~ The Christian Country Farm ~
Friday, May 28, 2010
The Christian Woman in the Christian Home...
Who Indeed?
By:Wilda Fancher
Who am I to write a book on the Christian woman in the Christian Home? I, who, on occasion, and in turn-rarely all on the same day, fortunately-pout with my husband, yell at my children, neglect our parents, let down a friend, burn the toast, spend too much on a new dress, skip church at night, turn green when I visit friends in new houses, feel I'm to busy to get involved with sad-type folks. These, among other un-Christian like things, I do. Same as you do.
But I'm not satisfied with myself as a Christian. Just like you're not satisfied with yourself.
That's why I am one to write this book-and why you're the one to read it. We're two who yearn for our families to look at us, but to see Christ. You could write the book as easily as I, but I'm the lucky {at this point, I'm not sure of my choice of a word here} one who got the contract.
So I'll write, you'll read, and each of us will be on our way toward being a better one-a Christian woman in our Christian home.
Beginning
The first thing to do is to scratch perfection. Yours, Your husband's. Your child's.
I am a Christian woman who must relate to her world and its problems. Like you, I have had many dreams. Some have come true, while others have not. It's adjusting to both kinds of dreams-the did-come-true ones and the didn't-come-true ones-that makes for happiness.
Recently I took the advice of some wise sage who said that the thing to do when you get to the end of your rope is to tie a knot in it and hang on. There I hung.
Screaming is not the answer. Nor is nagging. Nor is sweet talking or begging.
Every man has a hobby or something he really enjoys doing. You either learn to enjoy his hobby with him or do not fuss when he goes without you.
I must add, "Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." {Matthew 5:48}
And how shall this be? It shall be at the expense of much happy energy. What is so sad about doing whatever you're doing real well? A sense of accomplishment after a job well-done makes for a much better night's sleep than furtive unease about shoddy or neglected work.
Will perfection ever be? No. Then why try? Because it is in the trying that we aim high and find we need help. A sense of companionship with and encouragement from God is the most valuable aid to achievement a Christian has.
It is the will of God that the Christian woman seeks-for herself as she helps her husband do the will of God for him, the will of God for the house that is their home, for the children as she helps them know God so they will recognize His voice when He speaks to them and reveals His will for them.
"Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
Sounds so simple, doesn't it?
How terribly complex we make it.
Her God
Most any time I get a tomato out of the refrigerator I look it over carefully to see if it is good. If it is good, I use it.
That's what a Christian woman should do to her concept of God. Get it out, look it over carefully, and see if it is good. If it is, keep on using it. If it isn't, get a new concept.
Point One:God is the Creator. "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Nothing I have read anywhere but the Bible or heard from any other source that has given me a better explanation than that.
Point Two:After everything was created and God saw that it was all good, how did everything get so messed up? Because Adam and Eve had been created with minds of their own and the ability to make their own choices. That's what caused it all to go sour. Eve made a bad choice and Adam followed after her.
Point Three:I'm sure God hoped Adam and Eve and any others who were created along with them would not make the bad choice, but he must have felt he had to give them the choice, for fellowship with nonthinking beings would be quite shallow.
Knowing the possibility of man's estranging himself from God, God planned for the means of removing estrangement and for restoring fellowship-the sacrifice of Jesus.
Point Four:After Jesus completed the plan for my redemption, the Holy Spirit was let loose to hover around Christians, to lead them, to comfort them, and to love them for God, as much as each Christian will allow.
There is a real sense of joy in recognizing the hand of God, His Holy Spirit, at work in my life. It makes praying a richer experience because I express more gratitude, and you know how your love grows toward someone when you're grateful.
Point five:I belong to God. My reason for existing is to seek His will and to do it.
For I am just like Eve-I make the bad choice, all to often. Still, God loves me, I am forgiven through my faith in Jesus Christ, and I keep trying to be in the center of God's will.
Point six:One of these days I will die. Everyone knows he will die sooner or later. Lots of folks come to a time when they are made to realize death may be sooner rather than later.
But one of these days I will die-I will go through an experience translating me from earth to heaven and into the eternal physical presence of God. An experience which accomplishes that can't be all bad.
Such is my concept of God. It makes me able to have a real gratitude for the past from which to learn and on which to build, to feel a sense of thrill and accomplishment in the present, and to hold a deeply calming hope for the future.
Teaching Our Children to Love God...
TEACHING OUR CHILDREN TO LOVE GOD
by
Julia M. Faulkner
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Deuteronomy 6: 5, 6, & 7, we read that we should love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, and might. It also says for us to teach these words to our children, telling very specifically how to do this. But I believe it would be wise if we were first ask ourselves if we can truly say we love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, and might. Practice what you preach definitely applies here (I Timothy 4:12).
Take some time to study the following verses. First of all, why should you love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, and might? Romans 6: 6?9, 2 Corinthians 5: 17 & 18, Romans 5:6, and Romans 12:1 are just a few reasons we should be able to love the Lord so fully! Then you might ask yourself how you can love the Lord in such a way. Read 1 John 3:18 and Hebrews 1:9. As an example of what not to do, study Ezekiel 33:31. Finally you need to see if there are things hindering you from loving the Lord as you should. Just a few verses of scripture should have you searching your heart. Galatians 1:10, Luke 16:13, & Matthew 6:21 are just a few examples of hindrances in our love for the Lord. More specifically, where is your heart? Have you left your first love (Revelation 2:4)? Then you need to claim I John 1:9 and seek God's forgiveness.
Now that we have examined our own love for the Lord, how do we go about teaching our children? First off, we must begin when they are young, as pointed out in Proverbs 22:6 and II Timothy 3:14, 15. You can never begin too soon! Ephesians 6:4 is a very helpful verse.
The most logical way to begin is to show your child what the Bible says about God and his love for man. The following verses will help your child know exactly how much God loves him/her: I John 4: 19 (God loved us first), John 3:16 (God loves the world and sent His son), and Romans 5:8 should get you started. I would suggest helping you child(ren) memorize these verses as soon their verbal skills will allow. Usually 2 or 2 1/2 years is a good time.
I John 4:19 tells us that we love God because he loved us first. I don't think we can teach our children about loving God without first teaching this very important verse. From there I suggest teaching Romans 3:23 and 6:23. These two verses talk about man's sin and God's gift of eternal life. Not only does the child see the extent of God's love here, it's an early introduction to the plan of salvation! And isn't that the ultimate goal? If a child never realizes how much God loves him/her, how can he ever accept the wonderful sacrifice of God's son for our unrighteousness?
To me the sweetest memory is of my children singing "Jesus Loves Me" when they were but about 2 years old. II Corinthians 9:6 is an especially encouraging verse for parents trying to raise children in a Godly manner. Basically it says that we reap what we sow! So be careful of what you allow to be planted in your child's mind. One of the worst offenders is the television. But music, books, friends, and many other factors influence your child in undesirable ways.
Read Proverbs 19:27. If you teach your child right from wrong as each situation arises (i.e. bad language on TV. ? tell him/her that it is displeasing to God, and change the channel!), then they will remember the right thing to do next time the incident comes up. You'll be surprised at how often you'll be witnessing to your child about what does and does not please God. "Train up a child . . ." (Proverbs 22:6) is basically what I'm trying to say here.
I cannot say enough about how important it is to begin teaching our children from a very young age. I'm sure that it makes as much sense to you as it does to me that it is easier to teach correct behavior and attitude from the start, than to have to go back and correct it later on. Proverbs 22:6 really does work wonders! It takes more effort to change someone's thinking about something than to start out doing the right thing from the beginning. You've heard the old saying about someone being "set in his ways"? Well, it does not take a child very long to become accustomed to undesirable habits.
Pray with your child daily at times other than meals and bedtime. One suggestion would be to pray with your child each morning before he/she leaves for school for the day. It is a scary thought to think of the influences our children are exposed to when we are not there. So, in light of that thought, pray that the Lord will help your child to know what is right and wrong and that they will be able to resist the pressure of their peers to participate in behavior and activities that are not in alignment with what they have been taught at home. Also ask God to help your child to be a good witness for Him.
Can you think of other things to pray for? If your child is having any problems at school (teacher, bullies, school work), help him/her to memorize 1 Peter 5:7. I have often helped Elizabeth pray that the Lord would help her to do well on tests and school work (especially if she was having any particular difficulties). Doing these few simple things will help cultivate your child's trust in the Lord.
But don't forget what I Thessalonians 5:18 says (a good verse to memorize). To give thanks!
As I come to a close, I would like to share with you a few ideas in training up your child. These things really don't take long, but the rewards will be well worth your effort. Besides the memorizing of scripture, I recommend reading the Bible to your child(ren) daily. And I don't mean bible story books, either! Take your Bible and read from it to them. When a child is able to read on their own, let him/her read to you. While it is true that there are some long, hard words to read, there are plenty of passages simple enough for even a child to read. The point is to teach good habits for personal Bible study. For any of us not reared in such a manner, the importance of this practice should be very clear. I still struggle with being dedicated in my daily Bible study. At any rate, a good time to do this is right after school or right before bedtime. An extra benefit of doing this is the precious memories the child will have of you sharing God and His word. It blesses my heart to hear preachers talk about how their parents did this very thing with them when they were growing up. Don't you want to be remembered as a godly parent? I know I do, but I often fail.
My final point is to simply talk to your child everyday about God and His love for him/her. According to Deuteronomy 6:7 we should be talking to our children about God all the day long. From the time we get up in the morning until we go to bed at night. I like to play a little game each night as I tuck the children into bed. After they have said their prayers, I ask each child who loves them the most; even more than mommy or daddy. The answer of course is Jesus! And then I ask them if they know how much that Jesus loves them, and what did Jesus do to show his love? He died on the cross to save us from our sin, so that we can one day come and live with Him in Heaven. Even Rebekah at two years of age could answer these questions. Although she may not have fully understood what it all meant, I knew I had planted the seed.
If you will just follow the few simple ideas I've given you here (start young, read the Bible to your child, help them to memorize scripture, and so forth), then I'm convinced that your child won't have much trouble loving the Lord his God with all of his heart, soul, and might!
Note ? You may wonder why I did not include the scripture text with the references I gave. It is really quite simple. While I wanted to give scripture to back up what I tried to say here, I feel that it is your responsibility to look up the text during you private bible study time. Please don't just read over what I've written. Take the time to look up all of the verses I've included. You never know what God will show you!
by
Julia M. Faulkner
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Deuteronomy 6: 5, 6, & 7, we read that we should love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, and might. It also says for us to teach these words to our children, telling very specifically how to do this. But I believe it would be wise if we were first ask ourselves if we can truly say we love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, and might. Practice what you preach definitely applies here (I Timothy 4:12).
Take some time to study the following verses. First of all, why should you love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, and might? Romans 6: 6?9, 2 Corinthians 5: 17 & 18, Romans 5:6, and Romans 12:1 are just a few reasons we should be able to love the Lord so fully! Then you might ask yourself how you can love the Lord in such a way. Read 1 John 3:18 and Hebrews 1:9. As an example of what not to do, study Ezekiel 33:31. Finally you need to see if there are things hindering you from loving the Lord as you should. Just a few verses of scripture should have you searching your heart. Galatians 1:10, Luke 16:13, & Matthew 6:21 are just a few examples of hindrances in our love for the Lord. More specifically, where is your heart? Have you left your first love (Revelation 2:4)? Then you need to claim I John 1:9 and seek God's forgiveness.
Now that we have examined our own love for the Lord, how do we go about teaching our children? First off, we must begin when they are young, as pointed out in Proverbs 22:6 and II Timothy 3:14, 15. You can never begin too soon! Ephesians 6:4 is a very helpful verse.
The most logical way to begin is to show your child what the Bible says about God and his love for man. The following verses will help your child know exactly how much God loves him/her: I John 4: 19 (God loved us first), John 3:16 (God loves the world and sent His son), and Romans 5:8 should get you started. I would suggest helping you child(ren) memorize these verses as soon their verbal skills will allow. Usually 2 or 2 1/2 years is a good time.
I John 4:19 tells us that we love God because he loved us first. I don't think we can teach our children about loving God without first teaching this very important verse. From there I suggest teaching Romans 3:23 and 6:23. These two verses talk about man's sin and God's gift of eternal life. Not only does the child see the extent of God's love here, it's an early introduction to the plan of salvation! And isn't that the ultimate goal? If a child never realizes how much God loves him/her, how can he ever accept the wonderful sacrifice of God's son for our unrighteousness?
To me the sweetest memory is of my children singing "Jesus Loves Me" when they were but about 2 years old. II Corinthians 9:6 is an especially encouraging verse for parents trying to raise children in a Godly manner. Basically it says that we reap what we sow! So be careful of what you allow to be planted in your child's mind. One of the worst offenders is the television. But music, books, friends, and many other factors influence your child in undesirable ways.
Read Proverbs 19:27. If you teach your child right from wrong as each situation arises (i.e. bad language on TV. ? tell him/her that it is displeasing to God, and change the channel!), then they will remember the right thing to do next time the incident comes up. You'll be surprised at how often you'll be witnessing to your child about what does and does not please God. "Train up a child . . ." (Proverbs 22:6) is basically what I'm trying to say here.
I cannot say enough about how important it is to begin teaching our children from a very young age. I'm sure that it makes as much sense to you as it does to me that it is easier to teach correct behavior and attitude from the start, than to have to go back and correct it later on. Proverbs 22:6 really does work wonders! It takes more effort to change someone's thinking about something than to start out doing the right thing from the beginning. You've heard the old saying about someone being "set in his ways"? Well, it does not take a child very long to become accustomed to undesirable habits.
Pray with your child daily at times other than meals and bedtime. One suggestion would be to pray with your child each morning before he/she leaves for school for the day. It is a scary thought to think of the influences our children are exposed to when we are not there. So, in light of that thought, pray that the Lord will help your child to know what is right and wrong and that they will be able to resist the pressure of their peers to participate in behavior and activities that are not in alignment with what they have been taught at home. Also ask God to help your child to be a good witness for Him.
Can you think of other things to pray for? If your child is having any problems at school (teacher, bullies, school work), help him/her to memorize 1 Peter 5:7. I have often helped Elizabeth pray that the Lord would help her to do well on tests and school work (especially if she was having any particular difficulties). Doing these few simple things will help cultivate your child's trust in the Lord.
But don't forget what I Thessalonians 5:18 says (a good verse to memorize). To give thanks!
As I come to a close, I would like to share with you a few ideas in training up your child. These things really don't take long, but the rewards will be well worth your effort. Besides the memorizing of scripture, I recommend reading the Bible to your child(ren) daily. And I don't mean bible story books, either! Take your Bible and read from it to them. When a child is able to read on their own, let him/her read to you. While it is true that there are some long, hard words to read, there are plenty of passages simple enough for even a child to read. The point is to teach good habits for personal Bible study. For any of us not reared in such a manner, the importance of this practice should be very clear. I still struggle with being dedicated in my daily Bible study. At any rate, a good time to do this is right after school or right before bedtime. An extra benefit of doing this is the precious memories the child will have of you sharing God and His word. It blesses my heart to hear preachers talk about how their parents did this very thing with them when they were growing up. Don't you want to be remembered as a godly parent? I know I do, but I often fail.
My final point is to simply talk to your child everyday about God and His love for him/her. According to Deuteronomy 6:7 we should be talking to our children about God all the day long. From the time we get up in the morning until we go to bed at night. I like to play a little game each night as I tuck the children into bed. After they have said their prayers, I ask each child who loves them the most; even more than mommy or daddy. The answer of course is Jesus! And then I ask them if they know how much that Jesus loves them, and what did Jesus do to show his love? He died on the cross to save us from our sin, so that we can one day come and live with Him in Heaven. Even Rebekah at two years of age could answer these questions. Although she may not have fully understood what it all meant, I knew I had planted the seed.
If you will just follow the few simple ideas I've given you here (start young, read the Bible to your child, help them to memorize scripture, and so forth), then I'm convinced that your child won't have much trouble loving the Lord his God with all of his heart, soul, and might!
Note ? You may wonder why I did not include the scripture text with the references I gave. It is really quite simple. While I wanted to give scripture to back up what I tried to say here, I feel that it is your responsibility to look up the text during you private bible study time. Please don't just read over what I've written. Take the time to look up all of the verses I've included. You never know what God will show you!
Womanhood
1- Womanhood should be a beautiful thing. It has however been cheapened by the media and men in general. They have taken women of that Godly pedastal and put her instead on the runway of a strip joint.(hope that makes sense, it does to me lol)
2- I have not always been a christian. My ideas on womanhood have changed alot. I used to think that it was ok for a woman to be partly dressed and that being gawked at by other men was a compliment to my then boyfriend/husband. I truly thought i was sexy. Those men thought so too. But that is all that i was. A shell. Empty inside. I see that i have a purpose now. That my beauty is indeed only for my husband and i have been teaching that very same thing to our daughters. When our son is old enough to truly understand, he will also be taught how he should view women. And How they should indeed be treated.
3- Because she has the courage it takes to be what God wants her to be. The kind of wife He expects her to be. She is commited to her husband and her home. She is not afraid of what others say about the woman she has become. She knows that some put her down for it but she is setting an example even if they are too blind to see it.
4- Feminists. By this i mean bra burning mamas lol although there are days when i want to burn my own . I am all for being a woman but there is a point where i say hey, you know what, nope i'm not doing that for the sake of being "free".
5- Naomi, She has incredible strength although i also admire Ruth for choosing to stay with her mother inlaw even though she had no more sons to give. And the words she speaks to her mother inlaw are also great. I guess i do not have a great answer for that question just that i admire them both.
6- Qualities God admires: That they be teachers of the youger women, they know how to love their husbands and children, they are discreet and obedient.
Qualities God does not admire: False accuser, not sober clear minded women, unholy women.
7- The qualities i esteem are in line with what is written. Now to be that woman is awful hard. I have not even been close for quite some time. But i am getting back on track.
8- That the woman be clear minded, sober and be an obedient woman to God and husband.
9- I do not know that i understand this question. Does it not mean that she be worshipful?
10- Oh Goodness this one is good as i love these passages. there is so much said of this tongue.
I will say that I myself have used my tongue in such a way to shame me to the very spirit that is within me.
James 3:6
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
11- temperance
(noun) 1 : moderation in action, thought, or feeling : RESTRAINT ; 2 a : habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions; b : moderation in or abstinence from the use of intoxicating drink .
It is important for a woman not to be a drunk and given to much wine because she as well as her husband has a job to do. First she must praise and worship God, second she must be obedient to her God and her husband and third she must be a mother to her children, How does one teach their daughters while being absent minded? She MUST be an example.
2- I have not always been a christian. My ideas on womanhood have changed alot. I used to think that it was ok for a woman to be partly dressed and that being gawked at by other men was a compliment to my then boyfriend/husband. I truly thought i was sexy. Those men thought so too. But that is all that i was. A shell. Empty inside. I see that i have a purpose now. That my beauty is indeed only for my husband and i have been teaching that very same thing to our daughters. When our son is old enough to truly understand, he will also be taught how he should view women. And How they should indeed be treated.
3- Because she has the courage it takes to be what God wants her to be. The kind of wife He expects her to be. She is commited to her husband and her home. She is not afraid of what others say about the woman she has become. She knows that some put her down for it but she is setting an example even if they are too blind to see it.
4- Feminists. By this i mean bra burning mamas lol although there are days when i want to burn my own . I am all for being a woman but there is a point where i say hey, you know what, nope i'm not doing that for the sake of being "free".
5- Naomi, She has incredible strength although i also admire Ruth for choosing to stay with her mother inlaw even though she had no more sons to give. And the words she speaks to her mother inlaw are also great. I guess i do not have a great answer for that question just that i admire them both.
6- Qualities God admires: That they be teachers of the youger women, they know how to love their husbands and children, they are discreet and obedient.
Qualities God does not admire: False accuser, not sober clear minded women, unholy women.
7- The qualities i esteem are in line with what is written. Now to be that woman is awful hard. I have not even been close for quite some time. But i am getting back on track.
8- That the woman be clear minded, sober and be an obedient woman to God and husband.
9- I do not know that i understand this question. Does it not mean that she be worshipful?
10- Oh Goodness this one is good as i love these passages. there is so much said of this tongue.
I will say that I myself have used my tongue in such a way to shame me to the very spirit that is within me.
James 3:6
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
11- temperance
(noun) 1 : moderation in action, thought, or feeling : RESTRAINT ; 2 a : habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions; b : moderation in or abstinence from the use of intoxicating drink .
It is important for a woman not to be a drunk and given to much wine because she as well as her husband has a job to do. First she must praise and worship God, second she must be obedient to her God and her husband and third she must be a mother to her children, How does one teach their daughters while being absent minded? She MUST be an example.
Proverbs 31
VIRTUOUS PROVERBS 31 MAN AND WOMAN
By Norma Daulton
"Her husband is known in the gates;When he sits among the elders of the land." Proverbs 31:23
First to understand the scripture "He is known at the gates" we must take a look back in Bible times. In Bible times most cities were walled and fortified for protection against the enemy. Of course these cities had gates for entrance and exit. These gated entrances had rooms within them. Most had a water supply of some type, places to build fires and stairwells leading up to the top of the wall. These rooms inside of the gates were set side for the daily works of the city government, deliberations and of course the room where the guards stood watch.
We see from the second part of this verse that her husband "sits among the elders of the land" this tells us he is a reputable man and contributes to public life. He is obviously a man of influence within the city. Whatever position this man held it was one of prestige, well known and well looked upon. His position could have very well been that of a civic leader in today's society equal to a city councilmen, lawyer etc. It could also have been a leader in the religious establishment of that day.
The Virtuous Woman and Man of Proverbs 31 compliment each other in their own unique roles in the home, in the community and in the Church. As Ecclesiastes 4:9 states: "Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor." Two working together to fulfill their divine destiny in the Lord can be a powerful team.
COMPARISON OF THE PROVERBS 31 WOMAN AND MAN.
* The Christian man is happy and confident in his role as the head of the home and in the work place.
* He is a man of common sense and wisdom.
* His employment is within the city, serving the people.
* He has earned honor and respect for his work.
* He is known for his good character.
* The Proverbs 31 Woman is also happy and confident in her role as a Christian Woman, Wife, Mother, and Keeper of the Home.
* She is a gentle, kind and soft spoken woman of great wisdom.
* She serves the people in her household with great love and stretches out in charity to others outside her household when time permits.
* She is respected by her husband for her resourcefulness and creativity. She is respected by her maids and sisters in the Body of Christ.
* She is known for her impeccable character.
* She surrounds her "head" (husband) with prayer and is respectful and gives honor to her husband's role as head of the home. "A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband." Proverbs 12:4
Today's society has for the most part lost the appreciation for the old saying "behind every good man is a woman". When looking at some of the Spiritual leaders today and yesterday years History reveals that wives have always been a gentle but strong force behind her husband.
Reading stories of D.L. Moody and his ministry I have been moved by the fact that he said after hearing his wife pray with their children that he knew that he could go on to his next preaching assignment with confidence that she could and would indeed hold down the fort, keep the home-fires burning and keep the Godly focus in their home while he was away.
Warren Wiersbe (Back to the Bible speaker and teacher) had this to say about his wife Betty. "She is a help meet in the truest sense, the mother of four children, budget balancer, mechanic and 'jack of all trades'. Our ministry has been a team effort and I couldn't have wanted a more understand and dependable partner". Quote from Power for Living 1/16/2000
What awesome blessings these and other Christian women are to their husband's. We, my dear Sister, can be a blessing to our husbands as we fulfill our divine role as a Woman, Wife and Mother. To do so, we must rise against the grain of modern day liberals and delight in our roles as Proverbs 31 Women. We must not be ashamed to say that we are Christian Women who are happily fulfilling our divinely appointed destiny.
Today many woman are encouraged to be their own person at any cost..."make something of themselves in the world." If a woman chooses to stay at home instead of working outside the home she is considered "out of the flow of things". Women who choose to stay at home are often looked down on as lazy, unproductive, uneducated. Not so! Some of the Christian ladies I have shared with in Bible Studies and Church meetings are college graduates... but they have chosen to use their talents in the home.
I have heard Christian friends say that they could not wait to get a job and get away from the 'humdrum of housekeeping'. When finances are an issue and mothers have to leave the home to work, it is a whole different issue and both husband and wife can stay the course by working together to keep their family values intact and the home running smoothly. But when women seek to leave home, not because of financial needs but just to get away and find out "who they are" something is amiss in their thinking.
Let me pause to say that I do not want any woman to feel condemned if she is currently working outside the home. God's perfect plan for each of us is in the home, but there are so many circumstances that lead some to work outside the home. May none of us be guilty of pointing the finger at any woman who is not a stay at home mom.
I worked for 30 years after many attempts to bear a child and when I was finally told I would never have a child my husband and I agreed upon my receiving training that would enable me to qualify for a post in an elementary school as an administrative assistant.
When my husband was transferred to another state after 30 years of service with his company I gave up that high paying position that I had grown to love and followed my husband and became a stay at home woman... later when he was called to an Evangelistic Outreach I served alongside him until he retired from secular employment and from the ministry.
My desire, and I hope yours, is to be a blessing to our husbands and children in a godly fashion. God desires that we count our role as Wife, Mother and Keeper of the Home as one of high priority, respectable, honorable, our Divine Destiny and do it with all our strength, mind and body as unto the Lord.
Things to ponder regarding being a blessing to your husband
1. Encourage your husband, find the strengths he has and focus on them.
Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so.
2. Praise your husbands and appreciate the small things.
Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.
3. Take care of your home. Your home is a reflection of you as you are a reflection of your husband.
4. Take care of your marriage. It is a fact that love and marriage take a lot of elbow grease and effort.
5. Take care of yourself. Keep your appearance up. Funny how we don't mind doing ourselves up for a special occasion---Make everyday a special occasion!
6. PRAY for your husband. He needs you to be a Prayer Warrior. Ladies, we are to circle our *head* with prayers.
7. Respect your husband.
Ephesians 5:33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
8. Be a good reflection of your husband, protect and preserve his reputation as well as your own.
1 Timothy 3:4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence
3:5 for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?
By Norma Daulton
"Her husband is known in the gates;When he sits among the elders of the land." Proverbs 31:23
First to understand the scripture "He is known at the gates" we must take a look back in Bible times. In Bible times most cities were walled and fortified for protection against the enemy. Of course these cities had gates for entrance and exit. These gated entrances had rooms within them. Most had a water supply of some type, places to build fires and stairwells leading up to the top of the wall. These rooms inside of the gates were set side for the daily works of the city government, deliberations and of course the room where the guards stood watch.
We see from the second part of this verse that her husband "sits among the elders of the land" this tells us he is a reputable man and contributes to public life. He is obviously a man of influence within the city. Whatever position this man held it was one of prestige, well known and well looked upon. His position could have very well been that of a civic leader in today's society equal to a city councilmen, lawyer etc. It could also have been a leader in the religious establishment of that day.
The Virtuous Woman and Man of Proverbs 31 compliment each other in their own unique roles in the home, in the community and in the Church. As Ecclesiastes 4:9 states: "Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor." Two working together to fulfill their divine destiny in the Lord can be a powerful team.
COMPARISON OF THE PROVERBS 31 WOMAN AND MAN.
* The Christian man is happy and confident in his role as the head of the home and in the work place.
* He is a man of common sense and wisdom.
* His employment is within the city, serving the people.
* He has earned honor and respect for his work.
* He is known for his good character.
* The Proverbs 31 Woman is also happy and confident in her role as a Christian Woman, Wife, Mother, and Keeper of the Home.
* She is a gentle, kind and soft spoken woman of great wisdom.
* She serves the people in her household with great love and stretches out in charity to others outside her household when time permits.
* She is respected by her husband for her resourcefulness and creativity. She is respected by her maids and sisters in the Body of Christ.
* She is known for her impeccable character.
* She surrounds her "head" (husband) with prayer and is respectful and gives honor to her husband's role as head of the home. "A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband." Proverbs 12:4
Today's society has for the most part lost the appreciation for the old saying "behind every good man is a woman". When looking at some of the Spiritual leaders today and yesterday years History reveals that wives have always been a gentle but strong force behind her husband.
Reading stories of D.L. Moody and his ministry I have been moved by the fact that he said after hearing his wife pray with their children that he knew that he could go on to his next preaching assignment with confidence that she could and would indeed hold down the fort, keep the home-fires burning and keep the Godly focus in their home while he was away.
Warren Wiersbe (Back to the Bible speaker and teacher) had this to say about his wife Betty. "She is a help meet in the truest sense, the mother of four children, budget balancer, mechanic and 'jack of all trades'. Our ministry has been a team effort and I couldn't have wanted a more understand and dependable partner". Quote from Power for Living 1/16/2000
What awesome blessings these and other Christian women are to their husband's. We, my dear Sister, can be a blessing to our husbands as we fulfill our divine role as a Woman, Wife and Mother. To do so, we must rise against the grain of modern day liberals and delight in our roles as Proverbs 31 Women. We must not be ashamed to say that we are Christian Women who are happily fulfilling our divinely appointed destiny.
Today many woman are encouraged to be their own person at any cost..."make something of themselves in the world." If a woman chooses to stay at home instead of working outside the home she is considered "out of the flow of things". Women who choose to stay at home are often looked down on as lazy, unproductive, uneducated. Not so! Some of the Christian ladies I have shared with in Bible Studies and Church meetings are college graduates... but they have chosen to use their talents in the home.
I have heard Christian friends say that they could not wait to get a job and get away from the 'humdrum of housekeeping'. When finances are an issue and mothers have to leave the home to work, it is a whole different issue and both husband and wife can stay the course by working together to keep their family values intact and the home running smoothly. But when women seek to leave home, not because of financial needs but just to get away and find out "who they are" something is amiss in their thinking.
Let me pause to say that I do not want any woman to feel condemned if she is currently working outside the home. God's perfect plan for each of us is in the home, but there are so many circumstances that lead some to work outside the home. May none of us be guilty of pointing the finger at any woman who is not a stay at home mom.
I worked for 30 years after many attempts to bear a child and when I was finally told I would never have a child my husband and I agreed upon my receiving training that would enable me to qualify for a post in an elementary school as an administrative assistant.
When my husband was transferred to another state after 30 years of service with his company I gave up that high paying position that I had grown to love and followed my husband and became a stay at home woman... later when he was called to an Evangelistic Outreach I served alongside him until he retired from secular employment and from the ministry.
My desire, and I hope yours, is to be a blessing to our husbands and children in a godly fashion. God desires that we count our role as Wife, Mother and Keeper of the Home as one of high priority, respectable, honorable, our Divine Destiny and do it with all our strength, mind and body as unto the Lord.
Things to ponder regarding being a blessing to your husband
1. Encourage your husband, find the strengths he has and focus on them.
Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so.
2. Praise your husbands and appreciate the small things.
Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.
3. Take care of your home. Your home is a reflection of you as you are a reflection of your husband.
4. Take care of your marriage. It is a fact that love and marriage take a lot of elbow grease and effort.
5. Take care of yourself. Keep your appearance up. Funny how we don't mind doing ourselves up for a special occasion---Make everyday a special occasion!
6. PRAY for your husband. He needs you to be a Prayer Warrior. Ladies, we are to circle our *head* with prayers.
7. Respect your husband.
Ephesians 5:33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
8. Be a good reflection of your husband, protect and preserve his reputation as well as your own.
1 Timothy 3:4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence
3:5 for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?
Titus 2 Conference...
I am trying to get a conference set up at our Church on Oct. 1-3, Lord willing, with the Maxwell's from http://www.titus2.com/ Any who are close by King's Mountain, NC then or maybe your family would like to plan your vacation for that time and come join us.
There will be food, fellowship, singing, preaching and of course a great conference from the Maxwell's. So please come and join us for this great time of worship, fellowship and teaching. Here is the website to our Church with the address http://lovevalleybaptist.com/
~Christian Country Mama~
There will be food, fellowship, singing, preaching and of course a great conference from the Maxwell's. So please come and join us for this great time of worship, fellowship and teaching. Here is the website to our Church with the address http://lovevalleybaptist.com/
~Christian Country Mama~
Sunday, May 9, 2010
A few pictures of my sweet babies...
Miriam-9 1/2 & Abigail at Abigail's 5th birthday Party, here on our Farm.
My sweet baby grandson, Jaysen, he will be 2 in July.
And this is my oldest daughter and my youngest daughter, Rachael-21 1/2, who is also Jaysen's mother, and then Esther, my sweet little Boo. She will be 2 in September.
I don't seem to have any of my oldest Son, Paul-26, so I'll be sure to get some of him next time he comes here to visit. Which will be soon I hope!
Well have a Blessed night and a glorious Sunday, tomorrow.
~Christian Country Mama~
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