Wisdom:Better Than Rubies

     One of the greatest pieces of advice that I would share with my own daughters and granddaughters would be to jump in, support and serve in your church.  It is important that you attend a church that God has truly led you to and where you are able to serve him in the good and the bad, the ups and the downs.  Jump in, commit, hunker down and serve him wherever and however you can serve.  It is important to have your children there and busy with the activities of the Lord and church as well.  Make this a priority. Matthew 6:33 KJV, Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.    

     Through my life, it has become even more evident that what God tells us in his word is so very true.  For example, Proverbs 31:27 tells us: “she looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.”  Webster 1828 describes idleness as reluctance to exertion either of body or mind or reluctance to be employed, aversion to labor, trivialness, unimportance, ineffective, and useless.  In other words, lazy.  We are always serving something or someone. It may be just serving ourselves.  There is much work to be done for the Lord.  You will not go wrong to seek the will of the Lord where he wants you to serve him but it must start in our own hearts, homes and our churches.  As we are faithful over these things we can build even further where we serve him.  Matthew 25:21 is a great reverence to see an example of this concept.

     It is important to serve and build a structure and commitment to serve the Lord in our churches above all other things in our life.  This takes a commitment on our part and will become a way of life, not just a “God thing” like I have often heard.  I heard a wise person say, “although it is a God thing it is more than that…..it is a way of life.”

Serving the Lord and the church early in your life sets a pattern for the rest of your life.  It is wise to make this a priority early in your life and commit above other things that will compete. Although every stage of life has stress and strife, as you grow older there are so many more things that compete for you mental, physical, emotional time and attention that makes it a challenge to juggle all of the responsibilities that the Lord blesses you with although he will always provide and come through.   

     I firmly believe you should love God first and most and serve him, love your spouse, children and family serve them, love your church, your pastor and pastor’s wife and serve them, love your church family and serve them, love where you work and serve them.  The Bible supports these principles in Ephesians chapters 4-6 and many other reference areas.  Do all this fervently and with all of your heart (Colossians 3:23-24).  If you are not able to lay the foundation starting with the ”priority” then drop the rest until you can get the foundation right and then build again.  Read Matthew 7:24-27 for a great illustration and instruction on building your house on the rock.

     We look out at the world right now and can see chaos, confusion and so much more ungodliness.  We know from the Bible that God is not the author of the confusion.  I used to tell my girls, (and I still do) “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.”  Mommas and daddies used to raise their children and families in God fearing churches.  Pastors used to be “called” and were bold and had a wife that stood and supported them.  We are so very blessed to have this at our church and we should pray God continue to give our pastor and pastor’s wife the boldness, grace and mercy to continue standing in the gap for each of our homes, families and the unsaved souls. 

     My burden for us this morning, who are we serving?  Why are you serving them or that?  I promise you, if you prioritize what you serve and remember Matthew 6:33 and practice and purpose to serve God in your local church and your home first, you and your home will be blessed even more than what God has already blessed you with.  Two more wonderful scriptures from his word that I will leave you with to study and ponder on are Ephesians 3:20-21 and Joshua 24:15. God is able to do so much more and who will you choose to serve today.  I love you and we are in this together.  Let’s just praise the Lord for all he has done and all he is going to do in our homes and our churches that has the potential to spread on over to our workplaces and the rest of the world if we choose wisdom and prioritize correctly that pleases God.  

     I was helped and encouraged so much in church yesterday from my Sunday school teacher with so many phrases and quotes from his study but one I will share to purpose to practice is to pray more for others rather than complain.  Brother John Jarvis also challenged me when he asked, “What is your part in teaching others to be faithful?  My Pastor, Tommy Turner helped me in a message from Leviticus about “Strange Fire”.  I want to “simply go by the Book”!  Lord help me to stay focused on you and your word and not get side tracked with any strange fires.

Shine the light

How refreshing to wake up each morning to a beautiful new day…especially when the “Sun is shining”!  It seems to just give hope, share beautiful golden, beaming rays of light and is so nourishing to our bodies and souls!  Energizing is putting it “light”ly!  It is even more radiant when you know the creator and maker of the Sun, the Moon and the Stars!  The Planets, the Earth, Jupiter and Mars. 

I was enjoying the beautiful sun rise on my way to work just a little bit more today.  For a moment, I just imagined what it would be like to take your next breath with Jesus, God’s only Son!   It literally took my breath away and instantly filled my eyes with tears and a joy in my heart and mind that is absolutely unexplainable to capture the true feeling! 

That light that I saw, though it was the sun this morning, was really a picture of THE SON, JESUS.  It motivated me so much I wanted to capture a picture of it but I was driving at the time.  I quickly pulled in at work and ran up to my office and captured a picture from my office window.  It encouraged me so much!! I want to be a picture of a light from heaven as well.  I do not want others to see me but I want them to see my Father that lives in me and enjoy what he has to offer each and every willing individual!  Sometimes I lose focus of that light but so glad he sends a light to help me in so many ways.  This morning it was the beautiful sunrise.  There are times it is beautiful words or people with inner beauty.  It can be so many things with God. I want to be a light that shines light to Jesus and nothing else. “Shine the Light”! I need that light every moment of every hour of every day! Don’t let the devil blow it out!

Psalm 113:3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised.

2^nd Corinthians 5:8-10    We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.  Werefore we labour, that , whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in this body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (read the rest of the chapter….it is great truth)

Proverbs 4:18   But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Just wanted to share a few of my favorite verses that help me along my way and go along with the devotion below from my very good friend. Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice . Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests me made known unto God. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there by any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Phil 4:4, 6, 8. 11. 12 & 13 KJV BIBLE)

Please enjoy the devotion from my very precious friend and one of my mentors! Jo has been battling cancer for the past few years and she has CHOSEN to have JOY and REJOICE in spite of her infirmities. She did not CHOOSE this journey. It was chosen for her. She never fails to lift the name Jesus and one of her motto’s that I have noticed along the way is “Choose Joy”. One of my all time favorite songs is The God on the Mountain is still God in the valley. How super fitting for life! I hope Jo’s devotion will inspire you! Please pray for my friend, Jo, as she begins another round of chemo this week.

WRITTEN BY JO CARTEE

We were so blessed this past several days to be able to make a trip to Franklin NC.  We headed out Wednesday morning to spend a few days in a house on the mountain.

We left home on a pretty smooth road but the further we went, we soon realized we were in the valley below the mountains. So we had to travel through that valley to get to the mountain top. The leaves were barely changing colors but there was beauty in them.  As we got closer to the mountain top house the prettier it was.

We were going to eat before going on up but someone 👋🏻 forgot to put the restaurant address in instead of the house, so we arrived at our road up to the house. Well we’ll just go on up and check it out right quick then go eat. 

Well, the rental company had told us the road to the driveway was a little tricky, just keep going don’t stop and try not to spin your tires.

Here we go. We start up the road and quickly found out what he was talking about😜

We bounced out of our seats, we spun, we bounced ( I’m talking bounce your head off) some more and we were not getting anywhere. Back up, try again. Bounce, spin…..so we finally just backed down, turned around and went on to eat knowing we’d have to have the car aligned when we got home.  Enjoyed dinner but now we have to do it again!

We looked back over the directions the rental company sent.

When you start up the road, put it in low gear and don’t stop!

Well I’ll be, that worked and we made it. We still bounced,  but nothing like the first time. We reached the paved drive and smooth driving to the house. We were now at the top of the mountain! And oh what a beautiful sight it was!  Only God can create such beauty!

Looking out over the mountains this past few days was like looking back over our life. We could see many mountains but also the valleys. They flow beautifully together. You can’t have one without the other. You’d just have flat land. 

Down in the valley you feel closed in and crowded by all of life’s circumstances . You have to look harder for the beauty.  But the mountain top is in the distance.

To get there you have to travel the road up. The road is not smooth. There are many bumps and ruts that you have to navigate through. The first try you may not make it up but you can’t give up. Just back up, take a break, read the directions then keep on going.

Even though you don’t think you’re going to make it, the bumps and ruts are going to tear you apart, you keep going. Read and follow  the directions that God gives. Soon you’re on that mountain top.

The mountain top is a beautiful place to be. You can look down and see the valley you just came through. You feel alive and free.

What you’ve learned in the valley and on the way up will be valuable for the rest of your life.

It’s through the valleys that we learns so much!

I’m so thankful for the valleys in our lives that have taught us so much. Mainly that no matter what we’re going through God is always going to be right beside us, holding us when we think we’re bouncing our heads off and spinning our wheels.

Guiding us up out of that valley and on up that mountain. If we’ll just take the time to follow his directions that are written out in the Bible, it makes the trip so much easier.

There are more valleys and mountains ahead but by the help and grace of God we’ll make it!!!

We just have to  follow Him!

10/9/22

Several years ago, our church had a vacation bible school with the theme of, “Some have compassion, making a difference,” from Jude 1:22, KJV Bible.  That years VBS continues to stand out in my mind because compassion does indeed make a difference, especially at times when things are not going as you would like or would have planned.  I personally struggle with the “action” of demonstrating compassion to others. I have such high regard and respect for the people that can demonstrate this compassion and convey it to others.  

There have been so many precious people in my lifetime that I have witnessed to be some of the most compassionate, thoughtful, and caring individuals, not only to myself and my family but to so many others, too many to count.  Those people have taught me, personally, how to appreciate and look out for others and show kindness to them, especially in times of need.  I have a sincere love for others and wish the very best for others but being able to actually “do” and “show” thoughtfulness does not seem to be a gift of mine as I observe how other dear saints of God display love, thoughtfulness and compassion through their “actions” in various ways.  The thoughtfulness that was shown to me and others over the years, and very recently, have sincerely blessed me beyond measure and I often think, why can’t I think of that, or why can’t I be more like that?  My heart thinks and cares about people but most of the time, I just do not know how to reach out to them to be a blessing in some way that would truly make a difference. 

Most of us have always heard that it is better to give than to receive.  Acts 20:35, KJV Bible, tells us just that very thing.  Jude 22 states, and some have compassion, making a difference.  Compassionate people shine and make a difference, demonstrating the love of Jesus in their character and actions.  

Compassion, according to Webster 1828, is a suffering with another; painful sympathy; a sensation of sorrow excited by distress or misfortunes of another; pity.  Compassion is a mixed passion, compounded of love and sorrow; at least some portion of love generally attends the pain or regret, or is excited by it.  Extreme distress of an enemy even changes enmity into at least temporary affection. 

My elderly mother has recently had shoulder surgery which has compromised her from being able to take care of herself as she usually is able to perform independently.  Our family has once again, received such care and compassion from several individuals that may never know the impact they have made in our hearts forever. It may have been a meal, going to the grocery store, sending a goody basket, trying to help with equipment, letting us know they were praying or just inquiring about the progress.   Maybe you don’t think it matters, but I promise you it does and it demonstrates a love and obedience to Jesus and that is what it is all about.

Romans 8:28 says that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  The things we go though may never be known as to why we go through them but it does not catch God off guard and he is still in control.  He wants to work through situations and people to show love and compassion that puts ourselves or others in this path to him.  We must give God the glory in all we do or go through.  He is worthy and wants to show compassion to us and through us so that he can be lifted up and draw others into his fold.  He is really all that matters and in the end it is about leading others to Christ through the good times and the bad times. 

I pray God continue to work in my heart to help me be more compassionate to others in their times of need.  One thing I have always heard is how we go through some things so that maybe we can help someone else down the road in some capacity.  Ephesians 4:32 says, and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Matthew 7:12 states, Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

I believe God gives us his word and wants us to obey his word in all areas.  From VBS, to Revivals, to our own devotion times.  We need to put action into living out God’s word in our life starting with obedience unto salvation and then taking God at his word and build on his word in every area such as showing compassion to others.  I am convinced this will please the Lord beyond measure and will have an impact that could spark a fire and make a difference in even one person’s life that could lead to a domino affect of drawing ourselves and others to Christ in our homes, families, communities, churches and so much more!!!  Some have compassion, making a difference, Jude 1:22. Who and what are we making a difference for? In what or who is your passion in which you are showing compassion?

Below are just a few pictures of some people that have made a difference most recently but so many others in our family, church and work families that are not pictured or mentioned but you know who you are and you are in our hearts and prayers forever for your compassion and caring actions to us and so many others!!! Thank you for giving to the Lord! It makes a difference!

Jesus what a wonderful name

Author -Brooke Cooper

Editor – Lisa Alley

Just like the song says, Jesus, what a wonderful name.  The Bible says in Matthew 1:21 KJV, and she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS:  for he shall save his people from their sins.  Jesus was given his name by his heavenly father. In contrast, we are given our name by our earthly parents.  The name of Jesus has so much meaning.  Have you ever thought about the different names that Jesus has and what they mean to you?  Isaiah 9:6 KJV Bible says, and his name shall be called wonderful, counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.  Let’s look at each of these names. 

Wonderful, in Websters 1828 dictionary, is defined as adapted to excite, wonder or admiration; exciting surprise; strange; astonishing.  Jesus’ birth immediately comes to my mind when I think of wonderful.  Surely, it was an exciting surprise, especially for Mary & Joseph, and I’m sure a bit strange for them too.  But how is Jesus wonderful today for you and me?  Have you every had a need that you have prayed about  and God answered your prayer exactly or almost immediately?  Maybe it was a financial need and God sent the exact dollar amount you needed and you thought wow! That was strange!!  Nope! That was our wonderful Jesus!  I will share a personal testimony of this that happened in my life not long ago.  My 4-year-old daughter was sick with a fever and just did not feel well.  Our family had just recently had the flu and I thought oh no, here we go again.  She and I were at home alone and we were on the couch resting as I began to pray.  My prayer was specific that the illness would be gone in the morning.  A little while later, as I was holding her, she began to heave and suddenly had an episode of nausea and vomiting.  Yes!! Yucky!!! After we were all cleaned up and bathed and ready for bed she was able to go to sleep early and rest.  The next morning, she woke up and seemed to be perfectly normal.  No more sickness!  None!!  I know God hears us when we pray but I was so amazed at the answered prayer and how God had done exactly as I had asked.  Wow!!  He is so wonderful!!!

            Counselor in Websters 1828 dictionary defines the word as any person who gives advice; but properly one who is authorized by natural relationship, or by birth, office or profession, to advise another in regard to his future conduct and measures.  Jesus is our counselor!!  It’s so good to know that we can come to him with any situation and know that he can advise us on the correct way to go about whatever it may be!  While we have people that we can go to for advice and we should seek wise counsel as instructed to us in Proverbs 1:5, sometimes we just need the counsel of the Lord.  Although our friends, parents, pastors and pastors’ wives mean well and try to give the best advice or counsel they can, they are still humans and may not know the whole situation to offer the best advice for your individual situation and what God is wanting to display to you personally.  However, be assured, Jesus knows all about our struggles and he will guide till the day is done.  There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus.  No not one!   Proverbs 3:6 says, in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

            The mighty God. Wow!  Without even looking for a definition, this just makes me think of strength and power.  And that is almost exactly what websters 1828 says about mighty. Having great bodily strength or physical power; very strong or vigorous.  What a comfort in knowing that our God is omnipotent.  There is nothing our God can’t do.  When we feel weak or that we cannot possibly go on, all we must do is remember we serve the mighty God. He will always be there on our behalf, fighting, even in the midst of us trying to handle it ourselves.  He wants us to succeed and has the power and might to carry out his will in our lives.  Exodus 14:14 KJV.  Nehemiah 4:20. 

            That brings us to the Everlasting Father.  Everlasting means exactly what it says, lasting or enduring.  Forever is eternal.  Father is exactly that, a father.  A father is he who begats a child.  So, if we think about the two words together, Jesus is our Father, eternally.  That is encouraging as we see in this world more and more, parents who do not appear to want their children. This is obvious with the abortion issues and debates taking place.  Also, it is evident when you see children being neglected and harmed in so many ways, mentally, physically and spiritually neglected.  This is a topic that is absolutely devastating is so heartbreaking to say the least.  But we have a heavenly father who loves us beyond comprehension and will love us forever.  Hebrews 13:5b says, for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  As we think further about the role of a father, it is to love us and also to correct and discipline in a loving and nurturing purpose to point us to Christ.  I have always heard of the evidence of sonship is chastisement.  Hebrews 12:6-8 KJV, For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.  So, if we are truly saved and born again, we cannot expect to sin and get away with it.  Numbers 32:23KJV. 

            The last name given to Jesus in this verse is the Prince of Peace.  Peace is a defined as a state of quiet or tranquility, freedom from disturbance or agitation.  Prince meaning a sovereign.  Jesus is the prince of peace and we can rest in him.  This does not mean that disturbance and agitation will not come. It will!  However, when it does, we have the prince of peace, a haven of rest, a place we can go to seek refuge from the storm.  Psalm 46:1 KJV Bible, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  John 14:27 KJV says, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  When our life seems to be going crazy and out of control, people may look at us and not understand why we have not gone crazy and how we have such peace but knowing the Lord gives us a peace that passes all understanding Philippians 4:7 KJV, And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

            It is so wonderful to know the Lord and to have a personal relationship with him where he can be all these things to us individually.  1^st Corinthians 9:22 says, to the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak; I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.  Whatever your need may be, he wants to meet your need and he is able to do this and so much more.  Do you know him?  Do you have a relationship with him where he can minister to you the way only HE is able?  If not, he wants a relationship with you.  Run to him today.  Open your KJV Bible today and read the following passages.  John 3:16, For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in his should not perish, but have everlasting life.  Romans 3:10, As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one. Romans 3:23, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.  Romans 6:23, For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Romans 5:8, But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Romans 10:13, For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.              You may feel a struggle right now.  We encourage you to take a moment to close your eyes and open your heart and mind to God right now.  Go to him by way of prayer.  Start talking to him now and just ask him into your heart and life to save you.  Believe in your mind that he is listening, and he will save you.  Confess your fault and sins to HIM and then trust that he will certainly save you from a life bound for Hell and destruction to a life of knowing him, never to separate from Him and a home with him in heaven one day.  We would love to know if God has helped you with this blog site.  We would love to invite you to subscribe to our blog and read the other post in the site as well.  Thank you for reading our blog.  We love you and pray for you!!

SHINE ON SWEET LADY: You are too Blessed to be Stressed!!!

Most days, if it were up to me, I would hide under a bush and just hide out there from life’s stress.  But is that wise???  What does God say about me and my merchandise?  Do I have merchandise?!?  I am one of his children and I am fearfully and wonderfully made in his image!!  Yes!!! Yes!!! Yes!!! By the Grace and Mercy of God, I am too blessed to be stressed so I think I will shine……for HIM!!  Hide it under a bush…..OH NO!!  I’m going to let it shine! Let’s take a look together, into Gods’ Word for HIS wisdom on a woman and her merchandise to find ways to keep shining for HIM.

Before I get much further, I want to introduce one of the “special guests” that I referred to in our welcoming blog.  Kim Turner is not only a special guest, but she is also a true friend and partner.  She is our Pastors wife and someone to turn to when in need of wise counsel.  Kim has encouraged me and directed me on how to start this blog page.  My thoughts for this blog are for she and I to be co-owners and contributors for this blog page but we are still learning how to build our blog and we are still in the formulating phase of building and growing this blog. She and I have been studying Proverbs 31 together for many weeks.  We have compiled our thoughts together in this blog post to give us all more insight for our daily walk as women. We have learned and studied that Wisdom is better than rubies.  Stay tuned for more to come from and about my friend, my sister in Christ and co-worker in Christ, Mrs. Kim Turner.  I love you Mrs. Kim!!

Proverbs 31:18

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 

In this verse I start thinking about her merchandise.  What is merchandise and what is it about the merchandise we are looking to know in this verse?  Websters 1828 defines merchandise as objects of commerce; wares (items offered for sale, pottery, manufactured articles of a specific  type), good, commodities( raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought or sold, such as coffee or copper etc)., whatever is usually bought or sold in trade.  Every woman has merchandise, and we will discuss this more in a few minutes but first let’s look at the first part of the verse.

We understand that SHE PERCEIVES that her merchandise is good.  PERCEPTION is an act or process of the mind which makes known an external object. What ones’ mind notices about any thing, any person, any place, any substance, any situation or as in this verse….HER MERCHANDISE.  Perception is how WE look at something.  Everyone has a perception, or outlook, but this is specifically pointing out how SHE PERCEIVES her merchandise. 

Our first thing is to notice that we are nothing outside of Christ but with Christ we represent HIM.   Galations 2:20 in the KJV Bible says, I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ liveth in me:  and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.  He will take us just as we are but wants us to devote to him in all areas such as loving and living like him.  He wants us to know that we are special in his eyes and that we can do all things through and by HIM.  Philippians 4:13 states, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  So many times, we are down on ourselves and have such low self-esteem, or just anxious about things.  There are so many verses that shows us what God thinks of us and how he can help us do HIS will for our lives.  This includes whatever the merchandise he has prepared for our journey and this may vary for each and every woman or young lady.  We are all unique and individual to him and he has a plan for us all.  We must get past looking at others, comparing, being envious, being jealous,  and so much more that brings strife among the brethren at home, work, school, church and YES!!!…..in our own minds!!  HIS word tells us that he cares for us and wants us to be successful in all that we do in our lives and especially with OUR OWN MERCHANDISE.   Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.  Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.  There are so many other helpful words from the Lord such as  Proverbs 3:5-6 and Philippians 4:6-7.

Now let’s talk about our merchandise?  Our merchandise is from the plans and will of God in our life and is laid out in the Bible for how women should act, behave, dress, talk and so much more.  This can include our duties and responsibilities in the home as well as at church, school, workforce or wherever God has lead you to work and serve for his glory and honor.  1^st Corinithians 10:31 tells us Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.  In this verse and everywhere else in the Bible, ALL means ALL.  Every jot, tittle, word, deed, facebook post, action etc. should bring glory to God.  This takes practice and self-control for the Christian.  Often times we are not being led by the spirit of God in some of our actions.  Can you remember a time when you have lashed out at your husband or even a parent or friend and you were grieved over that word or action?  Maybe you found satisfaction in that moment, but did it bring glory and honor to God or to the self/flesh?  This takes purposeful, conscientious control from the Holy Spirit and guidance and is a progressive type of growth in our Christian walk each day.  We can then perceive that our merchandise is good because God is good.  Good is the quality or satisfactory of our merchandise, or you might say the condition of our merchandise.  If we are doing it with the right heart for God and with integrity it will be blessed in the eyes of God.

We could discuss merchandise further to be a homemaker or side hustle job and so much more. It could be a career such as nursing, dental hygiene, photography, artist, musician, Pastor’s wife.  It could be homemaker and spending time, effort and energy into being fugal, couponing, meal prepping, saving on dry cleaning by taking time to do your own.  Merchandise can be talents, spiritual gifts and things that we produce.  There is not a cookie cutter pattern to how a woman should claim what her merchandise is and the value thereof.  However, the Bible does explain women’s roles and responsibilities in her home and how she is to look well to the ways of her household.  Maybe this is hired out, maybe this is done by the lady herself.  Again it varies but study the scriptures further to know how the woman is to dress, behave and care for her children and home.  Timothy and Titus have so much more to offer in studying these topics further.  No matter what we are doing we should do it as unto the Lord for HIM, as a testimony for HIM.  Therefore we should always work hard and always remember to give him the glory. Also always have integrity in everything we do because HE is worthy and he knows what and why we do what we do.  Integrity simply means doing the right thing even when no one is looking or will see because God always knows and always sees everything that we do.

Next, let’s take a look at the end of the verse.  Her candle goeth not out by night.  A candle is a light, a portable light or luminary.  Light shines in darkness.  Light is used to see, for our vision.  The purpose of light is to shine when it is dark.  Otherwise we would not need a candle or light if it was not for darkness.  So we can look at this as she works long hours and stays up late when darkness falls and has to light the candle to see to do her services to produce her merchandise.  This merchandise could be to finish the chores, care for the sick children, prepare a meal, sew clothes, make products, write a paper, study and so much more.  Another thing to think about with her candle not going out at night is when it seems like things are looking dark and dreary all around us, and others don’t see good in our merchandise, we do not let our candle go out because others fail to see the good that God has started and doing in our lives.  That is exactly what the enemy would like to see in us and our merchandise.  He would like to see us fail, falter, get discouraged in our responsibilities as women and producing our merchandise.  Women are wonderful and God has a great design and service for us in this world.  Let’s shine for him in every area of our lives and be an inspiration to each other and for our Lord. 

Hello!! This is Us! Kim is on the end right, with her daugther Faith. My daughter Brooke is next to Faith and I am on the left. Thank You for reading our blog!! May God Bless You So Richly!!

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The TRUTH of the matter is we all struggle from time to time with being honest, true to God, ourselves, and others.  Why is this so difficult?  So many answers and reasons can be the response to this question but mainly because it is being driven to us in society, not to hurt feelings or offend anyone about anything in this modern day and time.  Truth is always right even though it hurts at times.   Truth brings freedom and healing if we will allow and submit to its authority. Authority is a subject to discuss as well when we speak about truth but let’s talk more about truth for now and we will discuss authority later.

 So, what is truth? John 8:32 in the Bible King James Bible(KJV) states, And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. 

This passage has always been important to me which resulted in use many times in disciplining my children when they were little and even now.  I must remind myself often about this with so much evil and corruption in our world around us today.  Websters 1828 dictionary gives a definition of truth as follows.

Truth – Conformity to fact or reality; exact accordance with that which is, or has been or shall be, true state of facts or things.  It is also a conformity of words to thought.  Truth is veracity, purity from falsehood, correct opinion, fidelity, constancy, honesty, virtue, exactness and sincerity. 

Jesus Christ is called the TRUTH in John 14:5-6 KJV Bible. 

Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (KJV Bible). So, to know truth one must know Jesus.

Truth is one of the pieces of the armour of God and we are instructed to put on the whole armour of God in the Bible. Ephesians 6:14 from the KJV Bible tells us to Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.

Truth is important!  We have most likely learned that God is love and now we are reminded that God is the truth as well.  We must speak the truth in love so we and others can grow in Christ (Ephesian 4:15, Bible). 

I read a devotion just this morning that spoke about the fact that everyone has burdens but we will never get to the root of the problem or burden and have lasting spiritual victory by watering down the truth to avoid putting human feelings above heart needs (Call to Glory, 2022)  This takes practice, prayer, pondering, and purposing in our heart to do what the word of God tells us to do in truth and love. This will yield progress. We must seek wise council from the word of God, our Pastors and Pastors’ wives, our sunday school teachers and other elders that continue to live their course in life striving to  please our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He is all that matters.  Be wise in the matter of truth and fact, seek wise council and remember wisdom is better than rubies. Practicing the word of God makes progress, not perfect.

My heart longs to serve and grow in the grace and knowledge of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is simply by Grace that I am able to sit here tonight and begin this blog. Jesus is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Learning to lean on Jesus is still one of the greatest blessings as well as one of the bigger challenges in my life. I long to please him in every area of my life. As a wife, mother of 2 adult children and grandmother to 7 young grandchildren, life can become busy, chaotic and challenging with those responsibilites alone. Add to that, full time Nursing Faculty Instructor, and being very involved and active in my church, I find myself thinking the time just does not add up on paper when trying to budget my time. Does that leave any room for studying and devoting time for God? I am so glad you ask. We will talk more on this subject soon!

I have been blessed in so many ways in spite of being a prodigal child for a few years of my late teen and early 20’s. I was saved by God’s Grace at the age of 11 years old at a Revival meeting. After I was saved, I longed to learn and grow in him until I hit those mid to late teen years and got a little bit of freedom. I slowly but surely drifted away from learning and seeking wisdom from God and found myself in a dark place. Thank God, he didn’t throw this old clay away and protected and guided me back into his fold in my early 20’s. He never gave up on me even when I decided to go my own way and do whatever I wanted to do with no authority and accountability in my life. At least I thought there was no authority. He showed me I was wrong. I will give more detail later.

God has richly blessed me along the path of life in spite of myself and I want to shout it to the world. He has blessed me with a wonderful home, family and church family. I have had some wonderful mentors along the way to help me to learn more and more about Jesus and the need for prayer and studying his word. As of late, I have been digging deeper in God’s word and sharing with one of the greatest ladies that I have ever met face to face and I firmly believe she has been a God send for my life.

I hope you will join me again as we share insights, wisdom and personal testimony of how God has brought us through time and time again when we should be in a ditch or even worse, in Hell with back broken. I have asked my special friend to also share some testimony, insights and wisdom as well. I hope this blog brings opportunity for many women to share with you as well to gain wisdom from God’s word to help us go another mile in this dark world and bring forth a light that will shine bright in dark times. God is love and God is light. Let us get in on HIS WISDOM from HIS word together. P.S. I am so excited to introduce you to my special friends and guests!