Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Digging the Gold Out of Proverbs 31

Last month, I went through the 30 Days Challenge: from Revive Our Hearts radio program of Nancy DeMoss. I was so blessed, and although I was just browsing, and picking bits and pieces along the way, God used it to progress my sanctification . It benefited me so much that, now, I want to rake the leaves more, and hope to dig the gold out of it.

Hence, starting today, by God's grace, I would like to go into a deeper study of Proverbs 31, alongside "True Woman Makeover" ( 30 days Challenge), by Nancy De Moss, "Beautiful in God's Eyes" by Elizabeth George, "The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace, and John Mc Arthur's Study Bible. Let me start by reading verses 10-31 in ESV Translation:

Proverbs 31-10-31
10 An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.

12 She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.

13 She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.

14 She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.

15 She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.

16 She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

17 She dresses herself [2] with strength
and makes her arms strong.

18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.

19 She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.

20 She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant.

25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

27 She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Is It Worth All The Effort?

Last year, around February, we started a discipleship group I called "TitusIIWomen". We read and studied the book of Martha Peace entitled, "The Excellent Wife". One of the ladies in class was Christine, whom I perceived as sweet and shy young wife. She was a dedicated student, seldom absent in our sessions. She came almost to every meeting even when a few of her close friends were not there.

I am blessed by her candid honesty and her desire to grow more in His grace. It is so amazing to taste and see the goodness of God in her life. Below is her testimony. Hope you'll be blessed.

Christine's Testimony

I have been married for over 7 years now and before I started attending Ladies and study the series about “How to become an Excellent Wife” – I really haven’t given much thought about as to how I am doing as a wife. In fact, at the back of my mind, I probably would have thought that I was actually a very good wife – if not excellent! But as we went through the lessons, I have realized that I still have a lot of things to learn to become a very good wife and that I am quite far off to becoming an excellent wife.

Before, I have no concise definition of my role as a wife to my husband. I just know that I have to be a good wife and that it is the right thing to do. In Genesis 2:18, it says “The Lord God said,”It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him”. I have learned that it is God’s will for me to become a helper suitable to my husband and that it is in fact a ministry that He has planned for me. My ministry as a wife can grow under the nurturing hand of a faithful and loving God because : His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and Excellence. Then that gave me more than enough reason and encouragement to to be responsible in learning to put my my confidence in God and HIS Word and that is to do what He says to become an excellent wife. However, I also learned that in my journey towards becoming an excellent wife there comes the problem of sin.

As you may or may not know yet, I have been blessed with a very loving, patient and understanding husband. God gave me a very patient husband because He knows that I am an impatient wife. Anyway, even though my husband is very patient, there were still a few times when he will loose his cool and speak in a tone that is a bit higher than normal. I, in turn, the impatient wife that I am and not being used to seeing him like that would retaliate on impulse without thinking first. And I tell you, it will be in a tone that is way higher than normal. It is so hard to control my tongue and my temper at times but I realized that it is possible to get rid of this sin by His Amazing Grace and by the aid of the Holy Spirit. When I am tempted to sin like this, the Holy Spirit reminds me to put off my “old self”, and then put on my “new self”. He reminds me of the verse in Psalm 141:3 that says “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord, keep watch over the door of my lips”. With God’s Amazing Grace it is possible to do so. But then again, there will still be times when I fall into trap and therefore unable to control my tongue and my temper. 1Timothy 4:7 says: discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” in other words, I have to exercise or train myself until I get it right. I have to pray to God constantly that He will guard my tongue and keep me from speaking evil. I have to choose to do the right thing over and over again until it becomes automatic for me to respond in a loving way. And as I keep working at it , the Holy Spirit supernaturally enables me. It will take time to get rid of bad habit but nothing is impossible with God.

I know I come across to most people as a quiet and a serious person but those who are really, really close to me can attest to the fact that I am actually not that quiet and serious especially my husband. There are times when I argue or pout or even give him the cold shoulder when I do not get my own way. But in Proverbs 21:9, it says “Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife” Now, I wouldn’t want my husband to think that way, yeah?

Before I started attending Ladies, I sometimes do things that I thought were just normal. I was unaware that I was sinfully manipulating him to get my own way. But in Titus 2:4-5 it goes “Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children; to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” I have learned that if I ask something from my husband and he said no, then it is my responsibility to graciously take ‘no’ for an answer and not hold it against him. I have learned that as a Christian wife, I have to constantly be reminded to “put on” my new self ( as I mentioned earlier). It means that my conduct should match my faith. Because I am a Christian wife, I should act like one. To be a Christian wife means more than just making good resolutions and having good intentions, it means taking the right actions.

Lastly, I am a self-confessed worrier person. I sometimes worry about the decisions he makes or the decisions that he does not make straightaway. Sometimes there are issues that can not be resolved easily and I will be very anxious for him to make a decision straight away – not just a simple decision he has to make – it should be a decision that I am wanting to hear. If not, then here comes the problem of manipulation again. But Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

In closing, I just want to encourage all the wives and wives- to -be by sharing toyou Proverbs 31:10-12 “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing in value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” They say one cannot find this woman at all and as I examine myself, I am still a long way off in my journey to becoming an excellent wife. But knowing that the Holy Spirit enables me, and that His power granted me everything unto godliness, plus His grace is always available, and that this is God’s will for me then it is more than enough to sustain me throughout my journey of becoming an excellent wife. I hope and pray that you will consider to join us young , single, married and old to study and encourage one another to become aTitus2Woman.. Thank you.



Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Grace Upon Grace

Grace Upon Grace

Like the ocean and waves ever sweeping the shore
To His children come the grace of the Lord

And like a mighty sea so deep and so wide
His grace to us seems an endless supply.

Grace upon grace like the waves on the shore
Always enough, always more
Grace upon grace like the waves on the shore
All that we need is ours from the Lord.

In daylight or midnight, the waves touch the shore
One or another they faithfully pour
Summer or winter can never subside
and so the gracious Father provides.


_____________________________________________________________________

Lately, I've been missing my son. I do not know if this is a symptom of hormonal changes in my body or what, but yes, my heart is grieving. Sometimes, I cry silently on my bed, thinking what would it be like if he were alive. Sometimes, I stare blankly in front of my monitor, with my mind occupied with thoughts of him. He is supposed to be 22 y.o. going on 23 y.o. now.

You may say, that's 22 years ago! Yes, I do agree, but why? Allow me to go back to 25 April, 1985. It may help me realize something. If you know my family well, you will notice that he had the same birthday as my beloved husband.

It took me more than 24 hours of labour before Aiden Tozer was born. I never heard him cry. The doctor said that he was blue and needed to be in the incubator. I've heard a lot of stories about babies born with such similar case that I did not worry. I asked God that He would give me the desire of my heart, and that was to retain him in my arms alive and be given the opportunity to raise a son, if this was His will. "Delight thyself unto the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)

I went inside the nursery, held his hand and talked to him for awhile. I observed his difficulty in breathing, and he jerked from time to time. I said to God, "though how painful your will is for me, I am willing to give him back into Your Hands. He would be better in Your hands. You will take care of Him much better than I would. Just let me understand Your Will and let me be satisfied with it."

I had peace after that. The next day, God took him.

I held him in my arms, hugged him so tight. Tears kept pouring, but I was not bitter towards God. I understood very well that His will for me was the best. If I wanted to delight Him, then I should be satisfied with His will.

I do not understand why I miss him so much, nowadays. But one thing is sure, His endless supply of grace is sustaining me. Oh God, fill my heart with Your presence until I am overwhelmed and content with just You alone...







Tuesday, October 16, 2007

God's Patient Grace

Below is a song that we sang in the Philippines (1991) after one semester study on Christian Character, which was one of the many subjects offered in The Berean Bible Institute. Being once a student and teacher of the same subject, this song is very meaningful to me up to this day. I tried searching for any tape or CD entitled "Grace" but to no avail.

God's Patient Grace

Not what I am
But what I shall be
When God's patient grace is finished in me
This is the hope that carries me on
Knowing someday the work will be done.

Chorus: God's patient grace working in me
Has changed me from what I used to be
God's patient grace working in me
Will make me someday in His image complete.

Closer each day the brighter it seems
As God's patient grace keeps working in me
Continuing on until I shall find
My Lord's will in me is totally mine.

God established a relationship with me when I was 17. My exposure to Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship and my church helped me to be grounded in God's Word. Through my university years, God moulded me, developed my talents, and used me in the many ministries that were available at that time.

After I graduated, I went to Iligan City, and worked at National Steel Corporation. Working in a secular world, feminism slowly crept into my heart. I was so focused on my career. I was determined and dedicated my time to work. Oftentimes, after I got married, I even brought work at home.

Having my weekdays filled with work, during weekends, I was active in the new church in which my husband was a member. I taught Sunday school, helped in the youth ministry and in other various ministries. I enrolled a few subjects in its Bible Institute. I was full of energy and enthusiasm as I involved myself. My reputation in church was "good". Nobody knew the issues of my heart.

When I was heavy with Kezah, God placed us in a difficult situation. At this time, we were living in a new area where there was no public transport. It would take 15 minutes walk till one can find one. As I walked, I started talking to God. My prayer would go like this : "Lord why am I experiencing all these? Why did You allow Ren to have psoriasis? Why did You choose him to suffer an illness that is incurable? Because of his illness, I am suffering too. O, Lord, I can't endure it anymore. I feel like the burden is too heavy for me to bear. And it seems like there is no end to this..." On and on I kept murmuring until I find transport.

It was only when I was in the class of Christian Character that I realized the extent of my bitterness towards God. I was full of self-pity and pride, causing my heart to harden. Instead of praying that God will heal my husband, I began asking God to change my heart. I asked Him to soften my heart, to make it willing to be taught.

Everytime I finished my lesson in Christian Character, I could feel my heart aching, I could feel His sword dig into my heart, convicting me of my filthiness. I knew that my attitude was horrible and was affecting every part of my life. My heart was deeply pierced. Tears always blurred my vision as I spent most times with God repenting of what I was inside.

When the semester was over, I gave my testimony in between sobs. I shared that it was by His grace that God brought me to the class. He exposed my heart, and gave me a new one.





I would like to dedicate this post to my best friend, my Davidette, my teacher/mentor whom God used mightily.


Wednesday, October 3, 2007

The Fear of the Lord

I trust that you are experiencing His presence today where ever you are and whatever you are doing. I am blessed to have my day-off today, and that means I have ample time to spend in my quiet time...

At the moment my studies move from Psalm to Proverbs and back and forth. I realize that I am always drawn to the phrase, " fear of the Lord..."

I read Psalm 25 today and it is refreshing to know that God reveals His secrets to those who fear Him.. Psalm 25:14 say " The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant... And the verse before this , Psalm 25:12: "Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will instruct Him in the way he should choose."

How can I acquire knowledge? How can I acquire wisdom? How can I discern right from wrong? How can I have discretion, especially when I am in a counselling session? What questions should I ask to expose what's in the heart? How can I know my motives are pure?

Proverbs... is so mind-boggling... "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" Proverbs 1:7. But Proverbs 2: 4-5 says " If you seek her [wisdom] like silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures ; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and discover the knowledge of God...

How can I join these two truths together? Reverential awe and admiring fear for God is the foundation for all spiritual knowledge and wisdom. My fear of the Lord will open my eyes to understanding, to knowledge, to wisdom...And as I seek for wisdom, it will lead me to study the Scriptures, then the more that I understand how to fear the Lord , and because I fear Him, He will instruct me, he will show His ways to me. He will reveal His secrets to me... and because I fear Him, I will listen to Him, I will not be a fool who does not want to be to be instructed. . I will obey Him... wisdom enters my heart.... I will have discernment of right and wrong, I will be filled with understanding, my choices will be pleasing before Him and therefore I glorify Him. And when I glorify Him, I am most satisfied... I am so blessed.. Yet there is still much to learn regarding the fear of the Lord.