"An ideal woman is a woman who fears the Lord- a woman who humbles herself before the Lord, who fears him, reveres him, honors him, a woman who recognizes that the LORD is the God of ALL.
September 9
Wisdom
Written by Kelly Ledbetter
“Wisdom is a fountain of life to him who has it.” Proverbs 16:22a
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5
Most of us will fervently disclaim being wise. We say that we are not old enough, experienced enough, or patient or peaceable enough. And it is all true. We will not ever become wise on our own.
When King Solomon asked God for wisdom, God granted it to him. That is how to gain wisdom: Ask God.
God does not parcel out wisdom sparingly, either. James teaches us that our God will give us a generous helping of wisdom. More than enough wisdom is ours for the asking.
Our cup of wisdom runneth over. Like living water. Like a fountain of life.
"Lord, I am not wise. Please give me wisdom and teach me to use it. Thank you for giving me wisdom generously. Amen."
September 10
Courage
Written by Dona Watson
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Phil 4:6
Courage is acting with the belief there is something more important than fear, not the absence of fear or anxiousness – but an act of worship. It is what the woman of Proverbs 31 displayed when she “laughs at the time to come.”
Esther also trusted God and the power of prayer. She risked her life to go before the king and plead for mercy on behalf of the entire Jewish nation in exile.
It takes courage to pray, plead for mercy and act on behalf of all those who lack biblical faith. The bible tells us that God hears the prayers of the righteous. During these tumultuous, uncertain times, like Esther and others let us worship God with courage and faith by our obedience to “carry each other’s burden’s and . . . fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal 6:2). Let us pray with courage and faith and in the name of Jesus and watch how God answers.
To quote Blaise Pascal, let this be our prayer of courage:: “Lord, help me to do great things as though they were little, since I do them with your power; and little things as though they were great, since I do them in your name.”
September 11
Kindness on Our Lips
Written by Dale McGilvray
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Ps. 19:14
“Be kind and compassionate to one another…” Eph. 4:32
Words have the power to: heal or wound; build up or tear down; promote peace or stir up turmoil.
Our 4-year-old granddaughter was approached by another girl at a soccer game. The girl said, "I don't like you." Our granddaughter's response was, "Well, I think you're pretty.” What a contrast! One wounding and tearing down; the other reflecting kindness and edification.
As believers, our speech should be full of grace radiating the fruit of the Spirit. Before speaking ask yourself: Will
the words I'm about to speak glorify God and edify this person? Will they draw this person to my Savior Jesus or make them turn away?
Our words make a difference. Choose to make it a positive one.
“LORD, let my conversation be always full of grace seasoned with salt, so that I may know how to answer everyone.” Col. 4:6
September 12
Strength
Written by Teri Pittman
Strength and dignity are her clothing. Proverbs 31:25
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Psalm 105:4
It has been said that “clothes make the man” (or woman). In Proverbs 31, God’s Word seems to agree as the woman is said to be clothed in strength and dignity.
We choose our clothes from our favorite store and then our own closet or drawer or sometimes even from the laundry basket! From where does the Proverbs 31 woman choose her clothing? From her LORD of course.
Scripture repeatedly reminds us that God will supply the strength we need to face any circumstance. Isaiah 41:10 tells us He will strengthen and help us and even hold us with His righteous right hand. We are to seek Him, ask Him to supply the strength we need and then wear it!
“Lord, I thank you for your strength to face every challenge. Help me to seek you each new day for the strength that you so graciously provide.”
September 13
Industrious
Written by Donna Horner
Ask the Lord to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out. Proverbs 16:3
The Proverbs 31 woman leads her household with discipline, integrity, and pride. She is a homemaker, a caretaker, a manager, a teacher, a gardener, a chef, a craftsman, an organizer, a frugal shopper, and a financial contributor. She is energetic, resourceful, creative, and prepared. She is INDUSTRIOUS.
Who can BE this amazing woman?
The “VIRUS” home confinement brought uncertainty and stress. It forced us to simplify and be resourceful. We strove to balance work, family and time with God. Stuck at home, cooking, gardening, tutoring, cleaning, online shopping, zooming, and play time became priorities. We had to be industrious!
This Proverbs 31 virtue blossoms as we commit our plans to God and seek to glorify him with our God-given talents. Seek God diligently, and He will shine through you.
“Lord, I commit my plans to you. Help me be resourceful, productive and industrious. Guide me as I strive to make my household a place of comfort and peace. Help me to live each day with purpose and a joyful spirit.”
September 14
Thanksgiving
Written by Meredith Archer
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
As a young believer, I learned the prayer acrostic A.C.T.S. (Adoration - Confession - Thanksgiving - Supplication). Most of my prayer time is focused on supplication, praying for myself and others. If time allows, praise and thanks are given. Not unlike when praying for a meal and you thank Him for the weather and various other situations, but then forget to bless the food until the last moment- almost as an afterthought.
Instead, may we focus our hearts on praising God for who He is and thanking Him for all He has done in our lives. Many times, as I am praising Him, He will bring to mind individual sins and relationships that I need to reconcile. So, turn up the praise music and marvel at who God is to you and who He continues to be in your life and ask Him to show those areas needing work.
“Father God, may we rejoice and praise You like the writers of Psalms in each and every circumstance of our lives.”