Hi everyone!!!! Anyone who knows me knows that I am an avid social networker! What that means is that I love everything about social media. I love the fact that we can interact and “communicate” with people around the world even if this form of communication is somewhat artificial and not concrete. So basically, I was on Instagram the other day and saw a picture with a very powerful quote that got my attention…
“It’s best to wait for God’s very best. Because second best is not good enough for His daughter.”
Wow…I read that and was touched. Why? Because we live in a society (not all of it) that makes our women believe that they deserve anything but the best. But to truly understand what is best for you, one must know what it is that God wants for you and how He sees you.
Since God is our Father, what father wouldn't want what is best for his child? Then again, what father wouldn't want what is best for his little girl? To all you girls, women and ladies out there, God cherishes you and loves you so much!!! In my opinion, one of God's greatest creations, if not the greatest, is the woman. Why? Because you are just beautiful, strong and awesome! Let no one tell you otherwise!
God doesn’t want your existence to be defined by anyone but Him. We live in a world where we give women the idea that they need a man to be someone in today’s society. But that isn’t true! And far from the truth I might add! There are countless women who have excelled without the presence of a man in their lives and even those that do have a man in their lives, still strive to not conform to this way of thinking. For example, one of the women I respect the most, my older sister, is one of those women. To make a long story short, losing both our parents at a young age was tough but not once did my sister call it quits. She strived to prove everyone wrong and where did it lead her? She is happily working and has her own house and a successful career. She did that without necessarily needing the help of a man. I am not saying that being dependent is wrong. No. What I am saying is that instead of seeking the attention or the presence of a man to define you, lean on God. He is the ONLY one I know that can heal you when you are broken, give you rest when you are tired and fulfill your needs when you don’t even know what they are. Instead of needing a spouse and, in some cases, kids to find your worth as a woman, realize that success is measured only in following God and making the most of where He has you in life. With God shaping your perspective, there's no such thing as failure.
But how does the Bible see or portray women though? Well you will be shocked…IT COMPLETELY DOES THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT SOCIETY TELLS WOMEN THEY ARE! (Did you like my sarcasm?…No? Not funny? Okay…I tried…)
Proverbs 31:10-31 "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. 16She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
Yes, the renown proverb recited by many and even used as a model by most women around the world. The Bible acknowledges and celebrates the priceless value of a virtuous woman. Pay attention to verse 10 though: “She is worth far more than rubies.” So basically, to back my claim that women are one of God’s most amazing, (if not the most amazing) creations, Proverbs 31:10 states that women are worth far more than this very precious, expensive and valuable stone! When someone tells you that you are worthless, remind them that you are worth more than rubies but that no amount of money can buy you! Know your worth! The Bible rightly exalts women against cultures that distort, degrade, and debase them. But like I stated, not everyone sees this…
It is sad because women are actually used and abused more today than at any time in history. How so? Well trafficking women, making them sex salves and trading them like animals for sexual slavery is something that is very much alive and visible in the world that we live in. Literally selling women for money or favors is allowed today. Prostitution is one of the world’s most infamous sources of revenue. There is also the pornography industry that turns women into objects and victims. Here in America, the so-called more "civilized" places, men routinely use women for no-consequence, no-commitment sex only to leave them pregnant, without care and support. Even ancient cultures were no better...some Greek philosophers, yeah, the ones considered to have the brightest minds of their era--taught that women are inferior creatures by nature. Woah…what?! These people TAUGHT others that women, one of God’s greatest creations were INFERIOR…!!!!??? This has got to stop! But it can only stop when women understand what it is that they are TRULY worth! KNOW YOUR WORTH!!!
Enough of the negatives, let’s revisit the positives again because there is still so much!!!
In the very first chapter of the Bible, if you pay close attention, we are taught that women, like men, bear the stamp of God's own image (Genesis 1:27; 5:1-2). So basically, men and women were created equal! The role that women play is a VERY IMPORTANT ONE! Wives are seen as venerated PARTNERS and CHERISHED companions to their husbands, not merely slaves or pieces of household furniture (Genesis 2:20-24; Proverbs 19:14; Ecclesiastes 9:9). Even in the 10 commandments, God commanded that children are to honor both father and mother (Exodus 20:12).
Jesus Christ, God Himself, loved and respected women. Jesus’ disciples included several women too. Don’t believe me? Read Luke 8:1-3. What did it mean to be a disciple though? It meant that you were a personal follower of Jesus during His life on Earth. For example, the twelve Apostles. But they weren’t the only ones to follow Jesus. His disciples that were women consisted of Lazarus’ sisters (Mary and Martha), Mary (His mother), Mary Magdalene and the list goes on. This was a something almost unheard of among the teachers of His day. Being the revolutionary that He is, Jesus even encouraged their discipleship by showing everyone that their service was something more useful than staying at home (Luke 10:38-42). When I think about it, Christ even revealed His own identity as the true Messiah to a Samaritan woman (John 4:25-26). We should follow His example because He always treated women with the utmost dignity--even women who might otherwise be regarded as outcasts and rejected (Matthew 9:20-22; Luke 7:37-50; John 4:7-27). He blessed their children (Luke 18:15-16), raised their dead (Luke 7:12-15), forgave their sin (Luke 7:44-48), and restored their virtue and honor (John 8:4-11). Thus He exalted the position of womanhood itself. (http://www.gty.org/resources/articles/a265/the-biblical-portrait-of-women-setting-the-record-straight)
To finish up this post, I just want to say that the most significant women in Scripture were influential not because of their careers, but because of their character. It doesn’t matter how much money you make because that doesn’t define you. It doesn’t matter who you date or marry, because that doesn’t define you. It doesn’t matter what you have done in your past, that doesn’t define you! Regardless of what the world tells you, that you need makeup to be beautiful, or you need to dress a certain way or your body needs to be a certain way, don’t buy into that! God is an artist. He creates masterpieces. True works of art! Be proud and embrace the fact that you ARE ONE OF HIS MANY PIECES OF ART!!! That is why God doesn't want you guys "testing waters" before finding your "Mr. Right” for example. He wants you to stay focused and pure while He prepares you to embrace and receive your other half. Ladies, a father does not want his daughter with just anyone. He wants his daughter to be with the BEST! And what is the best in this case? Someone who is a mirror image (at least tries to be) of God. Be vigilant though! What you might think is best for you at the moment, may not be what God wants for you. Why would He let you compromise following Him for someone who will make you stray away from Him by doing things you shouldn't? Stay blessed, God wants the best for you ladies and know your worth!!!
"True feminine beauty is not about external adornment, "arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel"; real beauty is manifest instead in "the hidden person of the heart...the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."
“It’s best to wait for God’s very best. Because second best is not good enough for His daughter.”
Wow…I read that and was touched. Why? Because we live in a society (not all of it) that makes our women believe that they deserve anything but the best. But to truly understand what is best for you, one must know what it is that God wants for you and how He sees you.
Since God is our Father, what father wouldn't want what is best for his child? Then again, what father wouldn't want what is best for his little girl? To all you girls, women and ladies out there, God cherishes you and loves you so much!!! In my opinion, one of God's greatest creations, if not the greatest, is the woman. Why? Because you are just beautiful, strong and awesome! Let no one tell you otherwise!
God doesn’t want your existence to be defined by anyone but Him. We live in a world where we give women the idea that they need a man to be someone in today’s society. But that isn’t true! And far from the truth I might add! There are countless women who have excelled without the presence of a man in their lives and even those that do have a man in their lives, still strive to not conform to this way of thinking. For example, one of the women I respect the most, my older sister, is one of those women. To make a long story short, losing both our parents at a young age was tough but not once did my sister call it quits. She strived to prove everyone wrong and where did it lead her? She is happily working and has her own house and a successful career. She did that without necessarily needing the help of a man. I am not saying that being dependent is wrong. No. What I am saying is that instead of seeking the attention or the presence of a man to define you, lean on God. He is the ONLY one I know that can heal you when you are broken, give you rest when you are tired and fulfill your needs when you don’t even know what they are. Instead of needing a spouse and, in some cases, kids to find your worth as a woman, realize that success is measured only in following God and making the most of where He has you in life. With God shaping your perspective, there's no such thing as failure.
But how does the Bible see or portray women though? Well you will be shocked…IT COMPLETELY DOES THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT SOCIETY TELLS WOMEN THEY ARE! (Did you like my sarcasm?…No? Not funny? Okay…I tried…)
Proverbs 31:10-31 "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. 16She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
Yes, the renown proverb recited by many and even used as a model by most women around the world. The Bible acknowledges and celebrates the priceless value of a virtuous woman. Pay attention to verse 10 though: “She is worth far more than rubies.” So basically, to back my claim that women are one of God’s most amazing, (if not the most amazing) creations, Proverbs 31:10 states that women are worth far more than this very precious, expensive and valuable stone! When someone tells you that you are worthless, remind them that you are worth more than rubies but that no amount of money can buy you! Know your worth! The Bible rightly exalts women against cultures that distort, degrade, and debase them. But like I stated, not everyone sees this…
It is sad because women are actually used and abused more today than at any time in history. How so? Well trafficking women, making them sex salves and trading them like animals for sexual slavery is something that is very much alive and visible in the world that we live in. Literally selling women for money or favors is allowed today. Prostitution is one of the world’s most infamous sources of revenue. There is also the pornography industry that turns women into objects and victims. Here in America, the so-called more "civilized" places, men routinely use women for no-consequence, no-commitment sex only to leave them pregnant, without care and support. Even ancient cultures were no better...some Greek philosophers, yeah, the ones considered to have the brightest minds of their era--taught that women are inferior creatures by nature. Woah…what?! These people TAUGHT others that women, one of God’s greatest creations were INFERIOR…!!!!??? This has got to stop! But it can only stop when women understand what it is that they are TRULY worth! KNOW YOUR WORTH!!!
Enough of the negatives, let’s revisit the positives again because there is still so much!!!
In the very first chapter of the Bible, if you pay close attention, we are taught that women, like men, bear the stamp of God's own image (Genesis 1:27; 5:1-2). So basically, men and women were created equal! The role that women play is a VERY IMPORTANT ONE! Wives are seen as venerated PARTNERS and CHERISHED companions to their husbands, not merely slaves or pieces of household furniture (Genesis 2:20-24; Proverbs 19:14; Ecclesiastes 9:9). Even in the 10 commandments, God commanded that children are to honor both father and mother (Exodus 20:12).
Jesus Christ, God Himself, loved and respected women. Jesus’ disciples included several women too. Don’t believe me? Read Luke 8:1-3. What did it mean to be a disciple though? It meant that you were a personal follower of Jesus during His life on Earth. For example, the twelve Apostles. But they weren’t the only ones to follow Jesus. His disciples that were women consisted of Lazarus’ sisters (Mary and Martha), Mary (His mother), Mary Magdalene and the list goes on. This was a something almost unheard of among the teachers of His day. Being the revolutionary that He is, Jesus even encouraged their discipleship by showing everyone that their service was something more useful than staying at home (Luke 10:38-42). When I think about it, Christ even revealed His own identity as the true Messiah to a Samaritan woman (John 4:25-26). We should follow His example because He always treated women with the utmost dignity--even women who might otherwise be regarded as outcasts and rejected (Matthew 9:20-22; Luke 7:37-50; John 4:7-27). He blessed their children (Luke 18:15-16), raised their dead (Luke 7:12-15), forgave their sin (Luke 7:44-48), and restored their virtue and honor (John 8:4-11). Thus He exalted the position of womanhood itself. (http://www.gty.org/resources/articles/a265/the-biblical-portrait-of-women-setting-the-record-straight)
To finish up this post, I just want to say that the most significant women in Scripture were influential not because of their careers, but because of their character. It doesn’t matter how much money you make because that doesn’t define you. It doesn’t matter who you date or marry, because that doesn’t define you. It doesn’t matter what you have done in your past, that doesn’t define you! Regardless of what the world tells you, that you need makeup to be beautiful, or you need to dress a certain way or your body needs to be a certain way, don’t buy into that! God is an artist. He creates masterpieces. True works of art! Be proud and embrace the fact that you ARE ONE OF HIS MANY PIECES OF ART!!! That is why God doesn't want you guys "testing waters" before finding your "Mr. Right” for example. He wants you to stay focused and pure while He prepares you to embrace and receive your other half. Ladies, a father does not want his daughter with just anyone. He wants his daughter to be with the BEST! And what is the best in this case? Someone who is a mirror image (at least tries to be) of God. Be vigilant though! What you might think is best for you at the moment, may not be what God wants for you. Why would He let you compromise following Him for someone who will make you stray away from Him by doing things you shouldn't? Stay blessed, God wants the best for you ladies and know your worth!!!
"True feminine beauty is not about external adornment, "arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel"; real beauty is manifest instead in "the hidden person of the heart...the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."
(Devotions/ Devotionals)
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