Simple Thoughts Without Theology: James 3

It takes wisdom to live life. Wisdom and self control brings about a little more peace each day. Do you struggle with self control? We all do. It takes wisdom to know when to hold our tongue. It takes wisdom to not action too quickly in decision making. Without wisdom and self control our lives would be in a mess. While we cannot live a perfect life, we can live a more spiritually mature life. These are my simple thoughts without theology on James 3.

Simple Thoughts Without Theology
Living a (Spiritually Mature) Perfect Life

James 3:1-2 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

The word PERFECT, means spiritual maturity. We need to work at being spiritually mature by keeping our actions and words under control.

James 3:3-4 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.  Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

These verses show that everything has to have some control. Without this control our world would be in total chaos. 

James 3:5-6 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

Our tongue is a small member of our body but yet it can do some great things. The word great doesn’t necessarily always mean wonderful. All it takes is a little “spark” to start a forest fire. That forest fire can be two things ~ Something to glorify God. One word or sentence can be used to start a heart beat in someone to serve the Lord. Or something destructive – one word or sentence can ruin a person or a situation for life. Sadly, most of the time that little spark is on a path of destruction and it is going to destroy everything that is in its path. Have you ever seen the effects of a forest fire? When we lived in western Montana we did all the time. It takes years for what has been destroyed to begin new growth. It can take years to heal what our tongue has destroyed.

James 3:7-9 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

James 3:10-12 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

Man has a better chance of taming and training an animal than he does his own tongue. A scary thought ~ We use our tongue to praise the Lord and the next minute that same tongue is being used to tear apart someone. God did not intend for our tongue to be used in this manner. When He created us, we were made to give Him praise and honor. Unfortunately, we have allowed our flesh to take control over this one small thing in our lives. There are many things in our lives that we can control, but our tongue is normally not on that list.

James 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

I’ve met several people with countless degrees. They were well educated and knew how to do many things. Sadly, some of them were not wise. We can have all the diplomas hanging on the wall, all the little degree initials behind our name, and we can quote countless facts, but those things don’t make us wise. True wisdom ~ is shown in our lives. How we live, talk, and handle situations show how wise we really are.

James 3:14-15  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

These are the characteristics of earthly wisdom. The kind that we as Christians need to stay away from.  Glory not – that’s boasting. We don’t have to boast about our wisdom, it will be known by others. Self glorying will only make people to not like you and want to be around you. 

James 3:16-18 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Have you ever been a room where there is a lot of commotion going on? Can you find peace and quiet there? No, the same goes when we are trying to sort our problems in our lives and Satan brings on some of his best work ~ Confusion. Sometimes that confusion causes us to make a wrong decision.  We need to be aware of what he is doing and really focus on the Lord. When we have wisdom that comes from God, we don’t have to worry; He is going to work according to His will. And if we really trust in Him, then when what we think of as a bad outcome happens, we can hold our heads high and know that He did it.  Just think, that kind of wisdom is Pure, Peaceable, Gentle, Good, Merciful, has Good Rewards, No Favoritism, Not Hypocritical, any Christian can have it.  For us to have peace, we have to plant peace (be peaceable), then let God do the rest.

No, life is not easy. But it can be a little easier if we only use the wisdom God gives and use our self control in situations.  If you missed the two previous posts for Simple Thoughts Without Theology you can find James 1 and James 2 at these links.  Join me next week when I continue Simple Thoughts Without Theology in the fourth chapter of James.

Fear Not! 7 Days of Scripture Writing

I’m not one to be afraid of many things. At one time, I was scared of spiders. After becoming a mom, I quickly got over that fear so I could keep them away from my son when he was little. I do have the fear of drowning, so being on a boat doesn’t happen very often. There will never be a cruise in my future because of my fear. I guess the fear comes from the thought of being too far from land and not being able to swim long enough to be rescued.

Fear is a real thing. It is part of our human nature that causes us to become alert. It’s only natural. In today’s world, there are things going on that causes fear for most people. While it could be the fear of war, a natural disaster, a terminal illness, or the stranger in the vehicle behind you, we all suffer from fear. But, we can not allow it to overtake our lives where we can not function on a daily basis. While this may sound easier said than done, Christians don’t have to live in fear.

We were promised by God to never be left alone.(Hebrews 13:5) He knows what we are going through; He knows our every fear; we just have to give them over to Him. (I Peter 5:7)

My friend, Horace from Pleasing to the Potter mentioned the statement – “Determined courage trains your mind to be dependent on God” on his website a couple of weeks back. When I read those words, it was a light bulb moment. We have to have the COURAGE to put our FAITH in God. Our faith in God will become stronger with each courageous step we take. When we have the courage to put our faith in God, trusting Him becomes easier.

Fear stifles our thinking and actions.
It creates indecisiveness that results in stagnation. – Dr. Charles Stanley

God tells in the Bible hundreds of time to not fear or not be afraid. Not fearing is important for a more peaceful life.

Fear Not! 7 Days of Scripture Writing

2 Timothy 1:7 God didn’t give us the spirit of fear. Since He didn’t give it to us, then you know where it comes from.

Isaiah 41:10, 13 God is with us. He will give us the strength we need to face life and all that comes our way.

Psalm 34:4 When we are fearful, all we have to do is pray. God will deliver us from our fears.

Proverbs 29:25 Our fears can turn into bigger problems for us. We can trust God to take care of the situations.

Matthew 10:31 We matter to God. We are more valuable to Him than you can imagine. We were created in God’s image and He will help us.

Psalm 27:1 There is nothing or no one we should fear. God is our salvation, He gives us the strength to live every day.

Isaiah 35:4 Be strong! Put your faith in God and trust that He will see you through.

Do you have a fear that concerns you on a daily basis? Turn it over to the Lord.

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Simple Thoughts Without Theology: James 2

As I mentioned last week, I am bringing back some old posts from days gone by. My simple thoughts on the book of James brought back memories of when I studied the book. I’m not a theology teacher, nor do I spend a lot of time studying it. I like simple thoughts and words on things related to the Bible. These are my simple thoughts without theology on James 2.

Simple Thoughts Without Theology

James 2:1  My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

How can we say that we love the Lord and live for Him when we so quickly can become a snob? Think – Jesus died for all. He loves all people and so should we. We should show that we care by not becoming “cliquish” with others.

James 2:2-11  For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

I remember when I was in my early twenties a former Pastor made a point in church to point out a visitor. He had their family come and sit in a “special” place for all the church to be able to see them. When this happened, a long-standing member’s family had to move to the back, where the doctor’s family had originally started out. Why? I believe that the Pastor wanted everyone to know that a medical doctor was possibly thinking about joining our little church. When I look back on that day, a faithful family was put out by having to move to the back. This family was not in the least bit wealthy. But they were faithful. They were moved so someone with a bit of wealth could have a better seat.

Favoritism was shown that day. What did it get the Pastor and church? Nothing! That doctor’s family would not come back because of the way the situation was handled.  All I could say was “Kudos, to that doctor’s family!” The other family continued coming, and they held their head high when they walked through the doors of the church. They acted as if nothing ever happened. This family is still precious to me, I taught some of their children in Sunday School and love them so much.

Is it worth treating people differently because of their  place in society? Or because of the way they look?  No, it is not. We are to look past the clothes and earthly possessions to see a person for who they are ~ A soul that is going straight to Hell if they are not saved.  A soul that may be struggling in their Christian walk or in their home life. Everyone needs a friend. I’ve always been told, if you can find one true friend then you have found a treasure.

Favoritism – Murder they are both a sin and one is not bigger than the other. A sin is a sin is a sin in the eyes of God. We should look at sin the same way.

James  2:12-13 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

If we show mercy and kindness to others, then others are going to show mercy and kindness to us.  “We reap what we sow.”  There are times we are judged by others for doing something. It is not our job to be judgmental towards them when something happens. We need to show mercy and kindness in all things and to all people.

James 2:14-17 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?  If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Saying we have faith and actually giving of ourselves in faith are two different things. We can talk all we want about having faith, but we need to put a little action behind all the talking. ~  An old saying, “You need to put your money where your mouth is.”

James 2:18-19 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Faith and works go hand in hand. Can you really have one without the other?

James 2:20-22 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

What great faith Abraham had! He trusted God enough that he placed his son on an altar of sacrifice. Would I be so trusting?

James 2:23-24 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

To be called the FRIEND OF GOD is an amazing honor. Abraham put action behind his faith. Do I have enough faith to trust God with everything ~ 100%?

James 2:25-26 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Rahab, a woman most people would not have anything to do with. But God chose her to be used by Him, in saving the lives of the spies. In her faith and works, God protected her and her family. I want to be used by God by putting works behind my faith.

I hope you’ll join me next week when I share more Simple Thought Without Theology from James 3. If you missed my thoughts on James 1 you can find them HERE.

Simple Thoughts Without Theology: James 1

I’m updating several old posts over the next month or so. While reading through some, I found my thoughts on the book of James when I studied it. I shared those thoughts way back when I shared a weekly Fruitful Friday post of what I learned that week.  When I read what I shared all those years ago, I knew I had to bring them up again. The thoughts are just that, simple. No theology, just thoughts from a simple gal trying to learn more from God’s word. If you’re like me, then you know sometimes it’s just the simple thoughts you need to hear from others.

Simple Thoughts Without Theology

 James 1:1-2   James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 

This is the day that the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24) This verse is  easy to say and a song that is easy to sing, when you are living on the mountain top. But what about the valley I may face?  “Count it all joy” when ye fall into divers temptations~ That’s a big pill to swallow. Trying to have joy when our lives are in the middle of problems ~ it’s not easy. But knowing that I am a child of the King who will never leave me stranded in the middle of a mess, does make it a little easier to face those trials/testings . My God is in control on the days when I’m at the mountain top and He is still there when I’m in the valley. It is easier to face those kind of days knowing that He is right beside me.

James 1:3-4  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.But let patience have perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

In most things, I am a pretty patient person. I’ve been taught to never pray for patience because my faith is going to be tried some way. Having FAITH is a whole different story for me. This is something that I pray for daily. We face obstacles and people in our lives that will destroy our faith, it can be very discouraging. Because of this, I pray that I am not one of those who will destroy the faith of someone else. I want to be the one who encourages faith. Our family has gone through a lot over the past 5 years. No matter what, God has seen us through. Our needs have been met, we have not been left needing things. We have a vehicle to drive, a roof over our heads, clothes and shoes on our feet, and food on the table. What more do you really need? Most of the things that this world has to offer will come and go and some will be completely forgotten about. But God is always there to help me through.

 James 1:5-6  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 

I love knowing that the Lord is not going to say, “Why can’t you get this stuff through your head?” when I keep going to him for the same thing. Thankfully, we can go to Him and ask for wisdom and know that He is going to give it over and over.

 James 1:7-8  For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

I want to be stable in my heart and mind. I want stability in my personal world around my family. If I don’t have faith that God will answer my prayers, why should I even ask? What is the point? God doesn’t have to do anything for me, but He wants to. He wants me to have faith in Him, knowing that He is going to answer my prayers whether the answer is what I want or not. I am so thankful for a God who loves me and wants to supply my needs and wants.

James 1:10-11 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. 

We are all the same in God’s eyes, no one is better than the other. It does not matter if we have all the money and power in the world or not, we are all going to have times that are tough but we are also going to have times when life is good. We need to remember what we are going through~ good or bad, it is only for a time.

James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

These trials that we are going through are temporary. In the end we are going to be able to hold our heads high and know that we came out on top ~ with the help of the Lord.

James 1:13-14   Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

It is my responsibility to stay close to God. When He is not near, that is my doing. I am the one who moved away from Him. The Lord does not tempt but he allows the opportunity to arise. It is my choice to either fall into the middle of a mess or to run as fast as I can to regain that closeness with the Lord.

James 1:15  Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

It’s not a sin to be tempted. It’s a sin to act on the temptation. Potiphar’s wife tempted Joseph. Instead of acting on it, he fled from it.(Genesis 39:7-12) If we commit a sin, it didn’t just happen. There had to be previous thoughts regarding the sin.(Mark 7:21-23) And of course, if we act on the sin, there will be repercussions.

James 1:16-17 Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

I serve a God that is constant. What He says ~ goes. When He tells me His is going to do something, He doesn’t change His mind~ He does it. Unfortunately, I do not always stick to what I say or plan on doing. I need to be more like Him ~ unchanging.

James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

This verse is a connecting verse and needs to be read with the past four or five verses. God created many beautiful things throughout the universe. Things that we are able to see, touch and love. But of all these things, we (humans) are the only creation that God purposely gave a soul to.We were created in His image. He wants us to be able to spend eternity with Him. We should give Him all the Glory and Honor that is due Him.

 James 1:19-20  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Be a listening person. Whether it be for God, a spouse, child or friend. Listening is a way of showing our love and being submissive to God and our husbands. We have two ears for hearing and one mouth for speaking; we should be listening two times more than speaking.

James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness are the things that are standing in the way of us hearing what the Lord has to say. Meekness is a spirit of compliance. ~ Ready to obey. The only way for us to succeed as a Christian is for us to put away these sins, repent and have an obedient spirit.

James 1:22-24 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

The reflection in a mirror only shows the outward appearance of a person. We can fool everyone around us, but we can’t fool God. He knows whether or not we are really trying to live a Christian life, even if those around us can’t see the true us.

James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

 Are you listening? I’ve asked that question many times to former students and even my son. Has God had to ask me that question? Probably so. I know what it is like to see my son hear but not truly listen because he has not done something, that was instructed of him. It really bothers me, so I know that it really bothers the Lord when I do it to Him. I want to please the Lord, I want to be a doer, not just a hearer.

James 1: 26-27 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

 Oh, be careful little tongue what you say, for the Father up above, is looking down in love. My words are to be Christ honoring at all times. As a Christian, I have people waiting and watching for me to let my tongue slip, so they can point a finger. How embarrassing that is when it happens!

I hope you’ll join me next week as I continue to share more Simple Thoughts Without Theology from James chapter 2.

Joyfulness - 4 Certainties of God

Life is hard. But as a Christian, we should do our best to seek out being joyful even when life becomes hard to handle. There will be days when we won’t feel like it. There will be days when our world will be turned upside down. Those days will be hard to live joyfully.

Being joyful doesn’t mean we can’t be sad. Sadness is a natural emotion that comes with pain and suffering. If someone doesn’t feel a time of sadness, there is a real heart problem in them. But even in the times of sadness, we can still have joyfulness. Even Jesus had a moment of sadness (John 11:28-35)

We can have joyfulness at any time because of God.

Joyfulness - 4 Certainties of God

 He Cares for Us

  

God is attentive to us. He hears our cries; he knows our needs. God knows everything about us - the good and the ugly. (Psalm 18:6), (Psalm 22:24)

God assists us. We don’t have to travel this life alone. God is side by side with us. (Psalm 40:13) Psalm 46:1)  (Isaiah 40:28- 31) (Hebrews 4:16)

God adores us.  God loves us (Ephesians 2:2-4)

 He Carries Us

God is great. Because of his greatness, all of our problems are small. God is great, He is Almighty. There is nothing too big for Him. (Romans 4:21) (Ephesians 3:20) God is ABLE. He is able to do the impossible.

God picks us up with grace. He is loving and gentle. (Romans 5:20) (2 Corinthians 9:8)

He Corrects Us

He corrects us with a loving heart. (Psalm 40:2) He gives second chances. (Psalm 32:1-2)

 He Changes Us

Our worship changes. (Psalm 40:3) (Psalm 9:12) (Psalm 150:6)
Our walk changes. (Psalm 40:5)
Our witness changes. (Psalm 51:13)

No matter where you are today or what you're facing, stop and draw a line for your new beginning to be more joyful.

Verses for When You are Discouraged

Discouragement, we’ve all experienced it and it’s not enjoyable. It usually hits when we are overwhelmed with things going on in our life. These are the times when you feel like giving up, crawling in the bed and pulling the covers over your head. We’ve all been there and if we are not careful, this discouragement grows into a huge mess.

Do you know the signs of discouragement?

• Apathy – you’ve lost your passion for what you are doing

• Hopelessness – you no longer believe you’ll reach your goals

• Sleeplessness – you don’t sleep restfully

• Negative Thoughts – thoughts that go against the Bible

These are just four things to be aware of since there are many signs of discouragement. Everyone is different, so things may look differently for you.

Discouragement plays on our emotions and our body. In these times, we need to stop and focus on the One who can help us through it.

Seven Days of Scripture Writing

on When You are Discouraged

Now’s the time to rest in Jesus. He’s the One who will give us the grace we need to make it through. Matthew 11:28-30

The Lord goes throughout our days ahead of us. He knows what we will face and yet He never leaves our side. Deuteronomy 31:8

Jesus is the only peace we can have. He has overcome what happens in our life. John 16:33

The Lord knows when we need green pastures and still waters. We don’t have to face these moments alone, Jesus is there to comfort us. Psalm 23:1- 4

We serve the same God who raised Jesus from the dead. We can trust Him to heal this discouragement. 2 Corinthians 4:13-18

The Lord loves you and he will preserve you. Have courage that he will give you the strength you need. Psalm 31:23- 24

When we humble ourselves to God, he works on our behalf when we need him to. Cast your burdens on Jesus, he cares, understand and wants to help. I Peter 5:6-7

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Verses for When You are Discouraged

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The Imperfection of the Woman of Proverbs 31

I’ve been working behind the scenes at The Christian Ladies Network. I’ve been editing and adding images to old posts that were shared on the original site back in its prime. Some of the work I’ve had to delete for various reasons. While digging through those particular articles I found one that caused me to stop and think. It was something I’ve not considered E.V.E.R. The woman of Proverbs 31 was not perfect. The article pointed out things like she might have suffered from bedhead, bad breath, and a short temper. But is also mentioned that there are none righteous, so that meant she was not perfect.

The Imperfection of the Woman of Proverbs 31

Over the years I’ve read blogs where women were striving to be the perfect wife and mother by following Proverbs 31 or channeling their inner June Cleaver or Caroline Ingalls. I can’t help but giggle when I think about this “perfection” because the latter two were not real.

June Cleaver may have a spotless house with meals on the table at the right time and never a hair out of place – she is fiction.

Caroline Ingalls may have had to deal with the daily life of living on the prairie and dealing with incorrigible town people. But we only know what has been written about her and Hollywood made the Caroline Ingalls we all know and love – she is fiction.

The woman in Proverbs 31 was a teaching example a mother used while training her son. While we really don’t know who King Lemuel was, many believe him to be King Solomon and that would mean his mother, Bathsheba taught him what to look for in a wife. (As the mother of a son, I do the very same thing.) She used an imperfect woman to teach her son.

Many young women find themselves in a mess because they can’t live up to the Woman in Proverbs 31. Rightfully so, because they are not perfect. I’m not perfect and you’re not perfect.

This woman manages a household, family, and business without blinking an eye. She speaks kindness and gives great advice. Her family is never in need. She lives such a life her husband doesn’t have to fear what others think of him and the family. The children never show disrespect, they praise her.

But in all honesty, this woman is not perfect.

The Imperfect Woman of Proverbs 31 and the Other Women of the Bible

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Have you ever considered All the Women of the Bible when trying to live like the Woman of Proverbs 31? There are many we can look to and learn from just by reading their stories – some good and some bad.

Here are just a few:

Ruth – A virtuous woman (Ruth 3:11)

Zipporah – She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life (Exodus 4:14-20)

Queen of Sheba – She is like the merchants’ ships; she brings her food from afar (I Kings 10:6-10, Matthew 12:42)

The Wise Virgins and Anna – Her candle doesn’t go out at night (Matthew 25:1-12) (Luke 2:36-38)

Dorcas – She stretches her hand to the poor and needy. (Acts 9:36)

Lydia – Her clothing is silk and purple; she makes fine linen and sells it. (Acts 16:14)

Deborah, Huldah, and Pilate’s Wife – She opens her mouth with wisdom and kindness.
(Judges 4-5) (II Kings 22:14-20) (Matthew 27:19)

Rahab – She looks well to the ways of her household. (Joshua 2:2-13)

Jael – Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
(Judges 4-5:24)

While the woman of Proverbs 31 is an ideal woman we all can look to, she is not who we are suppose to be living like. We are to be living a life of Christ. He’s the only one who can help us balance out our imperfect life.

Trusting God - Seven Days of Scripture Writing

Have you ever dealt with not trusting God? This post is for you {and me}!

Of all the let downs we’ve had in our lives, God is the only one who has not let us down. His timing and answers may not be what we want, but he always has our best interest in mind.

Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines Trust as Confidence; a reliance or resting of the mind on the integrity, veracity, justice, friendship or other sound principle of another person. He or that which is the ground of confidence.

If we can put trust in others who are imperfect and not put our trust in God who is perfect and will not fail us, we have a major problem. God’s integrity and justice are in a class all their own, why not have confidence and trust in him?

I love this quote by Ernest Hemingway -

The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.

You know the slogan Just Do It. The only way we can trust in God is to just do it. Trust he will provide. Trust he will give protection.  Trust he will heal. Trust he will answer those prayers.

I know there are times when it is easier said than done. I’ve experienced those times, and it’s not easy. But once you get over the first hurdle keeping you from trusting, it becomes easier.

Recently, I started writing out verses to help me focus more with trusting God. The effects of climbing over the hurdle that was keeping me from experiencing all I can was amazing. I found writing those verses kept them in my heart longer than just reading them.

Seven Days of Scripture Writing on Trusting God

• When we trust God, we receive blessings. (Jeremiah 17:7-8)
• If we trust God, he will direct our paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
• We can have confidence that God hears our prayers. (I John 5:13-15)
• We’re not stranded to deal with life’s trials alone, we can trust God to be with us. (Isaiah 43:1-2)
• We can trust God will never leave us. (Hebrews 13:5-6)
• When we give God our plans and allow him to work, we succeed. (Proverbs 16:1-3)
• If we stop and listen, we can hear the Lord speak to us. (Psalm 143:7- 9)