In His Graces

LOL: Minutes That Count

2012-01-23T07:22:00.005-05:00

Memory/Meditation Verse: "Be still and know that I am God I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” ~ Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

Would you like to win a devotional book today? Litfuse and I have one for you!! Read on...

Living Out Loud (LOL) is my goal for this year. Currently I am exploring this topic a little deeper in my blog post. I have to say, it is pulling me out of my comfort zone. In my last entries I wrote about being deeply rooted in Christ, the foundation of Living Out Loud and being compelled by the Holy Spirit, our fuel for Living Out Loud. So lets examine this fuel that drives those roots deeper just a bit more?

Dare I say its found in minutes? Yes...minutes. Minutes that count. Anyone who has a intimate relationship with their Creator will know what I am talking about...minutes that count are found in minutes with God. The more time we give Him, the more of Him we gain. Like exercise-the more you do it, the closer you get to your desired goal.

We tend to refer to it as our quiet time, minutes spent meditating on scripture, a song, or in a Bible study. Minutes that nurture the soul, the body, and the mind. Minutes dedicated to our spiritual well-being and our relationship with God.

My husband will often comment that he can tell when I haven't had my quiet time in the morning. For me, it shapes the rest of my day. Usually it is after everyone has left for the day in those 30-40 minutes before I too have to leave for work. In a corner of my bedroom, next to the window, I have my red paisley chair, the bedside table for my coffee and marking pens, a lamp, my lap blanket that my mom made me, my Bible, and at times a devotional book or bible study...a perfect and peaceful meeting place where I can be still and Know that He is God.

Maybe mornings were not meant for you. Trying to squeeze in some God time is just not conceivable with your current schedule or morning vitality, right? Night time devotions may be more your style. Awesome! But, I may have the perfect solution for you here in this devotional book Mornings with Jesus 2012 to help you incorporate God into the beginning of your day!!

Mornings with Jesus 2012 is a sweet nugget of inspiration mapped out in 366 one-page devotions. A piece of spiritual fuel to get your day started as you take those first sips of coffee or tea. A dose of encouragement to awaken your spirit and charge your day. Loaded with scripture and graced with a daily challenge, its seven authors help you to develop the discipline of starting your day off with God.

Minutes that count...minutes that become a life line...minutes that transform...minutes that renew...minutes that heal...minutes that lead to a life time commitment in a relationship that will carry on into eternity.

Leave me a comment today about what fuels your quiet times with God. Maybe your new and trying to establish a consistent habit of meeting with Him, maybe you have a special practice or place for such a time as this-tell us about it!! Don't forget to include your contact information and I will randomly pick a winner for this book.

Also, go to Tricia Goyer's blog here (one of the authors) for another contest! Go here to buy this book! And to learn more about participating in book reviews from Litfuse Publicity click on their icon at the top of this blog!

In my next post I am sharing a devotional topic from this book that really stirred my heart. Come back!

Be still and know that He is God!!

Living Out Loud ~ Pamela

LOL: COMPELLED

2012-01-16T07:08:00.002-05:00

Memory/Meditation Verse: For Christ’s love compels us, since we have reached this conclusion: If One died for all, then all died. ~ 2 Cor. 5:14 (HCSB)

LOL: Living Out Loud. This is where God has me. This is where my heart remains fixed. This is where our blog journey continues.

There remains an uncertainty in this "Living Out Loud". As much as I would like to be in the know of what I am specifically called to Live Out Loud for, like a mission, a project, a vision, the clarity of such a thing is not there. The clarity I do hold is that Living Out Loud right now is about the day-to-day walk of obedience of willingness.

In a church service this weekend our pastor spoke of our memory verse above and I was draw to one word...compel. What drives you to do what you do? What motivates you to complete a task or to give of yourself? What compels you in life?

Webster defines the word compel as "to drive or urge forcefully or irresistibly; to cause to do or occur by overwhelming pressure".

Do you know what it is to be so compelled that it overwhelms your thoughts, your heart, your living? When one knows they are called for something greater than their present, they are driven to seek that purpose. The Holy Spirit will show you God's plan and purpose when you walk closely with Him, seeking Him with a hunger and thirst that can not be quenched by one simple act such as attending church alone. You have to seek Him by communicating with Him continually, reading His Word, memorizing His Word, reaching out to others in His name, fasting, praying...the list goes on.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. ~ Prov. 19:21

His purpose...the end result. For most of us, it is that end result, the completion that compels us. This is good. Yet the memory/meditation verse above is a reminder of what is to compel us in our every day living...Christ love. That alone should be enough to compel us to live with His purpose in mind, not our purpose, our wants or our desires...His purpose, His wants and His desire for our life and His kingdom.

Do you see God in your living? Is God honored by your living? Is God glorified by your giving? Is your success measured by God in the same way you measure it? Do you seek daily God's direction and control in your life? Are you positioned minute by minute to act on his promptings?

There is an old expression that states, "Don’t be so heavenly minded that you are of no earthly good." God compels us to move on something, to act on His behalf and sometimes we get so lost in the spiritual we miss the mark. Religion can be like that. So many rules and practices that one is not able to reach out "in His name" and minister to others, let alone reflect His presence in their life.

Living Out Loud for His purpose. That is what I desire. Like Paul in Acts 20:22 I am compelled to live out loud for God, to give out loud for His kingdom, not knowing what lies ahead for me.

"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there..." (NIV)

Even so, I want to be able to live out loud spiritually on this earth for His good. Touchable. Believable. A living example of what God can do with a broken life compelled by His love and healing.

Living Out Loud ~ Pamela

LOL: Deeply Rooted

2012-01-09T06:50:00.003-05:00

Memory Verse: Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. ~ Col. 2: 7 (NLT)

Living out loud spiritually just doesn't happen. One cannot just wake up and say "today I am going to live out loud". Well, I suppose you can try but failure is bound to happen. Kind of like a New Years resolution. How many people do you know who have already broken their New Year resolution for 2012?

"Willingness is the lever God can use to change us, but willpower alone cannot do it". ~John Burke, Soul Revolution

Living out loud spiritually takes work. It takes brokenness. It takes being pruned. It takes nurturing.

Living out loud requires experiences that most people, if given the choice, would prefer to do without. Living our loud often requires stepping outside of the box and getting out of your comfort zone. You don't just get there by chance and you don't get there on your own strength.

My favorite flower by far is the rose. I know there are so many other amazing creations of flowers out there but every facet of the rose intrigues me. Not one is the same and its life is fragile.

Roses can resemble our life. Its growth is slow and requires specific nurturing. Each bud eventually blossoms into a beautiful display of our Gardeners touch.

Every fall you have to painfully prune a rose bush back to just a few short inches. I hate this part and love it at the same time. I hate the thorns that eventually stick into my skin during this process but I am also thankful for the beauty I was able to watch all summer long.

If your Christian walk has been anything like mine, there has been plenty of pruning in it. Pruning for things such as stubbornness, selfishness, regrets and sins. Do you think God feels the sting of sadness over the pruning it requires to get "the stuff" out of ones life that keeps them from His Holiness?

Following the pruning of the rose stems, the bush must go through a season of hibernation. So often a Christian finds themselves is a season that feels like hibernation. A season that resembles emptiness, silence or closure. Usually when we enter this time, this valley, this darkness as some have called it, we enter it without trying to. Most will get frustrated, depressed, maybe even angry for being there. It often follows a mountain top experience or a chaotic event.

Over the years I have learned to view this hibernating season with new eyes. It doesn't need to be frustrating. The pain can become something worth enduring. I see these hibernating seasons as a waiting time a time meant to grow us. These hibernating seasons sting a little less when you view it as a time of waiting on God.

"A time of waiting on God"...makes it more embraceable don't you think? A season of time of preparing that leads to re-birth. Life may seem too hard, maybe a bit too painful in this season but the reality of this period is preparing us for something greater...a season of re-birth, a season of release, a season of beauty. The more we embrace this seasons of spiritual winter, the more breath-taking greatness of God we will experience.

"If life as you have known it and the path that you have walked seem to be ending, draw especially close to God and He will reveal what your next step is to be". ~ Stormie Omartian, Just Enough Light For The Step I'm On

It is during the seasons of waiting that we are to grow our roots deeper in Him. It is time meant for digging deeper into His Word, memorizing scripture, meditating of His life, learning to depend on Him in a more in-depth way. What may start out painful will blossom and embrace a new and refreshed spiritual beauty. Isn't that our hearts desire anyway?

As the spring comes and we find the hibernating season leaving, we can bloom to be more of what He created us to be. His presence in our life becomes a fragrance that draws others to Him. The sweet aroma of Christ, the beauty of His love, grace and redemption demonstrated through our life, our failures, our short-comings.

"God often allows the hard things to happen in our lives in order to bless us in some way. " ~ Stormie Omartian, Just Enough Light For The Step I'm On

How deep are your roots? What season are you living in? Are your days built in His truths? Is the fragrance of Christ evident in your living? Is you faith growing strong?

My Holy and Sovereign God, you are the most amazing creator. The hands of your work amaze me. As I reflect on your creation of the rose, I am humbled at the details of its existence and how it resembles my own life. I desire to be a rose in your eternal garden, deeply rooted in you. I embrace your seasons of pruning and am thankful for the spiritual growth and the breath-taking fragrance of you that I can live out loud for. May my life worship you like never before. I too am the amazing work of your hands...be glorified in my living.

Living out Loud ~ Pamela

Live Out Loud...Give Out Loud...2012

2012-01-01T08:22:00.003-05:00

Memory Verse: Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established. Don’t turn to the right or to the left; keep your feet away from evil. ~ Proverbs 4:25-27 (HSCB)

Happy New Year!! I am entering 2012 with great peace and contentment. Does that mean life has been perfect? No.....far from it but 2011 was such a good year for me spiritually. It has left me in the embrace of God. Can't think of a better spot to be in!

God took me on a journey in 2011. I was tried and pushed beyond my own limits to say the least. Yet life with God allows one to reached a point of living beyond any circumstance by living in His embrace. How? Prayer, praise, obedience, perseverance, and faith. It is amazing how such peace and comfort can come, even in the worst of times, when you keep looking up. As I journey back through my scripture cards and the verses I have memorized in 2011, a reflection of the year magnifies God's work in my heart, my mind, and my life. So far from perfection but so much closer to my God!!

"The things that preserves a man from panic is his relationship to God." ~ Oswald Chambers

Are you excited to see where God will lead you and use you in 2012? I am! The glimpses He has given me up to this point is leading to a deeper focus on glorifying Him. First I heard Him say "Lose control for what I want you to do for Me". I so want to!! I have begun to feel a yearning to reach out in ways I haven't before. It will not come easy for me. I will have to step outside my comfort zone. Serving comes easy, being bold about my faith with others maybe not so much. I don't like being in front of a crowd-not something you would expect from a previous college instructor, right?

Coming from a fallen and broken life filled with plenty of grief and disappointments, it's hard to stand up strong and radiate God when you fear the past is all others will allow themselves to see. Moving beyond ones regret can be so difficult but not impossible. When a person is able to step beyond their unwanted past, they are able to experience an amazing God and that is where I stand today. It's a humble place to be but also the best place I have ever been.

Other little things have illuminated the path ahead for me on to this new journey for 2012-such as a new church with some of the most amazing worship and sermons I have ever experienced. He spoke to me through a new worship song: "From the Inside Out". In this song He convicted me that I need to give Him more control...I'm still being selfish with some areas. OUCH. My life, my heart, my mind is made to consume Him from the inside out by giving Him praise in all that I say, think or do. I didn't think I could hunger and thirst for more of Him but I do and that makes me want to do more for Him. No more selfishness, no more living in the shadow of my past but instead 2012 calls me to live in the shadow of His cross OUT LOUD!

Another message came from the childrens Christmas program at this new church. As they were reaching out to save a mission about to be closed, they changed "LOL (laugh out loud) to "Live Out Loud". God has laid on my heart a deep desire to not only live out loud with my life in Him but to also reach out in a big way. This confirmed Isaiah 58: 10-12 was indeed to be my scripture for 2012 (captured by my heart a few months ago when I started asking God what He wanted of me):

...and if you offer yourself to the hungry,

and satisfy the afflicted one,
then your light will shine in the darkness,
and your night will be like noonday.
The LORD will always lead you,
satisfy you in a parched land,
and strengthen your bones.
You will be like a watered garden
and like a spring whose waters never run dry.
Some of you will rebuild the ancient ruins;
you will restore the foundations laid long ago;
you will be called the repairer of broken walls,
the restorer of streets where people live. ~ Isaiah 58: 10-12 (HCSB)

A more recent message came from a Bible study I have the privileged to lead. Within this study I was lead to the memory verse above. This verse is about making peace with our past. It's about coming into God's light one step at a time. It's about putting on the armor of prayer, praise, obedience, perseverance, peace, and faith. One step at a time in His light. Trusting Him and stepping out.

Living out loud...giving out loud...from the inside out...praising a most amazing God. Hold me accountable friend.

What are you living for in 2012? What mission has God laid on your heart? What path is He illuminating for you? Live it out loud with me!!

Striving to Live Out Loud~Pamela

No Matter the Cost...Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T18:55:00.010-05:00

Meditation Verse: But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." ~ Luke 2:10-12

Yesterday, Christmas day 2011, I snuck away to my red paisley chair that serves as my devotional chair. It was mid-afternoon and very peaceful in the house. I had this yearning to review the birth of Christ in the scripture. I felt the Holy Spirits urging me to look at this amazing story and to note what each of the main character brought to God and to His Son. Upon doing this, I found a beautiful gifts that I myself could give Jesus for His birthday...

Lets look first at Mary in Luke 1 (NIV):

²⁶ In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, ²⁷ to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

²⁹ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. ³⁰ But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. ³¹ You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. ³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, ³³ and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

³⁴ “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

³⁵ The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. ³⁶ Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. ³⁷ For no word from God will ever fail.”

³⁸ “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Mary was favored by God, so much so she was His chosen choice to bring forth His Son. Was she chosen because she was perfect and without sin? Impossible. But no doubt she has a gentle spirit, an obedient heart and a love for God. Even after the angel spoke to her, she may have question her worth, her ability to do such a thing but as quickly as those words left her lips, she gifted God with a willing heart-willing to accept this blessing no matter the cost.

God calls us to fulfill His will today. We may not be called to such a task as Mary but we are called to something. Our gift to God is to have a willing spirit...no matter the cost.

What about Joseph? Look at Matthew 1 (NIV):

¹⁸ This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

²⁰ But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹ She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

²² All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ²³ “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

²⁴ When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. ²⁵ But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Can you imagine the chaos surrendering Josephs thoughts when Mary revealed she was carrying an child...not just any child but God's child? His heart and his mind had to battled each other as he decided how to handle it all. Yet, when the angel spoke to him it reads that he awoke and did what he was commended. Joseph gave God the gift of an obedience...no matter the cost.

Often we are wronged by others or a situation. Our heart may tell us to fight back or run while our mind might tell us to seek revenge or hold a grudge. Maybe, just maybe that wrong is all part of a bigger plan of God. Our gift of obedience is a perfect response to God in any situation.

How about those shepherds? We see their story in Luke 2 (NIV):

⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

The shepherds got a glimpse of heaven which made them seek after Jesus. Then when their eyes laid hold of Him they praised Him and immediately took out to boldly tell of Him. They gifted God with spreading the story of Jesus and glorified them both with their praises...

At some point, everyone gets a glimpse of God, something that makes them want more of Him. It is a continual process for those who have a relationship with Him. It's a hunger and thirst that is unquenchable by worldly standards. It's a satisfaction, a contentment, a peace when chaos surrounds. Its an unspeakable joy that allows for worship and praise no matter what surrounds a persons life. God is pleased with our gift of seeking and praising him no matter the cost.

And we cannot exclude the Magi, the wise men we read about in Matthew 2 (NIV):
⁹ After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. ¹¹ On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. ¹² And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Assigned to find this Christ child for purposes other than Gods, it didn't matter to the Magi. They knew they were sent to worship a promised Savior and to give Him their best...no matter the cost.

Sometimes it feels like we are in a dead-end, no-win kind of situation like the Magi. Do we give God our best in it? A failing marriage, a serious health condition, a rebellious child, a staled ministry, financial hardship, emptiness, loneliness, busyness....are we giving God our best in even these? Gifting God with our best, no matter how big or how small it may seem, will be worth any cost that comes with it.

Many of you probably celebrated Christmas this year with a birthday cake for Jesus. Most of you read the story of His birth around the Christmas tree or in a church candlelight service. Special remembrances that lead us to ask "what gift are you giving Him this year?".

Maybe its the gift of willingness like Mary, or obedience like Joseph...no matter the cost. Maybe your gift is the eagerness to seek more of Him and the boldness of praising Him...no matter the cost. Maybe it is to give Him your best whether you are having a day of weakness or strength...your best in any situation...no matter the cost.

God gave us His best in so many ways but none more tender than through His Son.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ~ John 3:16-17 (NIV)

Jesus gave us His best so we could share life with Him forever.

Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. ~ Gal 1:4 (NLT)

I don't know about you but that's a pretty amazing gift...almost more than my mind can wrap itself around. What more can we give back than a heart and mind that is willing and obedient, a life that worships and praises Him for all that He has been and all that he is. An effort to give Him our best no matter the cost.

Happy birthday Jesus...I hope you are pleased with this gift!

Living in His Embrace~Pamela

The Godly Woman's Journey: Seasonal Confrontation

2011-11-27T16:12:00.001-05:00

Memory/Meditation Verse: And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. ~ Micah 6:8 (NIV)

The Christmas season is upon us. Black Friday has come and gone. Christmas trees and house lights have been put up. A wreath most likely hangs on the front door of most houses and fireplace mantles shimmer with pine branches or glittering ribbons.

I'm not in the mood this year for those seasonal traditions. I haven't unloaded all my Christmas decorations and scattered them through my house. This year the tree is not being decorated with ornaments, as suggested by one of my daughters. I was all over that suggestion. Outside of the lighted ribbon and Nativity set gracing my fireplace mantle, and a Christmas table runner and candy dish decorating my dining room table, I think that is all I can muster up at the moment. Thank God my children are teenagers and older because activities surrounding Santa Claus nauseates me.

Why so blatantly scrooge like?

It's not because of the economical affects on our family finances (which are not very good right now). It's not because we have out-grown the Santa Claus stage. It's not because we don't appreciate the value of tradition or family gatherings. It's because my heart is in a different place.

This past years journey brought me here. This is not a Scrooge attitude but an attitude of submission from a seasonal confrontation. Craving simplicity over the dramatization this world has made of the season. The Christmas season has become to busy, too worldly. I am horrified at times at the forsaking of a sacred moment in history that is often replaced with worldly celebrations that often leaves one dissatisfied.

I am instead humbled in a new way this year by the true meaning of Christmas and find myself even more dependent than ever on my God. Yearning for a simplicity that is far from simple or easy.

A seasonal confrontation that leaves a longing for spiritual resolution. A seasonal confrontation of the significance behind a manager and a cross verses the bright lights and abundant decorations we see in this season. A seasonal confrontation yielding a spiritual magnitude that can be too comprehensive for the heart and mind of a human race that does not know God. A seasonal confrontation that can only be understood by those who walk faithfully with God, seeking to love as His Son loved, and live as His Son lived.

A seasonal confrontation of the impact of God's gift of love that emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, relationally and behaviorally transforms one's purpose in life. A seasonal confrontation that gives one the desire to model His appearance by radically living as He lived. A seasonal confrontation making one restlessness for more of Him. A seasonal confrontation leaving an unsettling need to share His story of amazing love that is wrapped with life-giving grace, healing and redemption.

A seasonal confrontation that calls one to radical dependence. A call to lose control for what Gods wants in and of one's life. A seasonal confrontation to live without the things of this world that hold no spiritual value, and the power to live moment-by-moment with God.

A seasonal confrontation leading to...

Total surrender.

A responsive heart.

Maximum faith.

Holy living.

Simplicity.

But make sure that you don't get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. We can't afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don't loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about!
~ Romans 13:11-12 (Message)

Holy and Sovereign God, You are here, not just in this season but in every day, every moment. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for wanting to do life with me. Thank you for guiding me to this place of seasonal confrontation and commitment. Continue to teach me. Continue to lead me. I adore you. May my life worship you and bring you glory.

Living in His Embrace~Pamela

The Godly Woman's Journey: Illumination

2011-11-20T13:55:00.001-05:00

Memory/Meditation Verse: "Rise up and shine, for your light has come. The shining-greatness of the Lord has risen upon you. ² For see, darkness will cover the earth. Much darkness will cover the people. But the Lord will rise upon you, and His shining-greatness will be seen upon you". ~ Isaiah 60: 1-2 (NLV)

Words come to me and just hang in my thoughts and heart. It may be from a sermon, a conversation, a song. Last week I heard the word illuminate used from a preacher on the radio. He was referencing God's illumination into our life, our thoughts, our heart, allowing us to see and hear Him. I made it a prayer for my quiet times.

The word still stick. So I am nudged by the Holy Spirit to bring it into this journey.

Having God's illumination in our life makes us grow spiritually strong. In this growth we then begin to illuminate His glory. That became my unsettlement...the presence of a word to stir my heart and my living. A realization that I am being called to illuminate His glory.

Encarta defines illuminate (il·lu·mi·nate) as to "shine light on somebody or something: to make somebody or something visible or bright with light, or be lit up decorate something with lights: to decorate something with lights for a celebration clarify something: to make something easier to understand".

Spiritual illumination. It recorded through the scripture...

God's Message, the God who created the cosmos, stretched out the skies,
laid out the earth and all that grows from it,
Who breathes life into earth's people,
makes them alive with his own life:
"I am God. I have called you to live right and well.
I have taken responsibility for you, kept you safe.
I have set you among my people to bind them to me,
and provided you as a lighthouse to the nations,
To make a start at bringing people into the open, into light:
opening blind eyes,
releasing prisoners from dungeons,
emptying the dark prisons". ~ Isaiah 42: 5-7 (HCSB)

Living from the inside our, radiating the Lord in our life. The godly woman says "YES! Lord, I want to shine on this world, to make you visible and bright in and though my life...to help others better understand your Word and their need of you in their life! Help me illuminate your glory".

Being a light with eternal significance, a light that serve the purpose of our work here on earth for our Creator....

Remember, our message is not about ourselves; we're proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, "Light up the darkness!" and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.

If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us. As it is, there's not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we're not much to look at. We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken. What they did to Jesus, they do to us—trial and torture, mockery and murder; what Jesus did among them, he does in us—he lives! Our lives are at constant risk for Jesus' sake, which makes Jesus' life all the more evident in us. While we're going through the worst, you're getting in on the best!~ 2 Cor. 4: 5-12

Messengers illuminating the story of Jesus....

"No one lights a lamp, then hides it in a drawer. It's put on a lamp stand so those entering the room have light to see where they're going. Your eye is a lamp, lighting up your whole body. If you live wide-eyed in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. Keep your eyes open, your lamp burning, so you don't get musty and murky. Keep your life as well-lighted as your best-lighted room."
~ Luke 11:33-36

Your eye is a lamp lighting up your whole body...what does your eyes see each day? What substance do you take in to fill your heart in mind? Our vision, our sight feeds into our heart and mind be it good or bad. And though our eyes, our soul can be reflected out.

If you live wide-eyed in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light...do you live in amazement of what our God has done? Of what He is? Of His creation? Of His love? Daily? If we did how would we not illuminate Him?

I was reminded of a picture I took late one night driving home from visiting a patient. The night was dark, not a single star visible in the sky. The road was so long, so incredibly deserted. My headlights illuminated the path I was to take. While the world around me was sleeping, lights dimmed by the late hour and the bodies need for rest, my headlights pierced the darkness.

This picture reflects just how much we can spiritually illuminate this cold dark world. God made the desire of my heart to live a life that would spiritually pierce the darkness of this world. Not in a way to glorify my own journey of restoration and spiritual awakening but to pierce this dark world with the light of His glory, His work in and through my mistakes, my losses and pains. Piercing the dark world with a spiritual illumination that they might know Who they need to fill their life, ease their suffering, satisfy their hunger, heal their pain.

¹ARISE [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you--rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!

²For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and dense darkness [all] peoples, but the Lord shall arise upon you [sweet sister in Christ], and His glory shall be seen on you.

³And [lost souls] shall come to your light, and [broken Christians] to the brightness of your rising.
~ Isaiah 60 (Amplified, personalized)

Spiritual illumination. A godly woman's journey to completeness in Christ. A godly woman's purpose.

Are you illuminating Jesus today?

Father God, Holy and Sovereign Lord, help us to illuminate your goodness in and through our lives. Radiate your love, your healing, your grace and mercy through our living. Be reflective in our actions, our thoughts, our brokenness. May your presence in our life be a sweet aroma that draws others to you. Use us to be glorified in this cold, dark world. We love you Jesus. We are but your vessel...use us.

Living in His Embrace~Pamela

The Godly Woman's Journey: Spiritual Vibrancy

2011-11-12T07:22:00.002-05:00

Memory/Meditation Verse: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. ~ Proverbs 30:8 (NIV)

This "Proverbs 31 Journey" which modernized into the "Godly Woman's Journey" has taken me on a different path than I thought it would in the beginning of this year. I felt such a burden to better myself as a wife, mother and friend and knew I needed to be a whole lot more of the Proverbs 31 Woman. My focal verse was:

"...sent to strengthen [my husband and children], to encourage [them] in [their] faith, and to keep [them] from being shaken by the troubles [they] will go through. ~ 1 Thes 3:2&3 (personalized)

This study however has lead the calling of my heart into a different path of sorts. God layed this study on my heart because He needed me to make a change in my heart, one that I didn't realize that I needed at the time. As I studied this legend of a lady, determined to get to know her better, to become her, I quickly learned that in order to be the Proverbs 31 Woman to my family and others I first had to love and worship our God more fully, more intimately.

Worship God more. I thought I was doing a good job. I was cherishing the intimacy I had experienced but conviction fell on me that I wasn't doing enough. There was more, a deeper intimacy that I needed, that He wanted to share with me.

No matter how much time I spend doing, studying, praying, and attending church, there is more. I have became so incredibly convicted that maybe I have been living my religion more than worshiping Him. God is calling me to live in a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him. The the rest would fall into place...so to speak (we know how interruptions from the enemy can even make that a challenge).

Living ones religion. For too many denominations, that's what it is about. Sad to say, one can have religion and not have a relationship, a true intimate relationship, with God. One can be spiritual in action and not spiritually and intimately connected to God. One can be active in the church but not active in their personal walk with God. I have seen it. I have come to realize that at times I have lived it.

Now don't get your defenses up. I think we are inclined to do that when it comes to this topic. Having lived every day of my life with a Christian foundation from my parents, I too like others lived the way of the church. Not saying that is bad-in fact, I am more blessed because of the foundational work that has been given to me. But, as I have grown spiritually, and failed spiritually, I am coming to learn this spiritualism is so much more...so much more.

Church is a fundamental component of a Christians life but not to be the only fundamental part. A church is built and governed by man with the underlying principles of scriptures, right? We hope so. However, as with any other structure managed by man, it can fall apart, it can hurt and even destroy lives. Too often it is the people within the church that most often turns those of the world away from coming to seek and know our God. It is a painful reality that needs a good hard reckoning with.

The church. Religion. A practicing of ones faith. Does it necessarily make one religious? Does it guarantee an intimate relationship with our Creator? Is it always a safe place to go?

This is what this years journey has lead me to and awaken my senses to. A religion does not make us spiritually strong. A religion is not what God is asking of us. A religion can leave us empty.

Shamefully and too often I have been busy about the doing for God that I have missed God himself. All the good work "in His name" has not necessarily filled my soul. And in that I have failed to be the salt and light of His amazing love in this world. I have missed the joy of spiritual vibrancy, the completeness in life that can only come from Him.

" The presence of God--not how well we can perform duties of religion--is what creates within us a spiritual vibrancy....vibrancy--life within our soul--is the effective work of Jesus." ~ Lisa Whittle, {W}hole

The Life within my soul. Not how well I did a job or the recognition I inwardly hoped for but emptiness made full with His presence. Life reflected from my my Soul, spiritual vibrancy, for reflecting His work in and through me. The amazing work of Him in my life cannot be ignore and I am so convicted in the urgency to share that healing, that gift with the empty souls of this world.

The Light I am to reflect. The radiance of His healing, grace, and love I have come to cherish and live by. We must be careful that we are not being an object that blocks His radiance, but instead, we become an object of faith that reflects and radiates Him.

If you are generous with the hungry and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out, your lives will begin to glow in the darkness, your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight. I will always show you where to go. I'll give you a full life in the emptiest of places—firm muscles, strong bones. You'll be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry. You'll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew, rebuild the foundations from out of your past. You'll be known as those who can fix anything, restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, make the community livable again. ~ Isaiah 58: 10-12 (Message)

Suddenly this year I am feeling a calling, an urgency to reach out to those who desperately need Jesus...people who have known Him and fallen away, and people who have never experienced a vibrant relationship with Him.

Suddenly my heart aches, not to be active in a church ministry within four walls, but to be active in displaying His presence in my life so much so that those outside those church walls are compelled to seek Him.

My heart no longer desires restoration to the point of being worthy of serving again in ministry within those four walls, but instead I feel a desperation to tell others how my fall, my brokenness, my pit experiences have instead brought life and healing and intimacy with the only One who can restore. My empty places are full...full of Him. Re-dedication and re-dedication means nothing without a heart that is steadfast on Him, vibrant for Him.

"The presence of God in our life will produce a thriving spiritual existence that nothing else can generate--creating a genuine passion and concern for those things that once did not compel us." ~ Lisa Whittle, {W}hole

Commitment and dedication is a result of a heart that is focused on God. In a spiraling affect, our doing and our motivation is a reaction of that heart. When one can pray our memory verse above and live it out, they can better experience the spiritual vibrancy we were created for...kingdom work.

Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. ~ Proverbs 30:8 (NIV)

In other words, don't allow anything in my life that will block me from you Lord. Not the wardrobe in our closet or the house we call home, not the dollar amount our bank account holds or the status we earn in our careers or ministries...what will truly matter is what we do for Jesus. What are we doing to support His kingdom? What are we doing to draw others to seek Him?

Does our spiritual vibrancy drawn the lost Christians and lost souls to you? Does your life story make them take notice of God? Are they curious to your fullness of joy?

"Where there is spiritual blandness, we are to provide savor. Where there is spiritual darkness, we are to provide illumination. We are to draw people to Jesus by our loud display of His abundant love. " ~ Lisa Whittle, {W}hole

Spiritual vibrancy begins with sacrifice. Sacrifices of anything that might get in the way of you and God. Are you brave enough to ask God to allow only those things in your life that are necessary? Can you mustard up the strength to ask God to limit anything that might distract you from Him and from displaying Him to others? Daily manna, daily bread...only what you need.

"...Focusing on anything other than God is to abandon Him." ~ Nancy Douglas, Draw Me Near: Pursuing an intimate relationship with God.

God has boldly asked me to step outside of religions four walls and to step into His presence within this world. Oh, I still attend a worship service and value it. But it is no longer a matter of what I gain from the service or how many ministries I can be involved in. Too often that was my main concern. Shifting gears, I am challenged in my intimacy with God. And in that, how can I serve others? How I can mirror His reflection and cause others to be drawn to Him because of what they see of Him in my life.

For my determined purpose is that I may know Him that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly, and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection which it exerts over believers, and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed in spirit into His likeness even to His death, in the hope that if possible I may attain to the spiritual and moral resurrection that lifts me out from among the dead even while in the body.~Philippians 3:10-11, Amplified

Spiritual vibrancy. A reflection of Jesus in our life. We should not be attached to a denomination but rather attached to God. We were not created to be labeled by the our religion or our ministry, but we should be label by His grace and redemption as reflected by our my hearts actions. We are closer to being the Proverbs 31 Woman when we are His maidservant, craving more and more of Him, filled and overflowing. So much of Him that is spills over into another's life. Spiritual vibrancy.

My Holy and Sovereign God, you are my everything. Nothing else matters as much as you. Continue to fill me Lord. I am so thankful that you have filled my holes, my emptiness. You complete me. Keep away anything that will block me from your radiance. Continue to fill me so much that you spill over into the lives of those lost and without you. Grow this urgency I feel in my heart. Use me for your kingdom growth. I am so grateful for all that my life story represents and the healing that is too good not to share. Your presence in my life is my daily manna, my daily bread. I am clinging to you, my Shepherd.

For a beautiful song that reflects this message go here.

Living in His Embrace~ Pamela

The Godly Woman's Journey: Desperate

2011-11-07T05:04:00.000-05:00

Memory/Meditation verse: "[She] wanted desperately to see Jesus, but the crowd was in [her] way..." ~ Luke 19:3 (Message)

I left church last night speechless. My whole week has been like this. God's presence has been so near since I became "undone" (read about it here). I am unworthy of such an embrace from my Father but it has been so good...so very good.

Its like falling in love for the first time. My heart for no other reason than God Himself will leaped and a smile will come to my face. I feel such joy, such comfort like the soothing sensation of a warm drink on a sore throat.

Even though my week at work has been busy and has tried to squeeze more hours out of me than it should, I have felt His presence. The enemy has thrown in a few tensions here and there but I have truly been living in His embrace.

My quiet times and readings have all connected. So too last nights message and praise songs at church. I love how God does that and it leaves me wanting and yearning for more. It leaves me feeling desperate. Desperate for more of Him.

Just like Zacchaeus...

Then Jesus entered and walked through Jericho. There was a man there, his name Zacchaeus, the head tax man and quite rich. He wanted desperately to see Jesus, but the crowd was in his way—he was a short man and couldn't see over the crowd. So he ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus when he came by. ~ Luke 19:1-4

"He wanted desperately to see Jesus"-mirroring that desire in the heart reflects a godly woman. She yearns for more of God. She cannot spend enough time searching for Him in her quiet times, in her prayers, in her worship. This boldly characterizes her as a Jesus girl, stamps her as a Proverbs 31 Woman.

He is her manna, the primary source of her daily nutrients for her body, mind and soul. She is careful not to take in too much of "other things" from her plate so that there is more room for Him.

But like Zacchaeus, "but the crowd was in his way" things get in the way...commitments, people, hobbies, TV, books, addictions...

Our pastor gave the analogy of a meal. A meal is meant to be enjoyed, to provide nutrients, to fill. But if we take in too many others things right before a meal we find that we are already filled up and when it is time to sit at the table to enjoy the meal, we have no room for it, no desire for its blessing.

This too can happen in our spiritual life. If we soak up too much time in work, in TV, in our hobby...we become stuffed. Then when we sit down in our quiet time...in our secret place with God we have no room left for all that He has to offer us.

But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6

Our pastor spoke about the Jewish tradition of the prayer shawl and how it reflects the tent at the tabernacle in which they would enter to pray to God. This tent, being a holy place, is a secret place to which one could hear from God. The Jewish crowds could not all fit into the tent of the tabernacle so they would cover their heads with their prayer shawls, creating a tent, a secret place in which they could talk to God and await His voice.

I thought about my own quiet times I have each morning with God. I challenge you to think of your own quiet times. Do we enter it as holy? Do we imagine being in His tent, His secret place? Do we pray and meditate on His word so that we may hear His still small voice or do we rush on to our next task?

Do we leave our secret place feeling full but desperately wanting more of Him?

The secret counsel of the LORD is for those who fear Him, and He reveals His covenant to them. ~ Psalm 25:14

Desperate for more of His embrace...

I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches from secret places, so that you may know that I, the LORD, the God of Israel call you by your name. ~ Isaiah 45:3

Desperate to hear His voice...

A word was brought to me in secret; my ears caught a whisper of it. ~ Job 4:12

Desperate and never satisfied in a good way, a committed way, a holy way.

Desperate for more of Jesus. Desperate to see Jesus in Her day. Desperate to mirror Him in her life. Desperate to not allow anything else to get in her way of finding intimacy with her God.

Jesus, Holy and Sovereign God, You are my hearts desire. You complete me. I desperately want to see you, to feel your presence, and to hear your voice. Block out anything that tries to fill my life where you should be. Be my manna, my daily bread. Fill me.

Living in His Embrace ~ Pamela

The Godly Woman's Journey: Undone

2011-10-31T10:39:00.001-04:00

Memory/Meditation Verse: "You shall walk after the Lord your God and [reverently] fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice, and you shall serve Him and cling to Him." ~ Deut 13:4 (Amplified)

At church this weekend we sang a praise song that got my attention. I was not familiar with this song. Even so, the words resonate still today..."here in your presence, I am undone".

Here is the song for you to listen to on YouTube: Here in Your Presence.

Undone. What does that mean? One definition referred to "incomplete. brought to ruin: ruined, destroyed, or brought to the brink of collapse" (Bing.com). Another defined this word as "not fastened or tied or secured"(freedictionary.com).

Undone.

It can have negative inclinations....

God had a hedge of protection around Job yet tested him and his faith by removing that hedge. Job was undone.

Now that God has undone me and left me in a heap, they hold nothing back. Anything goes. ~ Job 30: 11 (Message)

But it can also be inclined for the positive. I believe this word describes the godly woman's journey...I believe this word references where I want to be...undone...a fitting description of life lived following Christ, not finished, taken apart, humbly submitted, wholeheartedly committed.

Undone.

A release of selfish desires and ambitions. A heart that desires to do His will so much so that the focus is more on God than the actual doing of His work. No hidden agendas. No trying to prove your spiritual worth or commitment.

"Although it is vital we seek to do God's will, we must never let our desire to do His will override our focus on Him." ~ Nancy Douglas, Draw Me Near: Pursuing an intimate relationship with God.

Undone.

Choosing to follow God during periods of what I call respite and embracing it. Drawing closer to Him. Serving and worshiping Him. Intimately allowing God to become the Lover of your soul.

"I had to trust Him with His plan for my life even if it meant doing what seemed like nothing. As God would have it, learning to submit to a life of isolation, gave way to new surrender. He knew my willingness to do his will had to override any plans of my own. Isolation was His method of teaching me that doing what seemed to be nothing for Him was far superior to doing a thousand good things that are not in His will. ~ Nancy Douglas, Draw Me Near: Pursuing an intimate relationship with God.

Undone.

Walking after the Lord your God. Reverently fearing Him. Keeping His commandments and obeying His voice. Serving Him and clinging to Him. Worshiping Him. Loving Him.

Undone ~ Pamela

The Godly Woman's Journey: {W}hole

2011-10-23T18:00:00.001-04:00

Memory/Meditation Verse: " For this reason I raised you up: so that I may display My power in you, and that My name may be proclaimed in all the earth." ~ Rom 9:17 (HCSB)

There is a restlessness in me I can't quite explain. An unsettling. An urgency. I know it is from God...but the uncertainty of it paralyzes me sometimes. Some days it is an outright battle...me against "it". Or is it a battle between God and satan for my life?

The mountain peaks of my spiritual walk run too closely with the valleys. Do you know what I mean? Do you have those weeks where God's Word graces your life with messages of hope and strength and then within one night...even one hour, change occurs and God seems so silent, so distant.

I truly believe the valleys are of my own doing. I lose my grip or my foot slips because I allow something into my heart or my mind that is not from God but of my own selfishness. I am left with "holes" in my life...emptiness, lack of self-worth, disgrace and rejection. But no matter how hard I fall, I can still say I hunger and thirst for a deeper relationship with my God. This in turn feeds deeper into my restlessness.

Then I picked up this book and though I am only a couple of pages into it I read...

"My story: my life...my journey...the things I'd seen and done in my life. My holes: the things that had come as a result, limiting and defining me. Holes in my religion, roles, and experiences had kept me from many things: effectiveness, peace, fulfilling my created purpose." ~ {W}hole, Lisa Whittle, pp.3.
http://wholethebook.org

Holes. My past. My story. A plague of resentment and regret that I choose not to linger on. Then I come across our memory/meditation verse listed above from in this first chapter and I am reminded of God's work in and through me during those times. I am pulled up from the valley I have fallen into, the dust is wiped off my jeans and a strong hand reaches out to me and pulls me back up into His presence and I hear...

" For this reason, I allow you to stumble, to fall into the valley so that I can raise you up. It is in raising you up from yourself and your failures that I can bring you into My likeness. It is though the valleys that I may display My power in you. And by doing it this way, My name will be glorified through the healing I display in your life. No matter how ugly you have tried to make it, I want others to see Me in you and in all that you have been."

Satan wants me to dwell on the past itself and not on where my past has brought me with my God. There are many holes in my life, some holes created by my own actions, other holes created by the acts of others. Whatever the cause I have learned over the years the power of healing found through scripture and some of these holes are fully filled with God now. How easy we forget this when we are in the valley, be it for an hour or a week.

Picking up Lisa's book has soften the restlessness I have been experiencing. A refocusing of the past that has brought me to a {W}holeness I cherish. It has been in some of my worst times that God has been most real, most near to me. I wouldn't trade that for anything.

"I can find no greater purpose than to be used by God to tell that holes-to-wholeness story by proof of a changed life...God saved me from myself and I couldn't be more grateful." (pp. 41)

I want an authentic faith, an intimate relationship with God that allows me to live confidently for Him and not for myself. I want to be able to share His goodness to others through my valleys, my story, my holes that have drawn me closer to knowing and experiencing Him. I want to be a living, breathing representation of Christ.

"What seems a hindrance becomes a way" ~ Henri Nouwen (pp.1)

A godly woman bravely embraces her Master and chooses not to let go. Knowing and experiencing Him becomes her mission in life. I am grateful for the {W}holeness I have found for my holes.

Living in His Embrace ~ Pamela

The Godly Womans Journey: Her Cause

2011-10-17T07:32:00.001-04:00

Memory/Meditation Verse: "To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy..."~ Jude1:24 (NIV)

A sermon lead me to this passage. My heart craved to linger on it, to dissect and draw from its words. I learned these words were recorded from the half-brother of Christ, Jude. In a single letter, Jude writes to believers warning them to protect themselves from false teachers and their sins. Instead he called them to focus on the their faith and relationship with God. And in doing this He also called them to minister to others with mercy and with a tender heart. Read the full letter here before we settle in on a few verses.

Can you imagine having personally receiving this letter? How many times would you have read it? Who would you share it with? Did anything stand out for you?

As I stated, a reference of this one verse (the memory/meditation verse above), found within this letter immediately captured my heart. This 24th verse confirmed a message, a repeated impression. This impression grows stronger each time I receive it. It is birthed again out of power found in a few words that I feel warrants the turning of a verse into a prayer.

What was the purpose of this particular verse? What was Jude's intent for this message? To find that out I believe we need to examine the verses before it, especially verses 20-23...

¹⁷ But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. ¹⁸ They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” ¹⁹ These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

²⁰ But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, ²¹ keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

²² Be merciful to those who doubt; ²³ save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

²⁴ To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— ²⁵ to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. ~ Jude 24

Here is the spiritual take I found from this part of Jude's letter...
1. We are called to remain faithful to the impression God lays on our hearts.

But remember, dear friends, that the apostles of our Master, Jesus Christ, told us this would happen: "In the last days there will be people who don't take these things seriously anymore. They'll treat them like a joke, and make a religion of their own whims and lusts." These are the ones who split churches, thinking only of themselves. There's nothing to them, no sign of the Spirit!
(The Message, verses 17-19)

There have been times I have been in a ministry or church that was more focused on the act of the ministry and not on the people it served. Outward appearance may not have reflected this. Intentions were well but in the end, the outcome was for personal glorification and growth, not eternal glorification and growth. We are called to remain faithful to the causes God places on our hearts.

2. What matter in the end is the eternity factor.

But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. (NLT, vs 20-21)

But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!(The Message, vs 20-21)

Through prayer and faith, there is strength power. There is security in God's love. Knowing that should allow the godly woman to heed God's calling on her life. If God has laid a cause on your life, the ability to complete the work can only be done by resting in His embrace, living in His mercy and loving as He loves. Acts of worship, living out your faith and seeking Him faithfully in prayer becomes your drive. As I heard a pastor say once, you are not just a fan of God but an active member of His team!

3. There is a ministry among the saved and the unsaved.

Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven. (The Message)

And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.
(New Living Translation)

As I focused on this blog entries memory/meditation verse above I am compelled to turned it into a prayer to be use for God's plan with my life, the cause he has called me to-a ministry of helping those hungry for God...a ministry of helping others identify the void that is in their life can only be filled by HIM. Loving the sinner, hating the sin. And as Jude cations, protection from the sin comes from keeping focused on the creator of your vision, your cause.

4. God is the only source and power to carry us in our cause.

Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen. (NLT, vs 24)

The cause He gives us is about His Glory, His eternal plan. The cause is not about you. The godly woman knows this. It is not how much you are behind the growth and success of a ministry or cause and the godly woman accepts this. It is only about what God can do though you to build His eternal kingdom.

Often times the Holy Spirit will impress something on our hearts so much that we cannot escape it. Everywhere we turn, there it is...posted in another woman's blog, mentioned in a sermon, seen in a video on Facebook, caught though a song on the radio. An impression that leads you to your cause...a God-given, God-ordained drive.

So I ask you, what is your cause? What have you been called to? It often changes with the circumstances of our life. Sometimes pain and/or change can open such a window of opportunity which can only be seen when we are resting in God's love and mercy and grace. Embracing such "opportunities" requires one significant goal...an eternal goal..."to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy". Make this your prayer as you live out His cause for your life.

Living in His Embrace~Pamela

The Godly Womans Journey: God-Inspired Passions

2011-10-05T18:44:00.000-04:00

Memory/Meditation verse: If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. ~ Romans 14:8 (NLT)

Do you think the Proverbs 31 Woman ever felt barren? Not barren in the form of the absence of a child in her womb but barrenness in the form of not filling fulfilled, not being fruitful or productive? Do you think she ever lived frustrated? Scripture doesn't reflect this. If this Proverbs 31 Woman was just as she is portrayed by the words of her son, she would be too perfect in all she does...right?

She never experienced a wayward child, right? She never experienced a stale marriage? She never felt worn out in her trusting of God to turn the pain in her life away, right?

Wrong...wrong...wrong. I believe that she was not tripped up by the pain in her life. Why? Because she choose to imitate Christ in every chance that she had. She demonstrated this over and over to the point that godly attitude is what others saw in her as recorded in Proverbs 31.

She also may have understood that her battles were won by love delivered through service. She embraced each painful or unplanned situation as an appointment from God. She was able to find some of her greatest healing from giving of herself when she was in her greatest pain, at her lowest, or greatly frustrated. I'm betting this godly woman reflected the words of Paul here in 2 Corinthians:

¹⁰Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us around. It gets us back in the way of salvation. We never regret that kind of pain. But those who let distress drive them away from God are full of regrets, end up on a deathbed of regrets.

^11-13And now, isn't it wonderful all the ways in which this distress has goaded you closer to God? You're more alive, more concerned, more sensitive, more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible. Looked at it from any angle, you've come out of this with purity of heart. And that is what I was hoping for in the first place when I wrote the letter. My primary concern was not for the one who did the wrong or even the one wronged, but for you—that you would realize and act upon the deep, deep ties between us before God. That's what happened—and we felt just great.~ 2 Cor 7: 10-11 (Message)

The godly woman does not allow the pain of her situation to wear her into the pit of withdrawal and discouragement but instead allows it to grow her heart closer to her God. Her heart grows with passion to resolve the outcome of her pain...be it her financial status, her troubled child, her failing marriage, her health...whatever the pain. She empties herself from what the pain holds by instead seeking to serve others and to mirror her Master, demonstrating obedience in the situation.

3 Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. ⁴ Everyone should look out not [only] for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. ⁵ Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus,⁶ who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. ⁷ Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, ⁸ He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross. ~ Phil 2 (HCSB)

In Bill Hybels book, The Power of a Whisper, he wrote "Today Lord, just say the word". In other words..."no matter what is ahead of me, I give you control Lord".

Today Lord, Just say the word.

One woman might say, "My child is on a destructive path. My heart is worried sick but today Lord, just say the word and I will be obedient and love her and those involved even more."

Today Lord, Just say the word.

Another woman may reflect "My marriage is falling apart...I am so sad and lonely and scared but today Lord, just say the word and I will be obedient and serve my family despite this pain."

Today Lord, Just say the word.

Another might say "This disease is more than I can handle but today Lord, just say the word and I will be obedient and give to others around me, putting them first over my own personal concerns."

If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. ~ Romans 14:8 (NLT)

No matter what comes across the godly woman's path to put her into barrenness, she needs to hold on to the holy passion of her faith. Rather than being torn up, downcast and depressed over her hardship and pain, she treats the difficultly as a God appointed adventure that has eternal treasures. Turn the table to honor God, grasp His plan, love others, serve others, and keep trusting. Allow the pain to grow into a God-inspired passion.

God's holy people passionately and faithfully stand their ground.
~ Rev 13:9b (Message)

Be godly. Live obediently. God-inspired passions grow most profoundly after our worst times. Embrace it confident that God's glory can and will prevail. Love and serve others in your pain and watch the amazing work of God around you and through you.

Francis of Assisi stated "Preach the gospel to everyone you meet, and use words only if you must". Love passionately. Serve passionately.

Living in His Embrace, Pamela

The Godly Woman's Journey: REMODELED

2011-09-19T11:59:00.001-04:00

Memory/Meditation verse: “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” ~ Zechariah 8:23 (NLT)

My husband and I love to take something old and thrown out and make it new again. We have enjoyed remodeling our 48 year old house. He now does this for a living. We can dream something so ugly and unusable into something beautiful and very livable, re-fresh it into something new again. For example....

I wish I had a better picture of this old house sitting in the country surrounded by corn fields and old barns. I drove by this old worn out house one day while visiting a patient. It captured my attention. I wondered what its story was in its beginning days. What was life like in her rooms? Who walked on her floors and what pictures hung on her walls? How many people crowded in during the holidays and who ran barefoot in the grass around this once magnificent home? Then I imagined how its story would eventually end...

Several weeks later I took my husband by this old house. His thoughts did the same as mine. Though the front porch and balcony has fallen, and one can see massive holes in the roofs and broken windows, does its life have to end like this in ruin or can it return to its intended grandeur?

With the touch of a re-modelers loving and compassionate hands could it not radiate once more? Maybe as a bed and breakfast or a winery? Does its life have to end so ugly, destroyed by life's wear and tear, eroded by poor choices of unkept care? If in the right hands, it could radiate and draw in others to say...

"... we want to share in your destiny, because we have heard that God is with you". ~ (Zechariah 8:23, GNT)

My life and maybe your life at one time has resembled this fallen down house. Life choices and sin can make us this way. Sometimes our outward appearance resemble a shell of what we are but our insides are just a piece or worn out rubble ready to be bull dozed into the earth forever gone.

Our life can end in ruin or we can allow our creator who is gifted in the remodeling business to bring us to His glorious design. He can take something as hopeless as this old house and breath life into it. He has done that for me and He calls me to radiate so other will be drawn to learn more from this Remodeler. My part was surrender and obedience. Your part is surrender and obedience.

How is your life going to end? In ruin or remodeled by the Master of remodeling? Imagine how your life could end in the Masters hands. This week make our memory/meditation verse your prayer and seek those areas in which you could use a little re-modeling so you can radiate your Master and draw others to Him.

Living in His Embrace~Pamela

The Godly Woman's Journey: Interruptions

2011-09-12T06:55:00.000-04:00

Meditation/Memory verse: I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. ~ Isaiah 45:3 (NIV)

Life interruptions. They seem to be everywhere. When one wakes up and plans out her day, often an interruption sets a different course to her plans. The godly woman is not immune to life's interruptions. After posting last weeks "alarmed" post, I remembered a bible study I did not to long ago by Priscilla Shirer on the book of Jonah- "Life's Interrupted: Navigating the Unexpected".

My mind felt called to pick up this book again. As I mentioned in that post last week, people in the Old Testament lived by the stories passed down to them through the generations. They didn't have a bookstore on every corner, or the internet where they could go and buy their own set of biblical scrolls.

Did Jonah's story fall upon our Proverbs 31 Woman we have been studying this year? When she would travel to the synagogue, would her ears hear Jonahs story and her heart ponder his life interruptions and God's provisions?

I re-read the last chapter in this book again and find it to be another step in a Godly Woman's Journey worthy of exploring as we look at life's interruptions. Everything in brown will be from Priscilla's book.

In my personal story of my "alarm" with my cherished daughter, I spoke of the release I learned from the story of Jehoshaphat, son of king David, in 2 Chronicles chapter 20. Re-reading the last chapter of Priscilla's book was just a reminder, another confirmation of this:

"Interruptions call for surrender."

Yes, surrender to someone greater and more powerful than I or the circumstance. Surrender of my plan to His plan, accepting it as a greater good...somehow.

Faith.

Trust.

Surrender.

Loving God more with a surrendered heart and mind. Living in His embrace.

Living to...

"...face the divine interventions in his future with a different perspective, with a willingness to surrender to God's plan."

Life interruptions may be just the beginning of something even greater than I could have hoped for. In what feels like a lost may be a molding and changing crafted by the Experts hands. This pain, frustration and fear may actually break away the control that is preventing the spiritual vision of His view of the situation. I have to believe and to trust His perspective.

"All you need is the perspective that knows your God is at the wheel, setting you up to be the key player in an enormously supernatural outcome that is beyond what you's ever expect."

In four short chapters we read of a time in Jonahs life where his life hit some major interruptions. He choose to run from God's appointment. God followed Him, followed him until He got his attention and got the reaction He wanted and needed from him. God showed His persistence with his stubborn chosen one. Isn't God still like that today? Have you had some life interruptions that resulted in some actions much like Jonah and the persistence of God?

Here, from this study of Jonah by Priscilla Shirer, are some valuable steps for the godly woman to take when her plans are interrupted with God's plans:

recognize that your life interruptions are actually divine interventions, treat these interventions differently
yield to God's instructions instead of running off in the opposite direction
surrender your plans and purposes into the greater known of God's unknown design for your life
listen for His call to relationship even when the path to deeper intimacy feels frightening, risky, boring, or even unpleasant.
be willing to seek out the "Ninevites" around you, offering them the same mercy your God has extended to you
discontinue clinging to comforts and entitlements even when you know they are hindering you more than helping you
Follow...trust...obey Him anyway.

"...there's one thing we can know for certain: yielded, obedient surrender will keep us right where God wants us. It will enable us to see our lives and futures the way God see's them, approaching each day with His contented, confident, comforting sense of perspective. Choosing to yield in obedience to His wise direction and calling is how a lot of our unfinished spiritual business becomes constructed into a legacy of faith. More each day. Each time we trust and obey."

Life's interruptions and surrender. Surrender that reveals to us more of God's plans, more of His spiritual richness and blessings. Spiritual discernment for the secrets of God.

The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. ~ Deut. 29:29 (NIV)

In my personal case of a life plan interruption with my daughter, I am called to bend my knees and cry out to God asking that any generational curse be broken and that my children would pursue a way of life that honors him. If it means my daughter has to experience brokenness then I embrace it. I know the value of being broken.

"We just don't know what God is brewing. We just need to follow Him while fully trusting Him."

You have heard [these things foretold], now you see this fulfillment. And will you not bear witness to it? I show you specified new things from this time forth, even hidden things [kept in reserve] which you have not known.
~ Isaiah 48:6 (Amplified)

This week's assignment is hard. It requires commitment. This week I call us to surrender. Surrender your first waking minutes to God. Before you crawl out of bed, surrender you day to Him. Continue to surrender each hour of your living to Him. Purposefully examine each and every word or action in its relation to your desired surrender to God. Place the word "surrender" in every room of your house, in your car, on your desk so that you will be called to act upon it. Then when the week is over, examine your heart and note where this Godly Woman's Journey has taken you and be humbled and amazed!

Father, my Holy and Sovereign God, I praise you that I can live chosen by you. I praise you for your interruptions because you love me and care about the plans you have for me, for my calling, and for my family. Lord, I commit to surrender this week in a whole and new way. I commit to surrender my heart and mind, my life interruptions, to your purpose and will. Your plans are far greater than anything I can imagine and I fully release any misconceptions I may have in my own life that are not in alinement with you. Be my everything. May I be pliable enough to embrace your will, willing enough to accept your outcomes, worthy enough to embrace your presence. I love you lord and I trust you in all things...especially your work in my daughters life.

Living in His Embrace ~ Pamela

The Godly Woman's Journey: ALARMED

2011-09-05T07:44:00.001-04:00

Memory/Meditation Verse: "You do not have to fight this [battle]. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD. [He is] with you...Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for the LORD is with you. ”. 2 Chronicles 20: 17b (HCSB)

I came across a devotional not too long ago. I can't remember who wrote it or spoke it to give proper credit. It probably came from Proverbs 31 Ministry or my friend Elaine but this morning my heart has settle onto it's scripture once again and the role it has in a Godly Woman's Journey. When life gets tough...when burdens seem too heavy, when interruptions change your course, what should the godly woman's response be?

How did our Proverbs 31 Woman handle life's interruptions at these times? Did she embrace these interruptions or try to change them to her plan? I would assume, knowing the way of Old Testament living, she followed the Joshua 1: 8 principle:

This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. (Amplified Version)

Drawing from the Old Testament stories and learning from them as they were passed down from generation to generation was a cherished way of life in Biblical times. The story of Joshua had to be a valued principle as one sought intimacy with God in those days.

So too the story of Jehoshaphat, son of king David, in 2 Chronicles chapter 20. As you think about life stresses or interruptions...anything that puts you into an "alarmed" state of mind, examine what Jehoshaphat did to overcome his obstacle, his "alarm" that seemed to be doomed. You can read 2 Chronicles 20 here.

Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah (verse 3)

"Alarmed". Webster gives synonyms for alarmed as: frightened, horrified, panicked, scared, shocked, spooked, startled, terrified, terrorized. Something we can associate with a life limiting diagnosis, a childs illness, a troubled teenager, a failing marriage, a lost job, death.

Yet, the stories told throughout the generations told of a very important step Jehoshaphat took when he was overcome by his situation of "alarm". He "inquired of the Lord". How many wasted hours of worry, regret and remorse can we save in an "alarmed" situation if we only "inquire of the Lord".

But Jehoshaphat actions don't stop here. Verses 6-12 in 2 Chronicles is a prayer of submission and trust in his Sovereign God-his demonstration of how he "inquire of the Lord". As he inquired of the Lord, he "put his eyes upon God" for direction (vs 12):

"For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

And again he didn't stop there...

"Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s."

In a bold move, one that can be very hard when an "alarmed" state involves someone you love and cherish, Jehoshaphat released the "alarm" to God.

Releasing "alarm" can be painful. I have an interruption in my life, my plans, that has triggered my "alarms"....I have a teenage daughter, Emma, that thinks life on her own is better than my rules. She graduates high school early this December. My state will not support me in trying to force her back home because she is 17 ...old enough to make her own life choices. My heart feels great PAIN. My mind wants to PANIC. My plans for her have been interrupted.

Though my "alarm" has played havoc on my heart and mind I have released her into God's hands. Though I want to grip her life back into my control, this release has allowed me to somehow walk in peace because I trust that anything and all things that happen to her because of her choices are still be under God's control.He has a plan. As much as I want to rescue her and save her, I know the power of brokenness and that she too now must journey there.

Like Jehoshaphat, a godly woman's journey involves facing "alarms" with God-confidence. Our Proverbs 31 Woman learned to stand strong as she face her "alarm" with God-confidence:

"You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you." (vs 17b)

God-confidence...faith.

“Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” (vs. 20b)

Listen godly woman...have faith...and you too will be upheld in life's interruptions!!

Jehoshaphat gives us one final step in facing an interruption, an "alarm"...

“Give thanks to the LORD,
for his love endures forever.”

Giving thanks to God for His plan, His deliverance, His protection before the "alarm" is resolved. An action that says "God, I love you." A reaction that that allows you to live in peace, to rest in Him...

And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side. (vs. 30b)

Rest on every side of your "alarm"...Peace....Living in His Embrace...just part of the godly woman's journey.

Father, my Holy and Sovereign God, I praise you for upholding me in my "alarms". I praise you in advance for Your protection, Your deliverance, Your plan when my plans are interrupted. I submit all my heart and mind with my "alarms" and rest secure in You. Thank you Lord for this peace that can only come from surrender to You. I love you Lord...I cling to Your presence in my life. ~ Amen

This week, concentrate on praising God in every minute, every interruption, and especially when your "alarms" go off. Make this a week of prayer and praise!!

Living in His Embrace~Pamela

The Godly Woman's Journey: Rebulding and Restoring, part 2

2011-08-29T07:26:00.003-04:00

Memory/Meditation verse: " to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me." ~ Act 26:18 (NLT)

As you see I have changed this years study name from the "Proverbs 31 Journey" to the "Godly Woman's Journey". It is still the same journey, just a new phase based on the woman Solomon wrote about in Proverbs 31:10-31.

Paul had a moment on that road to Damascus which we find our memory/meditation verse from this week. God did a little rebuilding and restoring on his life didn't He? Do you think our Proverbs 31 Woman had a similar experience? Its really not recorded in scripture, however, what we do know is what her life was like before she became this popular (and not so popular) Christian woman. You can read about it here in 2 Samuel 11 & 2 Samuel 12.

She had a rough start, just like Paul. She fell into brokenness, just like Paul, but in a different kind of way. She may not have had that same bright light that Paul did but she came to know His God all the same. As Solomon wrote about his mother in Proverbs 31, we witness a woman rising from the ashes and becoming more than the sin most Christians associate her with. She became a godly woman despite her past through repentence.

Oswald Chambers in My Upmost for His Highest wrote "Repentance does not bring a sense of sin, but a sense of unutterable unworthiness". Referencing Matthew 3:11, he implies that baptism of the Holy Spirit is not just an act but rather a work performed by Christ Jesus. He continued to write "The only conscious experience those who are baptized with the Holy Ghost ever have is a sense of absolute unworthiness... I indeed was this and that; but He came, and a marvelous thing happened..."

Can't you hear the Proverbs 31 woman shouting a big "AMEN!" here? Can't you? Repentence is a beautiful thing. It's a helpless surrender that brings us to just the right place where God can take control and do marvelous things! The rebuilding and restoring begins.

Suddenly the ugly becomes usable, the brokenness becomes a ministry, the healing becomes a calling. Like I wrote last week, "a time in which ones pain is used for His gain. One's suffering is used for His plan". You know it wasn't easy for her to get out of that pit she and David created. It wasnt easy for David to swallow his pride and his regret but he did...she did...I have. Have you?

What Solomons mom and Paul became had to come from a brokenness that grew into the mindset of a slave.

A slave?

A slave. First impressions probably make you react emotionally like you did as kid sitting in front of a plate of broccoli. Look back into the Old Testament and take a quick look at a slave. They were:

completely sold out for their master
a possession of the master
had no rights-those were relinquished to their master
own nothing, everything belonged to the master
their daily agenda was set by their master
could be redeemed by their master
was provided for by their master
often loved by their master

A slave, a doulos (Greek in the New Testament), was also referenced throughout the Bible as a "servant" or "bondservant". Paul's took on the same attitude after his encounter, his brokenness, with Christ. Like our Proverbs 31 Woman, he made God his master. You read it several times in his writings...

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God" ~ Romans 1:1 (HCSB)

Paul, a slave of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness..." ~ Titus 1:1 (HCSB)

Christ too took on the form of a bond-servant to His Master to follow God's plan and submit to His will....

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. ~ Phil. 2:5-8 (NKJV)

A godly woman becomes a slave to her Master. She is...

completely sold out for her master

a possession of her master

has no rights-those were relinquished to her master

owns nothing, everything belongs to her master

her daily agenda is set by her master

she is redeemed by her master

her Master provides for her

and her Master loves her

And because of this, she seeks to "to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me" because her eyes have been open, she is completely broken with a sense of absolute unworthiness yet she has been forgiven and she has been set apart.

Oh Lord, be Master of my life. I desire to be your slave, your maidservant. I too have been broken. Like Paul when you spoke those words in Acts, I have been humbled to my own failures and sins. And like Paul and our Proverbs 31 Woman, I have been restored. As long as I take breath on this earth, I will forever be re-building my soul. And as long as you call me to, I will be seeking to bring your light and freedom to those who do not know you.

Living in His Embrace ~ Pamela

The Proverbs 31 Journey: Rebuilder & Restorer, Part 1

2011-08-22T07:50:00.010-04:00

Memory/Meditation verse: “… If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:10-11 (TNIV)

This Proverbs 31 Journey never seems to end...like the unfailing love of our God, His mercies, His grace, and His presence. The Proverbs 31 Woman is so focused on God in her life that others can not help but see it, even when she makes mistakes and has days when she is just too exhausted to "measure up". That's what makes her "godly".

Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
~ Prov. 31:31 (NLT)

To have that said about you and your life has to be of the highest compliments! My husband posted that of me today on Facebook...of course I do not feel deserving of it...

"A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.... Proverbs 31:10 I LOVE YOU!!"

It may be the highest of compliments but it will also keep you humble won't it? I thought about re-naming this journey the "Godly Woman's Journey". Almost seems more fitting. Like being referenced a "Jesus girl"!! So many woman are intimated by the Proverbs 31 woman and they shouldn't be.

You just never know where this "Godly Woman's Journey" may take you but your focus remains on Him, trusting Him, leaning on Him. This journey has lead me to our memory verse where I felt that whisper again..."This is for you...this is a part of being a godly woman, a Proverbs 31 Woman".

It captured my heart so much that I dug deep into it. Though the chapter is referencing a country's need to fast it is also speaking of a promise to those who earnestly seek to please Him. Earnestly seeking Him though life and being His beacon of light for others, for hurting souls, souls lost from knowing what He can offer them. A beacon of light ...like a light house.

I love lighthouses. They intrigue me. They fascinate me. They hold a story and they tell a history. They have such great value and worth because they lead and they protect. And they are surrounded by the majesty of the ocean, something that so screams of God's magnificence and power.

Thomas Kincaid can paint a light house like no other. In his paintings they are beautiful and warm. It gives comfort, safety and protection. Just like the light house, the Proverbs 31 Woman can be described like this and she is surrounded by the majesty of God's presence and work in her life.

Which brings us back to our memory/meditation verse and the stirring in my heart..."to spend". I again felt the Spirit of God saying "I want you to to give more...to reflect me more.. serve me more...and not just to anyone, but especially those in needs...just as you have once been".

Giving...Reflecting...Serving...

Glowing...Radiating...Guiding...

...living like a light house.

This stirring has become a stirring that just won't leave. I seem to be looking in every direction for every opportunity to fulfill this. Its an anticipation of a "coming", an arrival of a long awaited announcement or promotion. I don't know about you sister, but I am embracing this stirring after such a season as I have been in.

A godly woman is often led into a season of rebuilding and restoring, not of her own life but also to help others rebuild and restore their lives. The godly woman knows that healing only comes through His Word...memorizing it, living it, believing it, hoping for its promises.

A time in which ones pain is used for His gain. One's suffering is used for His plan.

Faith.

Trust.

I am finding my life can be found in these verses and I pray I am truly sensing His lead as recorded in verse 12 of our memory passage. Read it again in the Message version:

If you get rid of unfair practices, quit blaming victims, quit gossiping about other people's sins, If you are generous with the hungry and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out, Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness, your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight. I will always show you where to go. I'll give you a full life in the emptiest of places— firm muscles, strong bones. You'll be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry. You'll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew, rebuild the foundations from out of your past. You'll be known as those who can fix anything, restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, make the community livable again.

If you have lived in oppression and rejection, then you know that even in the worst of times you can live in His peace. You can conquered your past with His grace and His mercy. Read it again...

Then when you call, the Lord will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply. “Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes. (NLT)

A life of service for her King. It's not about how full her earthly life is, or how well she is living with material things, or how much money is in her bank account...its about being filled by her Master and living accountable to Him. It's about allowing God to turn her life inside-out, messing up her plans and growing her in ways that would be impossible for her to do herself! Rebuilding and restoring...the Proverbs 31 Journey...the Godly Woman's Journey.

She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.

~ Prov 31:20 (NLT)

This week I boldly challenge you to step outside your comfort zone. Each day make a genuine effort to reach out to someone in need and act on God's behalf. Be silent and listen to his voice then act. Walk your faith. Be His beacon of light.

Living in His Embrace~Pamela

The Proverbs 31 Journey: The Capable One

2011-08-15T08:09:00.003-04:00

Scripture Memory/Meditation : For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. ~ 2 Peter 1: 5-7 (HCSB)

This month we have looked at the Proverbs 31 Woman and how she dresses from her spiritual wardrobe. As she dresses from the characteristics of Christ we find in scripture, her inner spiritual beauty becomes her outward beauty. We find that her inward spiritual beauty surpasses any outward flaws she might have like that extra weight, the bad hair days, her too short or too long statue, etc. Lets go back to Proverbs 31 and look at her again here and then focus on this verse...

"Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!" ~ Prov. 31:29 (HCSB)

What does it mean to be "capable"? Is it an evaluation or measurement of the ordinary? Merriam-Webster defines capable as "having attributes (as physical or mental power) required for performance or accomplishment; having or showing general efficiency and ability". Being capable could be an "ordinary" thing I suppose. However, I don't think many of us want to be just "ordinary". There's that innate desire deep within us, given to us by God, to be more and to do more. Right?

The Proverbs 31 Woman was by no means ordinary. Look at how the different versions of the Bible referenced this same verse replacing the words capable and surpass:

TNIV version replaced capable with "noble".
The message replaced capable with "wonderful", and surpass with "outclassed" ASV use "Worthy" and "Excellence"
The NCV states "fine", "Better"

But I like the Amplified version the best:

Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], but you excel them all.

In what way did she "excel them all"? What did she do to "surpass them all"? I think it is obvious we can find this from her spiritual and practical devotion to God, which permeated every area and relationship of her life. Read again our passage from 2 Peter but look intently to the verses following our meditation/memory verses:

5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, 6 knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, 7 godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 The person who lacks these things is blind and shortsighted, and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, make every effort to confirm your calling and election, because if you do these things you will never stumble. 11 For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly supplied to you.
~ 2 Peter 1 (HCSB)

The Proverbs 31 Woman is a woman of faith. She is not useless for God. She supplements (to complete of make addition to) her faith with goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, affection, and love. And because of this, she is fruitful for God...and the eternal is her her ultimate goal in life. It's not about her past...it's not about the wrong that has been done her...it's not about the here and now...it's about her purpose, God's plan for her life.

This week pray for God to supplement your faith with goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, affection, and love. Look at the eternal significance on every action, decision or reaction you experience this week. Pray to see daily how you can be fruitful for Him. It's all about Him.

Living in His Embrace ~ Pamela

The Proverbs 31 Journey: Dressing for God

2011-08-08T07:57:00.005-04:00

Memory/Meditation Verse: ¹² God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So you should always clothe yourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other, and forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, forgive that person because the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ Even more than all this, clothe yourself in love. Love is what holds you all together in perfect unity. ¹⁵ Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking, because you were all called together in one body to have peace. Always be thankful.¹⁶ Let the teaching of Christ live in you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and instruct each other by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ~ Col. 3 (NCV)

We have been looking at the Proverbs 31 Woman, most recently how she can hear the whispers of God. We discussed how she is so familiar with God she knows His voice and He is so familiar with her He entrust her with His work. We identified her daily ritual of cleansing that is manifested from what I referenced as saturation reflections-breathing in and living by the Word of God. This active process of seeking God and being so intimate with him also has another vital component...dressing for God.

She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is of linen, pure and fine, and of purple [such as that of which the clothing of the priests and the hallowed cloths of the temple were made].
~ Proverbs 31:22 (Amplified)

When the Proverbs 31 Woman steps up to her closet or wardrobe, she if faced with many challenges. What to wear...color...size...design....style? Can I so boldly suggest that she carefully selects from the Colossians 3 wardrobe?

¹²Clothe yourselves therefore, as God's own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper].

¹³Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive].

¹⁴And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony].

¹⁵And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].

¹⁶Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts. ~ Col. 3 (Amplified)

Before she even opens the door to her wardrobe, she knows she is loved...

“I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love [continue in His love with Me].." John 15:9 (Amplified)

THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. ²And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.
~ Eph 5:1-2 (Amplified)

and chosen...

For you are a holy and set-apart people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a special people to Himself out of all the peoples on the face of the earth. ~ Deut. 7:6 (Amplified)

You are My witnesses, says the Lord, and My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know Me, believe Me and remain steadfast to Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me.
~ Isa. 43:10 (Amplified)

But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.~1 Peter 2:9 (Message)

And as she reaches into her wardrobe, she takes hold of the undergarment of holiness and carefully pulls it over her head. She knows this covering will wrap her in her Masters love. Also on this particular day she may reach for a garment of compassion or a covering of kindness, knowing her outreach may be healing to someone in need.

Some mornings may require her to dress in gentleness or humility, keeping her in tune to God's direction for her life. And yet other mornings may require her to wear the covering of forgiveness even when the pain is great. Many mornings she will find her hand reaching for the garment of patience, for life tends to pull her from so many directions.

She knows that most days requires her to accessorize with grace, and mercy, and love. And nothing fits so well as the peace that only God can give. Before she leaves her room, she chooses that special fragrance, the fragrance of Christ which is the wisdom of the knowledge of Him flowing from her life and influencing those around her. She takes one last glance in the mirror and knows that she is beautiful in God's eyes!

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. ~ 2 Cor. 2:14-15 (NIV)

This week, soak in the different versions of this Colossians 3 passage listed here below.

Col. 3:12 (Message)
Col. 3:12 (God's Word Translation)
Col. 3:12 (HCSB)
Col. 3:12 (NASB)
Col. 3:12 (NKJV)
Col. 3:12 (NLT)
Col. 3:12 (NIV)

Take one of the pieces of wardrobe mentioned in the versions of this passage: holiness, love, humility, gentleness, kindness, compassion, gentleness, meekness, forgiveness, patience, long-suffering, quiet strength, discipline and search out verses pertaining to it then dress in it beautifully for God. As you seek Him each morning in your quiet time, ask Him to speak...to choose the spiritual wardrobe He wants you to wear that day. Then go out in this world, beautifully dressed for Him.

Father, my Holy and Sovereign God, I thank you that I am clothe as Your own chosen one, hand picked for Your kingdom work. Only though you can I be purified and holy. I thank You that I am well-beloved by You. Whisper into my day the behavior, the clothing of Your choice for me. I know that in You choosing, You are equipping me, covering me, and marking me to be the fragrance of Your Son in this world. Beautify me for You and You alone. I choose to step into each day dressed by You and for You.

Living in His Embrace~Pamela

The Proverbs 31 Journey: Saturation Reflection

2011-08-01T07:58:00.005-04:00

Memory/Meditation Verse: The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will. The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me, and I have listened. I have not rebelled or turned away. ~ Isaiah 50: 4-5 (NLT)

Saturation Reflection. Ever heard this term? I found it in the Bill Hybels book I mentioned from my last post and shown here. I love this term as it so represent the journey of my freedom in Christ.

In my last post I wrote of the whispers and nudges the Proverbs 31 Woman receives from God when she knows Him and He knows her. Remember the statement I posted that God laid on my heart?

"She is so familiar with God she knows His voice. He is so familiar with her He entrust her with His work"

How does the Proverbs 31 Woman get to this point? Saturation Reflection. A simple step of being in the Word. A daily cleansing by reading His Word, abiding in His Word. Starting your morning in it, taking it with you throughout your day, and touching it again before you close your eyes to sleep.

Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts. ~ Col. 3:16 (Amplified)

More of Him, less of this world. More of Him, less of you. More of Him, more like Him! More of Him, more conversations with Him!!

Years ago when I started this blog I had come up out of a horrible pit. It resulted in a brokenness and embrace from God I had never experienced before. In that moment I heard "I need you to just need me." and that began a new journey for someone who grew up surrounded by the Christian world. Each day, each year, has drawn me closer and more intimate with the God of grace and mercy I call Father and Lord.

From that experience He laid on my heart a passion to minister to others with broken and bruised lives. He gave me our meditation/memory verse of Isaiah 50:4-5 (posted above) as my prayer for this ministry. The verses I have saturated my heart and mind with over the years have been the salve and comfort my brokenness needed, the strength and armor behind my transformation, and the healing and redemption that this woman of God, the worst of sinners, needed to be able to hear Him...really hear Him.

Yes there have been times of respite in which God seemed silent. I have found that if I keep focused on Him, these times of respite are right before the light of His revealed will. Author Henri Amiel said "The stationary condition is the beginning of the end"...the end of one era, the beginning of another....the end of one calling...the beginning of the next calling. Though you may feel God has called you to a certain task or ministry, He may call you away or lead you in a different direction as time progresses. Sometimes these periods are just stepping stones to the preparation of a treasured calling for Him. You have to "...seek to love Him as He has never been loved" as Mother Teresa puts it in her book Come Be My Light.

No doubt, the Proverbs 31 Woman had moments of stationary conditions with her God, moments of respite when His voice fell silent. Yet she would chose to seek Him anyway knowing His sweet words would again fall on her heart and she would choose to willingly embrace them...being blessed...and being called blessed.

Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” ~ Proverbs 31: 28-29 (NLT)

This week saturate yourself in these verses that speak about listening to His whispers...His nudges. Begin each morning in His word. Carry a verse with you throughout the day. Replay the scripture you are meditating on before you close your eyes and see what happens....whispers...His voice...just for you, His chosen and beloved daughter.

Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say,
“This is the way you should go,”
whether to the right or to the left. ~ Isaiah 30:21 (NLT)

But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,
And will be secure, without fear of evil.” ~ Proverbs 1:33 (NKJV)

"Now therefore, listen to me, my children,
For blessed are those who keep my ways.
Hear instruction and be wise,
And do not disdain it.
Blessed is the man who listens to me,
Watching daily at my gates,
Waiting at the posts of my doors.
For whoever finds me finds life,
And obtains favor from the LORD..." ~ Proverbs 8:32-35 (NKJV)

Listen to Me, O Jacob, And Israel, My called: I am He, I am the First, I am also the Last. ~ Isaiah 48:12 (NKJV)

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive. ~ Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NKJV)

Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” ~ Isaiah 6:8 (NLT)

He who is able to hear, let him listen to and give heed to what the Spirit says to the assemblies (churches). To him who overcomes (is victorious), I will grant to eat [of the fruit] of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. ~ Rev. 2:7 (Amplified)

Oh, my precious Father, Sovereign and Holy God, I choose to dwell in your Word so much that it is at home in my life and it is reflected in my words, my actions, my thoughts. Dwell in me. Ingrain your truths into my soul. Be my everything. Be my Master.

Living in His Embrace~Pamela

The Proverbs 31 Journey: Whispers and Nudges

2011-07-24T19:04:00.005-04:00

Memory/Meditation verse: "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening...reveal Yourself to me through Your Word". 1 Samuel 3: 9b&21b

I was astonished that July almost swept by without a posting. I have been crazy busy with work and leading a community Bible study that coming here with the words God lays on my heart just haven't happened. Reality, the words haven't been there. The christian walk is like that at times. I like to refer to them as periods of respite. Until the beginning of this month, this year has been a time of respite from ministry for my husband and I. It has been frustrating. God has been silent. There were days I have eagerly sought Him. There were times I have neglected to seek Him as I should. I kept to my memory scripture as they have been my source of comfort.

Not hearing His voice and being able to discern His direction and timing has also been discouraging. I have tried to embrace this respite and instead ready myself for His next assignment. It has involved a lot internal examination and change-a process that is forever on-going!

Last month there seemed to be a change in this respite. The voice of God has again been on my heart...in a whispers...or though a nudge. Last month on Fathers day I took my husband to our favorite Mexican restaurant in downtown Kansas City: Los Corrals. His girls were scattered that day and not able to be with him.

A young couple sat a few tables over from us. They had a little toddler with them. They wore many tattoos. They were dressed in blue jeans and t-shirts...not the typical Sunday clothes like we had on. During our dinner I got that nudge...the whisper..."pay their meal". Our budget was tight. We were there only because we had a $25 coupon. Nervously I asked my husband if the budget would allow us to pick up their lunch bill. "Probably not" was the response I got. We continued on with our meal but the urge became so great that I told my husband that I really felt that we were to pay for their lunch. We did.

The waitress lit up when we asked for their receipt to do this. We instructed her to tell this young man "happy Fathers Day" but to wait until we left. As we walked to our car I was so overwhelmed with joy...His joy. So was my husband. He told me he had the same whisper but his logical thinking pushed it away. He was so thankful I had persisted.

I remember a few years ago around Christmas when I had such a whisper to give a woman in our community $100. I ignored that whisper with my logical thinking-I would be taking from our own Christmas for our family. I didn't heed the nudge. I turned a deaf ear to the whisper. It nagged me for several months. In February following that Christmas I shared this with my husband and we were both humbled as he said he too had experienced the same whisper and ignored it. Our humility in that moment grieved us.

The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me. ~ John 10:27 (amplified)

Don't you think the Proverbs 31 woman shared these kind of moments? Whispers from God...nudges from the Holy Spirit to reach out in God's name.

She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. ~Prov. 31: 20 (NLT)

She is so familiar with God she knows His voice. He is so familiar with her He entrust her with His work. God is not just describing a Proverbs 31 Woman who extend His love through her acts of service only to those who suffer financially but He will ask her to give to those in need spiritually and emotionally.

I want to be like that on a daily basis, don't you? When Jesus was sending out His disciples He instructed them..."What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs (Matt. 10:27 NIV). I am enthralled by the stories people will share when they have acted on God's whispers. I have known no greater joy than to serve others based on God's whispers.

In Bill Hybel's book The Power of A Whisper: Hearing God. Having the Guts to Respond he included a poem a teacher gave him when he was just a child that spurred him on his journey to be able to listen to God. It is written from the passages found in 1 Samuel 3:

Oh! give me Samuel ears,
An open ear, O Lord,
Alive and quick to hear
Each whisper of thy Word;
Like him to answer to thy call
And to obey thee first of all.

This week I encourage you to open your quiet time with our memory/meditation verse above. Make the Samuel Prayer your prayer for this week. Then spend some time in 1 Samuel reviewing his life and putting into practice what you learn from his story.

I will say it again...She is so familiar with God she knows His voice. He is so familiar with her He entrust her with His work. This is the heart and soul of the Proverbs 31 Woman.

Believing Him~Pamela

The Proverbs 31 Journey: Triumphal Faith

2011-06-27T08:00:00.004-04:00

Meditation/Memory Verse: You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. ~ Isa 26:3 (Amplified)

On this particular morning I am up at 0300 with a storm. For whatever reason, I cannot sleep. My mind has been drawn to a particular passage from Romans that I heard on the radio the other day. Its a familiar passage but hearing it aloud nudge my heart towards this series I am posting. Over the last six months, this series has shown the many virtues and characteristic that make a Proverbs 31 Woman:

She is noble and wears the Armor of God

She reverences her God

She is daily growing her faith

She seeks to radiate the righteousness demonstrated through the life of Christ

She is a women of prayer

She empties herself daily In her marriage and in her relationship to God

She is submissive, trusting, and seeks to honor her husband and her God

She is a sold-out mom, her family is her priority next to her relationship with God

She is disciplined, self-sacrificing, self-controlled

She cares for the health of her body, mind and spirit-healthy cravings

She demonstrates spirit-living

She remains in God

She craves God and she is complete in His love

She builds her house with strength and courage, the aroma of respect and affection fills her rooms

She is "blessed"

....and we are not done listing the virtues and character of this woman. This Proverbs 31 Journey is truly just beginning to take shape. The above list is just a dent in the descriptiveness of this woman. As overwhelming as it may be, God has promised that it is obtainable through Him by just believing and walking in that faith.

When you look in the mirror, do you see her...parts of this Proverbs 31 Woman? Are you, the Proverbs 31 Woman, becoming more like Christ as this passage describes? That is the purpose of this study in this year. Living intentionally a triumphal faith.

Upon hearing the reading of Romans 1:1-5 on the radio, I heard the Spirit of God whisper "this too is the Proverbs 31 Woman". Slowly read through these verses in the NKJV which titles this passage "Faith Triumphs in Trouble". Faith...the foundation of the Proverbs 31 Woman, the backbone of all other virtues and characteristics she might possess. I know you know this passage well...

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. ~ Romans 5:1-5 (NKJV).

We could break this down and dissect each word or each line but I think the Message version does a fine job of that for us:

By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise. There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!~ Romans 5:1-5 (Message)

Triumphal faith...a love relationship that makes us complete in God, even if there is chaos surrounding our world, our life, our minutes. Triumphal faith that opens doors when we are call to something greater than us and closes doors when it is not His will.

Joy...peace...praises..though it all...wrap in His generous love and grace. Perseverance...character ...hope...beauty marks from the Holy One. Beauty marks of godliness. A godliness that glorifies God through personal devotion and worship. This week, look a little deeper into this triumphal faith walk by these references for glorifying God from the MacArthur Bible Commentary (2005, pp.1518). Again, meditate on the verses, apply it, pray it. Live out these activities.

Monday: Living with Purpose ~ 1 Cor. 10:31

Tuesday: Confessing sins ~ Joshua 7:19

Wednesday: Praying Expectantly ~ John 14:13

Thursday: Living Purely ~ 1 Cor. 6: 18-20

Friday: Submitting to Christ ~ Phil. 2:9-11

It is though faith that we can get through the best and the worst of days. Grow your faith. Grow your walk of glorifying God. Fall deeper in love with Jesus.

Believing Him~Pamela

The Proverbs 31 Journey: Strength & Honor

2011-06-20T08:00:00.005-04:00

Memory/Meditation verse: Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come. ~ Proverbs 31: 25 (HCSB)

When I boldly awaken to 2011 I knew that God was calling me to be more intentional in my spiritual life. Life had dealt me some cards that made me feel like a failure...cards I would have preferred not to have had to live out. Cards I didn't feel I deserved. I yearned for more of God, His peace and an ability to stand firm in life and strong in Him. I wanted to be the kind of woman described in Proverbs 31.

God has taken me to places that have been tough to address in this Proverbs 31 Journey but I am experience a peace in my life, His peace, that proves He is in control. I have written these blog words this year for myself and they are a reflection of His remodeling on my life. I am so grateful for this journey and my Lords companionship.

We will finish looking at the concept of putting on the armor of God this week. Last week I encouraged you to review Hebrews 11 and to look at the great people of faith recorded there. I found encouragement looking at their not so perfect life with not so impressive qualifications to intentionally live out God's plan and the effect it would have on others. Intentional faith has to be shielded by wearing God's armor. Intentional faith requires obedience even if you don't have the full picture of the outcome intended.

This week lets examine the final dressing of the noble and brave Proverbs 31 Woman: the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit. Refresh yourself with Ephesians 6: 11-18 (NLT) here. We will focus on verses 17 & 18:

And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God. Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).

When someone goes into battle, they know the most vulnerable and deadly areas of attack is the chest (heart) and the head (mind). We have addressed last week the shield of faith and its protection for the body and heart. But what about our minds? What is Paul referencing here with the Helmet of Salvation?

Look at this example of satan's attack on Jesus in Matt 4:2-11. A major area of attack from satan was the mind of Jesus-what He believe, how He was thinking. Satan was trying to get to Christ mind with the weapons of doubt and discouragement. And when did he attack the hardest? When physically and mentally Jesus was drained.

Isn't this so like satan today? His attempts at spiritual head wounds are relentless for us Jesus girls! He is good at catching us at our weakest times, isn't he? He tries to plant doubts of our eternal salvation with God and tries to blind us from who we are in Christ. His aim is to discourage us in our faith walk and witness of God's grace and love. Though the helmet may not resemble a tiara that we Jesus girls might prefer to wear, it is a vital component of our daily wardrobe as we progress and grow in this Proverbs 31 Journey.

Our eternal salvation comes from God alone and can not be taken from us, no matter how poorly we may behave. What a refreshing promise!

There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
~ Acts 4:12 (NLT)

A Proverbs 31 Woman confidently places the Helmet of Salvation each morning. It is her hope, her trusting that God's promises are for all who call Him Lord and Master. It is the spiritual protection of her mind which guides her actions and reactions.

But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.
~ 1 Thess 5:8 (NLT)

This confidence and hope comes from an intentional relationship with God. An intentional worship and reverence of Him. The more you know Him, hope in Him and confide in Him, the better you will be able to share Him and demonstrate Him in your life.

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.
~ 1 Peter 3:15 (NLT)

This is a true mark of a Proverbs 31 Woman, a Jesus girl. Her beauty comes from Him. Her hope in Him is her strength. Her heart of faithfulness to Him is a sweet aroma.

But thanks be to God, who always puts us on display in Christ, and spreads through us in every place the scent of knowing Him. For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
~ 2 Cor. 2:14-15 (HCSB)

Her faith and her hope is her security and assurance. Along with this, the greatest weapon she has to continue to protect her mind, soul and body was evidence by Christ again in Matt 4:2-11. He used the Word of God-which is referenced by Paul in Ephesians 6:17 as the Sword of the Spirit- to combat satans attacks.

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ..."
~ 2 cor. 10: 3-5 (NKJV)

There is nothing more powerful than the Sword of the Spirit. I can testify in my life that scripture has carried me, healed me, guided me, comforted me, and protected me.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
~ Heb 4:12 (NLT)

Ladies, we have to put God's Word to heart. We have to meditate on it, breath it, live it. Memorizing scripture is vital for our survival in this world. Hunger and thirst for it. Let it become the "oxygen" that sustains your living.

As Ephesians 6:18 implies, once we put on God's armor: the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Belt of Truth, the Sandals of Peace, The Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, the Sword of Truth we need to coat our wearing of this armor with prayer. Prayer in the Spirit is a necessary component to this wardrobe. Our spiritual warfare is on-going and prayer can be the magnetic field that covers us.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
~ Phil 4:6-7 (NIV)

Prayer is the intervention that allows us to experience peace and contentment when chaos surrounds our life. It is though the Holy Spirits power that we can have all that we need in Christ.

Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.
~ John 3:5-6 (NLT)

Prayer seals our love relationship with God. The prayer life of a Proverbs 31 Woman demonstrates not only submission, but also a heart of love and mind of worship in action.

Here is some "oxygen" for you to inhale throughout this week. Daily breath in its truth, experience its power and live spiritually strong. Armour up!

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
~ 2 cor 4:16-18 (NLT)

See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.
~ 1 John 3:1-3 (NLT)

I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees.
~ Ps 119:10-12 (NLT)

"...those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day."
~ John 6:37 (NLT)

“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”
~ Matt. 17:20 (NIV)

"...I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.
~ 1 cor 14:15 (NIV)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
~ Acts 1:8

* * * * * *

Father, my Holy and Sovereign God, you intended to get my attention this year through this study I call the Proverbs 31 Journey and you have. You have exposed my heart, my mind and my soul to the point that I have been able to experience a fresh cleansing and transformation. I thank you even for the pain it has caused me. I thank you for the growth of my faith. You lead me on each of these topics and though I wanted these words impressed on my heart from You to be beneficial to others too, I embrace the comfort and the insight You have selected specifically for me. Continue to lead my heart and mind in this Proverbs 31 Journey over the rest of this year. I embrace this journey of walking intentionally with you. You overwhelm me Lord. I know there's more for me in your plan. I can feel it. I can taste it. Make me ready Lord. Purify my body, mind and spirit so I can serve you in the grace that you have bestowed on me. Though this armor would appear to weigh heavy, it has enlighten me and left me with a transparent peace of You in my life, completely controlling my circumstances and guiding my actions. I am yours Lord. May all the words you place on my heart for these continued postings glorify You only.

Believing Him ~ Pamela

The Proverbs 31 Journey: Walk of Faith

2011-06-12T17:39:00.000-04:00

Scripture meditation/memory verse: Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God. ~ Ps. 31:5 (NIV)

We continue our journey...our quest to learning what the Proverbs 31 Woman is made of, how she lives, how she thinks, what she values. We have been looking at her in relationship to Ephesians 6: 11-17 for she is a warrior and she is noble. She may wear many hats, put on many different pieces of clothing each day but none is more important than the putting on of the armor of God. Refresh yourself with our key scripture from Ephesians in the Amplified version:

¹¹Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.

¹²For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

¹³Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].

¹⁴Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,

¹⁵And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.

¹⁶Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked.

¹⁷And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.

¹⁸Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).

This week, lets examine what if means to "take up the shield of faith". A shield used by warriors serve the purpose to protect the whole body. It is large and it blocks any thing that can penetrate the body causing harm and even death. Usually this shield is made out of a heavy metal or a tough leather. It has to be with the individual in order for it to work. If it is left in the closet or under the bed, this individual puts themself at risk for harm if an attack should occur.

The shield of faith that Paul is writing about here in this passage must be used in the same manner. MacArthur in his Bible commentary references this "Shield of Faith" as being a basic trust of God, of His Word and His promises. It is not in reference to the body of Christian doctrine as some believe. It is by wearing God's Word, His truth, His promises on our heart, soul and mind that we are able to protect ourself from the attacks of satans "fiery darts". A Proverbs 31 Woman has the kind of faith that enables her to live in this obedience. It's the kind if faith demonstrated by Abraham:

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, ²¹ being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. ~ Romans 4:18-21 (NIV)

Abraham's obedience began his journey but it was his faith that kept him on course. So to for the Proverbs 31 Woman...her willful obedience begins her day and her faith leads her through each hour.

Obedience, faith and trust go hand in hand. It is a combination that allows us to rest in the knowledge that God is our shield. A Proverbs 31 Woman trust God's word as truth and by faith she knows He will provide for her needs. She trusts that God will protect her from the evil one and that He is with her and lives in her, even though she may not see Him. She believes that Christ's sacrifice paid the penalty for her sins, and reconciled her to God. Because of this she is drawn to obedience to Him, she desires for Him to be her everything. She knows that through faith she will have Christ's authority over evil powers and through faith she is protected.

Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I am your salvation."... Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in his salvation [yes, Yeshua again]. ~ Ps. 35:1-3, 9 (NIV)

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. ~Ps. 33:20 (NIV)

"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in Him." ~ Prov. 30:5 (NIV)

“Everything is possible for one who believes.” ~ Mark 9:23 (NIV)

His protection enables her to overcome, to be conquers against satan, against weaknesses, and against past failures:

"...because whatever has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith. And who is the one who conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" ~ 1 John 5:4-5 (NCSB)

The "Shield of Faith" becomes her testimony in God:

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
~1 Tim. 6:12 (NIV)

Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith..." ` Heb 12:1-2a (HCSB)

There are so many more examples of common people, people just like you and I who were able to walk their faith in obedience to God, and carry the "Shield of Faith". This week, spend each day looking at Hebrews 11 which is called the "Walk of Faith" chapter. On a piece of paper or in your journal make three columns. In the first column reference each person identified in these verses. In the second column identify each action that measured their walk of faith. I encourage you to go back to the scripture that talks about their life and record how they were able to "take up the Shield of Faith". Then in the third column record any practical steps you can take from their example to apply to your own life in taking up the "Shield of Faith".

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
~ 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NIV)

Keep your eyes on Jesus this week friend. Stay in His word. Pray continually. Dwell with Him. Carry that "Shield of Faith"!!

Believing Him~Pamela

The Proverbs 31 Journey: Acceptable to God

2011-06-05T05:26:00.000-04:00

Memory/Meditation verse: Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall. ~ Hosea 14:9 (NLT)

We continue this journey with the Proverbs 31 Woman. Again, refresh yourself with her here. We are on week #3 as we related her to a warrior and Ephesians 6. I know I haven't taken these items in the order that you would normally put them on, God's leading has flowed differently. I also know most of you have studied Ephesians 6 since your early days in Sunday school but make every effort to seek a fresh look from a Proverbs 31 Woman perspective.

So far we have explored the Belt of Truth and the Sandals of Peace. This week, we will explore the Breastplate of Righteousness. You can also find reference to the breastplate of Righteousness in Isaiah 59:17 and 1 Thess. 5:8. Its a heavy topic but so necessary for a woman of God if she wants to honor and reverently serve Him. Re-read Ephesians 6: 11-18 (NLT):

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

The Breastplate of Righteousness is a shield that covers the front of the body from the shoulders down to the upper thighs and extended partially around the back of the body. The breastplate protect the vital organs, most importantly the heart and soul of the person wearing it. So too does the Breastplate of Righteousness protects the heart and soul of the Proverbs 31 Woman.

The Breastplate of Righteousness represents the righteousness of Christ obtained when in His great love for us He shed His blood for our redemption. The Breastplate of Righteousness also represents the righteousness we can have in Christ. The Greek word used here in the passage for righteousness is dikaiosune (Strong's 1343). It is referring to "a state of man who is as he ought to be which is being in a condition acceptable to God" (Crosswalk.com).

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

~ Prov. 21:3 (NIV)

Acceptable to God. This is were I feel we should land this week. What makes a woman acceptable to God? A state of living in integrity, virtue, purity of life? Yes. It involves thinking, feeling and acting as He would want us to. That is the daily state a Proverbs 31 woman thrives for-seeking to live a holy and acceptable life. It requires a sincere love relationship, a falling in love with Jesus.

But in every nation he who venerates and has a reverential fear for God, treating Him with worshipful obedience and living uprightly, is acceptable to Him and sure of being received and welcomed [by Him]. ~ Acts 10:35 (Amplified)

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. ² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. ~ Rom 12:1-2 (NKJV)

Obedience...acceptable to God. Not an easy task is it? We try, we fail, we try again because we love Him, we want more of Him, to see Him, and hear Him and walk beside Him. Our human nature is to live selfishly, to be more concerned about our day and what we gain from it. We know the only perfect and righteous One is Christ and that His blood on the cross of Calvary became a portal, a pathway to our own becoming righteous...becoming like Him. We have to crave it more than anything else in our life. Less of me, more of Him...

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death... ~ Phil 3:8-10 (NIV)

It is possible to become like Him, righteous but not greater than God or anyone else. It is possible to live a life of purity and integrity It is possible to obtain a life of virtuous living. Yes, despite this world, it can only be done through Christ in our lives.

Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives. [All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,Whom God put forward before the eyes of all] as a mercy seat and propitiation by His blood [the cleansing and life-giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation, to be received] through faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over and ignored former sins without punishment. ~ Rom. 3:23-25 (Amplified)

And this is where the Breastplate of Righteousness comes in. We cannot live outside of our sinful inclinations without protecting our heart, our mind, even our flesh without first accepting God's love and forgiveness. Our love for God and our faith in Him is the action that puts this Breastplate of Righteousness on.

I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me. ~ Gal 2:20-21 (Amplified)

I need to say this again...the Breastplateof Righteousness put on by love and faith serves to protect our heart, our mind, our soul...even our flesh. The power of Christ blood in the Breastplate of Righteousness leaves satan no room to exploit in our life. Hear me here...it is the link that connects us to God's power, the power we use each minute of our day to live in a manner that is acceptable to Him.

Blessed and fortunate and happy and spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God enjoys His favor and salvation) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall be completely satisfied! ~ Matt. 5:6 (Amplified)

Putting on the Breastplate of Righteousness each day is an act of obedience. It is a living out of our faith in word, action and thought.

I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness. ~ Rom. 6:19 (NIV)

Putting on the Breastplate of Righteousness leads us to this holy living we crave.

The LORD will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the LORD your God and walk in obedience to Him.
~ Deut 28:9 (NIV)

Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.~ Heb 10:9-10 (NIV)

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy. ~ 1 Peter 1:14-16 (NIV)

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. ~ 2 Tim. 1:9-10 (NIV)

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. 1 Thess. 3: 12-13 (NIV)

The Breastplate of Righteousness put on by love and faith which guides us to live a holy life also enables us to live a life loving others as Christ does...even the unlovable. Combining faith, holy living and love is like a finish on this breastplate that makes it even stronger.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. ~ Col 3:12-14 (NIV)

This week, look at the benefits of holy and righteous living in the following verses. Grow your love relationship and your faith with your Lord. Pray these verses for yourself. Act on them.

Proverbs 11:6
Proverbs 21:21
Isaiah 32:17
Ephesians 4:22-24
1 Samuel 26:23
Job 17: 9
Psalm 1:6
Psalm 5:2
Psalm 34:15
Psalm 34:19
Psalm 85:10
Psalm 146:8
Isaiah 58:8

Father, our Holy and Sovereign God, give us spiritual wisdom and insight so that we might grow in our knowledge of You. We pray that our hearts will be flooded with light so that we can understand the confident hope you have given to those You have called—You holy people who are Your rich and glorious inheritance. We also pray that we will understand the incredible greatness of Your power for us who believe in You, for us who love you. May this same mighty power that raised Christ, your son, from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at your right hand in the heavenly realms, lead me to righteousness (Eph 1:17-20, NLT). Precious Lord, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer (Ps 19:14, NKJV). I love you, I want to love you more. ~ Amen

Believing Him~Pamela

The Proverbs 31 Journey: Sandals of Peace

2011-05-29T15:57:00.002-04:00

Memory/Meditation verse: Her ways [wisdom] are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. ~ Prov. 3: 17-18 (HCSB)

We continue our journey discovering the make-up of the Proverbs 31 Woman that makes her so beautiful externally and internally. In the last post we started looking at Ephesians 6 and correlating this with the woman who seeks to follow God with all her heart and mind and how she must prepare herself for each day by wearing the armor of God. Review our passage from Ephesians 6:

¹¹ Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. ¹² For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

¹³ Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. ¹⁴ Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ¹⁵ For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. ¹⁶ In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. ¹⁷ Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

In the last post we discovered the Belt of truth, a required garment for godly living. We learned that to be in God's word, to live it out and to put it to heart is a sanctifying process that sets us apart. To wear the Belt of Truth protects us against the fiery arrows of satans attacks. It enables us to stand strong in what God has called us to.

This week, lets look at another piece of armor we need to wear to be a Proverbs 31 Woman: the Sandal of Peace (as I will call it) as recorded in verse 15. Read it in the Amplified version:

And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.

What was Paul implying with this analogy of this Sandal of Peace? I believe that Paul is referencing a peace that result from a spiritual covering of stability in Christ. A stability of spiritual wisdom that readies us for the battles we will live through and through the circumstances that will pull at us. This peace is a gift that come from Christ and the cross.

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. ~ Isa 53:5 (NIV)

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, wehave peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God" ~ Romans 5:1-2 (NIV).

"...and through Him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross". ~ Colossians 1:20 (NIV)

Peace, wrapped in the form of shoes? Think about it. There are so many different types of shoes we wear-tennis shoes to run in, sandals for leisure, work shoes or boots. So too can peace come in many forms. Shoes also offer several benefits: protection, support, traction, performance, and comfort. So to can peace offer or come from Gods protection, support, traction, performance, and comfort. Sandals of Peace become a weapon in our godly walk as a Proverbs 31 Woman!

This week, take each of these benefits and meditate on them. Pray them for your own life. Engrave them into your heart, mind and soul. Ready yourself, prepare yourself, stabilized yourself...

Monday: Protection
The peace of God comes from knowing and living in His Word. Knowing and living in the instruction of Christ yields a peace that can way far more than anything this world can offer. It is the kind of peace that protects and keep the Proverbs 31 woman from stumbling.

Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. ~ Ps. 119:165

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Phil 4:7 (NIV)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33 (NIV)

Tuesday: Support & Traction
This kind of peace supports and strengths your heart. No matter what the Proverbs 31 Woman faces, He is her traction. She knows in putting on the Sandals of Peace each morning, she is ready for the race ahead of her. He will lead her.

In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. ~ Exodus 15:13 (NIV)

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.
2 Sam. 22:33 (NIV)

"...Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. ~ Isa. 54:10 (NIV)

For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. ~ Ps. 18: 31-33 (NIV)

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. ~ Ps. 28:7 (NIV)

Wednesday: Security
His peace is her security. He is her security. She chooses to put on the Sandals of Peace as a way of committing and clinging to His promises.

I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely. ~ Ps. 63:8 (NLT)

For the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. ~ Prov. 3:26 (NLT)

Those who fear the Lord are secure; [she] will be a refuge for their children. ~ Prov. 14:26 (NLT)

We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them. ~ 1John 5:18 (NIV)

“Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between His shoulders.” ~ Deut. 33:12 (NIV)

LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.
~ Ps. 16:5 (NIV)

Thursday: Performance
It is the peace behind her everyday living. She invites Him into her day and continually seeks Him. He is her power, her drive. He is her motivation.

For God watches how people live; he sees everything they do. ~Job 34:21 (NLT)

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. ~ Ps. 91:1 (NLT)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~ Rom. 15:13 (NIV)

13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴ For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, ¹⁵ by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, ¹⁶ and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. ¹⁷ He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. ¹⁸ For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. ¹⁹ Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, ²⁰ built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. ²¹ In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. ²² And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
~ Eph 2

Friday: Comfort

His peace is her comfort. In the good times and bad, she finds comfort in His love, His grace and his mercy. She doesn't keep His comfort to herself but extends to others who cross her path.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. ~ Ps. 23:4 (NIV)

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
~ 2 Cor. 1:4

Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant.
Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight. ~ Ps. 119: 76-77 (NLT)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ~ John 14:27 (NIV)

The Proverbs 31 Woman has to dress for battle each morning. Satan knows her heart belongs to God and knows she can be dangerous against satan as she serves her master and Lord. In putting on the Belt of Truth and the Sandals of Peace, she is that much more stronger in Christ.

I leave with you this week with the words of Jesus from John 20:21 :“Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” As you seek His peace, put on again the Belt of Truth and slip into the Sandal of Peace each morning. Be His warrior and be His maidservant. Be a woman after His own heart.

Believing Him~Pamela

Proverbs 31 Journey: The Belt of Truth

2011-05-21T09:54:00.002-04:00

Meditation/Memory Verse: Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk and live in Your truth; direct and unite my heart [solely, reverently] to fear and honor Your name. ~ Ps 86:11 (Amplified)

With graduations and work issues, I had to take a week away from this study. As I was waiting on God to stir my heart towards this next subject of the Proverbs 31 Woman, the 22nd verse from Proverbs 31 stirred me. Then a message last week from a pastor lead me to write these words. For the next few weeks lets look at the internal make-up of this woman and what made her outward appearances so beautiful.

She makes her own bed coverings, her clothing is fine linen and purple. ~ Prov 31:22 (HCSB)

At first my thoughts of this verse above brought to mind my mother. She is someone who can and will sew anything from bed coverings to my dads suits. I however do not follow in her pursuit of this talent. There are many women like me who would stumble getting around the sewing machine. But I felt God's whisper that this is not the message He wanted me to pull from this verse. I felt Him say to me as I listen to that sermon this past week that the clothing here goes much deeper than the linen itself or the talent to put it together for a covering.

In Biblical time purple was reserved for royalty. As a daughter of the King we would fall into that category. We are His holy maidservants, chosen to be the aroma of Christ in this world we live in. Remember a memory verse from a few weeks past....

As royalty to the kingdom of God, we cover ourselves with the coverings God has given us and we intentionally follow his purpose...

But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do His work and speak out for Him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference He made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted. ~ 1 Peter 2:9 (Message)

This woman of Proverbs 31 was not about being a fashion statement, she was about being a woman of God. She knew each morning before her feet hit the floor she would have to determine her course. Not knowing what laid ahead of her, she would determine in her heart and mind to say yes to God. Intentionally she would gird her body, mind and spirit to be ready for the day.

For the next few weeks, we will look at the Proverbs 31 Woman from the verses found in Ephesians 6:

¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Remember that Proverbs 31:10 in several translations defines her as "noble". A noble woman is strong, a woman of high birth who possessing outstanding qualities and character. I heard a preacher reference her once as "brave, a warrior for her God and her home". She is clothed with Christ.

The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. ~ Romans 13:12-14

She is a woman who is not about herself but a woman who can take the message of Ephesians 6 and literally dress in it. This week, lets look at the first garment she is required to wear--the belt of Truth. Soldiers in Paul's day wore belts to secure their clothing and hold weapons. The belt of truth found in Ephesians 6 has similar but expanded functions for spiritual living . This belt of truth allows for the action of daily sanctification. The belt of Truth is God's Word and by wearing God's Word we are being sanctified. To sanctify means to set apart for a special purpose, to purify. This belt of Truth will help us stay on mission for God and avoid falling back into sin's grip. This belt of truth will set us apart from people who don't follow God. Jesus, being set apart, prayed that God would sanctify us by the truth, His Father's word:

"Sanctify them by your truth; your word is truth!" ~ John 17:17.

Another action of the belt of Truth is that it is our guide. The Holy Spirit uses His truth to guide us in whatever circumstances we're in. Just as communication is crucial on the physical battlefield of our lives, so is the Holy Spirit's guidance of Truth in the spiritual battlefields we encounter.

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come" ~John 16:13 (NIV).

The belt of Truth will also arm us with discernment. How we interpret a situation can play a critical role in the outcome of our actions and words. God's word reveals truth that helps us decisively recognize the devil's lies that can lead us in spiritual conflicts. Armed with the truth of the Word, we'll recognize the devil's lies for what they are.

^"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." ~ Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

The belt of Truth makes us ready. Our belt can become corrupted by the sin we commit and tolerate in our lives. Memorizing and knowing scripture becomes our main weapon. The belt of Truth enables us to move quickly and confidently without tripping into lies and losing focus of what God has intended for us, His royal daughters.

Study it, speak it, and live it!

To keep our belt of truth in great shape, we keep our hearts pliable and obedient to God by clinging to his Word.

Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other. ~ Deut 4:39 (NIV)

When we put on the belt of Truth, we acknowledge His sovereignty, love, wisdom, and holiness. So this week, our assignment is simple. Before you even allow your feet to hit the floor, before you even grab that first cup of coffee or brush your teeth, choose to put on the belt of Truth. Choose to believe that God is who He says He is and He is in control of this day. Choose to be a Jesus girl, to be willing to say "Yes Lord" before you even know what lies ahead. Lay a belt out so that it is the first thing you see each morning when you awaken to remind you of this truth. Post throughout your home and car these verses below. Meditate on them. Believe them.

He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment. ~Isa 11:5

I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. ~ Ps 18:1-2

Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. ~ Ps 25:5

Send out your light and your truth;let them guide me.Let them lead me to your holy mountain,to the place where you live. ~ Ps. 43:3

You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. ~ Ps 119:114

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. ~ Col. 2:7

Grace, mercy, and peace, which come from God the Father and from Jesus Christ—the Son of the Father—will continue to be with us who live in truth and love. ~ 2 John 1:3

For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd.He will lead them to springs of life-giving water.And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” ~ Rev. 7:17

God's armor brings victory because it is far more than a protective covering. It is the very life of Jesus Christ himself. The Proverbs 31 Woman believes in the TRUTH. Because of this, God's reveals to her all that He is, all that He has done, and all that He promises to do for her in the days ahead. She abides in Him.

"I am the vine; you are the branches," said Jesus. "If a man abides in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

Thank you, my Lord, for showing me the TRUTH about Yourself, Your plans and Your ways. Help me to abide in You, truly abide in You. Thank You for reminding me that You are the only God, the Creator of heaven and earth. I thank you for the Truth that You are the King of the universe, my Father who loves me, and my Shepherd who leads me. You are my wisdom, my counselor, my hope, and my strength. You are everything I need each day. I choose to wear this belt of Truth so I can reflect You in this world. ~ Amen

Believing Him~Pamela

Meditations for the Proverbs 31 Woman

2011-05-11T09:40:00.000-04:00

This week I have been drawn to Lamentation 3:2&3 and then to Ephesians 3:12-21. I have been meditating on these verses. The Spirit of God keeps drawing me to them. I am so grateful. Take a minute to savor them too...

Memory/Meditation verse: Because of the Lord's faithful love, we do not perish, His mercies never end. They are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion...I will put my hope in Him. ~ Lam. 3:22-24 (HCSB)

As I have journeyed this year to get to know this Proverbs 31 woman more I have found myself withdrawing from all she represents. Withdrawal not because I don't believe or hope that I can become her but withdrawal because my failures at achieving her internal beauty has been costly in my daily living. If I studied about her relationship in raising kids-there would be drama in the house in my relationship with my girls. If the topic was her honoring of her husband, satans arrows would aim at my marriage. Seriously, the attacks made me want to take cover quickly and withdraw. Even to lament.

Don't you imagine the Proverbs 31 woman also felt this way on many days? Defeated. Weak. Unworthy. Ready to give up. She had to if she was indeed human. But look at our verse above...we do not perish because why? "Because of His faithful love..." I don't know friends, but when we examine all the characteristics of God...Holy, Faithful, Gracious, Magnificent, All-Knowing, Shepherd, Healer, (and we could go on forever)....would not His love be the greatest? How deep and how wide is this love? This love that is fueled in grace and mercy. This love that covers all things. This love that is given freely.

Each day when I awaken I need to be reminded that despite myself, He loves me. He loves you. Do we really get it? If we did then He would be "...our portion, our hope".

So then I heard a small portion of a sermon from a Chip Ingram on the radio today within Ephesians 3 and I am overwhelmed with the message of these familiar verses. Again, meditate on them as you think about His love. I pray you too will be overwhelmed...

¹² Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. ¹³ So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored.

¹⁴ When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, ¹⁵ the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. ¹⁶ I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. ¹⁷ Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. ¹⁸ And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. ¹⁹ May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
²⁰ Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. ²¹ Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Gods love + our spiritual dependence on Him=Completeness

Paul was suffering. He too must have reached a crossroads where he had to choose to give up or focus on God's love. He said, "Do not lose heart...". A Proverbs 31 Woman should do the same. She should come "boldly and confidently into God's presence...", despite herself, because...

"...God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." ~John 3:16

Love. Amazing love. The kind of love that "does not perish". The kind of love that should drop us to our knees every morning and cause us to pray that "from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit...".

Love. Amazing love. The kind of love that results with "...Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him...."

Love. Amazing love. The kind of love which yeilds "...your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong..."

I want to be strong in God's love. I want to trust His love. I want to live in the shadow of His love. I want to have the "... power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is..."

Love. Amazing love. The Kind of love that makes you "...complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." The kind of love that "through His mighty power at work within us..." will "...accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think..." not just in us but "...for generations to come."

Love. Amazing love.

This week...no, this month, I encourage you to pray these verses daily. I also encourage you to go here to listen to Pastor Ingram's series of sermons from which I heard that sample today. Feel the stirring of the Spirit in your heart, your mind and your soul.

Believing Him~Pamela