Proverbs 31:10-31 is the ideal woman. This woman is characterized as an “Excellent Wife.” The word used for wife is one that means “woman” whether married or not. We know the woman in Proverbs 31 is married, because it speaks of her husband and children. We must keep in mind, however, that the virtues discussed here are those for which all women should strive, and are qualities mothers should seek to instill in their daughters. All the characteristics here can be developed in a life with discipline and determination. This passage is to women what 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 are for men. It is a description of the Character a woman should strive to develop in her life. Having just celebrated Mother’s Day it is good to review these passages. No wife can live up to these standards unless she has a husband who understands the principles and works to help her develop those characteristics in their lives. As you ponder these characteristics, honor your mother, wife, sister, and friend by praying for them each day.… READ MORE

Do you see the hand of God in your life? Hebrews 11:27 says, “By faith [Moses] forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; FOR ENDURED AS SEEING HIM WHO IS INVISIBLE.” (Emphasis mine). Seeing the hand of God does not imply anything mystical. It means that you see God working in and through the circumstances of your life. We have a gracious merciful God, who allow things to come into our lives for a reason and purpose. Even when He permits things that we would deem as “evil” it has a purpose in shaping and directing our lives. As we view our lives, we can see how the hand of the Lord has given us direction as we follow Him. We often do not understand the destination, but we end up where He is leading. Ask the Lord to give you the eyes and perspective to see His sovereign hand in your life. … READ MORE

Where is your heart? We often struggle with what is valuable and what is not. Faith’s riches are not found in the material things we acquire. Yet we are so tempted to buy in the philosophy “he who has the most toys wins.” In Hebrews 11:26 we are reminded that Moses, “esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.” To often we live for the here and now over the long range and eternal. We want what brings us the immediate pleasure over what is designed to bring us the greatest long term gain. For example, most people are looking forward to retirement, but according to studies, the average American is not saving toward retirement. Reason: They are not willing to sacrifice the immediate pleasures, for the long term goals. Moses was willing not only to give up the temporal, but also to plan for the eternal. I read once, “You can not take anything with you, but you can send some things before you.” My friends, may you live with the goal of pleasing God now. Doing so is only possible if you remember not to sacrifice the long … READ MORE