he was born she (just like Hannah) may have made a vow to God. It's a portrayal of her unconditional love for her son and the desire to teach him in the Lord.

Typically in the book of Proverbs we see that the fathers are usually the ones teaching. Twice we see that a mother's teaching is referred to by a father.

Proverbs 1:8
"My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother."

Proverbs 6:20
"My son, keep your father's command, and do not forsake the law of your mother."

 A mother's instruction and wisdom to her children are extremely important. After all, part of her role as a wife and mom is to admonish her children while she raises them, isn't it? The instruction of a mother is very important.

Verse 3 of Proverbs 31 shows that his mother was adamant about where King Lemuel should place his strength. She says, "Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings." What is the destroyer here? Adultery. 

The key here is that we see how detrimental adultery is and can be spiritually, emotionally, and mentally to anyone and everyone. We see many times prior in Proverbs that Solomon talks about the dangers of adultery:

Proverbs 2:16-19
"To deliver you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words, who forsakes the companion of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God. For her house leads down to death, and her paths to the dead; None who go to her return, nor do they regain the paths of life----"
Ladies, though this mother is warning her son about the dangers that go along with the immoral woman, all the more I'm reminded of the woman that I shouldn't be! Proverbs 31:10-31 is all about showing us the type of woman we should desire to be, but verses 1-9 contrast that by showing us a brief glimpse of who we SHOULDN'T be! This woman flatters, seduces, forsakes God, her house is the pathway to death, and no one returns who go to her. Believe it or not, you and I have the ability to be this woman, and in certain ways we become her when we don't even realize it.

Through our words, our dress, our attitudes, our actions...we can either break down the men in our lives, or we can point them ever closer to Jesus. It starts in your minds and hearts. What lies in there eventually goes outward. I've had to always remind and ask myself, "What is my purpose for this?" If your ultimate goal is to win the affection or approval of MAN then you have the wrong motives. Our desire should be to honor God in all and everything we do.

Proverbs 7:1-27
All of Proverbs 7 is on the immoral woman, the woman who flatters with her words and is seductive. We see that the ultimate goal of this women is to cause men to fall sin and carnality. Do you really want to be the product and reason as to why others around you stumble? We can either hinder others from God or we can encourage others toward God. We look to the Proverbs 7 woman and see the woman we should run far away from! 

Proverbs 22:14
"The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit. . . ."

  We continue to see a wise man's warning to the perils of adultery in Proverbs 23:27-28
"For a harlot is a deep pit and a seductress is a narrow well, she also lies in wait as for a victim, and increases the unfaithful among men."
To know that this woman "increases the unfaithful among men" is a chilling thought. This woman causes men to cheat on their wives, disobey their God, and be in complete and total sin. Her way is the way to death. Those that go to her are victims, they aren't friends, loved ones, or passer-byers...they are victims, those who eventually die. Scary to think about huh?

Us woman have this potential in the lives of men. We can hinder them, stumble them, cause them to fall...or we can be women who pursue holiness, walk in righteousness, and adorn ourselves in purity and uprightness. I have seen no greater beauty in any of my girl friends than I do when the light and love of Jesus shines so much, that they are beaming with the joy of Christ in their lives. Their hearts are full of the fruits of the Spirit. They always have a new exciting story to tell of how they shared the gospel with someone, or how they ministered to another lady, or how God has been working in their hearts whether pleasant or not. These woman have that 'gentle and quiet spirit' that is mentioned in 1 Peter 3. They portray Jesus and desire to walk in Him above and beyond all else. Though they are faced with adversity, tough times, and trials, they choose to walk in joy, strengthen themselves in God, and fix their eyes on eternity. Let me tell you this:

The virtuous woman is positive, optimistic, and enjoys her role in life!

She is a woman who daily clothes herself in the armor of God, taking up her cross, submitting herself and her life down at the altar morning by morning, and presses on towards those things that honor and please God.

We, too, can become women on a journey to personal holiness and virtue. God desires it for us. It's our chance and choice to make that conscience effort to walk the way of righteousness. Trust me, I definitely need the Lord to work so much in and through my heart to become the virtuous woman, friend, wife, and mother that I'm called to be in the years to come and even now! I always say that I need a heart transplant, because there is always so much yuck that doesn't please the Lord.

As we continue to look on to the coming verses of Proverbs 31, my prayer is that God would open our hearts and our eyes to the things we need to work on. Though the first three verses didn't deal with the virtuous woman, we see the type of woman that a mother warns her son about. May we as women in the Lord desire to flee from those things that don't please God, and run towards those things that bring honor and glory to His name.

Philippians 1:11

"Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."

the heart.

Our hearts.

They're probably one of the most fragile things we carry with us as human beings. And when I say fragile, I mean it in every way possible. It's incredible to me to think that it's in the direction of my heart to choose whether or not to keep me alive or not. Have you ever taken the time to seriously listen to someone else's heartbeat? It's a bit humbling isn't it? I know for me, when I listen to the heartbeat of someone I love it's sometimes scary. Scary, because it's surreal to think that their hearts could just stop at any moment in time. Yet I love the fact that my God holds me steps, and has the power to do with me what He desires, and with my heart.

The God of this universe created you. He designed you specifically for His purposes. Your heart...whether it's physically or spiritually is NOT your own. It's kind of like eating healthy and exercising. When you eat healthy and train your body towards exercise you begin to see good results, right? You're putting GOOD things into your body to get GOOD results.

The same is with our hearts. When we allow things to enter into our hearts, whatever they may be, we are allowing different things to happen. I always think of the Lord in this sense. The Lord created my heart. He designed it intricately for His purposes. He desires my heart. Why not let Him have it? I love what it says in Jeremiah 29:13,

"And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart."

It's as simple as that. What are you finding yourself searching for? What are you finding yourself placing all your time, energy, and emotion in?  Guaranteed the things you are trying to seek 'fulfillment' from are leaving you empty. God is the only one who can and will satisfy your every need. I praise my God who has supplied me with above and beyond everything I've ever needed, and not only that, but I praise Him for supplying me with ENOUGH. I'm not fulfilled, joyful, or satisfied because God has given me everything I've ever asked for. No, but rather, God hasn't given me everything I've asked for. He's given me enough!! And in that, I am blessed and fulfilled.

As women, we struggle with this don't we? We're so used to media and society telling us what's "in" or what's "trendy" or what will bring us happiness or joy. Yet, sometimes we search these things out and find they may be too expensive. Or maybe they aren't what we thought they were once we purchased them. Then there are people who tread dangerous waters and they go for extreme makeovers. Plastic surgery, over excessive tanning, things that they think may benefit them in the end when in reality...they may pay thousands of dollars on plastic surgery, come out in pain and hating it, and they've completely ruined what God has beautifully given them. It's empty satisfaction, and we will always be empty as a society if we keep believing the lie. Yes that is what it is: a lie. The devil is good at making women feel worthless and inferior isn't he?

He tries all he can to lie to us and tell us we need to be number one (pride), we need to climb the corporate ladder of success and have dominion over men (lack of submission), we need to have smaller waists, bigger lips, darker skin (vanity, vanity, all is vanity). The devil is real good at making us believe that we will always be inferior and worthless unless we strive for more.

But more of what?

The "more" that we are searching for is a vicious cycle that will leave us completely desolate. That's the whole point. We run around in circles trying one thing, being fulfilled temporarily, then crashing again trying to start over. So we start something else...that only leaves us continually down and discouraged.

That's why the Lord tells us, "You will find ME when you search for ME with all your heart."

But that's what it takes. Your whole heart. God doesn't deserve nor does He want bits and pieces of your heart. You can't give Him Sunday mornings and live Monday-Saturday for your own selfish desires and pleasures. That isn't a relationship. That's selfishness. God deserves and desires your everything. He wants your heart, so He can do a transforming work in you.

Ladies, my hearts desire lately is that we drop the continual pursuit of this world's fleshly desires and lusts, and we cling to the cross of Christ. My desire is that we pursue daily, personal, hour by hour holiness that is pleasing to the Lord, that we strive on to be women of the Word and women of prayer, and that we continually run to HIM. Not boyfriends, not beauty, not popularity, not success, not anything other than the CROSS OF CHRIST. 

As we desire to be more like Jesus we will see that the temporary things of this world will no longer be necessary desires. It's neat to see how once we grow closer to God, the things He desires for us become our desires, too. Why? Because as we draw close to Him we want to honor Him. We want to glorify Him, and as we walk in Him we will see that the things He leads us to we desire to do out of obedience.

And if not? Well, we need to do some serious heart checking before the Lord. We need to ask Him to continually do a 'heart transplant' as I'd like to call it...wiping us clean of any sins, fleshly thoughts or desires..aspiring to live holy lives acceptable unto Him.

It isn't easy, and I'll tell you that you will never be perfect. We are being sanctified daily as we walk in Christ. I can tell you now that the woman I will be in 5 years will (I hope and pray) have only grown spiritually from who I am today. And that's how it should be right?

If you start exercising and eating healthy today, you want to see progressive results in 6 months and not WORSE results, right? The same should be in our walks with the Lord.

We should desire to press on and live uprightly.

Girls, my desire for you is that you seek Christ. Seek holiness. Seek the Word. Cry out to Him in prayer. We have been designed and created by God to be beautiful women at HEART. The outward FADES, but the inward will eventually be eternal.

Spend time exercising yourself towards godliness. My prayer for all of us is that we would daily seek God to become women of holiness. We are called to be set apart from this world, bringing glory to Christ, shining His light to our lost and broken generation.

YOU are the next generation. He is raising you up to do incredible things for His kingdom...don't waste your time on things that won't benefit.

I have to ask myself, "will this bring honor to God, and benefit the ministry in any way? What are my motives." Once you're able to HONESTLY check your heart and your motives, you will begin to see things that you may need to give up to God, or things that He may be showing you.

Our walks with the Lord are designed to be beautiful, intimate, exciting and incredible. They won't always be easy, happy, or blessed....but He is FOR YOU.

He loves you. He desires you. Give Him your heart.

It seems like it's been forever since I've blogged, and in all honesty: It has been forever. Life has been so crazy hectic that I have barely had time to turn around and say 'Where did all the time go?' From huge life changes, to moving, switching schools, planning a wedding, being re-directed in ministry...the Lord has taken me through some crazy journeys. Most of them I've gone through only by His grace, His love, His mercy and His forgiveness. I have failed horribly, but He has restored. I have grown more and He has blessed. I have surrendered and He has fulfilled. I have been broken down, and He has built back up. I have lost and He has regained. I have never experienced such love, joy, excitement, and rest before. Each season of life is sweet and God-breathed into our lives.

It's been a crazy semester or two. My last entry was in March...crazy! The Lord shortly after that blessed me with bringing my spouse into my life. And life has changed dramastically since then =) I have never been so in love with anyone or anything on this earth until Jesus blessed me with him. It's been a crazy awesome learning and growing experience. Apart from that I have left Bible College to finish my degree online at home while I can help plan the wedding, work and make some money, save money financially and spend quality time with my parents before I become a wife and start to really serve my husband the rest of my life. After all, I will be 2,000 miles away from them (bittersweet!) I have learned so dang much spending quality time with my prince this Summer. Learning how to love him as Jesus loves me, serving him, failing at serving him, learning what bugs him and what blesses him...it's been crazy but sweet! I have never known a man (apart from my daddy) that has sacrificed, loved, cared, and served me just as Jesus does His church. It's a constant reminder to me of the portrait of the bride of Christ! Isn't that how a blessed marriage should be? The sweet example and picture of the union we have with our Jesus. How He desires that time with us, looking unto Him to complete us.

Aside from being able to spend quality time with my fiance, I have had the blessing of serving in ministry with him. God has surely blessed me with someone who has the gift of worship as well. Not only that, but youth ministry. Being with those girls and going through the Word together were some of the sweetest times we had each week. It reminded me of why I started this blog..the entire purpose. Back when I got saved at ISU the Lord quickly purposed the unique desire on my heart for women. To see women of Christ walk in holiness, fear God above all else, be modest in not only their apparel but their entirety, and to be devoted to the Word of God and unhindered from walking with Him closely. The burden and passion on my heart, not only for women, but for the youth of our generation continually grows. Sure, there are days when I feel completely defeated, discourged, and useless. The enemy will always attack us in times when the Lord wants to use us. There are those days I wake up and think 'There's no way I can truly serve the Lord and these girls today...I suck.' But Jesus is so good to quickly remind me that He uses the foolish things of this world and not only that, He uses us to PUT TO SHAME the WISE! (1 Corinthians 1:26-29) It humbles me daily as I remember that sweet truth.

I stopped blogging not because I felt discouraged (although that was a teeny part of it), but life honestly got crazy. But these past few weeks the Lord pressed it upon my heart to start blogging again. I just didn't know where to begin. As I woke up this morning I was doing my devos. I've been going through the book of Romans. I came across Romans 12:6-8 and it says

"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them; if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfullness."

 

As I finished my devos I checked my e-mail and I received a message from a lady whom I haven't really talked to in a while and all it read was, "You should start a women's ministry blog." Ha! It was so neat to see how the Lord works! His ways are so awesome. I'm constantly in awe of Him. Sure, there are days like I said where the enemy attacks, and I'll feel so unworthy to write anything. But my purpose isn't to get people laughing, or to entertain...my goal is Jesus Christ and His truth! My goal is for women to see their divine and holy calling that has been placed upon them by our incredible heavenly Father before the beginning of time. It is that women would realize their unique purpose that they would realize they are called to holiness and NOT happines. That they should be yearning to conform into the image of Christ RATHER than conform to this world (Rom. 12:2). I want to encourage them and exhort the women the beautiful advantages of a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:3), the blessedness of giving it all up in order to pursue Christ (Mark 14:3-9), the importance of a devoted life rather than a busy life (Luke 10:38-42).

My hearts deepest desire and biggest passion is not to scold, dumb down, or make women feel inferior than me. Ladies: I'm learning just like you! I am no pro, in fact, I fail all the time and my precious Savior is so gracious in chastening me when He needs to. But I am here to share in struggles, encourage through testimonies, minister to you through my own life experiences, and share in the journey of walking in Christ as a single, married, widowed, divorced, broken, suffering, needy, lost, helpless, satisfied, blessed, joyful woman! Whatever you may be going through, my prayer is that my words wouldn't bring ME any glory, but that it would ultimately point you to the cross of Christ.

So pray with me. I'm unsure where the Lord desires me to start with my writings. I figured I'd share my hearts desire with you ladies. Praying we would learn together, grow in His Word together, and becoming women of holines, women who say goodbye to this world's desires and embrace the beauty and liberty we have in Jesus, to walk worthy of His calling, to grow in His love, to pursue those things which are holy and acceptable, and to walk steadfastly in His truth for all our days. The days are short, and we have one purpose in this life: to live, walk, breathe, grow, eat, sleep, and be more like Jesus daily!

 

1 Peter 1:13-16

"Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fuly upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct; because it is written, 'Be holy for I the LORD am holy.'" 

 

Grounded

Life has been extremely hectic lately. In the midst of the 'crazy' I have seen the Lord take me through some intense, exciting, difficult, and incredible paths as He continues to lead me in the way He chooses. Since it's been forever, I can kind of explain the purpose of my writings. When I got saved a few years back, the Lord began to stir in my heart an intense desire and burden to see women walk in such a way that pleases Him. Not only that, but to see them saved from the tactics of the enemy and the obstacles the world throws at them. Women struggle in different areas than men, and I have seen the Lord allow me to go through certain struggles and difficulties in order to be able to effectively encourage, minister, exhort and counsel others who share in the same struggles. There are so many things that Satan will try to use in order to stray us away from the truth. I love what Psalm 119:30 says: "I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me, I cling to Your testimonies."

I've learned through dealing with certain struggles that I have a choice daily. I can either believe the lies that the enemy throws my way, or I can turn to the scriptures and choose to trust that the Lord is keeping me in His provision. Jesus has abundant life for us. We no longer have to walk in sin, believe the lies, or allow the temptations to overtake us. If we are prone to let these things take control of our lives we need to do a serious heart check.

It doesn't matter what we struggle with, what is going on in our lives, or how we feel about our circumstances we are called to be established, secure, firm, and grounded in the Lord continually. A woman who is easily swayed is obviously not secure enough in the Lord. The word sway means to go back and forth. To be secure means that you are FREE from fear or distrust, you're assured. They're opposites. There's no way we can be secure and swayed at the same time. The Lord convicted me of this a lot lately.

He gave me Jeremiah 17:7-8, "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose hope is the Lord for he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought; nor will cease from yielding fruit." The Lord desires that we bear GOOD fruit. If our life doesn't show the world the light of Jesus we should seriously reconsider what we are living for. It's not something we should do to gain the approval of man, but our conduct should always be counted worthy of honoring God. If we are bearing good fruit we are walking in the Spirit. This portion of Jeremiah reminds me that as I trust in the Lord, my hope IS Him. It isn't just IN Him, but it IS Him. Not only that, but I'll be planted. I'll be firm, secure, safe, and grounded because I have trusted in Him, sought Him, and allowed Him to be the One who leads me. Ladies, who is the one controlling your life? WHAT is controlling your life? What are you allowing to take preeminence? What are you allowing to suck your time and energy? There is so much going on around us, but what is that one thing needed? I continually go back to the story of Mary and Martha in Luke chapter 10, because it's such a beautiful picture of a woman who's willing to lay aside all other things for a while in order to spend time with Jesus.

I know everyone's schedule is different, but I can't reiterate enough the importance of taking your first portion of the day with Jesus. When you wake up, He should be the One you desire to seek after. Talk with Him. Commune with Him. Seek Him out. It's the most important part of the day. How will we be able to stand against the things the world will throw at us? How will we walk in wisdom? Who will we place our security in? One thing the Lord has really shown me lately is the importance of seeking His wisdom first thing every single day.

As we walk in Him, we are called to fear Him. It says in Proverbs 9:10-11 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of WISDOM, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied and years of life will be added to you." Fear the Lord. The term fear in the dictionary means: To have a reverential awe of God. Incredible to think that we are called to have this reverential awe of God continually. And we should. Proverbs 8 talks about the excellence of wisdom and it compares her with rubies. It says in verse 11 "For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her." It's neat that wisdom is referred to as a her in this. To me, it shows all the more that as women walking in the Lord we need to be seeking out God's wisdom in all things. Not just some things, or bits and pieces of things, but in ALL things.

I wish I could say there was a recipe in being wise while walking with Jesus. But truthfully, it isn't hard. There are two extremely important things in coming into the knowledge and wisdom of the Lord. The first most important thing we need to take firm hold of is prayer. I can't emphasize the importance of prayer. We take it for granted, and whenever we question the situations in our lives we don't even pray about them. Prayer keeps us in constant communication with the God of this universe. I'm always reminded of Jesus when He withdrew Himself in the wilderness to pray and then I think about it. If Jesus needed to pray..how much more should we? I find that when I'm slacking in prayer, the decisions I make or the thoughts that I think are not always very in tune with God. And more than that, my life seems off balance. There is something so sweet and precious about being in continual communication with the Lord. His presence is so sweet. Psalm 21:1, "The king shall have joy in Your strength, O Lord and in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!" Psalm 16:11, "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." In the presence of the Lord there is JOY and not just for a moment, but forevermore. To me, that makes me want to remain in His presence continually, moment by moment, second by second. Over break the Lord taught me the value of sitting in His presence and waiting upon Him. It's so hard in this day to be still before Him just seeking His face, but the outcome and blessings are endless. God's presence is where we should want to dwell always. It is where our strength lies.

The second important thing that we need to attain is a consistent diving into the word of God. Not just when it's convenient, or when we have an extra five minutes, but we as women in the Lord need to make it a priority. I tell my girls this all the time...when you make hair appointments, nail appointments, and coffee dates with your friends you keep them. All the more, we need to make a scheduled appointment with the Lord every single day and keep it. It's the most important meeting you'll have all day. As we seek the Lord and dive into His word we are nourished, full, and abounding in His wisdom. Seeking the word of God allows us to know our sin and remain pure in our walks with Him (Psalm 119:11), it strengthens us when we are weary and defeated (Psalm 119:28), it gives us freedom and joy (Psalm 119:44-45), it provides a sweet aftertaste and unconditional understanding (Psalm 119:103-104), it shines light when we are confused and in darkness (Psalm 119:130), it leads us in the right steps according to His will (Psalm 119:133), and it gives us the desire to rejoice in Him (Psalm 119:162). The Word of God is pure, living, active, powerful, never changing, always working, ever constant, bringing back to life, tearing down the enemy, providing provision for the lost, strengthening the discouraged soul, bringing joy...it does a work in our lives and in our hearts. The benefits of seeking His word completely outweigh anything else.

Ladies, regardless of what goes on in your life, it's so important to remember the steadfastness of our God. He is never changing. His love never diminishes, nor does He sway. If you're feeling discouraged, dry, or far from God...remember, He doesn't move, you do. Maybe there are things that are hindering you from growing in His word. Maybe there's a situation that is keeping you back from being intimate with Him. Maybe you just lack a consistent devotional life. Whatever it may be, get right with Him. He loves you more than anyone on this earth ever could. And He desires you, seeks after you, and is constantly wanting to grow you. What's hindering you? My prayer for you, and for me is that we would continue to understand the importance of constant communion and fellowship with Him. Our relationship with the Lord is far more important than anything in this world. We are sojourners here, living a life that is to glorify our God and further His kingdom. May we remember that we are to labor willingly, diligently, and sacrificially, because after all...Jesus did it for us.

"That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. . ."

 Colossians 1:10

deception or truth?

 "And he said to the woman, 'Has God indeed said?. . .So when 

the woman saw that the tree was good for food, 

that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, 

she took of its fruit and ate." ~ Genesis 3:1, 6

As I was praying about what the Lord wanted me to write about, I couldn't help but to share and encourage you with some things that I have been struggling a lot with, lately. I came home early December from school, and I had an incredible semester. The Lord really opened a lot of doors for ministry opportunities that I never saw coming. With a semester that taught me obedience, faithfulness, and devotion to Jesus, I was astonished at all He had for me in the weeks and months ahead. One continual theme in my life this semester was the topic of Martha and Mary. I remember first semester I was everywhere. I wanted to serve, but I wanted to people please. I wanted to love people, but I wanted to do a million things at once...my mind and body were everywhere. I couldn't just sit still and glean from the Lord, I had to always be doing something. Yet the Lord began to show me very quickly that I had a problem. I wasn't choosing that good thing...I wasn't choosing to sit at Jesus' feet and hear His word. I wasn't choosing to worship Him, or sit and wait upon Him. I was too busy thinking of things and doing other things that I forsook the one good thing in my life.

I was miserable, too. God quickly showed me that sitting at His feet, getting away with Him, waiting upon Him, and gleaning from His words were the things I needed most in my life. But I also knew that doing those things would result in Satan being angry at me. And it was true. I began to grow more passionately in love with Jesus day in and day out, but once I came home...something weird happened.

I remember the week of Christmas I was extremely oppressed. I was battling fear, anxiety, depression and worry. It was as if every single thing God blessed me with, Satan tried to turn it around and make me feel so worthless, pointless, and hopeless. I remember questioning the ministry, questioning the good things God had for me, wondering if I was even cut out for the work He had for me, but God quickly began to show me that the fear and worry I was experiencing wasn't coming from Him, but from Satan. I think it's super important that we can determine the lies from the truth. I know that even I struggle sometimes with this, but I don't always catch the lies before they spiral out of control. In fact, most of the time, I believe the lies and feed on them. That isn't good. As women in the Lord we are going to be fed multiple lies but we must realize when to refute them, and how.

Satan will try and trick us into lies every single day. That is why it is so important to CHOOSE the way of truth. I love Psalm 119:30, it says, "I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me. I cling to Your testimonies." We have a choice, ladies. We can wake up in the morning choosing to sway easily to the ways of the world, or we can choose to purify our hearts before the Lord and to walk in His truth. I have found a few specific things that Satan uses to try and make us doubt the goodness of our God. Here's a few:

1. Fear
2. Worry
3. Anxiety
4. Doubt

These four things Satan has tried to use so heavily in my life to sway me away from believing the truths of Jesus. Let's take a look at the first one: fear. This is a typical one. I know the week of Christmas I was battling fear so bad, that I began to realize it was crippling me. I no longer wanted to speak to anyone, think of anything good, or take care of myself because of fear. It's awful. The Lord gave me a few verses on fear but I think one huge one I took to heart was from 2 Timothy 1:7 it says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, of love, and of a sound mind."

Right there it tells us that fear DOES NOT come from God. Fear of of the enemy. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of PEACE and NOT of evil, to give you a future and a hope." If God loves us so much, and has hope for us, why would He ever want to instill in us fearful attitudes? On Christmas eve I was beginning to become crippled by my fear. It was so bad that all I wanted to do was lock myself in my room, crawl in bed, and cry all day. I decided to get on my face before God instead. The words of Jesus rang so clear in my mind. All I could hear Him speak was, "This fear does not come from the One who calls you." And I knew it. The fear I was feeling was obviously fear from the enemy. How can we discern when we are going through spiritual warfare? We obviously know fear isn't from God. But also, when you're dealing with these things, do you have a peace? More than likely, if you're becoming depressed, crippled, and completely depleted it is NOT FROM GOD. God, like it says in 2 Timothy gives us power, love, and A SOUND MIND. I love that. God gives us a sound mind. When we are walking in obedience, clinging to the word of God, and desiring to honor Him with all we are, He gives us a peace and a sound mind. If you're struggling with the opposite, ask yourself, where are you with the Lord? You may not have walked away from Him, but maybe there's something in your heart that's hindering that peace. Be still before the Lord and ask Him to reveal it to you.

What about worry? Satan is the master of this one. We know God has good for us. We can walk in faith that He has our steps planned out, our futures mapped out, and everything in order. Does that mean that everything will be great and wonderful? Not necessarily. But when we are in the center of God's will, we are in the perfect place. So, if you're rent money hasn't come in yet, give it to God and pray. If you don't have enough money to buy gas for your car or food for the week, give it to God. He promises to provide for our every NEED. It says in Philippians 4:19 says, "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." 

All that we need, God has already provided or He WILL provide. He will never leave us begging. Matthew 7:9-11 says, "Or what man is there among you who if his son asks for bread will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"  God knows that you need specifics. He will never leave you completely desolate. He doesn't always give you what you WANT, but He most certainly always gives you what you NEED. Remember ladies, what you WANT and what you NEED are two specific and different things. If something you WANT isn't given to you by God that's only because He has something way better for you that you NEED! So be encouraged and comforted. A famous one is Matthew 6:25-26, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" God takes care of the birds of the air. And you're you! He knows exactly what He's doing. Don't give into the lie that you won't be provided for, or that God doesn't have His best in mind for you...because He does!

Anxiety is a big one. This one doesn't happen to me a whole lot, but in those times I do get anxious I know that I'm being attacked by the enemy. What's one thing I do when I get anxious about something? I pray. Philippians 4:6 says, "Be anxious for NOTHING, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Pray. Pray. Pray. Pray. Girls, this one is so so important. I can't reiterate it enough. PRAY! Why do we not pray as often as we should? Pastor Chuck said something neat that stuck with me. As he was going through the book of Mark, he pointed out the fact that even JESUS Himself went to a solitary place to pray. If Jesus, who is the Author and Creator of this entire universe, needed to go out and pray, how much more should we?! It's that serious of a matter! Do you wonder why you haven't found answers? Pray more. Do you feel as though God doesn't understand you? Pray more. The more you pray, the more He works. He wants to. But you need to be willing to have a relationship in communication with Him. He knows everything, but spend time with Him. He desires it. God has pressed it heavily upon my heart lately to pray. And to pray A LOT! I never really had an expanding prayer life. I prayed, but only for necessities and things like that..never to just talk with the Lord and seek His face. But this past year He has shown me how powerful and how important prayer really is. Especially if you're actively in full time ministry, the most important thing you can do is PRAY! So pray pray pray pray. Not JUST in the confines of your home, but driving in the car, brushing your teeth, doing your laundry, working out. Have a constant, ever flowing channel of communication with your Jesus. You won't be sorry, and you'll begin to realize how much His peace has really flooded into your life.

Doubt. Oh the stupid doubt. This, to me, goes back all the way to the Garden of Eden. Why do we doubt so much? The fall of man. When God told Eve not to eat of that fruit, the serpent came in. What did he do to her? He made her question God's authority and words. She became confused and began doubting. THAT is where it all started. And it's no wonder that doubt plagues the minds of women everywhere...Even was the first to doubt God's goodness and faithfulness. But ladies, DO NOT DOUBT OUR GOD. His word is proven, sure, and whatever He says, goes! 2 Samuel 22:31-32 says, "As for GOD, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven. He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?" His words are PROVEN! Job was an astounding man. Through all that came in and out of his life, he trusted in God's words, in God's faithfulness and in His sovereignty. He was a blameless man. Job 22:13-14 says, "But He is unique, and who can make Him change? And whatever His soul desires, that He does. For He performs what is appointed for me, and many such things are with Him." When God promises to provide and take care of you, He will! Whatever His soul desires, that He does. No lie from Satan can thwart His plan, and no one around you can make Him change. He is GOD, and there is no one like Him in all the earth! God has given me Isaiah 44:8 a lot lately when I begin to doubt His promises to me. It says, "Do not fear, nor be afraid; Have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one." Isaiah 46:11, "Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it." When God speaks...He acts. When He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself. That's how promising our God and His words are. Just trust in Him.

Satan will try these and many more to sway us from believing the truth of God. But ladies, one thing I can tell you to do so that you will stand firm in Him is dive into the Word and saturate yourself in it. The biggest tool we can use to refute the lies of Satan is God's word, and prayer. Those two things are huge. If we have the word hidden in our hearts, we can meditate on it whenever Satan tries to sneak up behind us. We will be armed and guarded from the sway of the evil one. Get to know God's word. I love this saying: "Know the word of God, and love the God of the word." Those two things are perfect in walking closely in fellowship and communion with our Lord. Know Him. Love Him. Seek Him out like precious diamonds. Mary chose that good thing that would never depart from her. Sit at His feet. Glean from His word. Sit in silence before Him. Be still and KNOW that He is GOD. Truly, you will be protected. But know His word, ladies. Take His word seriously, and don't ever take it for granted. If the government came and took all our Bibles away this week, would you know enough of it to refute the lies and the ways of Satan? I know I wouldn't. I want to get to know Him as much as possible before He decides to take me home. I want to be able to memorize His word. Note cards are good too. I love sitting in my bed and writing verses on note cards to memorize. Take one scripture a day and memorize it. You'll be amazed at what you've accomplished in a whole year! But the Word of God is proven, it is sure, it is unchangeable. We can never and will never be moved if we hide it in our hearts!

When you find yourself thinking thoughts like, "I'm just not good enough", "I'll never experience abundant life," "Nothing good will ever happen to me," "I may as well give up," "I feel hopeless," "I have no faith, and I never will" Ladies... seek the face of Jesus! These are NOT from Him! They come from the master of all lies...Satan. And of course he wants to try and trip you up with depleting thoughts about yourself, because he's angry that you love the Lord. As I was wallowing in my self pity this whole entire week, God began to reveal the truth behind it all. I was so self focused, self centered, and too greedy for my own selfishness. God quickly gave me James 3:14-18, "But if you have bitter, envy, and self seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." 

That was my issue. I was all of those things in verse 16. I began to realize that my heart wasn't entirely right or pure before the Lord. And you know something? When He revealed the truth to me, I began to be overflowed with His peace again. But I allowed Satan to enter thoughts in my mind and then entertain those thoughts. Run away from them, ladies.

I encourage you and pray for each of you! Satan wants to diminish the good work that God is doing...but DO NOT LET HIM! Allow the word of God to drench your every being. Sit at His feet regularly, and sometimes hourly! Saturate yourself in His presence and in His word. With those two things you will always be ready to give a defense for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15).

He loves you so much, ladies. Mary knew that. She decided to choose that good thing that wouldn't depart from her. Don't let the world, or the lies slip you away from that good thing.

Attributes of a Virtuous Woman - 5

So, I've come to the conclusion that I could write forever and a year about different attributes of a virtuous woman. There are so many things I believe women must pray for, as they yearn to grow more into the woman God's created them to be. As I was trying to decide and praying about what I wanted to talk about last, I couldn't help but to think of one that many women don't like hearing about, but it is one of the most important attributes of a godly woman.

Submission

This is something the Lord has been teaching me a lot lately. It doesn't matter if you're married or single...submission begins before you even meet your spouse. We must learn to be submissive in many different revenues of our walks, and relationships with others. When we learn to be submissive, we are not only obeying God and walking by His commandments, but we are also respecting those who are in authority over us. I learned a really hard lesson in submission over the Summer. Not something I'm proud of but I'll share my story anyway.

Growing up I was the only girl in the family, aside from my mom. I have two older brothers, so naturally my dad used to spoil me a lot. I still look back on my childhood, and in those times when I get selfish, greedy, or needy I just think back to how much I was spoiled...NOT a good thing! My dad is the most wonderful man there ever could be. He loves his children and his wife so much, he would do anything for them. I remember getting punished when I was little. Mom was the enforcer, and dad was the, "Oh, just let her off.... give grace" type of man. Gotta love him for that one... haha. As I've grown in the Lord I have seen how ugly my heart really is in the area of submission to my parents. I just expected things from them. When they told me no, I would fight back. And if I didn't always get my way I would pout and annoy them until they broke just a little bit. Let's get serious...girls are notorious for this type of attitude. It's called manipulation. It's ugly, vicious, and as godly women we must learn when to keep quiet, respect those over us, and learn the word NO. It's a good word to accept! Trust me! Well, this past Summer I had a friend who was willing to do a photo shoot of me! She was charging $40 and I was super excited considering I had never done a photo shoot, and always wanted to! I was sitting in the doctors office with my dad that day and we were waiting on the doctor to come in. We were just chatting and I told my dad (note the word: TOLD) that I was doing a photo shoot with my friend and I needed $40 (note the word NEEDED). His response was just as any good father would be, "$40?! No. I don't have that kind of cash and you're not doing it!" I don't know what came over me... but all I knew was my flesh flared up. I fought back for a while and my dad just kept telling me, 'NO'. Finally I lashed out and blurted.. "Well I don't care WHAT YOU SAY I'm DOING IT ANYWAY." Ever had one of those moments where you say something and automatically your mind freaks out and you wish you could take it all back? Yepp that was me. Tears welled up in my eyes, half because of anger, but mostly because I was absolutely appalled at what I just said. The doctor came in and I could barely speak. God was so firm with me that moment. I was NOT respecting my father, loving him, or submitting to him at all. I was so in the flesh. On the car ride home I knew I needed to apologize. Yet I didn't want to. I was embarrassed. I hate my pride. Finally I blurted out that I was sorry and that I was seriously WRONG in the fact that I didn't submit to his commands. I just kept crying. I was like, dang...who was that girl? Being the wonderful man my father is, he was so loving about it. "Oh honey, I know you are sorry. I know you didn't mean it. You're so sweet. Don't cry." Just like Jesus.

But ladies, when we refuse to submit to those who are over us, we are not obeying the commands of the Lord. The Bible is so clear on the area of submission. First and foremost, we are to submit to GOD. It says in James 4:7, "Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." I think it's neat that we were told to submit to God AND resist the devil..in the same passage of scripture. I believe it's because when we don't submit to God, or to those over us, we are allowing our flesh to take hold.. and Satan is having his way. Yet we are to submit to God..in everything. We are to lay down our wants, our desires, our plans, our actions...we are to let God take firm hold of everything in our lives and why? Because He knows best. Do you really think God would command us to submit because His ways aren't good? I know that the Lord commands us to submit, because it is for our GOOD! Submission is not evil, and it isn't something that we should think of as punishment but it is a precious privilege. Look at feminists all around the world today. They are trying to tell us that women should be above men, that we should go to work while the man stays home and takes care of house, I mean...do you see functioning families this way? What has become of our generation? Women no longer want to be homemakers and raise their children, but they'd rather be in the workplace making tons of money while other people raise their children for them. It's not ok, ladies. Now, I understand sometimes there are drastic measures and women need to get babysitters and use daycare centers and that's okay. But when I see a family whose wife refuses to stay home with her children and would rather go work while her husband is the one at home...it saddens me. Or when I see a woman who refuses to learn to cook, refuses to clean the house, or claims she doesn't like doing the dishes... if that's you... get with it girls. Because our duties are beautiful and wonderful and we should hold them in high respect and honor. Again, your husband can help you, you guys can take turns..but I've heard of some women who refuse to cook because they don't like to. They won't even try to learn. That to me, is wrong. Learn! It's fun, creative, and not that hard! If I can cook, anyone can..believe me. But when we understand our roles in society, in the church, and in the home, we come to a better understanding of peace, joy, love, and obedience to Christ. Refusing to submit DOESN'T give you the power you want, ladies. It only gives you more area for the flesh and Satan to work its way in. When you submit, you're not only obeying God, but you are happier.

1 Peter 2:13 says, "Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake. . ." It is  because the Lord loves us, that we are to obey Him by submitting to Him.

Now, why should we as women submit? Well, I think we should take a look at one of the most prominent passages in submission, out of Ephesians 5. It says in Ephesians 5:22-24, "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. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in EVERYTHING." I love how it talks about God and the church. Ultimately, while we're single, we are to submit under God's authority and those in leadership over us in the church. That's where it starts. And as the Lord brings you your spouse, you will begin to see (that hopefully) he is a man who represents Jesus in his character. Therefore when you are married, just as you submit to God in all things, you submit to your husband as is fitting to the LORD. I love that. Why do we submit? Because it's fitting unto the Lord. Simple and plain. We submit because it's what God has commanded, and He is honored by doing so.

Submission obviously isn't only in marriage. It's in the work place, in our families, our churches, in society. When we are working, we submit to our bosses, unless they command us to do something unbiblical. In the home we submit to our parents, or our spouses. In society we submit to those older than us. I mean, we learn it earlier on in life. The world views submission as nothing. Instead of submitting to authority everyone is trying to race to BE the authority. Ladies, there is no joy, no abundance in being the authority figure over those whom the Lord gives us. No functional family is blessed when the wife is leading the home, whereas no business booms if someone doesn't obey or listen to the rules of their boss. What happens? Well you could get fired. Or, as a child, if you disrespect your parents, you could get punished. So likewise, if we refuse to submit to our husbands, or those placed in authority over us, God will not bless us. 

Our prayer should be that we seek humble hearts, not contentious and demanding hearts. That flesh will try and creep up as much as possible...but it is our responsibility to be gentle, quiet in spirit, and willing to submit to those over us. God is still teaching me to be submissive, and it's hard. My flesh often times wants to take over. I sometimes think that I know it all, have it all, and can control it all...but it's in those times when my heart is outwardly showing ugliness. 

I know that submission goes right along with RESPECT. If you respect your father and mother, you'll obey them. If you respect your husband, you'll gladly submit to him. If you respect your boss, you'll be joyful in abiding by their rules. Yet if you have no respect for someone, why would you want to please them? This is a hard lesson to learn. And we should look at it biblically. Do you truly love the Lord, ladies? Do you really strive to abide by His commands, love Him wholeheartedly? If so, then you must know that submission is a key essential aspect of your daily walk. In everything. I've talked to you about learning to submit to God in areas of my life that weren't easy....but afterward it yielded fruit and abundance. I have never found greater joy than in submission. When I try to take control, or try to talk back, I've only found ugliness, not joy. Running to be in a position of leadership over authority is not something that we should desire.

We submit because it's God's precious desire for us, girls!! It is NOT a punishment, it is NOT sexist, it is NOT old fashioned...it is BEAUTIFUL! Be the one whom the guys chase after, be the one who accepts her dad's command, be the one who lays down her life for the sake of the Gospel. These are beautiful! Why do we insist on being brazen and 'out there'? Why do we think we can plow ahead and be the best? Humility is a beautiful thing. Submission is precious. I love what it says in 1 Peter 5:5-6, "Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. 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. Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time."

When we submit under those over us, we are submitting unto God. It is a beautiful privilege, and an honor. I'm gladly reading "God's High Calling for Women" by John MacArthur. His sermons on the matter blow me away, too. I'm currently in the section about submission. I want to end with a quote from the book. We are going through 1 Timothy 2. It says:

"Women must stop believing the devil's lie that the only role of significance is that of leadership. People usually desire places of prominence--not to humbly serve others, but to boost their own egos and gain power and control. Leaders, however, bear a heavy burden and responsibility, and the subordinate role often is one of greater peace and happiness. Subordination is not punishment, but privilege." John MacArthur

Girls...what an honor and privilege we have to be submissive! We will radiate Jesus and shine as beautiful women if we do so. There's a reason God created Adam FIRST! God knew what He was doing! He knew that the man would be the leader, and that in doing so, he would help guide the women. So, why do we try and fill the role of man? It goes AGAINST what God intended. If He wanted men and women equal, He would have not created woman FROM Adam's rib! He would have made the two at the same time, but He didn't, and He chose to create women OUT OF Adam. So amazing to me. 

I know for me, I view submission as one of the most beautiful privileges we have as women. I didn't say I found it to be EASY, haha, but I find it to be precious. Why would I want to trump the ideal and perfection of the home, the way God created it to be? May we learn as single women to submit to those over us, but more importantly, to God. When we bow our hearts morning after morning, let us take a look at ourselves and make sure we are allowing God to have FULL CONTROL of our wills. May we learn that submission is not something we do once and we attain it forever, but it is a daily thing we must pray for. Once you learn the value of submission you can begin to see the beautiful role and responsibility we have as women. Not something to be hated, but something to be extremely treasured.

"Your dedication to honoring people honors God and brings beauty to your life that reflects your heart after God." - Elizabeth George, 'A Woman After God's Own Heart'

Attributes of a Virtuous Woman - 4

I think....no, I know one major thing Satan tries to attack us with as believers, especially women, is fear. I've gone through periods in my walk with the Lord where I feel completely safe and secure in Christ, then all of a sudden, for absolutely no reason at all I'm overcome with fear. About a year ago, Satan tried attacking me with fear, in the area of my health. It wasn't like anything was even wrong with me at the time. Now, I face certain health issues, but the Lord has been so continually faithful through it.

I all of a sudden became so fearful of death. It was like Satan kept trying to tell me I wouldn't live long, that I would suffer from illnesses and all sorts of things....and I literally had anxiety attacks over it. But why? I understand that fear can creep up and grab us, yet at the same time, God is in control. I was actually headed to the Midwest Worship Leaders Conference the weekend I was dealing with this (figures, right?) and I remember that very day I struggled the sermon that night was all on Psalm 91. Needless to say, God poured His abundant mercy, truth and love on me that night. I couldn't help but to have faith and confidence in HIM that He was the One who was sustaining my health. And now, although I do have health issues (none fatal or near fatal praise Him..) I can trust in Him abundantly to get me through all the tests, and hospital visits and so on. He is the One true and living Healer.

Yet, on and off throughout my time going to Bible College and now, over this break being home, I seem to struggle with fear again. It's like Satan creeps in and tries to lie to me about my ministry, my future, my time at Bible College...and it's only because he's ticked off that God wants to do a tremendous work in and through me (to Him be the glory). So, how do we handle fear?

I think as women, there are so many things that fear can do to us, and we can get attacked with fear in so many different areas. If you're married, your spouse, your children, your jobs, your ministries, your health, your thoughts...all these things can affect you either good or bad. Fear is something that Satan will try to use and continue to use until we give in to believing the lies.

In the beginning of this semester at Bible College, the Lord taught me a lot about my circumstances. I began to realize more and more that I was changing my attitude, my thoughts, my countenance based on my circumstances around me. Well, if we always changed our feelings because of our circumstances wouldn't we all be all over the place? It doesn't matter what is going on in your life, it's HOW you are handling the situations that arise. What happens to your relationship with the Lord when bad things come your way? When good things come your way? It's easy to praise God in the good things...and to keep steady and faithful in our walks when these good things happen, but what about the bad things? The Lord gave me 1 Corinthians 15:58 over the Summer and starting out this semester, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain of the Lord." I knew that the things going on around me SHOULD NOT change my attitude, heart, or countenance. I should always remain faithful to the Lord, my ministry, and my relationship with Him. One thing that I believe makes a godly woman beautiful is exactly this.

She's ESTABLISHED in her walk with God.

When I think of the word, 'established' I also think of, settled, fixed, planted, grounded, firm, immovable. These words mean loads when it comes to our relationship with the Lord. As women, let's get serious, it's easy to sway one way or another when circumstances arise in our lives. I won't lie, women are very moody. We have the tendency to let something as stupid as our hair in the morning, to ruin our day. And why? Who cares? I've learned that I must ask myself this question, "Is this an eternal matter? Will this matter once I get to heaven?" I really don't think my hair style, the gossip I hear about me, or spilling milk on myself will matter in eternity. Yet it's how I handle the situations that will matter. If we take a look at anger, we see many times in Proverbs that a contentious woman is not one to become. Here's just a few:

Proverbs 21:19, "Better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman."

Proverbs 27:15-16, "A continual dripping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike; Whoever restrains her restrains the wind, and grasps oil with his right hand."

As women, we have a tendency to allow our circumstances to affect the way we are. It's super easy to get grumpy, annoyed, angry, or tense when something hinders our moods. I know for me, I catch myself lately thinking something, and then letting it get to me, and then ruin my whole day but not just my day..everyone's day! That isn't godliness...that's just contention and it isn't something we should be attaining. I love again what it says in 1 Peter 3:3 that we are to have the gentle and quiet spirit. No where does it say we should allow our emotions and circumstances to get the best of us.

And that's why Satan tries to use fear so often, because he knows that it can grip at our minds and hearts and tear us up inside. For some odd reason, ever since I've been home from school, I have been super crazily spiritually attacked. Fear has continued to grip me in every area of my life. You name it, I'm terrified. As I was really struggling yesterday I had to literally just get away from my family and lock myself in my room and fall on my face before God to pour out my heart before Him. So clearly I heard that still small voice, "This fear does not come from the One who calls you...." I knew it. I knew that my fear was NOT of God. What does the Bible have to say about fear? So many things. Here are a few verses the Lord has given me in regards to the fear I've been experiencing.

1 John 4:18, "There is NO FEAR in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love."

Psalm 118:5, "I called on the LORD in distress; the LORD answered me and set me in a broad place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear."

Romans 8:15, "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but your received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.'"

2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of FEAR; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

Isaiah 26:3-4, "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength."

I have been continually reminded that fear DOES NOT come from God. We should not make the mistake of mixing up fear and discernment. Sometimes, I know for me, the Spirit will give me discernment about something, and if I am rebellious and refuse to obey, I become fearful, but why? Because I'm disobedient, and because I know it isn't the Lord's will. Rather, when I am walking with the Lord, obeying Him, following His law, and seeking Him wholeheartedly, and fear creeps in in regards to ministry, future, ect ect... I know it isn't discernment..it's spiritual warfare. I knew this, and I know this. I know the fear I have been feeling is NOT from the Lord. God doesn't give us that spirit of fear.

What have I let my fear do to me? Cripple me, literally. It causes me to just sit in my room, all alone, crying, and sleep. Seriously! And that's exactly where Satan wants me to be. Yet, I know, that God has huge plans for my life....and that's why Satan's angry.

Ladies, it is so important that we do not let our outward circumstances dictate our actions, our motives, our thoughts, our hearts. We must SET our hearts on things above! I always fall back on that verse, because I know that this life will always let me down someway or another. I'll get sick, someone close to me will pass away, I'll get hurt by a friend..whatever it may be... life WILL let me down, but where's my heart lie? What have I set my heart upon? If you're allowing your outward circumstances to dictate the feelings or emotions of your heart, that tells me where your heart truly lies. And honestly, I see the ugly truth about my heart every day! When I'm being a little brat, I need to pinpoint the starting of it all...and see why I am being that way. It all goes back to the heart. It's a heart issue.

I'm not saying that we won't grieve or be upset when our family members pass away, or a spouse ends up divorcing us, or our best friends come down with terminal illnesses...or those types of things. Ecclesiastes 3:4 is clear when it says, "A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance..." It is OK to be grieving over circumstances that are truly detrimental to our every day lives. Yet I'm talking about the little things in life. 

I know a woman in our church who honestly, is the most wonderful woman of all. Her life has left her with many losses, heartbreaking circumstances, continual sadness, and yes she cries, she wonders why, but her heart is continually and always planted in the Word, in prayer, and in fellowship with other believers. And you know something? The joy I see in her heart because of Christ tells me that her outward circumstances may cause her pain, but it doesn't allow her ministry to be hindered because of them. And it is simply beautiful to see. What an example she is to me.

I want to take a look at Esther. Esther was a woman of confidence and hope in the Lord. When her circumstances seem to look pretty grim she turns to God...and she gives herself over to prayer. In a time when she was chosen by the King among all the royal women to be Queen, Esther was faced with a pretty hard task. Her people, the Jews, were going to be annihilated unless she went into the King and talked with him. In those days, to go before the King without being asked to come was against the law. Anyone who dared to go into the King without being asked could be killed immediately. I bet Esther had no idea what God had in store for her life when she was chosen as Queen! If only she knew that the well being of the entire Jewish people at that time lay in HER hands! It was up to her to talk to the King in order to save her people. It says in Esther 4:16, "Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!" 

No doubt Esther probably felt worried, scared, and a little perplexed! But what did she do with her situation? She gave herself over to PRAYER AND FASTING. And, she also had for her other workers to pray and fast for her too. It was as if Esther knew where to turn. I know for me, I don't always turn to God right away, I often times turn to earthly sources or the wisdom of my friends or parents.  But Esther was wise in her decision to give everything entirely over to the Lord. It showed in her heart that she TRUSTED God, SURRENDERED to God, and BELIEVED that God would help. No doubt Esther had faith in her heart as she interceded on behalf of her situation. If we look ahead to chapter 5 of Esther, it says in verse 2, "So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of his scepter." The King automatically found favor in Esther as she was standing there. God was super faithful and gracious. He knew that He had brought Esther to that position, in that place for 'such a time as that' as it says in Esther 4:14. 

What an example to us as we see God's faithful hand of provision all over Esther's life. Ladies, I just want to encourage you with this: God KNOWS what He's doing! If He brings you to something that seems impossible, difficult, unbearable, He is going to bring you through it! Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the thoughts I think toward you,' says the Lord, 'thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.'" God has GOOD for you! He has allowed things in your life to continue to grow you, strengthen you, and fix you more into the woman of virtue He's called you to be! 

Isaiah 64:8 says, "But now, O LORD, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand." 

God is at work in the regularness of our days. He fashions things in our daily plans that allow us to trust Him more, and rely on Him more. Think about it. If we never had any issues, how would we grow in trust? In reliance? Dependency? God doesn't want us relying on our own selves to get through things....we NEED Him, and we must realize that unless we wake up morning by morning dying to self, we will never be able to survive a day. I love what it says in 2 Corinthians 7:11, "For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner; What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter." When we cling to the cross in times of desperation, sadness, loss, worry, anxiety, depression or discouragement...God is every faithful to pour upon us His goodness and rest. He will never leave us desolate or empty. God doesn't desire to see us wallow our in circumstances, but He has come to DELIVER US from our circumstances, and why? Because He IS love. He loves us so much that He pursues us continually. He doesn't get some sort of joy and satisfaction from seeing us hurt or going through trials. Yet trials produce so many wonderful things. James 1:2-4 says, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." 

The fruit that will come out of your trials will be incredible if you handle them with Jesus. We can try so hard to take matters into our own hands, or to fix our problems, or try to rush the things God has planned...but just simply lay them at His feet. It doesn't mean He'll make them go away in two days, or that they'll get easier...but He promises to carry you through them.

This is what is most important: regardless of your circumstances, cling to the Word of God. Dive into it. Saturate yourself in the scriptures. Make sure your first priority in the morning is Jesus, your only source of help is Him throughout your day, and your only remedy to bedtime is Him as well. He must must must be your first priority, your main priority, and your last priority....your EVERYTHING. Because if He isn't, you will find yourself in a heap of trouble. I've continued to learn this more and more. Now, more than ever do I see myself saturating myself in prayer and the word when I'm feeling the teeniest bit discouraged or broken down. When I know Satan's trying to attack me with lies, I fall on my face and give it to God. No, it doesn't always go away, and sometimes it comes to hit me in the face even harder, but I know and trust that God is at work in me. He won't leave me desolate or wondering. He has my entire life figured out.

I was finding that my fear was even beginning to cripple my endurance. I quickly remembered what it said in Hebrews 12:1-2, "Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every WEIGHT and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." I needed to realize my one goal in life was to glorify God, serve Him, and run swiftly after Him every moment of every day...but I was hindered and why? The weight, the burden of my fears. Let them go! I needed to lay them aside and continue running as much as I possibly could in faith, confidence, trust and assurance that God is the Author and Finisher of my faith. He knows what lies ahead and He will get me there regardless.

Fear is no match for God. Fear is something that comes from utter darkness, and God is the Light of the world. He WILL quench the darkness if we allow Him to take hold of our situations. Matthew 11:28-30 says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." 

Go to Jesus. Look unto Jesus. Fix your eyes on things ABOVE. Allow your heart to be established in the heavenlies. Begin to realize you are a sojourner, a pilgrim, passing through on a more beautiful and eternal home. Have your hands diligent to work for the Lord, and He will establish your thoughts. When fear, or any other type of warfare tries to trickle in...run to Jesus. Chase after the scriptures. Dive yourself into prayer. Ephesians 6:10-11, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." 

Our armor must be put on daily. We will never overcome spiritual warfare unless we are continually giving ourselves over to God, dying to self, and clinging to His word. 

Ladies, have your heart set on Him, and Him alone. He will never fail you, leave you empty, desolate, hurting...He always fulfills, always supplies, always lifts up, always sustains....He is our suffiency. One verse that really really stuck with me over the past few days was 2 Thessalonians 3:3-5, "But the LORD is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ." 

The Lord is FAITHFUL! He is in the process of establishing you, and He will continue to. It's a beautiful thing when your heart is set on Him. It shows where your strength lies, your hope lies, your confidence lies, and your trust lies. There's no greater place to be than right in the center of where God has you.... good OR bad.

Proverbs 4:23-26, "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you. Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet and let all your ways be established."

James 5:8, "You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."

Colossians 2:6-7, "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving."