Many women are intimidated by the Proverbs 31 (verses 10-31) woman. It seems that she's so "perfect" that she's out of the common Christian woman's league. Our preacher likes to call this woman "Mrs. Far Above Rubies". That's a good name for her, isn't it?
When you read about the Proverbs 31 woman, how does it make you feel? Do you admire her, but feel like you don’t measure up?
Today let's look at this virtuous woman and put a modern-day spin on her qualities. Years ago when teaching about this woman, I found a list of modern-day comparisons to her life. I'm not sure now where the list came from, but I hope you enjoy it. I've added a few "notes" myself and even my own translation of one of the verses. By the end, you will most likely see that you can measure up to the qualities of the Proverbs 31 woman.
(FYI: The NIV of verse four says "wife of noble character"; KJV uses the word virtuous; NASB says excellent.)
Verse 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 of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
Questions: Does your husband have full confidence in you? Do you bring him good and not harm?
Answer true or false to the "Modern Day Comparisons" below:
Verse 13: She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
Modern Day Comparison:
I shop carefully for clothing for me and my family. I work willingly.
Verse 14-15: She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
Modern Day Comparison:
I get up early to start my chores and I make sure I have the daily menu planned for my family. I don’t just go to the corner convenience store to buy my supplies. I shop for quality within my budget. I often buy food that is not produced locally. Sometimes I let my light shine and give little treats to my coworkers or neighbors.
Verse 16: She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
Modern Day Comparison:
I’ve been involved in the process of choosing and buying a home or major items for my home. I know what homes rent or sale for in my area. I have even taken some of my/our money and planted a garden, trees, shrubs or flowers.
Verse 17: She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
Modern Day Comparison:
I keep myself relatively physically fit (Note from Lori: Working on this (again).) and I’m not afraid to “roll up my sleeves” and get to work! Looking after a home and family can, at times, be hard work.
Verse 18: She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. (Note from Lori: I've got the last part of this one down pat!)
Modern Day Comparison:
I am a productive woman, whether I’m working away from the house or taking care of the home and family. I know my way around the bank and the supermarket. I’m not afraid to learn new things. I’m not shy about working long hours.
Verse 19: In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
Modern Day Comparison:
I can use a thread and needle. I can mend holes and split seams when it’s necessary. (Note from Lori: I do know how to thread a needle and I can sew on a button, but I must say...when it comes to any other mending, I must defer to my mother-in-law!)
Verse 20: She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
Modern Day Comparison:
My family isn’t my only concern. I have a heart for the needy people in my community.; I give to the food to the needy on occasion, and I help out when a neighbor, Christian brother or sister, or friend is ill. Charity is all in a day’s work for me. I know it is part of God’s plan for Christians.
Verses 21-22: When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Modern Day Comparison:
The cold of winter doesn’t frighten me. (Lori's translation: THE OKLAHOMA ICE STORM OF JANUARY 2010, DOESN'T FRIGHTEN ME.) Quality garments and household furnishings are important to me because I know they offer the best protection and are long lasting.
Verse 23: Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
Modern Day Comparison:
I pray for my husband. I stand with him in all things. Many of his friends and coworkers see that I support and love him.
Verse 24: She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
Modern Day Comparison:
I could manage my own home-based business. (Note from Lori: I'm glad the modern comparison left off the "she makes" part. I might could make them, but they'd fall apart. No one would wear 'em or buy 'em!)
Verse 25: She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
Modern Day Comparison:
I am confident God is in control. He gives me my strength and dignity. My relationship with Jesus Christ gives me the confidence to not always be worrying about the future.
Verse 26: She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
Modern Day Comparison:
With the Holy Spirit as my guide, I will speak words that are wise (Note from Lori: Working on the wisdom part - always.) and true. My friends trust me to speak the truth.
Verse 27: She watches over the affairs of her household (Note from Lori: My children would say I watch over a little too much, but I tell them it's my job and this verse is proof of that!) and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Modern Day Comparison:
I supervise my own household well and I am not an idle, lazy person.
Verse 28-29: Her children arise and call her blessed (Note from Lori: Blessed? I'm not so sure that's what they say, but I think they would say mostly nice things.); her husband also, and he praises her:
Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.
Modern Day Comparison:
The praise that is directed towards me from my husband and children is well earned because my family knows I am trying my best to serve them through Jesus Christ.
Verse 30: Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Modern Day Comparison:
I’m not the most beautiful woman in the world (Note from Lori: We;re all beautiful in God's eyes.), and I know that my charm is empty without the Holy Spirit guiding it. I do know that God loves me and that Jesus is my Savior.
Verse 31: Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Modern Day Comparison:
My Christian works bring nice comments from friends and family, neighbors and co-workers. I serve out of love for God. My reward is eternity. (Note from Lori: AMEN!)
So, how do you feel now? Better? Of course, we probably all find areas we can improve in, but isn’t it better when we put it into modern-day perspective?
We can’t be Superwoman.
We can’t be everything to everyone.
We are women that can only get by with God’s grace.
What we do...what we accomplish...what we achieve...are all of those are good “works.” But God is looking at more than what we "do". He is looking at our hearts.
The virtuous woman we‘ve looked at today put God first in her life and realized that her strength only came from God. Do you realize that same truth? If you do, Christian sister, you too will be a woman whose price is worth far more than rubies.
Showing posts with label Wednesday's Woman of the Word. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wednesday's Woman of the Word. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Wednesday's Woman of the Word - Ruth (by Lauren)
This post was written by Lauren, my 15 year old daughter. I asked her to guest post for me.
So many times, young people say, "Do I have to?" or "Why do I have to do that?" In Ruth 3:5, Ruth says to Naomi, "I will do whatever you say." Ruth was willing to do whatever she had to. She did not ask "Why?" or "Do I have to?", but she just did it. Sometimes, we need to just do it. If our parents ask us to do something, we should be able to say "Yes Ma'am" or "Yes Sir". We don't always get what we want, and we don't always have the option to do something or not, but as followers of Christ, we should say, "I will do whatever you say!".................. (Please read the first comment below)
So many times, young people say, "Do I have to?" or "Why do I have to do that?" In Ruth 3:5, Ruth says to Naomi, "I will do whatever you say." Ruth was willing to do whatever she had to. She did not ask "Why?" or "Do I have to?", but she just did it. Sometimes, we need to just do it. If our parents ask us to do something, we should be able to say "Yes Ma'am" or "Yes Sir". We don't always get what we want, and we don't always have the option to do something or not, but as followers of Christ, we should say, "I will do whatever you say!".................. (Please read the first comment below)
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Wednesday's Women of the Word -Esther
Of all the women in the Bible, Esther is one of my very favorites. I think it's because of her courage and bravery to go out on a limb for her people. She was in the right place at the right time and did what she had to do to help others. That's a good lesson for each of us.
Let's look at Esther's life in this summary of Esther, chapters one through seven:
1. Esther was an orphan. Her parents were deceased and she was raised by her cousin, Mordecai.
2. Queen Vashti displeases King Xerxes. He decides to find a new queen - one more worthy.
3. Many girls were given beauty treatments and special food, but only Esther was found to please the king.
4. As instructed by her cousin, Mordecai, Esther had kept her family background and her Jewish nationality a secret.
5. Mordecai hears a threat that someone is going to try to kill King Xerses. Mordecai tells Esther of the plan. The men are found and hanged.
6. Haman is given a high seat of honor by King Xerses. Haman's wish was for everyone to bow down to him, but Mordecai refused to do so. This enraged Haman. He desired to not only kill Mordecai, but all of his people - the Jews.
7. King Xerses agrees to make a decree that the Jews will be killed if they did not bow down to Haman. He didn't realize that Queen Esther was a Jew herself.
8. Mordecai and his people began to mourn by fasting and weeping. Esther heard of their situation but didn't know how she could help.
9. Mordecai convinced Esther that she was in the right place at the right time to help her people.
"Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:13-14
10. Esther bravely and courageously went before King Xerses. He heard her plea to meet with he and Haman at a banquet the next day.
11. In the meantime the King finds out that Mordecai was the one who saved his life before. He asks Haman to bring Mordecai to him so that he can honor him. of course, Haman is not pleased.
12. Queen Esther hosted the banquet. King Xerses and Haman were there. Queen Esther pleaded her case about saving her people.
13. The King asked who was trying to kill the people. Queen Esther answered "the vile Haman". BUSTED!!!
14. Haman was killed in the gallows he had originally prepared for Mordecai. Queen Esther saved the day!
For such a time as this, God placed Esther in the right place at the right time. In our own lives, many times we don't understand why we are where we are. We may be confused. We may be unsure. We may be scared. But, we should always keep in mind that God has an ultimate plan for us and for our life. There's a reason you are where you are. There is a reason I am where I am. We just have to be brave and courageous and realize our part in God's big plan.
We must believe that we are in the right place at the right time - just as Eather was.
12.
Let's look at Esther's life in this summary of Esther, chapters one through seven:
1. Esther was an orphan. Her parents were deceased and she was raised by her cousin, Mordecai.
2. Queen Vashti displeases King Xerxes. He decides to find a new queen - one more worthy.
3. Many girls were given beauty treatments and special food, but only Esther was found to please the king.
4. As instructed by her cousin, Mordecai, Esther had kept her family background and her Jewish nationality a secret.
5. Mordecai hears a threat that someone is going to try to kill King Xerses. Mordecai tells Esther of the plan. The men are found and hanged.
6. Haman is given a high seat of honor by King Xerses. Haman's wish was for everyone to bow down to him, but Mordecai refused to do so. This enraged Haman. He desired to not only kill Mordecai, but all of his people - the Jews.
7. King Xerses agrees to make a decree that the Jews will be killed if they did not bow down to Haman. He didn't realize that Queen Esther was a Jew herself.
8. Mordecai and his people began to mourn by fasting and weeping. Esther heard of their situation but didn't know how she could help.
9. Mordecai convinced Esther that she was in the right place at the right time to help her people.
"Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:13-14
10. Esther bravely and courageously went before King Xerses. He heard her plea to meet with he and Haman at a banquet the next day.
11. In the meantime the King finds out that Mordecai was the one who saved his life before. He asks Haman to bring Mordecai to him so that he can honor him. of course, Haman is not pleased.
12. Queen Esther hosted the banquet. King Xerses and Haman were there. Queen Esther pleaded her case about saving her people.
13. The King asked who was trying to kill the people. Queen Esther answered "the vile Haman". BUSTED!!!
14. Haman was killed in the gallows he had originally prepared for Mordecai. Queen Esther saved the day!
For such a time as this, God placed Esther in the right place at the right time. In our own lives, many times we don't understand why we are where we are. We may be confused. We may be unsure. We may be scared. But, we should always keep in mind that God has an ultimate plan for us and for our life. There's a reason you are where you are. There is a reason I am where I am. We just have to be brave and courageous and realize our part in God's big plan.
We must believe that we are in the right place at the right time - just as Eather was.
12.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wednesday's Woman of the Word - A Question
For today's "Wednesday's Woman of the Word", I have a question for you:
Feel free to leave a comment, reply via Facebook, or email me with your answer.
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
Who is your favorite woman from the Bible and why?
Feel free to leave a comment, reply via Facebook, or email me with your answer.
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Wednesday's Women of the Word -Lois and Eunice
When I first started "Wednesday's Woman of the Word", I planned to write it on the Tuesday night post which I usually do late at night. However, for the past two weeks I've forgotten about doing it on Tuesday night. I decided to go ahead and do it tonight (Wednesday), though. Learning about women in the Bible is important - no matter what day it is!
The apostle, Paul, wrote two letters to Timothy - the books of 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy. Paul even refers to Timothy as "his beloved son" in 2 Timothy 1:2. However Timothy really isn't Paul's son, but a younger brother in Christ.
Lois and Eunice are Timothy's grandmother and mother. Paul mentions them briefly in 2 Timothy 1:5 (written below). Not much is said about these two women, but what is said about them actually says a whole lot. Paul says in this one verse that Timothy's sincere faith was passed on to him by his grandmother and his mother. Acts 16:1 says that Timothy's mother was a Jewess and believed (that is, believed in Jesus), but that his father was a Greek.
The apostle, Paul, wrote two letters to Timothy - the books of 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy. Paul even refers to Timothy as "his beloved son" in 2 Timothy 1:2. However Timothy really isn't Paul's son, but a younger brother in Christ.
Lois and Eunice are Timothy's grandmother and mother. Paul mentions them briefly in 2 Timothy 1:5 (written below). Not much is said about these two women, but what is said about them actually says a whole lot. Paul says in this one verse that Timothy's sincere faith was passed on to him by his grandmother and his mother. Acts 16:1 says that Timothy's mother was a Jewess and believed (that is, believed in Jesus), but that his father was a Greek.
" I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also."
Timothy's grandmother and mother passed on a legacy to Timothy....a legacy that is more important than any other legacy there can be. These to women of faith passed on their faith to their son and grandson.
What are you passing on to your children and grandchildren? What is your legacy?
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Wednesday's Woman of the Word - Lot's Wife
A pillar of salt. That's what we remember about Lot's wife, isn't it? A warning not heeded. An opportunity to escape a sinful place - to start a new life in a better place. Lost. Because she looked back.
The angels warned Lot and his family not to look back as they left the wicked city, but Lot's wife disobeyed. She looked back as they fled Sodom and she was punished because of her disobedience. Immediately she turned into salt. A pillar of salt. (To read the story found in Genesis 19:1-26 click here.)
An immediate question that comes to mind is "Why?" Why did she look back? It doesn't seem to make sense because the angels warned Lot's family not to look back. But think of yourself. What if someone says to you, "Don't look now, but right over there is _____"... fill in the blank. What is the first thing you want to do? You want to look, right? We're probably all a little bit that way - some of us more-so than others of us.
But this was a huge thing. This message was from God. The angels warned that God was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. After some discussion between Lot and the angels, Lot's family began to flee quickly.
What would make Lot's wife turn back? What made her disobey? Maybe she heard noises of destruction and she was curious. Maybe she heard screaming and she was concerned for her friends being left behind. Maybe she thought of her home and her possessions. But maybe her heart was still in Sodom. Maybe she thought just one look wouldn't hurt. We're not told why she disobeyed - only that she did.
We can learn a lot from Lot's wife. The most obvious thing is not to disobey God. And the next obvious thing is not to look back.
Do you ever look back? Do you look back on past mistakes? Do you look back at lost opportunities or lost relationships? Do you spend so much time looking back that you fail to look forward?
Looking back on pleasant memories is enjoyable. Looking back and being unable to move forward is dangerous. If we're not careful, we'll look back and become stuck in one place - just like Lot's wife.
The angels warned Lot and his family not to look back as they left the wicked city, but Lot's wife disobeyed. She looked back as they fled Sodom and she was punished because of her disobedience. Immediately she turned into salt. A pillar of salt. (To read the story found in Genesis 19:1-26 click here.)
An immediate question that comes to mind is "Why?" Why did she look back? It doesn't seem to make sense because the angels warned Lot's family not to look back. But think of yourself. What if someone says to you, "Don't look now, but right over there is _____"... fill in the blank. What is the first thing you want to do? You want to look, right? We're probably all a little bit that way - some of us more-so than others of us.
But this was a huge thing. This message was from God. The angels warned that God was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. After some discussion between Lot and the angels, Lot's family began to flee quickly.
What would make Lot's wife turn back? What made her disobey? Maybe she heard noises of destruction and she was curious. Maybe she heard screaming and she was concerned for her friends being left behind. Maybe she thought of her home and her possessions. But maybe her heart was still in Sodom. Maybe she thought just one look wouldn't hurt. We're not told why she disobeyed - only that she did.
We can learn a lot from Lot's wife. The most obvious thing is not to disobey God. And the next obvious thing is not to look back.
Do you ever look back? Do you look back on past mistakes? Do you look back at lost opportunities or lost relationships? Do you spend so much time looking back that you fail to look forward?
Looking back on pleasant memories is enjoyable. Looking back and being unable to move forward is dangerous. If we're not careful, we'll look back and become stuck in one place - just like Lot's wife.
Remember this truth: It's hard to see where you're headed, if you're looking back.
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Wednesday's Woman of the Word - Lost and Found
About a month ago, two of my children and I were going to a basketball game out of town. Some friends from that same town had saved some boxes for me. They had me stop by the church building to pick them up. Before we left home, I had stuck a $50 bill in my pants pocket (not smart, I know). Little did I know, it had fallen out when I stopped by to get the boxes.
When I drove into the parking lot for the ballgame, my friend called and asked if I had happened to have a $50 bill in my pocket when I stopped by. I said that I did and she said that another friend had found it. At that time I hadn't even realized it was gone! However, if I had gone into the game and found that I didn't have the money to pay for my kids and I to get into the game - I would have realized it was gone and had no idea where I had lost it. I immediately rushed back to the building to get my money - thankful that I lost it where I did and thankful for friends!
About a week ago I lost my watch. I don't wear it every day, but any time I'm going somewhere out of town for ballgames or to get groceries, I usually wear it. I figured it would show up someday, but had really missed not having it. Thankfully, I found it Monday in a "catch-all" compartment in our van.
Today's Woman of the Word is a parable - or a story - told by Jesus about a woman who lost a coin, from Luke 15:8-9.
This woman had ten silver coins. The original Greek says "drachma". At that time, one drachma was equal to a day's wages. That's quite a bit of money to lose.
The woman searched and searched for her coin. She lit a lamp. She swept the house - which was most likely a dirt floor. And, then, she found it! She called (Note: These days we would have texted or Tweeted our friends - or put it as our status on Facebook!) her friends and neighbors and asks them to rejoice with her over finding the lost coin. It was lost - then found.
When I found out that my friend had found my fifty dollars, I rejoiced! But my rejoicing was different, because something was found that I hadn't even known was lost. But the rejoicing was because I realized how fortunate I was to have lost it in such a safe place and around my Christian friends. It was lost - then found.
On the other hand, I knew I had lost my watch. And, I knew that the reason it was lost is because I hadn't put it where it belonged - either on my wrist or on my dresser. I have no idea why it was found in the car - but it was. Thankfully! It was lost - then found.
As was the purpose for all of Jesus' parables, he wanted to teach his disciples a lesson. The lost coin in this parable represents a lost soul. Just as the one lost coin was searched for until it was found, we, as Christians, must search for lost souls everywhere. And likewise, as the rejoicing took place over the finding of one coin, we must rejoice over the finding (and saving) of one soul.
The woman who lost the one coin could have been content with her nine remaining coins and decided it wasn't worth her time to search for the last one. She could have given up after searching and searching - but she didn't. That one coin was of utmost importance to her.
Each sinner is special to God and there is rejoicing in heaven over each one that repents and comes to know Him. We are all individuals of great importance to our Heavenly Father.
When I drove into the parking lot for the ballgame, my friend called and asked if I had happened to have a $50 bill in my pocket when I stopped by. I said that I did and she said that another friend had found it. At that time I hadn't even realized it was gone! However, if I had gone into the game and found that I didn't have the money to pay for my kids and I to get into the game - I would have realized it was gone and had no idea where I had lost it. I immediately rushed back to the building to get my money - thankful that I lost it where I did and thankful for friends!
About a week ago I lost my watch. I don't wear it every day, but any time I'm going somewhere out of town for ballgames or to get groceries, I usually wear it. I figured it would show up someday, but had really missed not having it. Thankfully, I found it Monday in a "catch-all" compartment in our van.
Today's Woman of the Word is a parable - or a story - told by Jesus about a woman who lost a coin, from Luke 15:8-9.
"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' "
This woman had ten silver coins. The original Greek says "drachma". At that time, one drachma was equal to a day's wages. That's quite a bit of money to lose.
The woman searched and searched for her coin. She lit a lamp. She swept the house - which was most likely a dirt floor. And, then, she found it! She called (Note: These days we would have texted or Tweeted our friends - or put it as our status on Facebook!) her friends and neighbors and asks them to rejoice with her over finding the lost coin. It was lost - then found.
When I found out that my friend had found my fifty dollars, I rejoiced! But my rejoicing was different, because something was found that I hadn't even known was lost. But the rejoicing was because I realized how fortunate I was to have lost it in such a safe place and around my Christian friends. It was lost - then found.
On the other hand, I knew I had lost my watch. And, I knew that the reason it was lost is because I hadn't put it where it belonged - either on my wrist or on my dresser. I have no idea why it was found in the car - but it was. Thankfully! It was lost - then found.
As was the purpose for all of Jesus' parables, he wanted to teach his disciples a lesson. The lost coin in this parable represents a lost soul. Just as the one lost coin was searched for until it was found, we, as Christians, must search for lost souls everywhere. And likewise, as the rejoicing took place over the finding of one coin, we must rejoice over the finding (and saving) of one soul.
The woman who lost the one coin could have been content with her nine remaining coins and decided it wasn't worth her time to search for the last one. She could have given up after searching and searching - but she didn't. That one coin was of utmost importance to her.
Each sinner is special to God and there is rejoicing in heaven over each one that repents and comes to know Him. We are all individuals of great importance to our Heavenly Father.
"In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Luke 15:10
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Wednesday's Woman of the Word - Lydia
When I think about Lydia, I immediately think "seller of purple", do you? That is what she is usually known for from what is said about her in the Bible.
However, if we read Acts 16:13-15, we will find something even more important about Lydia.
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us.
When we first meet someone, what is usually one of the first things we ask them? "What do you do?" Meaning, "Where do you work?" or "Do you work outside the home?" We all ask questions like that, don't we? But, Luke writes about Lydia's work and then he writes something else about Lydia - that Lydia is a worshiper of God.
Which of these things sounds the most important to you? That Lydia is a dealer in purple cloth? (which was valuable and expensive in Bible times. Lydia may have been a very wealthy woman because of her business.) Or that Lydia was a worshiper of God?
Many times we're impressed with worldly success, but what should impress us more is whether or not a person is a worshiper of God. That's what we should want to be listed as a characteristic of ourselves, as well.
Luke and those with him went to the place of prayer and spoke to the women there. When I first taught a ladies' class about Lydia a few years ago, I found this commentary (I don't have listed where the commentary was from or who wrote it - sorry!). It explains why the women may have been out at this place of prayer:
In Jewish law a synagogue could be formed wherever there were ten male heads of households who could be in regular attendance. Failing this, a place of prayer under the open sky and near a river or the sea was to be arranged. Apparently there was no synagogue in Philippi - Paul had already been there a few days - this explains why he and his companions went a little way out of the city to the river, where they expected to find a place of prayer.
I expecially like the next part of the passage about Lydia, which is verse 14 and 15. It says, "The Lord opened her heart". Up until that time, Lydia and the other women were worshipping in the only way they knew how. They were worshipping God, but hadn't yet heard the Good News about Jesus (or at least they hadn't been converted to Christianity. Maybe they had heard of Him, but they didn't believe in Him as a Savior.)
When the Lord opened Lydia's heart, she immediately responded. The other women with her responded, as well. She believed what Paul taught her about Jesus and she and the others were baptized. They all responded to the Gospel message and immediately went to work serving the Lord. She invited Paul and his companions to her home. She had received something very special and she wanted to give something back.
So, ask yourself these questions:
1. What is more important to you - what you/others do for a living or whether you/they worship God?
2. What is your response to the Good News about Jesus - that He was crucified for you? That He was raised up for you? That He wants to be your Savior? That He died so that you could live in Heaven for eternity?
3. Look at Lydia's story timeline:
Lydia believed in God even before she heard about the salvation through Jesus.
Lydia believed Paul's message about Jesus. (Note: Notice that Lydia's conversion was on a river bank, not in a building.)
Lydia was baptized. (Note: How convenient - they were on a river bank!)
Lydia began to serve.
Where are you on your timeline?
Lydia has one more verse written about her that shows she continued to be a servant. In Acts 16:40. Paul and Silas had been in jail between the time of Lydia's conversion and this verse, but look at what it says, "After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia's house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. Then they left."
Lydia was at the right place, at the right time, with the right heart, and with the right attitude. That is a challenge for us: Are you and I the right woman, in the right place at the right time, with the right heart and attitude - ready for God to use?
However, if we read Acts 16:13-15, we will find something even more important about Lydia.
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us.
When we first meet someone, what is usually one of the first things we ask them? "What do you do?" Meaning, "Where do you work?" or "Do you work outside the home?" We all ask questions like that, don't we? But, Luke writes about Lydia's work and then he writes something else about Lydia - that Lydia is a worshiper of God.
Which of these things sounds the most important to you? That Lydia is a dealer in purple cloth? (which was valuable and expensive in Bible times. Lydia may have been a very wealthy woman because of her business.) Or that Lydia was a worshiper of God?
Many times we're impressed with worldly success, but what should impress us more is whether or not a person is a worshiper of God. That's what we should want to be listed as a characteristic of ourselves, as well.
Luke and those with him went to the place of prayer and spoke to the women there. When I first taught a ladies' class about Lydia a few years ago, I found this commentary (I don't have listed where the commentary was from or who wrote it - sorry!). It explains why the women may have been out at this place of prayer:
In Jewish law a synagogue could be formed wherever there were ten male heads of households who could be in regular attendance. Failing this, a place of prayer under the open sky and near a river or the sea was to be arranged. Apparently there was no synagogue in Philippi - Paul had already been there a few days - this explains why he and his companions went a little way out of the city to the river, where they expected to find a place of prayer.
I expecially like the next part of the passage about Lydia, which is verse 14 and 15. It says, "The Lord opened her heart". Up until that time, Lydia and the other women were worshipping in the only way they knew how. They were worshipping God, but hadn't yet heard the Good News about Jesus (or at least they hadn't been converted to Christianity. Maybe they had heard of Him, but they didn't believe in Him as a Savior.)
When the Lord opened Lydia's heart, she immediately responded. The other women with her responded, as well. She believed what Paul taught her about Jesus and she and the others were baptized. They all responded to the Gospel message and immediately went to work serving the Lord. She invited Paul and his companions to her home. She had received something very special and she wanted to give something back.
So, ask yourself these questions:
1. What is more important to you - what you/others do for a living or whether you/they worship God?
2. What is your response to the Good News about Jesus - that He was crucified for you? That He was raised up for you? That He wants to be your Savior? That He died so that you could live in Heaven for eternity?
3. Look at Lydia's story timeline:
Lydia believed in God even before she heard about the salvation through Jesus.
Lydia believed Paul's message about Jesus. (Note: Notice that Lydia's conversion was on a river bank, not in a building.)
Lydia was baptized. (Note: How convenient - they were on a river bank!)
Lydia began to serve.
Where are you on your timeline?
Lydia has one more verse written about her that shows she continued to be a servant. In Acts 16:40. Paul and Silas had been in jail between the time of Lydia's conversion and this verse, but look at what it says, "After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia's house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. Then they left."
Lydia was at the right place, at the right time, with the right heart, and with the right attitude. That is a challenge for us: Are you and I the right woman, in the right place at the right time, with the right heart and attitude - ready for God to use?
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Wednesday's Woman of the Word - Eve
Several years ago I taught a Wednesday night ladies' Bible class that focused on women of the Bible. This study actually went on for two and a half years. It was interesting learning about so many women, from the ones who have a lot said about them in scripture, to those who only were mentioned by name.
I've kind of missed the in-depth study of these Biblical women lately, so decided that each Wednesday I would feature a post entitled: Wednesday's Woman of the Word. I hope you will enjoy looking closely at each of their lives and seeing how their life might relate to your own.
The most logical choice of which woman to look at first would be Eve - since she was the first woman mentioned in the Bible. Can you imagine what it would have been like to be Eve? It's hard to imagine what her life might have been like to me. For however many years it was just Adam and Eve - no other humans around. Strange to think of, isn't it?
Eve is known as the first woman, but she is also known for the very first sin. The sin of disobeying God by eating the fruit which God had told she and Adam not to eat.
"Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"
The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.' "
"You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."" Genesis 3:1-5
The major thing we can learn from Eve is that sin leads to sin. Even though the first sin of eating the fruit was wrong, Eve could have decided then to sin no more. Unfortunately, though, Eve gave the fruit to Adam. He didn't have to take it, but he did...and their eyes were open to their nakedness. To cover up their sin, Adam and Eve then tried to hide from God - something that didn't work then and still doesn't today. And lastly, Eve tried to blame her sin on someone else. Yes, Satan was the tempter, but it was by choice that Eve sinned.
It's easy for me to sit here and think to myself, "Why didn't Eve just obey? Why did she eat the fruit? That wasn't that hard of a thing to resist." But that's easy for me to say when I can read the whole story and see that because of that bad decision sin entered the world. But how many times do I disobey God? How many times have I been tempted by something that might seem really easy for someone else to resist? What would I have done if I had been in Eve's same situation - being tempted in that way by Satan? What would you have done?
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11
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