LOVE YOUR SPOUSE

BFF

BFF means “best friends forever”.  And if you were girly, you would know that.

In the social world of the young ladies, changing best friends from time to time is very common.

The Proverbs 31 woman had a “BFF”.

Lets continue our “profile peeking” and see if she has a “best friend.”

When I was a teenager, my mother would get me so mad because I couldn’t have anyone as a friend till she met their parents and they had to have high standards and morals.

They say, “Birds of a feather, flock together.”  In other words, you hang around with people who look and act the way you want to be.

Prov.31:26 “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”

This Proverbs 31 woman’s “best friend” is WISDOM.

This virtuous woman, keeps company with her God.

Do you SEEK His wisdom and guidance?

Do you read His word and spend time in His presence?

How do you expect to be the spouse that God desires for you to be if you put no time INVESTING in your spiritual life?

Who are you keeping company with?

What are the most defining marks of a good and bad woman?  HER TALKING!!

If you hang with people who are sarcastic, harsh and negative, you will be also.

The bible says that if you want to know if someone is a great person, LISTEN to them talk as it will more accurately reveal their character.

The bible says that the tongue can sink ships, it’s uncontrollable, and it can cut to the quick.

Are you CONVICTED by this verse?

You don’t have to struggle over and over again.

The choice is yours to not open your mouth when what you are about to say is not WISE.

This verse 26 says, “…in her tongue is the law of kindness.”

What is the “law of kindness?”

The “law of kindness” is the law of love.

The law of kindness is written in your heart but it shows itself through your tongue.

Wisdom is a commanding POWER in all it says.

Have you ever been in the presence of someone who is so kind to others that they make you feel like you are lacking something?

People like that put me IN CHECK!

It makes me ask myself, “And what’s with you girl?”

They convict you.

Right words in wisdom and kindness command respect.

They are FORCEFUL!!

Is your life shaped by how much God is in your life?

Do you SEEK Gods guidance and support dealing with the things of life.

Who is your “BFF”?

Can you make room for God to take the number one place in your life?

Your spouse and family will LOVE you for that.

His reward for that will be to give you assistance to have the law of kindness and wisdom on your lips.

God wants to be your “BEST FRIEND FOREVER”.

Fighting the good fight and loving it!!

NOTE:  Don’t miss tomorrow’s post.  Daily there is a new post.

HAPPY HANDS!

Years ago we went to see one of the cutest animated movies ever.  It was called “Happy Feet.”  This was about a young penguin who was born with feet that were different than the other penguins.  He was teased by all the other penguins.  His feet would dance instead of walk.  All through the movie, he was not excepted by the penguins because of his dancing feet.

As we once again, continue to be “profile peekers”, we will see how in Proverbs 31 this virtuous woman had “Happy Hands.”

Prov.31:19 “She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.”

Watch out if a woman’s hands are idle and if she is not engaged in worthwhile, constructive pursuits.

If the devil can catch a woman (or man) idle, he’ll set them to work for him.

When it says, “…she layeth…”, it tells us that by her example, she provokes her servants to labor.

CASE AND POINT:  There are times when I am so tired or so busy.  That is when my husband will ask me for help.  I immediately want to tell him “NO!!  When I see his determination and passion, I immediately find myself helping him.  Why??  His passion electrifies me and I start thinking of what I could possibly do, to do my part.

This woman sets an example of skillfulness and industriousness.

She DEVELOPS her skills and talents through education and diligent application.

What are you doing with the skills and talents that God has given you.

How many times has your husband asked you to help him with something, and because of your bitterness or anger, you have IGNORED his immediate need.

You sit on your gifting and abilities out of selfishness.

“Happy Hands”, the virtuous woman, is able to use what God has given her because of her Christ like attitude.

Phil.2:5 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”

Your ATTITUDE should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.

“Happy Hands” have to think positive and have a positive attitude.

Is the mind of  “self-emptying” in you?

This is needed in order for you to be the spouse that you and God, desire you to be.

In Phil. 2:5-8, it tells us that Christ humbled himself.  Lets see the steps that were taken by him.

1. Consecrated to humble himself. (v.5)
2. Laid aside His divine side (v.6)
3. Made himself of no reputation (v.7)
4. Took the form of a servant (v.7)
5. Was made in the likeness of men (v.7)
6. Humbled Himself (v.8)
7. Became obedient unto death (v.8)

These verses are saying that He (Jesus) emptied Himself of His divine nature, to assume the form of a servant and become like man.

Do you believe this???

Jesus did that for us so that we can be with Him through ETERNITY.

This was not an easy task for Him but he did it willingly.

He asks us to be a servant to our spouse.

He knows that it is HARD for us so he left us a “helper.”

Have you ever watched “Cupcake Wars” on the FOOD NETWORK CHANNEL?  They give you a team in order to help you win.

The Holy Spirit is better than a team.

The Holy Spirit is God himself and he wants he help you WIN.

Why would you not want the Holy Spirit to invade your being, to help make you the spouse that God wants you to be.

You can do it right this minute.

Just ask the Holy Spirit to take complete control and let go.

You will see a miracle in your attitude.

You will have those “Happy Hands.”

NOTE: Don’t miss tomorrow’s post.  Daily there is a new post.

LIGHT SHOW

About fifteen years ago my husband and I were at the Miami, Florida airport. We were taking a plane to Cuba. As we were in line, we noticed that everyone going on our flight had kerosene lamps. It seemed very unusual but we had no idea what they were for till we got to Cuba. At anytime all the lights in the country of Cuba would go off. It made it very dangerous for people driving because roads were pitch black. It was also dangerous for anyone to be walking the streets after dark so they did it at their own risk. We were told that hundreds of people were killed on their roads at night, both walking and driving.

I was very upset with Fidel Castro that he mistreated his people as to not even supply them with lighting. I must admit that it really made me appreciate my country along with artificial lighting.

Every night we have the freedom to have a LIGHT SHOW.

As “profile peekers”, let’s take another look at this Proverbs 31 woman.

“She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.” Proverbs 31:18

This verse shows us her attitude towards her wealth as a possession since it is referring to financial gain.

In Hebrew, the word “profit” is cachar, which means PROFIT or GAIN.

We see from that verse that the virtuous woman was financially sensible.

Do you own your wealth, or does it own you?

“For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1Tim.6:10

This verse is telling us that it is the LOVE of money that is the problem.

The virtuous woman knew how to make money, and spend it according to Godly principles.

The possession of money is not what made her excellent, it was her ATTITUDE towards money.

Do you say as a Christian that everything you own belongs to God?

If you can’t GIVE freely, then your treasure is not in heaven.

What does money mean to you? Security? Power? Importance?

Your desire for wealth is a spiritual stumbling block if your answer is yes to any of the above.

Your attitude about money should be one of a steward.

Money should be a TOOL for God to use.

Do you and your spouse argue about money?  Take a money inventory about your attitude.

The other thing we learn in this verse is the PRIDE she takes in doing a good job.

No one worries about her responsibilities not being taken care of whether it is night or day because her lamp is on.

In Matt.25:1-13 it talks about the prudent and foolish virgins. Ten young virgins were waiting for their bridegroom. Five brought extra oil for their lamps, five did not. The ones with extra oil were prepared to go out and meet the bridegroom when He arrived at midnight.

Materialism can easily distract us from spiritual readiness.

Are you PREPARED for an emergency or a disaster?

Remember that it is important to budget for giving, saving, getting out of debt and emergencies.

This excellent woman was WATCHFUL and CAREFUL.

As long as God’s lamp is burning in us, we will never be weary in well doing.

Do you allow the Holy Spirit to use you as a WISE spouse in your marriage?

Use the wisdom that God has given you.

Remember, every night we can have a light show!

NOTE: Don’t miss tomorrow’s post. Daily there is a new post.

STARS ON ICE

In 1992 Kristi Yamaguchi won the gold metal in the “Winter Olympics” and the “World Championship.”  From 1992-2002, she toured with the program “Stars on Ice”, which was made up of celebrity figure skaters.

The definition of figure skating is an Olympic sport where individuals perform intricate and challenging moves on ice skates.  The reality is that this definition is not the whole story.  They spend their lifetime, minimum of 8 hours a day, 7 days a week since they are approximately 6 years old, practicing.  One parent gives up all their time and career to take their child from ballet, to gymnastics, to an array of ice skating lessons.   These competitors have disciplined muscles and skill that is unbelievable.

In Proverbs 31, the virtuous woman is identified as a woman of strength.

As we continue with our “profile peeking”, let us see what we can find.

Prov. 31:17  “She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.”

The word “strength” in Hebrew is OZ, which means boldness, power, and strong.

In Hebrew the word “arm” is Zarowa which figuratively refers to force.

This woman vigorously goes about her DUTIES and does what she does with all her might.

She keeps herself healthy and strong by proper health practices—adequate rest and exercise, and a good diet.

She is energetic, strong and a hard worker.

God’s word urges wives to lead productive lives and to be hard workers.

As we see all that goes into ice skating, and that is for trophies and ribbons, we need to ask ourselves how much more we should be doing for God.

High energy living is here to stay in the world now.

The Old Testament gives us many examples of industrious women.  One was Deborah, who was a prophetess, judge and leader.  Ruth the widow worked the fields gathering wheat and barley.  Lydia was a dealer in purple cloth and Dorcas made clothes.

Whatever your work is, do you put it before God or your husband?

Nothing should ever come before Faith or your family.

The “virtuous woman” keeps herself and her family in perfect health with proper food and clothing.

Can you be the great steward of the time that you have on earth?

Can you give the first and the best of your EFFORTS to God and your husband?

Do you put into your efforts all that you have in your being?

Can you give the first and the best of your ENERGY to God and your husband?

Are you well prepared so that you can put all your energy into it?

Can you give the first and the best of your STRENGTH to God and your husband?

Regardless of the difficulties and opposition, do you have the perseverance to finish the job?

The “virtuous woman” didn’t have the words GIVE UP in her vocabulary.

God doesn’t give up on you!

DON’T YOU GIVE UP!

NOTE:  Don’t miss tomorrow’s post.  Daily there is a new post.

12 THINGS SATAN DOES TO GET VICTORY OVER CHRISTIANS

Satan said to a convention of Demons, “As long as Christians stay close to God, we have no power over them.  So here are 12 things you can do to get victory over Christians.”

1)  Keep them busy with non essentials.

2)  Tempt them to overspend and go into debt.

3)  Make them work long hours to maintain empty life styles.

4)  Discourage them from spending family time together, for when their homes disintegrate there is no refuge from work.

5)  Over stimulate their minds with television and computers, so they can’t hear God speaking to them.

6)  Fill their coffee tables and nightstands with newspapers and magazines so they have no time to read the Bible.

7)  Flood their mailboxes with sweepstakes promotions and get rich quick schemes to keep them chasing material things.

8)  Put glamour models on TV  and on magazine covers to keep them focused on outward appearances.  That way they will be dissatisfied with themselves and dissatisfied with their mates.

9)  Make sure couples are too exhausted for physical intimacy so they will be tempted to look elsewhere.

10)  Make Santa and the Easter bunny bigger than Jesus to divert them from remembering the real meaning of the holiday.

11)  Involve them in good causes so they won’t have time for eternal ones.

12)  Make them self  satisfied. Keep them busy working in their own strength so they’ll never know the joy of God’s power working through them.

Remember my demons, keep them busy!  Busy!  Busy!  Because we know what it stands for:

*  B=BEING

*  U=UNDER

*  S=SATANS

*  Y=YOKE

This article was supplied by Lisa Banks. (Author unknown)

NOTE:  Don’t miss tomorrow’s post.  Daily there is a new post.

SATURDAY Q & A 

QUESTION #1.  My husband does not shower or brush his teeth before going to bed.  How do I tell him to clean up?

ANSWER #1.  I Will make a couple of suggestions.

First, I wouldn’t tell him, I would ask him to or make a suggestion.  Then pray!

Second, along with that, you could add some incentives (sex).  Think of things he likes and do them for him.  Let him know that you are doing it for him so that he would practice cleanliness for you.  Of course, change the wording to suit him.  Then pray.

Third, if you ask and he tells you “NO”, and you try incentives and he still tells you “NO”, PRAY.  The last thing you can do is just wait on God.  It is not God’s fault, but in the mean time, the Holy Spirit will convict him.  You will have to know that every night God is convicting him till he responds.

I know this must really hurt your feelings, but don’t take it personally.  He is not trying to hurt you, he just doesn’t put any value in it.   It is funny but some men would rather spend a whole Saturday polishing their old 50 Chevy then take a bath and put 20 minutes into their own body.

I am sure that there are other areas in your husband’s life that out shines what other men do.  It is just that he has this bad habit.  I always ask women, “Does he beat you?”.  “Does he molest children?”.  “Does he never work or is he a provider for you and his family?”

I think you get the picture.  Thank God for the good things in him and leave the “bad habits” to God.  He does a better job than us!  Wink! Wink!!

(Part 2)

This has nothing to do with the question above but I thought you might enjoy this joke given to me called,

ALL WASHED UP.

Helping his wife wash the dishes, a minister protested, “This isn’t a man’s job.”  “Oh, yes, it is”, his wife retorted, quoting 2 kings 21:13.  “I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish wiping it, and turning it upside down.”

NOTE:  Don’t miss tomorrow’s post.  Daily there is a new post.

WONDER WOMAN LIVES

In the early 70’s there was a program on TV called “Wonder Woman.” This woman was perfect in stature, looks and strength. Everyone wanted to look like her. One night when my husband and I went to dinner, she was in the restaurant. I noticed her because she was so tall and beautiful. Her role was to be a female “Superman.”

The bible has Proverbs 31 virtuous woman, who to us women, she seems like a “Wonder Woman” with supernatural power.

Once again we will continue our series on this Proverbs 31 woman as a “profile peeker” to see who she really is.

“She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.” Prov.31:16

Here is a woman who is balancing her personal life with her professional life.

This woman who is TRUSTED by her husband is hard-working and shrewd.

There is much liberty when we submit to God’s order and we see that she had liberty of choice.

“She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.”

The principle here is that this woman uses her mind as she envisions the long-range benefits of her decisions.

She doesn’t make rash decisions, but logically analyzes a situation.

In Larry Burkett’s book called PERSONAL FINANCES he states, “It is important that wives and mothers excel at what they do. Usually the mother becomes the teacher of habits in the home, and her attitudes are generally reflected by her children. If she excels at what she does and keeps the home well-organized, she can be a great asset to home financial planning.”

His comment is almost exactly what this Proverbs 31 woman was like.

It is hard to juggle all the balls that are thrown at you daily, isn’t it?

Life is busy—especially if you are a working mother with small children.

We are expected to bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan, serve it, clean up the dishes, and do it all OVER AGAIN the next day.

God will give you strength.

Isa.40:29 “He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak.”

God can renew your strength to ACCOMPLISH all that is on your plate for the day.

Are you overwhelmed? Facing a lot?

TURN TO GOD!!

Prov.31:16, goes on to say that she spends her money wisely, providing for her family.

This vineyard provides for the future because it keeps producing grapes for wine. She can plant more vines and then buy more land.

Are you the type of person who buys items on a whim?

Do you consider what the item will be worth to you later on?

This woman is not borrowing money or using credit cards.

This woman uses spare money out of her SAVINGS.

This is exactly what God desires for each one of us.

He doesn’t want us begging, borrowing or in agonizing debt.

God wants to see us in financial freedom with all our needs met.

1Tim.2:10 ”For the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

In pursuit of making more money, we can choose to neglect the important priorities in our lives.

We can neglect spending time with our SPOUSE or make poor decisions that lack integrity.

Prayerfully determine your financial priorities.

Distinguish between needs and wants.

If you are in debt, get out of debt!

Glorify God with your marriage.

Let the HOLY SPIRIT set up short term and long term goals for you.

Start today!

NOTE: Don’t miss tomorrow’s post. Daily there is a new post.

SLEEPY TIME TEA

There is a product called “sleepy time tea”.  According to Celestial Seasoning, “sleepy time tea” has an aroma that helps soothe your body after a long day.

This tea, with other ingredients, can make it a little difficult to wake up in the morning.

As we once again do our “profile peeking” into the Proverbs 31 woman, we see that she is awake and alert.

Prov.31:15 “She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.”

This woman had a servant spirit.

Even though it is the job of the servants to feed their master, she got up early to feed her servants.

She must have made a commitment to God to be a servant and for her, it was a joyful way of life.

By listening to people, you find out the need in their life.

This gives you an opportunity to meet that need.

Especially apply this to your husband who is just as important as you are.

Gal.5:13 “…by love serve one another.”

Try to practice getting up earlier.  Read your word or pray.  Put on your make up and comb your hair.  Then put on a pot of coffee.

You are now ready to wake up your spouse.  Lol!!

What!!!  You mean you don’t do that?!?

Ok, girls.  You are really going to score some points with your hubby tomorrow morning!!  Lol!!

“She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.”

One of her top priorities is to set the pace because she understands that as a good manager her responsibility is to take care of those under her authority.

She mastered the skill of homemaking before she mastered her skills in the marketplace.

Have you mastered the skill of housework?

You must learn some expertise at home before you delegate that work to someone else.

This woman was energetic and a hard worker.

Let’s see what the scriptures have to say about the opposite type of woman.

Prov.6:9-11 “How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard?  When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? (Yet) a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.”

Prov.20:13 “Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, (and) thou shalt be satisfied with bread.”

Eccles.9:10 “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do (it) with thy might…”

Rom.12:11 “…not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord…”

Ok, it’s time to put down the “sleepy time tea”.

The virtuous woman loves her God given role better than her ease or her pleasure.

This woman has chosen well and has a great attitude about life.

How are you going to play this one?

Are you going to rise early or are you a sluggard?

Only you can make that choice.

Let God shower you with blessings for making the right choice.

You have a special presence in your family.

NOTE:  Don’t miss tomorrow’s post.  Daily there is a new post.

WHERE’S THE SHORTCUT?

Everyone wants to be successful but who would not turn down the chance to use a shortcut.

There was a woman who had won a long marathon years ago.  She came in first and was rewarded for her great skill, perseverance and diligence to finish this race.  Later, as they checked tapes and interviewed people, they realized that she wasn’t even in the marathon.  She jumped in at the end.

It takes a very deceptive person to attempt something like that.

As we continue in our series to be “profile peekers”, we will again take a look at the Proverbs 31 woman.

Prov.31:14 “She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.”

This woman goes the extra mile for quality.

What she does, she does with excellence.

Nothing is mediocre.  Mediocre is lacking exceptional quality or ability.

Nothing that God does, or does for us, is mediocre.

God never takes shortcuts when it comes to his children nor should you when it comes to your God.

Rom.16:19 “Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you.”

Are you productive, hardworking and willing to be obedient to be successful?

We always want God’s best and blessings but God isn’t a candy machine.

Just like you are diligent and obedient at work, God expects you to be that way for His Kingdom.

This starts first in your marriage and then leads to others outside of marriage.

A common commitment to excellence is one of the most vital bonds to holding a marriage together.

You should strive for excellence in yourself, not in your partner.

You should recognize the need for raising your standards and setting new records for yourself.

I don’t think that nothing pleases me more than to find myself in a situation that does not annoy me anymore.

It feels so good to be able to function peacefully under a stressful situation.

The evil one does not relax nor does he let up attacking your marriage.

Remember, just because you have overcome in an area, don’t think that another one won’t come up in a different direction.

Tomorrow will bring new challenges but that will give you an opportunity to excel beyond what you have done today.

Are you putting your heart and soul into your marriage?

Are you giving everything you can the way you do for your hobbies or other interests?

Are you striving for total quality in your marriage?

1Tim.5:10  “Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.”

This wise woman has let the Holy Spirit do the guiding and she became the vessel.

This woman is fine with “dirt work”, because she works willingly with her hands.

When you are doing good work for your family keep your mind on it and don’t be weary.

Go the extra mile!  This is your only marriage to shine in!!

NO SHORTCUTS!!

Be cheerful!!!   You can do it!!!

NOTE:  Don’t miss tomorrow’s post.  Daily there is a new post.

YOU’VE COME A LONG WAY BABY!

There has been a big shift in the way business is conducted in comparison to a few decades ago.

Everything is computerized and HIGH TECH, but thank God he never changes.

We will continue being a “profile peeker” on the Proverbs 31 woman.

Prov.31:13 “She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.”

In this scripture, we now see the virtuous woman in an earthly role.

She is now being an ACTIVE wife and mother of the home and business by planning and providing for her family.

This woman selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

Do you accomplish your responsibilities at HOME?

You aren’t a “clutter bug” are you?

In Acts 16:14, we see that Paul mentions a woman named Lydia, who was a dealer in purple cloth.  This woman was chosen by God to take care of Paul.

You need to find out what God wants you to do for your family and his kingdom.

You might be ASKING, how do I know what God wants me to do?

We need to search the scriptures daily because it is clearly written in His Word.

As soon as God enters our life, the HOLY SPIRIT enters in and brings gifts with Him.

As you volunteer for service, you will see what you are gifted in.

When you POUR yourself into something, then you feel that you are worth something.

Once you are a blessing in someone else’s life, or eventually slot into the right work of service for the Lord, you will experience more self-confidence.

When you work within your gift, instead of getting tired, you will be ENERGIZED.

Psa.124:8 (MSG) “God’s strong name is our help, the same God who made heaven and earth.”

God will help you with whatever you are doing to further His kingdom.

1Tim.5:8 “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

No matter how spiritual you may think you are, if you fail to provide for your husband and children, you have denied the faith and are worse than an unbeliever.

Providing for your husband as “helpmeet”, also includes helping with his spiritual needs.

You do this by modeling godly character, praying for and with him, by spending time in God’s word and by looking for ways to encourage him.

Although business has changed and our lives have become more technological, GOD is still the same.

He desires to use you like this Proverbs 31 woman who worked willingly with her hands.

Assume responsibility as a lover and a servant to care for the gift God has given you—your spouse.

NOTE:  Don’t miss tomorrow’s post.  Daily there is a new post.