Thursday, May 31, 2007

The Virtuous Wife- Lesson Four

"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid....." Isaiah 12:2










Hello Ladies! Let's pray......






Father, as we prepare to study Your word today, we ask that You will once again move us and change our hearts through the reading of Your word. For Your precepts are pure, right, and just. I pray for each woman here in this study. I pray her her marriage, her children, and her home. I pray and ask forgiveness of sins that we may hear from You today, Lord.






Mostly, I trust in You, Lord, and not in the ways of man or money. I pray that You will show us Your will for our lives this day.






In Christ's holy name, Amen.






*********************






Let's begin Lesson Four.......






Proverbs 31:11: "The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain."






Women and money. The two usually do not go together well. Most women find it hard to handle their money and end up in debt up to their eyeballs. How do I know? I recently read a very good book called Women and Money, by Susie Orman, where she outlines just how poorly women handle their money. She is a financial planner, so she knows. She is a feminist, so I do not recommend her book (I received it as a graduation gift...) but I will share some her advice on financial issues here later in the study since they are beneficial.




She writes about how so many women today have no clue what to do with money and end up in debt. I agree! I know because I was one of those women! Although I have no credit card debt now, I used to and it cost me dearly.






Please read:






Matt. 25:14-30 "The Parable of Talents"






In this parable we find Jesus teaching about not hiding what the Lord has given, but instead investing it and watching it grow. This is pleasing to the Lord.






The main lesson here today is about remembering that money, any money, does not belong to us. It belongs to the Lord.






Please read:






Haggai 1: 1-6






Here we see the Lord's people were spending what they had earned on themselves while His house lie in ruins. The people worried more about their material possessions than building the Lord's temple.






They suffered the consequences of their actions:






Haggai 1:7-11


Haggai 2:8


Psalm 24:1


Psalm 50:9-12



We find that God is the sovereign possessor of all that we have: our money, our children, our husband, our house.... Who are we to think we are to hide anything from the Lord?



Can our husbands trust us with money? Or do we hide a little bit away from them for ourselves, "just in case"? Just in case he leaves you? Just in case you leave him? Is that really trusting in the Lord? No. And I know about this because that is what I used to do.






We'll get into wise investing of the money God has given us later in the study, but today we'll focus on trust once again.






Remember in the last lesson we saw how Eve was deceived because she "saw with her eyes that the tree was good." We read in 1 John how easily we are deceived by our lusts. Our eyes will always lead us into temptation....just walk into a store and try not to buy anything! It can be done, but boy is it hard. Notice how when you walk into a grocery store the first thing you see are the sugary sweet treats like cakes, cupcakes, and cookies? Tempting to the eyes and poison to the body.






Please read:

1 Cor 4:2
Are you a good steward of what the Lord has given you?



Are you teaching your children or grandchildren how to be good stewards of what has been given to them? As mothers, we are to "teach good things" to our children. We tend to think our kids are too young to understand and that we'll teach them when they get older.



Consider this........


In 1547, Edward King of England was 9 yrs. old when he ascended the throne. Although he was so young, he sought to be a wise ruler. He read books about how to rule wisely. He loved to journal so he wrote constantly. He loved books about geography, so he ordered that charts and maps of the world be made. Unfortunately, he died at age 15 from tuberculosis, but look at all he achieved in those 6 years.



Peter the Great was 9 yrs. old when he became ruler of Russia. His half-siblings were jealous of him, so they kicked him out of the empire so they could rule. He went to live with a friend's family where he read books. He taught himself to read Latin, Dutch, and German. At age 15 he taught himself, through books, to be a soldier. At age 17, he and his milita took back the empire. He is thought to have been one of the greatest monarchs that the world has known. During his rule, Russia became a powerful industrial nation.



George Washington....did you know he never attended school? He was home schooled. At age 12 he learned geometry and trigonometry. At age 15, he had his own successful surveying business. At age 21, he was Commander-in-Chief of the Virginia Militia.



Alexander Hamilton at age 12 ran a successful mercantile business with his mother in the Caribbean. He ran the business in 2 languages. The local townspeople were so impressed with him, that together they raised money to send him to college. He entered Columbia University at age 16.


John Quincy Adams was appointed by Congress as a diplomat to the court of Catherine the Great when he was 15 yrs. old.



John Hancock entered Harvard at age 13.



Jonathan Edwards entered Harvard at age 13 and graduated from Yale at age 18 with a Master of Arts degree.



And of course, our Savior Jesus....he was left behind in Jerusalem during the Passover feast when he was 12 yrs. old. It was thought that as many as one million people attended the week long feast in the small city of Jerusalem. Here was Jesus, 12, alone in the city for 5 days. That means he was responsible for obtaining food, water, and shelter all by himself for those days.



These are just some examples of how young people can achieve great things if they are taught great things. When did we stop expecting greatness from our youth?







***************

Life application




We women have an awesome chance to teach our children or grandchildren how to be good stewards of their talents, time, and material things which the Lord has blessed them with. I know some of you reading this study are still deep into diapers and baby food, but you can still teach your little ones.

Scott is reading a wonderful book titled, Preparing Sons to Provide for a Single Income Family(2001), by Steve Maxwell. In this book he teaches fathers how to instruct their sons about finances, tithing, and honoring the Lord with earnings. For example:


"Training your son during these years of his life will have a major bearing on his desire to work during his teens. The potentially tumultuous stage is weatherd upon the foundation you build from ages seven through twelve. Lay the proper foundation, and you will have something to build upon with confidence. Neglect the foundation, and you will spend much time trying to stabilize a "leaning tower" (page 119).


He then includes Scripture to help fathers learn to prepare their sons.






Please read:






1 Cor 10:23-24






One of the best things we can teach our children is that not all things are good for them. But we cannot teach what we do not know.....






If you do not know the difference between what is good for you and what is not, how can you teach your children? Knowing the difference is called "discernment" and that is found in Scripture.






Please read:






Heb. 4:12






Heb. 5:14






Eccl. 8:5





Later we will delve deeper into money issues, but for now, remember that the Virtuous Wife's astuteness in household affairs allowed for her husband's heart to safely trust her so that he "will have no lack of gain."






How we run our household will determine whether our husbands are successful or not. Being astute with money can ensure our households are running smoothly.






But also, how and what we teach our children about money and material things will also allow our husband's hearts to safely trust us.











Until next time.....






2 Timothy 2:11-13






"For if we died with Him,






We shall also live with Him.






If we endure,






We shall also reign with Him.






If we deny Him,






He will also deny us.






If we are faithless,






He remains faithful.






He cannot deny Himself."
















Blessings,






Ruth




















































Wednesday, May 30, 2007

The Virtuous Wife- Lesson Three




"Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end." Psalm 119:33





Good day, Ladies! Welcome to Lesson Three of our study.



Let's pray:



Father, I come before You this day and ask that You bless this study of Your word. I pray for each woman participating here that You would speak to her heart and change her heart through the reading of Your word.



I ask forgiveness of sin, release from the bondage of sin, and a cleansing through the reading of Your word this day. I also ask that you fill me with the Holy Spirit to overflowing. Guard my speech, restrain my tongue that I might not cause pain to those around me today. I also pray that you would fill my home with the Holy Spirit and be welcome here, O Lord.



I pray these things in Your mighty name, Amen.



*******************



Today's passage: Proverbs 31:11



The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain.



TRUST. That is a powerful word. Not many of us can fully trust someone. Can all who know us fully trust in us?



Please read:



Gen 2:16



Ah, yes, our old friend Eve. How can we discuss our husbands trusting us without looking at the Garden of Eden?



Please read:



Gen 2:22-23 Gen 3:1-13





By God's design, we women are emotional. Therefore, we are easily deceived. We are naturally deceptive.



Please read:



2 Tim 3:1-7



How do you define "gullible"?



What do you think Paul meant when he wrote: "always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." ?



What comes to mind when you read: "For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives..."??



Eve saw "that the tree was good" . She was deceived by her senses, wasn't she?



Please read:



1 John 2:16-17



Titus 2:1-5



What sort of warnings come from these passages?



How does that apply to you?



We, as wives, are to be good, discreet, chast homemakers- obedient to our husbands. Remember how Ruth was obedient? That's how we are to be obedient to our husbands.



So their hearts can safely trust us.



Why? So the Word of God may not be blasphemed.





I have shared this story with some of you before, but I will repeat it here because it paints a perfect picture of what blaspheming God's Word looks like:



My husband, Scott, once took our son to Taco Bell one afternoon for lunch. While in the restaurant, he noticed a bunch of teenage boys had come in to eat. One was wearing a black t-shirt with large white letters on the front that read: "Jesus is a C*NT" except it wasn't disguised as I've written here. Can you imagine seeing such a thing??



Scott wasn't sure how to react. He was as shocked as you are reading those hateful words. He thought maybe he should go complain to the manager, but he didn't. What would you have done?



That is a perfect example of blasphemy of God's name, character, and word. Paul is warning us through God's Word that if we are NOT teaching what is good to younger women, being chaste, and being discreet homemakers...we risk blaspheming God's Word. Just like that t-shirt.



Harsh? I know, but it is how we all should view our sin. Disgusting and harsh.



***************





Life application:



Please read:



Prov. 18:22



Our husbands should be able to trust us with everything from their deepest heartfelt secrets to the money they earn. They should never have to feel concerned about what we are doing at home when they are not there.



Feeling convicted? I know I am.....



Please read:



Eccl. 7:26



What does it mean by "snares and nets"?



Please read:



Gen 2:18



What is our position to our husbands?



1 Cor 11:8,9



Why were we created?



Are you your husband's helper? Or do you hinder him?



As I wrote in an earlier lesson, I can be contentious at times. I used to be a feminist who felt that I was equal to my husband and at times above him.



I never submitted because I saw that as archaic and no longer relevant to the times. Since I was a more mature believer in Christ, my husband looked to me for spiritual things and never took control as spiritual leader of our home. I often used sex as a way of manipulating him to get my way and he willingly went along since he dreds confrontation.



After reading the above, I bet you can guess what our marriage was like for the first 10-12 years! A mess.



We were heading straight toward divorce. I thought having all the control over everything would make me happy. Isn't that what they tell us in the magazines? I should've been so happy with my life, but I was miserable.



I know so many women who are in this position now and they think they are happy because they have all the control over their husbands, children, and household. But I can see that they are not happy at all. They have fallen for the lie of feminism that men cannot be trusted with anything and that women have all the answers. They think that having all the control over finances, child-rearing, and spiritual issues will make them happy. But I can tell you from personal experience: It doesn't



Even though I knew what the truth was and was suppressing it (Rom 1:18) for my own gain, the Lord still was working in me.



I prayed, attended women's Bible studies, heard the word of God, and my heart of stone began to soften. I also prayed for about 4 years for an older woman to mentor me. Finally, the Lord brought her into my life for a short time, but during that time she helped me learn to let go of self and submit to the Lord....and to my husband. She showed me verse after verse of Scripture that supported this FACT and the Lord concivted me of my sins.



I confessed and I repented, but there was much healing to be done. Scott and I sought strong Christian counsel and the Lord healed our broken marriage before the divorce.



He saved us from ourselves.



So, how can you apply these verses to your life?



Allow God to form in you a heart that your husband can trust with his whole heart. Make your house your husband's castle. Make sure it is a place where he feels welcomed. Make sure there are things in the home that he enjoys. Let go of self and control and let your husband be the leader of his home. Your biblical role is to be his helper, not his leader.



Make sure you put him far above yourself and your children. Your house should be his castle...not yours or your children's.





We'll get into "women and money" for our next study. I ask you, can your husband safely trust you with money?



In the meantime, I leave you with this:



"And, as we run that race, many voices call us to abandon the effort. The world woos us away from following Christ and offers tempting rewards for choosing its way to what it deems success. We feel pressure to be like people in the neighborhood or at the office, and we aren't always affirmed in our efforts toward excellence. The past would hold us prisoner, chained and bound to darker days and deeds, and the flesh calls us to have some fun, take it easy, don't worry, and take care of it tomorrow.



The world doesn't understand the Christian's race and prize that awaits. The world doesn't acknowledge the cause of Christ or value the commitment His cause requires."



-Elizabeth George (Loving God With All Your Mind, 1994, p.98)





God bless you!









Tuesday, May 29, 2007

The Virtuous Wife- Lesson Two





"Open my eyes that I might see wondrous things from Your law." Psalm 119:18







Good day, ladies! Let's begin today's study with prayer.....




Father in heaven, I pray that you will once again bless us through the reading and studying of Your word today. I pray that You will speak to us through Your word and cleanse us from our sins. Conviction of sin is hard for us, Lord, because we know that our sin keeps us away from You. Please cleanse us this day and restore us. Please create in us a renewed and steadfast spirit.




I pray that today's lesson will be a blessing for the ladies whom You have brought here to this study. Give me the passages You want them to know and treasure in their hearts that we might not sin against You.




In Jesus' name, Amen."







Our passage today is Prov. 31:10- :




10Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies





I remember well the day Princess Diana died. She died on my mother-in-law's birthday. I remember watching CNN all night and reading the ticker announcing Diana had succumb to her injuries from the night before. My first thoughts were for her two sons since I knew she was so very close to them.



It is hard to believe that was 10 years ago this summer.



I really loved Princess Diana. I saw her wedding and then I watched her funeral all on television. She was only 36 years old. One thing that will forever stay with me about Princess Diana was that she had no self worth most of her adult life. She was only beginning to understand that being a mother was the most important role when her life ended. It was sad watching her self destruct during her marriage to the Prince. Seeing her weight fluctuate and her sad eyes all over the tabloids was painful to see.



It is hard to see a beautiful young woman not know her self worth.



How many of us go through the same thing or know someone who is? Not knowing our worth can lead us to depression and sorrow as we try to find it in this material world.



God knows this and that is why He gave us a way to Him. He knows that understanding who He is just so happens to be the best thing for us.



Do you know your worth? Are you trying to find your worth in this material world?



Perhaps you are a Christian woman who has forgotten who you are and what you are worth. I know I did many times in my Christian walk. I walked in a sinful state for 3 years because I had forgotten who I was in Christ. It is easy to do when you allow sin to rule your life.



Please read the following verses:


It would be wise to write theses verses down or type them out and place them where you can read them everyday. Try to memorize them. I try to so that I won't forget who I am in Christ.



Matt 5:13 Matt 5:14


John 1:12 John 15:1,5 John 15:15


Romans 6:22 Romans 8:17


1 Cor 3:16 1 Cor 6:19 2 Cor 5:17



Gal 4:6,7


Eph 2:6 Eph. 2:10


Phil 3:20


Col 3:12, 13


1 Thess 1:4


Heb 3:14


1 Pet 2:9,10


1 John 5:18





Now, because you are in Christ, all these characteristics above are true of you. Remembering who you are in Christ Jesus will give you a more productive and meaningful life since all the above are eternal. Jesus is eternal.



Please read 1 John 2:16



The world is temporal. All in the world is passing away so that is why we only get temporary pleasure in the things of the world.



I love decorating my house. It is fun to watch decorating shows on TV and dream of re-decorating my house. In our last house, I spent hundreds of dollars on decorating and gardening. It was a lovely house, too, and my backyard was like a park. But because I filled my house and my life with material things of this world, it was never enough.



My husband and I got into financial trouble and had to sell our house to pay off debt. Now, some other woman is enjoying all the things of that house. She gets to enjoy all that I worked for.



If I had invested all that money instead, I'd have something to show for it. That's what happens when you put your heart into temporal things: you are left wanting and feeling empty. Satan knows this. God does too.



Our loving Father has provided a way to Him and that way leads to LIFE. Eternal life. Forever.


Now, I'm not saying decorating your house is a sin! What I am saying is that trying to fill your empty life with material things ins't going to work. Putting material things above the things of God, like I did, is sin.



When we forget who we are, then we begin to believe the lies of Satan. And that is sin. Are you believing his lies today? If so, confess now before the Lord.



That is why it is so important to think on what is true:



Please read Phil 4:8



What comes to mind when you read this verse?



Is this verse describing someone?



Who is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good repute, has virtue, and is praiseworthy?



When my son was little, like most new moms, I used to lie in bed and worry about him sleeping in the next room. What if someone broke through the window and kidnapped him while I slept? What if I never saw him again? My heart would race as I mentally pictured the scene.



Then the Holy Spirit would bring Phil. 4:8 to my mind and I would hear the soothing and soft voice: Ruth, what is the TRUTH? Your son is sleeping peacefully in the next room. Meditate on the TRUTH. I would feel the peace ease my mind with this thought.



Then I would fall asleep only to awaken to my son's sweet face the next day.



Notice the verse in Proverbs doesn't say that the Virtuous Wife's worth was equal to rubies. It says her worth was "far above rubies."



Your worth is far above rubies too.



Your worth is far above the material things of this world. Your worth is part of the eternal now through Christ.



Always remember who you are in Christ!



Please read the following verses:



Rom 5:1 Rom 6:1-6 Rom 8:1


1 Cor 1:30 1 Cor 2:16



1 Cor 6:19, 20 2 Cor 5:14, 15


Gal 2:20


Eph 1:4


Col 1:13



I still get saddened when I see photos of Princess Diana and I cried when I watched the film, The Queen, which was about the week of Diana's death. I cried not because she is gone, but because I am almost sure she never knew Christ as her Savior. She left this world not knowing her worth.



Elizabeth George wrote:



"Afterall, the God who loves us is at work within us to make us the women He would have us to be, women who love Him with our mind as well as our heart" (Loving God With All Your Mind, 1994, p. 15).



Remember your worth and tell a younger woman this week what she is worth today.





May the Lord bless you and keep you until next time......





















Monday, May 28, 2007

The Virtuous Wife



"Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word. Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law...." Psalm 119:18








As we begin to study this wonderful section of Scripture, let's first ask the Lord's blessing.....





Heavenly Father,

I want to take a moment and thank You for all You do for us as women and as wives. I ask, as a teacher of Your word, to use me as an instrument with this study. I pray that You will give me the passages of Scripture You want these women to know in their hearts.

We come together to seek forgiveness of sins, healing, and restoration. We know that Your word will convict us of sin in our lives, so we come together as sisters in Christ to encourage one another, admonish one another, and pray for one another.

I thank You for each woman You have brought here to this study. I pray for her walk with You to be strong. I pray for her influence on a younger woman in her life. May You speak to her through the reading of Your word and show her how to teach younger women of good things (Titus 2:3) so that your word will not be blasphemed.


We ask for your blessing on this study, in Jesus name. Amen.









The Virtuous Wife- Lesson One


This study of the Virtuous Wife is found in the book of Proverbs chapter 31. Please make sure you have your Bible handy as well as a piece of notebook paper for notes or any questions you may have.




The Book of Proverbs is one of the Wisdom Books of the Bible in that it is separated by the fact that it contains writings on the human condition and not merely history, the Law, or geography. These books contains writings about "the human condition and its enduring aspects." The writers "bring to it the perspective of the divine majesty and superintending providence, pondering the question of how the creature should think about the Creator" (New Geneva Study Bible, 1995).




Wisdom Literature in the Bible includes the books Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. They are distinguished from prophecy books and historical books in that they use introspection and meditation. (New Geneva Study Bible, 1995)




*************************************************




Let's begin by reading Proverbs 31:10-31 first:




10 Who can find a virtuous wife?



For her worth is far above rubies.



11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;



So he will have no lack of gain.



12 She does him good and not evil



All the days of her life.



13 She seeks wool and flax,



And willingly works with her hands.



14 She is like the merhcant ships,



She brings her food from afar.



15 She also rises while it is yet night.



And she provides food for her household.



And a portion for her maidservants.



16 She considers a field abd buys it;



From her profits she planta vineyard.



17 She girds herself with strength,



And she strengthens her arms.



18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,



And her lamp does not go out by night.



19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,



And her hands holds the spindle.



20 She extends her hand to the poor,



Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.



21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,



For all her household is clothed with scarlet.



22 She makes tapestry for herself;



Her clothing is fine linen and purple.



23 Her husband is known in the gates,



When he sits among the elders of the land.



24 She makes linen garments and sells them,



And supplies sashes for the merhcants.



25 Strength and honor are her clothing;



She shall rejoice in time to come.



26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,



And on her tongue is the law of kindness.



27 She watches over the ways of her household,



And does not eat the bread of idleness.



28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;



Her husband also, he praises her:



29 "Many daughters have done well,



But you excel them all."



30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,



But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.



31 Give her the fruit of her hands,



And ler her own works praise her in the gates.




*******************************************************************************


Whew! I get tired just from reading all that she does!



Lesson One:

10 Who can find a virtuous wife?



For her worth is far above rubies.....




The word "virtuous" used here means "valor" a military term for excellence. The verse translated means: a wife of valor. It is a Hebrew phrase that is the female equivalent of "a man of great wealth."
King Lemuel here is writing about this "wife of valor" as though she is an enigma. But in the previous verses, his mother writes of warnings to her son in a way that exudes wisdom. Perhaps King Lemuel was writing a poem about his own mother?? We may never know who this woman is in Prov. 31:10-31.



I used to hate studying these verses because it seemed almost impossible for a woman to aspire to her example. But now that I am older and have seen many women attain to this example, I can read these verses without feeling desparate or discouraged. Now I am encouraged! I pray you will be too.


Please read Ruth 2:20-23


Our church recently spent about one year in the book of Ruth. While studying this book, I couldn't help but notice how this young woman was indeed a Woman of Virtue.


What did you notice about Ruth in verses 20-23?


What did Naomi command Ruth to do?


How did Ruth resond?


I know in my youth I was very contentious. I still am at times, a thing my husband doesn't like. Through prayer, I have learned not to be contentious as I was in my youth. It was a hard lesson learned through many failings and lost friendships. My husband doesn't like me to argue because he doesn't want me to get hurt anymore. I can see now that he has my best interest at heart.


Here in the book of Ruth we find that Naomi also has Ruth's best interest at heart. By obeying her mother-in-law, Ruth impressed Boaz. He even called her a "virtuous woman" (Ruth 3:11). By impressing Boaz, she saved herself and her mother-in-law because they needed Boaz to redeem them.


Notice how Ruth responded to Naomi: she did not argue or talk back to her. She obeyed.


Please read Philippians 2:4


Can you use this verse to improve how you obey your Lord? Your husband? Me too...


Please read Ruth 4:13-22


What was Ruth's reward as a result of her obeying "without complaining or disputing"? ( also translated as : grumbling or arguing)


A virtuous wife doesn't argue or complain....she willingly obeys and trusts. As a result, she is greatly blessed.


Ruth is now part of Christ's genealogy. How is she remembered? For winning an argument or for being obedient?


Life application:


How do you wish to be remembered?


Could you describe yourself as a virtuous woman?


If not, what events in your life might be keeping you from achieving all your goals?


I have always had trouble making and keeping friends because I get so negative and I let my mouth ruin things. I have a tendency to sabotage a friendship and watch it go under by criticizing and judging.


As a result, I try not to get close to anyone so I tend to build walls around me. A defense mechanism, I suppose. Through prayer and being in God's word, I have seen a change in the way I handle friendships. It is hard for me to let myself be a friend and trust a friend. When I have finally let myself be a friend, that friend moves away and I never see her again. The loss can cause me to put up those walls again....but the Lord is still working on me through reading about fine women like Ruth who trusted with her whole heart and not her "feelings".


Do you consider yourself worthy?


How do you handle trials and tribulations that come your way? Do you over eat? Do you sleep until noon? Do you starve yourself? Do you lash out in anger or become acutely silent?


Does your faith in God play a part in getting you through tough times like faith helped Naomi and Ruth?


Please read Hebrews 11:13-14


Do you have the heavenly hope within you or do you "build walls" to shut yourself in or keep people out?


Are you seeking a homeland? A place where you can find rest? Take a moment to describe what that homeland will be like. Share with us if you'd like...


Please read Titus 2:1-5


Are you a younger woman? If so, you have a godly role to play. Your calling from God is to be sure that you are learning the essentials to your faith. In Elizabeth George's book, A Woman of High Calling, she writes about what a young woman should be doing: growing in the essentials for godly living, accept and heed instruction of godly, older women. (p. 104)


Are you an older woman? You have a high calling as well: to teach the younger women good things of the Lord.


Why? "So the word of God may not be blasphemed." (v.5)


As we begin to study Proverbs 31:10-31, we will be learning more about what our Biblical roles as women are and what God's will is for our lives.


I look forward to sharing more with you next time. Until then.....


Excellence is willing to be wrong


Perfection is being right.


Excellence is risk.


Perfection is fear.


Excellence is powerful,


Perfection is anger and frustration.


Excellence is spontaneous,


Perfection is control.


Excellence is accepting,


Perfection is judgment.


Excellence is giving,


Perfection is taking.


Excellence is confident,


Perfection is doubt.


Excellence is flowing,


Perfection is pressure.


Excellence is a journey.


Perfection is a destination.


-from Between Women of God, by Donna Otto



Let's strive to be Women of Excellence!




God bless!


Ruth