Life-changing Love

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. I Peter 4:8

Jesus is the perfect one to emulate who gave profound love the way each individual needed.

For some, His love totally overlooked the sin and spoke kindly to the sinner,

“Go and sin no more (to the woman caught in adultery),”
“If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water (to the woman at the well),” or
“’Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.’ And his servant was healed at that moment (to the unworthy centurion).”

To others He spoke in confrontational, plain speech to expose their terrible Pharisaical choices or He turned over tables at the temple.
Jesus told the Pharisees, “Woe to you” many times!
He said to the money changers, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”

Love is given both ways from us as well. A parent will lovingly correct his child. A friend will call out another friend when he is in the wrong. A preacher will preach truth to his listeners. Married couples, who know about their spouse more than anyone else, will sometimes communicate hard things so their relationship can better thrive.

However, today, let’s assume this verse is trying very hard to remind us that it is not always our job to set everyone straight every moment of our lives. In fact, we would do well to set straight how we respond to others in love. We would have enough on our plates if our endeavors were spent on such a task! We would choose not to be so outspoken every little misbehavior. We would learn to simply let go.

Such a monumental deed would be unfathomable in it’s far-reaching influence to those around us! What an accomplishment would be achieved, maybe not for all situations, but for more than we offer at present. Moving towards forming such love into a habit would be life-changing for all involved.

Love is an action verb, and sometimes, that means to cover over a multitude of sins.

The action of loving with our whole heart begins in our thought-life. Our minds drive everything we do! If we don’t love in our thoughts, we probably aren’t going to carry through with overlooking that person’s fault.

My thoughts must be taken captive and made obedient to Christ (II Cor. 10:5). They lead me in every way regarding relationships around me.

When I am at my best and in the midst of conflict, I wonder, “How would I like to be treated if I was in their shoes?”

If people gave me the benefit of the doubt, what a blessing that would be. Maybe their thoughts would be generous and kind,
“I know her. This is not how she would typically respond. Perhaps something deeper is going on. I’ll pray for her,” or,
“Man, I’d like to tell her a thing or two, but my heart is telling me to respond in kindness despite how she just made me feel.”

The cold shoulder or angry accusations make me feel misunderstood and hurt for a very long time. When someone starts a fight with me or tries to make themselves look good at my expense, it only aggravates and makes the relationship worse for the wear. But love that ignores the ill-will, I just spoke or did, or tries to understand what’s going on with me, changes me. I am more willing to make amends and work on the relationship.

Certainly, loving deeply and covering over a multitude of sins is a pretty tall order. After all, that other person did wrong. They don’t ‘deserve’ my kindness. They deserve to be brought down in my vicious gossip and subdued, bitter distance.

In the long run, however, though the other person feels my wrath, I’m the one who suffers most in my self-made prison of unforgiveness. My hateful tones simply beget more hate. My anger begets more anger. Unkindness begets unkindness.

If I’m going to pass anything on at all, I want it to be grace – covering over the sins of others. I want to intensely and freely give my love. I want forgiveness to become easier as time goes by because it’s who I am.

Loving in this way means that I persevere through the hard times of hurt. I surrender myself to the Lord with all my heart and leave my life and the other person’s life in his hands. Such pursuits bring me closer to Jesus and to a minute understanding of all that He did for me. It means I unify myself with those around me, and resist holding grudges.

I visualize a hand coming down over the unkindness spoken to or about me and covering it where no one else can see, and the hand is my hand of love (done only through the power of a Mighty God). I make it hard for others to know about these flaws or mistakes of others (including myself). I practice dismissing offensive circumstances and immediately give the burden over to the Lord. I even make it nothing in both of our eyes, praying for them and asking God to forgive their guilt, just as I ask for help in forgiving. I train myself to speak highly to and about my offender to others around me.

These things take time to learn. But the more I apply today’s verse to my life, the more awe inspired is my heart. In fact, I had a situation during the writing of this blog. My mind kept playing over and over again, “love deeply” and “cover over a multitude of sins.” It was the right thing to do. It was an intentional, loving choice in which I found a piece of God’s compassion and mercy living inside me.

This kindness is not about letting others go scot-free in their ‘crimes’ against us, but about drawing them and ourselves back to the God’s goodness in following His ways.

Lord, this blog was hard to take into my soul. I do not pretend to be anywhere near the thoughts I’ve written in this post, but I want to be. Help my love to keep no record of wrongs from the past and to refuse the trap of easily becoming anger. Instead, show me how to be patient and to protect, trust, hope and persevere, all in the name of the love of the Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

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Luke 6: 24-26 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you.”

These powerful words fall within a group of verses similar to the sermon on the mount reflections in Matthew. Luke somewhat shortened his account of what Jesus spoke that day.

Jesus rejoices with the poor, hungry and sad, as well as those who are insulted because of His name (probably the majority of his listeners). He said they should even leap for joy in their terrible situations because their future great reward was in Heaven. He then proceeded to heavily grieve in compassion for those whose comfort and greed were found in wealth rather than in setting their gaze on the Father. Those people were not to be envied but pitied! Those people regarded themselves as having everything they felt was essential for a good life and did not sense their need for God.

Jesus may have been speaking directly to the affluent Pharisees of His day who consistently contended with Him. The influential, highly religious Pharisees wanted to be seen as having it ‘all together.’ In a sense, they sought after the substantial attention from others and the successful applause from the crowds instead of seeking the suffering Christ, His joyous approval and a life of humble simplicity.

In a classic example of today’s verse, Luke 16:19-31, Jesus told a story of a poor man, Lazarus, who longed to eat the crumbs that fell from the table of a man who lived in luxury. Both men died. In the afterlife, the poor man found comfort, whereas the man who had hoarded his wealth to himself was “in anguish.”

In all these things, I’ve tried to wrap my brain around the reason why Jesus expressed such “woe” to those full of wealth, food and laughter (things that in and of themselves are not wrong). The words, “for you have already received your comfort (as in the story of the rich and poor man)” struck my heart to its core. Jesus literally felt sorry for those who were in a perpetual state of self-dependence (the very goal most people try to attain their whole lives) WHY?

Note that not every poor person is blessed, for they, out of bitterness, may not put their hope in Christ, and not every rich person is to be pitied, for they may be generous and dependent on the Lord in wholehearted devotion and service (laying down their lives for others). Some people have a knack for making money, for providing sumptuous meals and bringing laughter to others as a gift.

Everything we receive from God’s hand can be shared with those around us. We can be God’s vessels of comfort to those who are poor and needy and sad.

Imagine a privileged man (who knows not the One who gave him his riches). He is self-sufficient within his possessions. He has everything he wants, so why need God and why give to His people? Why not hoard it all to himself?

Yet, from a spiritual standpoint, possessions are only temporary substitutes for what the heart eternally seeks in the Father. Earthly possessions can be distinguished by a personal perception of financial power and advantage over others, whereas God and His spiritual blessings are intangible. The Lord appears to be slow, at times, in the furnishing of our physical needs (giving us a chance to have increased faith in times of discomfort or loss).

Riches furnish the object of one’s wants, when one wants them, whereas those who turn to God for their physical needs and wants may be left in uncertainty (needing a severe steadfastness in Christ to ride the waves of patience in the waiting). The rich find security in earthbound things, whereas those devoted to the Lord find security only in Him. The rich spend their energy and time on the cares of this world and not on the real wealth of all Jesus has for us. Their trust is in their wealth: the truest poverty of all. They don’t know how poor, hungry and sad they really are, perhaps until tragedy strikes. Then, how might all the possessions in the world save them?

Certainly money, food and laughter can be deceptive, luring and distracting, but they are not evil. They are necessary ingredients of life God uses to provide for us, and we share these blessings in our relationships and care of each other.

For example, Jesus was often in the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus, who appear to have been wealthy: a home and food, enough for Jesus and His disciples to enjoy with laughter and much needed rest. Women of means supported Jesus and His ministry. Jesus attended a joyous wedding celebration, had happy moments with precious children and gave the gift of a better life through physical healing of the sick. The focus on possessions as their ‘all-in-all’ was not a part of their lives, but instead useful in the service of the Almighty God: their true ‘All-in-All,’ their true wealth.

The opposite of rich is poor, and we think of the poor (though not applicable to all) as being humble, hungry, sad (worried) in their lack of things and perhaps not so self-important. Of course, they have more opportunities to lean on the Lord for provision of their meals, clothing and shelter. The poor have more opportunities to see for themselves up close their need for God.

I would like to have eyes to see up close my need for God.

Is it possible when one is surrounded with so much the earth can provide in money, food and laughter to know, really know, one’s greatest need is the Father?

Whatever our station, regardless of how rich or poor, the truth is found not in a person’s luxuriant spirit (focused on the flesh) but in one’s poverty of spirit, acknowledging in humility one’s own weakness (in which God’s strength shines through). These things reflect more about the heart than about physical finances.

Such a person seeks to become a giver of things he’s been given. He pursues becoming a generous listener and not hoarding conversations so much. Such a person, if outgoing, is content to work behind the scenes and not always excessively out front like the Pharisees of Jesus’ time. If he is reserved, he is content, even in weakness, to take the lead when God calls, though he would rather stay in the safety of shadows. Perhaps, such a person when faced with conflict would have a higher goal than greedily winning. Instead, he would desire to guide by his words, actions and handling of the conversation to the true wealth of discovering more about each other in sincere, loving ways!

Dear Father in Heaven, though my outward appearance is one of joy and calm in bearing your name, deep in my soul, I am in a constant state of poverty, hunger and mourning because this world is not my home, and I long for my true dwelling with you. Life’s greatest wisdom will never be found left to my own devices. You are my wisdom, fullness and satisfaction. You are the answer to my deepest desires and needs. In times of waiting for your response to my prayers, teach me to worship and praise you. In times of feast and happiness that come from your hand, help me to leap for joy in your goodness and clear provision, taking no glory unto myself and sharing my lot with those less fortunate. In Jesus name, Amen.

The Generous Thriving Heart

The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them. Prov.28:22

When my husband and I were first married, we lived in a cute little garage that had been converted to a three-room (plus tiny bathroom) home. We got married before our senior year of college and lived off very little. From what I remember, our gas bill was around $7.00 per month and our electricity wasn’t much more. I remember stocking up our kitchen shelves with Kool-Aid, hotdogs and canned corn.

Honestly, we were so happy to be on our own and taking care of each other that what little we had was hardly noticeable.

I had been brought up to give my best to and for others. So when it came time to entertain whole groups of people, they all piled into our little bitty home, with me oblivious of what I didn’t have to offer. I served them whatever I had with excitement and joy. It never occurred to me that anyone would think less of me because I lacked stuff.

However, today’s verse speaks of those who withhold hospitality in order to hoard more for themselves. The needy will not find a comforting place to heal or to be served at the hands of hoarders. And when withholders go through hardship who will help them in return for their stinginess?

It’s funny the way humans think. We think if we focus on riches for ourselves (hardening our hearts to others in need) we’ll receive the best life has to offer. Yet, we miss out on the greatest riches of all: deep, meaningful friendships and experiencing the joy of freely giving to others and receiving freely from others as well.

Stingy people are blind to what their hearts most long for. And it’s NOT a pile of possessions. Perhaps there is jealousy or envy. The thought of a neighbor having something they don’t drives them crazy, like a child who wants to grab the toy his sibling has. The necessary expenses of living bring them resentment and complaining hearts. Their desire is to seem wealthy and ‘altogether’ to everyone who knows them.

Stingy people are in a constant state of insecurity. They worry about what will happen if any of their wealth goes away? Riches define them, so fear consumes their souls as they keep vigil over their precious stuff. They seem always in a passionate (out-of-control) and impatient hurry to work at piling up more. Such an attitude can often lead to wrongful gaining of funds and sin through greed.

Perhaps, by God’s favor, if ever a stingy person sinks into less wealth (or poverty), it may very well be his salvation. It may be the truest wealth he’s ever experienced. He will be able to see what life truly consists of, and it’s not about his possessions.

Riches aren’t a sin, but how we go about gaining or sharing them with others matters in the depths of our hearts as to the kind of person we are before our Lord.

Let’s go deeper. What other things might we learn to be generous with besides riches and possessions? How about our time, energy, kindness, love, vulnerability and authenticity?

Do we ever hold back these valuable intangible things in reserve for ourselves and then find ourselves poorer than before?

What about our relationships? Today our world is filled with people who walk away from friendships or marriage, because selfishly, in that bond, they haven’t found joy for themselves. Yet, if their focus was taken off of amassing a large emotional ‘bank account’ that depended on the happiness others brought them and instead put it on the joy of doing God’s will, they would be able to understand where the real wealth of joy is found.

Not one day goes by that I can’t find someone out there who needs something I can give.

Father, forgive me for not looking after your beloved people. Give me a generous, thriving heart with all things you have enabled me to provide for others. You are the true provider for all things, but you use your children to open our hands to those in need. Help me to keep my eyes on you when I hunger for things of this earth. Help me to abundantly feel the fullness you give me in your presence. I want to be as liberal to others as you are to me! In Jesus name, Amen.

Noble King and Child Within

A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign. Prov. 28:16

The foolish tyrant was covered in last week’s blog post. Today we talk about the ruler whose great reign is extended because of his judicious choices. He is blessed by God with personal serenity and with the adoration of his people.

Such a king is completely opposed to (hates!) dishonest gain in any form. He will not tolerate oppression of his people and seeks instead their well-being. Greed and envy do not dwell in his heart and are unwelcomed to invade his soul.

His choices are wise and good.

How does this king become such a noble man? How might I hold onto these ways for myself in the circle of people around me that make up my small personal kingdom?

A few ideas come to mind:

This king must have a solid foundation that is bigger than himself and his ability to be perfect, allowing God to be perfected in him.
His trust in God has to be constantly fanned into flame, for when he trusts God, his trust in ‘things’ (such as riches or power) or his trust in a person (his mate, friends, peers) is seen for the weaknesses and deficiencies they provide.
He is not a fake, pretending to be one thing and then, in his heart another, which eventually comes out in evil words and deeds. He is true to his word…noble.
He is willing to listen to different views other than his own in order to grow and learn more than what is in his own head.
He must hate what God hates and love what God loves, with a joy in the deeper things God provides.
He may be tempted to dishonest gain but his heart tells him it will never fill, but impoverish his soul.
He learns to order his own life in self-control with righteous goals and to order other’s lives in wisdom, creativity and benevolence.
Wisdom is supreme and helps him to make godly, self-assured and quick, but good decisions, and to communicate well with those around him.
This king encourages the innocent childlike qualities within himself that attract people to follow him.

When a ruler can rule his own soul, he is fit to lead others on the narrow road of Christ.

Father, King of Kings and Lord over my heart, in my realm of influence, teach me to hate dishonesty in all forms. Give me a childlike, gracious mind with generous words and deeds that bless and not curse. Form in me the deeply godly motives and attitudes that would drive me to do good. In all things find me faithful to your ways. In Jesus name, Amen.

Humble Wisdom

The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are. Prov. 28:11

As seen before, the label of rich and poor don’t always have the exact meanings assigned to them in Proverbs. Not all the rich are arrogant, and not all the poor are wise (some wealthy men are dried up in their poor souls and some are sitting daily at the throne of God, handling their wealth in godly, humble, generous ways. Some poor men are in a terrible cycle of poor choices. They wouldn’t recognize wisdom if they saw it. While others in poverty have found the profound treasures of life no matter their circumstances).

How does one decide if he is being self-serving (or not) as he imparts the lessons learned in life? Perhaps the key words of today’s verse are rich and discerning.

The word rich implies more than just a state of finances. Rich may suggest independence, self-rule, freedom to do and act as one pleases. Any wise words from this group would undoubtedly be seen as ‘deluded’ by those whose dependence is on Christ (and are discerning). Any wise comments from the discerning group would be seen as appropriate and applicable.

There are men who are rich, yet poor in the area of wisdom. Maybe they worship their own social standing, loving the praise of those who typically use them, or they feel superior to those less fortunate and consider their views to be absolute (who would dare oppose them)? Their monetary cleverness feeds an assumption that wisdom in all areas of life is theirs as well. However, such ‘insight’ is earthbound and does not have the heavenly power to provide what is true and righteous.

On the other hand, poverty (bad circumstances or lacking financial skills) can fine tune a poor man’s ability to discern things that the self-sufficient man may never understand. His discoveries about true life run deeper than the rich man’s overall advice on success. He can see through the emptiness of riches, and can gain wisdom far above that of wealth.

Money sometimes muddles the mind of its pursuer, making him foolishly think he has amassed his accomplishments on his own. In reality his life is superficial. He is truly poor.

However, the simple lack of money can strengthen the beggar towards a wise, full and happy dependence on God, which is far greater than riches.

Wisdom is a good thing, no matter one’s station in life, but being wise in one’s own eyes can be a little tricky. Sometimes a man speaks words that are so stunningly fresh and clear, it changes the listener’s life forever. We hope and long to hear such observations. We don’t want this man to withhold his wisdom from fear of seeming wise in his own eyes.

On a different level, some may speak forth wisdom, yet feel a need to know if they’ve hit the mark or seek applause. I see nothing wrong with a person who is relieved to know their words made a difference. Such feedback helps them gain insight into that same audience the next time he speaks. Yet, reigning in any addiction to pats on the back is always good.

The habit of neediness or even arrogance can happen to all of us (rich or poor). It is a worshiping of self and not of God. How might the wise man purify his ways and also refrain from being wise in his own eyes?

I see humility as being supreme. The wise man is firm (standing on a solid ground of truth), but he is also willing to listen to the wisdom of others. He never tries to talk himself or others into a flesh decision, but lives by the Spirit. He knows that life is not about a man’s wants. It is about God’s will.

The wise man lays his own wisdom on the altar, speaks when God wants him to speak, follows the narrow road of Christ and leaves pride behind.

When he is pinned to the wall in his trials or stripped of all he has, what will arise from this wise man? Who will come forth? What, of the spirit, will come forth in righteousness, meaning, will he go the second mile, will he show love, will he follow God’s ways or will he stumble and fall?

The wise man ascertains the value of relationships in his life, that they are fragile. As much as he loves to be treated with love, kindness and respect (and likewise give of himself), when he receives such blessings, he realizes that they are not enough to fill him (just as gaining riches and possessions are not enough). There will always be something more to intensely want. No person or thing can supply for him what only God was meant to provide in the deepest places of his heart.

He also recognizes, despite the good moments of answered prayers (kindness and love), that inside the fragile winds, he will daily face people who are irritable, disappointing, mistaken, misunderstanding or incapable. During the most precious moments of bonding with his fellowman, God often takes care of the residual pride within a wise man by allowing small setbacks to occur between these parties. The gift the man gives falls flat, the truest words he offers isn’t heeded and though his intentions are good, sometimes there is simply awkward silence. In an instant, things don’t feel as in sync. This happens with all of mankind in every relationship.

The purified man thanks God because these experiences help him to lean on His Father more and not on a person or thing.

The man of wisdom seeks always to continue learning the wisdom of God.

Lord, continue to open my eyes to the times I put more into a relationship than I do with you. Your gifts come to me in abundance from your hands, and I’m so thankful. Yet, my heart is set on you alone. You are my greatest gift. Make me wise. Put words in my mouth to speak that will change lives. Yet, keep me thriving in humble and pure thoughts and motives. Forgive me when I have pride. Help me to depend on you for everything in my life. In Jesus name, Amen.

Thriving on God’s Provision

Whoever increases wealth by taking interest of profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor. Prov. 28:8

Any man’s dishonest profits that are accumulated from poor people may give him great dividends, but in the end others will get his wealth, yes, perhaps, even the poor souls he deceived. The rich man may then be used by God to provide great sustenance when at his death, he unknowingly passes every penny on to benevolent givers. And, God’s name is praised.

God, in His abundant mercy and in His great sovereignty provides for the poor, at times in mysterious ways. He is a benevolent God. And the unfortunate beggar, if ever given much, knows how to share of his means. He understands the needs of those who are destitute, for he has been in that place himself. He knows how to be generous far more than the rich man.

The lesson I learn from today’s verse is that when we are financially or emotionally poor, when we feel stripped of all things we think we need and love, God knows us well. He knows what we really need, and though it may seem that others fare better than we do, at times, favor comes to us to bless our lives in ways we least suspect.

Our lives are in His hands. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture. His love is grand and far-reaching. His mighty works are comforting and they present themselves at just the right time.

God wants us to thrive in His kingdom. We can never thrive on dishonest gain, but only by provisions that come from Him.

Father, we praise your name for what you have done in our past, what you are doing now and what you will do in our tomorrows. We depend on you for our breath. Give us this day our daily bread and our daily communion with our Lord Jesus Christ. Help our attitudes to be fixed on the only One who can save us and meet our needs. In Jesus name, Amen.

The Wealthy Poor Man

Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse. Prov. 28:6

Readers of God’s word having several options before them to gain insight. They may pick up the Bible and read through it as if it were a novel. This aids them to receive the overall picture of its contents and quickly connect each chapter’s treasures to each other.

Another option is the one I’ve been using for a while now and that is to dig into the deeper meaning of one verse or passage at a time by living it out in my day-to-day life. As I cry out to God in my circumstances, walking inside verses of scripture, the significance it brings to my life becomes even more profound.

The words I read increasingly capture my heart as the week goes by. I find it to be inspiring and an encouragement in my desire to be holy as God is holy.

This week is a great example. For one, I came to the conclusion that today’s verse is not stating that every poor man is better off and every rich man is perverse. Read the words carefully: The poor man whose walk is blameless (perhaps generous, kind and trusting) is better off than the rich man whose ways are perverse (perhaps stealing, hoarding or power-grabbing). A poor man can be perverse just as a rich man can be generous.

However, a person who seeks God but only has little, is better off than the wealthy rebel. His faith simply makes him happier. His integrity and ability to bless others profoundly defines who he is instead of riches. He is comfortable with himself, yet always seeking more that will please the Father. There is a certain peace about him. He has much wisdom where the ungodly rich man has very little. He has the fear of the Lord and the fruit of the spirit planted deep within his heart, which generally leads to a better life (not necessarily through physical means but through spiritual blessings). Perhaps his faith in God brings him more gain than any amount of money or things. Whatever the world says he is ‘missing’ by not having money, riches or power, his walk with the Lord is more than enough.

God is faithful. He will provide, not only for his needs, but for a strong hope, a mighty strength to face the burdens of his life and a joy that overrides his circumstances.

In our lives, God is light who dispels the darkness of our most intense trials and presents us with Himself to fill our hearts with peace that passes all understanding. His word encourages us through our moments of chaos. His promises are true, right and holy. I want Him more than anything else this earth provides.

On the contrary, the choice of perverseness by a rich person shows his true character that is masked by what appears to be good deeds (presenting himself as a deeply spiritual man). Going one way (the road to evil), he pretends to go another (the righteous way).

This rich pretender (who inhabits all of us from time to time) moves into our lives to wreak havoc. For example, as we head to church, we (our families) may fight and argue the whole way. Yet, when we see our friends, everything becomes nice, polite and (on the outside) caring and loving. However, the duplicity of our wayward hearts eventually catches up with us. The state of our minds can never be covered over by any amount of wealth. The desire for riches simply isn’t as great a pursuit as the desire for godliness. Godliness is a wealth worth seeking.

Typically, a rich man is considered ‘good’ because of his possessions and popularity. Yet, his heart may be wayward and dark. A poor man may not be considered at all because of his station in life, but his heart may be completely and faithfully turned over to Christ.

Let’s go deeper into the comparison between rich and poor. ‘Rich’ is simply another way of saying self-sufficient. Such a man doesn’t need or trust in God. He trusts in himself. He is overflowing in money but more, he is overflowing with self.

The ‘poor’ simply have no other alternative than to put their trust in their Father. They must depend on Him. The poor are depleted in their circumstances, but they are rich in God.

Here are a few similar comparisons:

Down versus up
Loser versus winner
Shunned versus popular
Destitute versus over-abundance

In all the above examples used for the word ‘poor,’ we can still worship God. This is the point where today’s verse got to my heart. Some days, it doesn’t matter how much money I have in the bank, I still FEEL destitute. Yet, with God’s strength, I find myself being kind to those around me. We all have what it takes (because of Him) to give even when our self-esteem is pressed down by an arrogant world. We can train ourselves to depend on God in the worst moments of our lives. This trust is a choice of the mind and heart that helps us to follow after His ways and be led in our walk to become ‘blameless.’

Lord, my great Provider, you are my Sustainer and my Rock. You are my greatest riches. You give me power and strength to face whatever life brings me. Your Son’s blood on a cross covers over the moments my feet become wayward and makes me blameless in your sight. Your Son’s cross leads me higher, when my flesh would lure me to evil, to instead, choose a better, richer life. I am never destitute. I am thriving in your great presence and love. I thank you Father for all you have given me, for all you are doing even now in my life. Praise be to you God over all the earth. Thank you for making me so very rich. In Jesus name, Amen.

A Wife of Noble Character

A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones. Proverbs 12:4

What does it mean to be noble, and furthermore, what does it mean for my marriage? What difference would it make for me to be noble!

The word sounds like something read out of a fairy tale about a noble king or queen. It seems to me that the word speaks of a quality about royalty.

To act nobly is perhaps equal to acting honorably or having an impressive disposition.

Yet, if I really wanted to be this kind of wife, how would my choices be different compared to presenting myself in ignoble ways?

I looked up the word noble and among the list of definitions were things like:
unselfish, generous, self-sacrificing and brave.

If all of life stopped right here and now, and I was shown this verse by a wise old teacher, the first time my ears ever heard such a thing, how would I respond?

Would I be prideful and hung-up on making sure that I was the one who was being treated in a generous or brave way? Or would I keep my heart and eyes on my own calling to study and practice daily the concept of becoming a noble wife?

“A noble wife is her husband’s crown.”

A crown speaks of respect and dignity. Disgrace and decay to the bones speaks of bitterness, regret and hardship.

The former scenario sounds like a better life than the misery and pain-giving aspects of the second choice. There is joy in the work of nobility and there is a sense of accomplishment when one chooses the higher way to live.

Father, people are watching me everywhere I go. They want to know if this kind of life with YOU is as good as you say it is. As I dive deeper into nobility, I am finding out that you know what you’re talking about! In this choice of self-sacrifice, help me to have ears to hear from the wise ones and from your word so that my life and marriage glorify you. In this brave choice of unselfish sacrifice, help me to find joy, even in the most difficult moments of nobility. Help me to seek and search for opportunities to be noble. Help me to be a crown to my husband. In Jesus name, Amen.