~ Cheerfulness is Healthy

Hello dear friends!
The past couple of weeks my husband and I have had
 the joy and the privilege of keeping our oldest daughters
three boys and enjoying them one-on-one!
They are certainly growing up and showing forth
their own individual character traits and qualities.
While busy with my boys I left the computer to itself
and have not been around to visit your loveliness.
I look forward to catching up with you soon.

~~~***~~~

This past week, my dear Uncle Spike (dads brother),
was called home to glory.
Uncle Spike held a very special place in my life;
for it was he who took the time to tell me about my Savior, Jesus Christ.
Uncle Spike was concerned for the salvation of my soul
and through his love and concern I put my faith and trust in Christ 33 years ago. 
Uncle Spike loved the Lord and was not ashamed of the Gospel;
his desire was to share Christ with those whom God brought into his life.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:
for it is the power of God unto salvation
to every one that believeth;
to the Jew first, and also the Greek."
(Romans 1:16)
During the last days of Uncle Spikes life
he was on hospice; yet, he still had that joy and laughter
in his heart with a smile that warmed your soul.
His hope was in Christ, and it was evident in his life
as he passed from this life into glory. 
 ~~~***~~~
In the early years of my life, after placing my faith in Christ,
I would call on Uncle Spike with numerous questions
while spending time reading the Scriptures.
My heart longed to have a deeper intimacy with Christ
through the study of His word.
Oh there was so much that I wanted to know,
 learn and understand but it wasn't coming fast enough.
I can still remember my Uncle laughing on the other end of the phone
during those phone calls. He knew that every believer 
hungered for the Truth after salvation took place
and that's what I was doing.
He encouraged me to use Bible dictionaries, concordances
and other Bible references to study 
and dig deeper into the Word of God.
Uncle Spike made an impact on my Spiritual walk with the Lord
through his instruction, encouragement and inspiration. 
I will for-ever be grateful for his love towards me.
Many times when I write a post, I will share with you
things I find through dictionaries and other study helps;
I guess I'm passing along to you some of that inspiration that was passed on to me.

 ~~~***~~~

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine;
but a broken spirit drieth the bones."
(Proverbs 17:22)
~*~
"A sound heart is the life of the flesh." (Proverbs 14:30b)
The English Standard Version uses the word "Tranquil heart"
 Tranquil in the dictionary is ~
Free from agitation, serene, free from disturbance or turmoil, quiet, steady, stable.
"Flesh"  a healthy mind filled with wisdom
is associated with a healthy body.

A cheerful heart causes good health.
"It will be health to your flesh,
and strength to your bones." (Proverbs 3:8)
The inner parts, the renewal of the marrow is strength to the bones.
"His breasts are full of milk,
and his bones are moistened with marrow." (Job 21:24)
God promises well-being for those who live
wisely according to His will.
 But sorrows of the mind can contribute
to the sickness of the body.
A broken spirit, sunk by the burden of afflictions
can dry up the bones, eating away at the marrow.
~*~
I found myself thinking of how
 David forfeited such physical well-being before he confessed
that he had sinned against Bathsheba and Uriah.
David knew that his sin was against God foremost.
"Against thee, thee only, have I sinned
and done this evil in thy site." (Psalm 51:4a) 
~ You may want to read about Davids repentive heart in your own time ~
(Psalm 32:3-4 & Psalm 51) 
~*~
The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity;
but a wounded spirit who can bear." (Proverbs 18:14)
A mans spirits sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear.
Having a "crushed spirit" causes one to loose hope.
Therefore, we should strive to have the right attitude (a merry heart)
in all manner of life.
We all have people in our lives who struggle with sickness and weakness; yet,
 do you find that many times when you pay them a visit
 they are the ones who cheer you?
"Cheer" in the dictionary ~ is the State of mind or heart: spirit,
( be of good cheer) Rejoice, (likely to dispel gloom or worry)
 State of mind or heart ~ I like that.
Right heart attitudes ~
will put a smile on our face ~ hope in our hearts ~ praise on our lips ~
 and beautifies us with the joy of the Lord.
When we have the right heart attitude through focusing on Christ
and the promises found in His Word,
those attributes are sure to flow from our own hearts onto others
bringing encouragement to those
who may be experiencing a broken or crushed spirit.
When we allow the Spirit of God to flow through our own hearts,
God is the One who receives all the honor and glory
and lives are touched in ways we may never know this side of Eternity.
The beauty of the Lord will fall on those with a crushed spirit,
as we allow ourselves to be used by the hand of God.
To God be the glory!

"The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart:
but a good report maketh the bones fat". (Proverbs 15:30)
A "good report" or good news ~
offers sound truth and wisdom
that stirs the heart by relieving anxiety 
and producing a cheerful face. 
 It is Christ and our relationship with Him  that causes us to have
that state of mind and cheerful heart in all our afflictions. 
A merry heart, high spirits and lightheartedness
brings us joy no matter what we may be facing
and should cause us to spread that joy with a cheerful heart onto others.

The Lord is for the body, and provides for it not only meat, but medicine.
God wants us to have a merry heart that rejoices in Him.
When we look to and lean on Jesus and the promises found in His Word,
He will be faithful in providing for our every need
 through His Spirit, and by His grace.
But sorrows of the mind can contribute
to the sickness of the body.
A broken spirit, sunk by the burden of afflictions
can dry up the bones, eating away at the marrow.
These verses are telling us that there is a basic relationship 
between our mental attitude and our physical well-being.
What we allow into our hearts
has a direct bearing on our physical health.

~~~***~~~

Precious Lord Jesus,
cause us to keep our minds set upon You and Your Word,
so as to live our days with a merry heart
rejoicing in You and Your promises.
May we have hearts filled with joy
and praise on our lips
for Your glory.
Amen.


Be Gracious!
~ Debbie ~

Grace and Reflections for a Women's Heart # 7

~ A Look Into Proverbs ~

"For the Lord giveth wisdom:
out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."
(Proverbs 2:6)

~~~***~~~

Proverbs contains the very wisdom of God
given to show us the value
of living prudently ~ or to be cautious

~ Righteousness can be ours ~

"He that followeth after righteousness and mercy
findeth life, righteousness, and honor."
(Proverbs 21:21)

~~~***~~~

What ever we seek in life, we tend to find it.
It may be personal happiness,
financial gain, popularity, frivolities 
or even others greater than these.
According to Matthew 6:33 we are to seek after righteousness
and everything else we desire will be added to us.
***
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God,
and his righteousness;
and all these things shall be added unto you."

~~~***~~~

Jesus describes in His Word that true and vital
righteousness begins internally ~ in the heart.
Our Christian character should flow from within.
It is from a heart that seeks
"first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness."
We should turn to Him first, fill our thoughts
with His desires, so as to take His character
for the pattern of our lives. We should choose to serve and obey
Him in everything. We should hunger and thirst
after righteousness.
***
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst
after righteousness,
for they shall be filled."
(Matthew 5:6)

Years ago I heard these words from a Pastor;
What ever you want in your spiritual life
you can have it. Your spiritual growth depends
on the choices you make."
I have never forgotten those wise words. 
I remember telling my daughters
when they were young;
"Every moment of every day we have choices to make.
You can choose to do right or wrong,
but the choice is yours.
Our choices can either hurt or harm us."

~~~***~~~

If I want it, I can have a close walk with God, or NOT.
If I want to do God's will I can choose to, or NOT.
If I want to grow spiritually I can, or NOT.
If I want a good marriage I can have it, or NOT.
If I want to change my bad habit's
and destructive patterns I can, or NOT.
The choice is up to us.

~~~***~~~

What is important to you?
People, things, places, goals and other desires
will compete for priority.
It is easy to move God to the side lines
and take Him out of first place in our lives
if we don't actively choose to give Him first place
in every area of our lives.

~~~***~~~

We are to keep ourselves pure, draw close to God,
and He will draw close to us.
***
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts,
ye double minded."
(James 4:8)
***
If we do not choose to fill our lives with God,
we will fill it with something else.
It's easy to get trapped in the snare of excuses
and live in bondage rather than risk it all on Jesus.

How can we draw near to God and choose righteousness?
James chapter 4 verses 8 through 10 instructs us wisely;
Submit to God (verse 7) see your need of forgiveness,
and be willing to follow Him.
Resist the devil (verse 7) don't allow him to entice
and tempt you.
Cleanse your hands and purify your hearts (verse8)
that is, lead a pure life. Be cleansed from sin,
replacing it with God's purity.
Who wouldn't want His purity?
Weeping over our sin (verse 9) there needs to be sorrow
over our sins. I love Psalm 51 for this ~
David was sorry for his sin.
Are we sorry enough to STOP sinning against
a Holy and Righteous God?
Humble ourselves (verse 10) one of the hardest things for us to do
is to "humble" ourselves before God.
When we do, He will lift us up.  (1Peter 5:6)

~~~***~~~

It all begins with a seeking heart.
If we choose to put God's will
and God's righteousness first in our lives,
He will take care of everything else for us.
What a testimony of Christ living in us
when we choose first,
His righteousness.

~~~***~~~

Draw us unto Thee, Heavenly father.
May we hunger and thirst after Your righteousness
in every area of our lives.
Remind us, Holy Spirit,
that consequences surround each choice
that we make.
Amen.

Praising my Jesus!
~ Debbie ~ 

I'm joining Stephanie's party at
Roses of Inspiration 
And JES at
The Art of Home Making Mondays 
 

Grace and Reflections for a Woman's Heart #7 and my Blog Anniversary winner

As promised, today is the day that I will reveal
the gracious winner for my one year blog Anniversary.
At the end of this post you will "meet " her
and find another little surprise
that happened before my one year was reached. 

~ A Look Into Proverbs ~

"For the Lord giveth wisdom:

out of his mouth

cometh knowledge and understanding."

(Proverbs 2:6)

~~~***~~~

Proverbs contains the very wisdom of God

given to show us the value

of living prudently ~ or to be cautious

 "But the path of the just is as a shining light,

that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."

(Proverbs 4:18)

~~~***~~~

I love this verse! Why?

Because it is a wonderful promise for the believer.

God has ordained that we walk in His ways,

be obedient to His will

 bringing about our path to grow brighter and brighter.

~~~***~~~

The way of the righteous is light.

When we choose to walk in the light

our ways are safe and pleasant.

Christ is our way and He is the light.

Those who choose to walk in His ways and with the just,

will allow the Word of God to guide their feet.

~

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,

and a light unto my path."

(Psalm 119:105)

 This is such a great verse to hide in our hearts.

God's Word becomes a light to our paths

as we walk obediently in His ways.

We can have the confidence

that when it seems like our path appears dark,

God's Word, that we have hidden in our hearts,

will guide us every step of the way.

~~~***~~~

As we walk in God's ways He begins changing us

little by little, day by day

into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

~

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass

the glory of the Lord,

are changed into the same image

from glory to glory,

as even by the Spirit of the Lord."

(2 Corinthians 3:18)

~

Another beautiful promise!

When we put our faith in Jesus,

our spiritual nature changes to mirror God.

Not by anything we have done or could do,

but by the transforming Light.

~~~***~~~

We are a work in progress, all through the

work of the Spirit and by the grace of God.

We so need God's grace in our daily lives, don't we?

The spirit of the light is our guide

as we strive to walk obediently in God's ways.

~

Because we live in a fallen world

it's easy for us to stumble, fall and make mistakes.

But praise God, 

our personal failures are God's amazing grace to us.

~

I'm speaking for myself here ~

but time after time I have gone before the throne of grace

having to ask for forgiveness for failing my Almighty God.

In my own words, like Paul,

I do the things that I don't want to do,

and I don't do the things that I would like.

Frustrating!

 God's grace is abundant,

 but it doesn't give me the freedom to sin.

~

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just

to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

(1 John 1:9)

~~~***~~~

Through God's love grace and mercy

He never gives up on us.

He picks us back up when we fall

and leads us in the right direction,

continuing to change us into the likeness of Himself.

O the joy which is the pleasure of walking

down the path of the just ~

knowing we are a work in progress ~

pressing towards the Light ~

and reaching our goal at that  perfect day.

Glory to God in the Highest!

~~~***~~~

How have you experienced God's grace

in your spiritual walk with Him?

God pours His goodness and grace upon us ~

Because He loves us dearly.

 ~~~***~~~

Our Precious Heavenly Father,
as we graciously follow after Thee
in our walk with You,
teach us to walk righteously
as You light our way by Your Spirit
and through the scriptures.
Keep us close to Thee.
Amen.

~~~***~~~

Now the Give~Away
First I must thank each and everyone of you
for being such "gracious" followers!
Where would I be in this beautiful community
of blogging if it were not for you? 
The Lord has graced me with ladies from all 
over the globe and I appreciate you.
One year ago I would have never dreamed
I would have become involved in a community
of such love and grace
from ladies as precious as you!
~
I wished it were possible to gift each one of you
with a thank-you love gift
but that is not possible. :(
However ~
I have two love gifts going out to two lovely ladies.
Let me explain ~
Between God and I, 
I have been praying for months that
my Google followers would reach 100
either on or before April 2, but I wanted followers 
to find me because God led them to this blog, His blog.
Just two days before my one year party
God sent my 100th graceful follower,
someone I had not seen in our community.
She was all new to me. :)
That's God!!
~
Now for the revealing...
I had Stephanie draw the name out of a beautiful crystal bowl
since she was the BIRTHDAY girl.
Her lovely fingers pulled out

Congratulations Celestina
for winning the gift for my blog anniversary.
You may visit Celestina over at
Southern Day Dreams 
~
My 100th graceful follower was Kim over at
Sarah Lizzies 

 

Celestina's  gift                                                   Kim's gift
Much love to you all!

Joy!
~ Debbie ~

Grace and Reflections for a Women's Heart # 6

~ A Look Into Proverbs ~

" For the Lord giveth wisdom:
out of his mouth cometh
knowledge and understanding."
(Proverbs 2:6)

~~~***~~~

Proverbs contains the very wisdom of God
given to show us the value
of living prudently ~ or to be cautious

" As the refining pot for silver,
and the furnace for gold,

so is a man to his praise."
(Proverbs 27:21)

~~~***~~~

Being on the "top" many times brings with it praise.
It's easy to look for a pat on the back
in our accomplishments,
or a good word to our account.
BUT
Is praise easy to handle?
Do we find ourselves liking that attention
and forgetting Who the glory belongs to?

~~~***~~~

Praise can bring with it some unseen dangers:
*It may cause us to believe
we are better than we really are
Jeremiah 17:9&10 tells us that
"The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately wicked:
who can know it.
I the Lord search the heart,
I try the reins, even to give every man according to 
the fruit of his doings."
~
When we are in the flesh we cannot please God,
He knows our hearts.
"Our righteous God will try our hearts and reins."
(Psalm 7:9)

~~~***~~~

* It may lead us to think we deserve what we have  
We have nothing and can do nothing with out Christ.
John 15:4&5 tells us we are to
"Abide in me, and I in you.
As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,
except it abide in the vine;
no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
I am the vine, ye are the branches;
he that abideth in me, and I in him,
the same bringeth forth much fruit,
for without me ye can do nothing."
~
For a believer, Christ alone  can provide the grace
and provision of our needs in life ~ thus ~
we are to remain faithful in our service
for the Lord, and to the study of the scriptures
in order to bear fruit..

* It may blind us to our own weaknesses
" Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth
take heed lest he fall."
(   Corinthians 10:12)
~
It is easy to become over confident and complacent,
which can bring us to a place of falling.
We may become confident in ourselves, 
or even complacent believing all is well ~ pride ~
and the pride of our heart can deceive us.
Therefore ~

~~~***~~~

* It may lead us to a place where we no longer
think we need the Lord
How easy it is to become so dependent on ourselves
and our own works that we forget
or even push God aside,
maybe even forgetting Him all together.
Satan would love for us to go through our days
forgetting to walk ever so close to our Saviors side,
whereby giving him a foot hold to devour us.
~
1 Peter tells us to
" Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary
the devil as a roaring lion,
walketh about seeking whom he may devour."

The spiritual truth behind Proverbs 27:21 
is not hard to spot.
Satan often attacks us at the point of our strength,
not always at the point of our weakness.
Should that surprise us?
After all, why should Satan attack only in the
point of our self-perceived weakness?
If you or I know we have a weakness,
that's the very area we will guard most carefully.
Such as ~ problems with anger ~ laziness ~
lust ~ gluttony ~ gossip ~

~~~***~~~ 

But it is not so with our strengths,
we tend to take them for granted.
After all ~ we think our strengths are not a problem for us ~
we think they are not temptations.
Watch Out!
There is danger ahead, should we take that area
of our life for granted, because that will be the one area
Satan is most likely to attack.
Why? Because that's the one area where we
are not watching for his attack!

~~~***~~~ 

Should someone compliment us ~ 
pat us on the back ~
praise our works saying well done ~
smile, say thank you, and give the glory to God.
May we not let it go to our head.
~
All we are, all we do and will ever be
is because of Christ.
We were created for Him, by Him and for His glory alone. 

~~~***~~~

Precious Heavenly Father,
To You be all glory!
May we not become so proud in ourselves
that we neglect You
in every area of our lives.
Shine brightly within our hearts
that we may glorify You.
In Your Holy name we pray these things.
Amen

To God be the Glory!
~ Debbie ~ 



I'm joining the party at
Roses of  Inspiration
http://theenchantingrose.blogspot.com

Grace and Reflections for a Women's Heart # 5

~ A Look Into Proverbs ~

"For the lord giveth wisdom:
out of his mouth cometh
 knowledge and understanding."
(Proverbs 2:6)

~~~***~~~

Proverbs contains the very wisdom of God
given to show us the value
of living prudently ~ or to be cautious.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart,
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths."
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

~~~***~~~

These two verses are among the most
beloved in the Bible.
I know for myself these were verses I
memorized and hid in my heart
very early in my faith.
One of the first Bible verse magnets
I ever purchased said
"Trust in the Lord" 
I didn't know at the time, being a new believer and all,
that there was more to these two verses.
I soon learned the whole of those verses
and have cherished them for 32 years now
as a believer in Christ.

~~~***~~~

Shortly after I purchased and hung
that magnet on my fridge
the Lord used it in a mighty way.
My husband and I, with our two daughters
were in the process of moving to Canada,
and for me ~ that was huge!
Stephanie, our youngest was about two months old,
and Dawn our oldest was just finishing kindergarten.
My mother was beside herself
with us moving such a distance
and making it hard to see the children grow up.
As a NEW believer, I too had some concerns.
I trusted my husband with his leading,
yet ~ there were times I felt so uncertain.
My heart-strings were pulled in many directions.
But it was that simple magnet
that I looked at daily on the fridge
"Trust in the Lord"
that saw me through.

~~~***~~~

I can remember going into the kitchen
on numerous occasions
to read those comforting words
"Trust in the Lord"
just to get through those long dreary days
filled with many a tear I might add,
as I packed up our home
preparing for the move.

In order for God to direct one's path,
a person must be doing whatever
he or she already knows to be right.
I knew that I was to trust my husband
as the head of our home,
even though my heart longed to stay close to my family.
I needed to do right in order for God to direct.
~
Psalm 37: 5 is also a comforting verse.
"Commit thy way unto the Lord;
trust also in him,
and he shall bring it to pass."
~
Obedience activates God's promises.
To depend on our own understanding
of truth and life means to disregard God's will.
God's Word tells us to trust in the Lord,
to lay ourselves completely on Him
for full support. We are not to lean
for support on our own understanding.
In all our ways we are to know God intimately,
and He will take the path of our life.
~
As a new believer and making such
a drastic move in my life,
I was able to go down the path
where God was leading
claiming those four promising words,
Trust in the Lord.

~~~***~~~

 If we will know God in every area of our life,
He will take personal responsibility
to make our way smooth and straight.
The paths we are taking sometimes
seem so hard don't they?
The road is rough and bumpy, filled with potholes
and obstacles, sharp curves and sometimes
it would appear we have hit a dead end,
or maybe, a road block.
Lord teach us to trust You wholeheartedly
no matter what the path before us may look like.
~
May we as women, grace our lives
in the purity found in the Word of God.

~~~***~~~

Our Precious Heavenly Father.
What a comfort we have in the promises
found in Your word.
May we look to You for our guidance
and direction
trusting You to take the path of our life, and
leaning completely on Your understanding. 
To You be all glory!
Amen

Grace and Peace be yours
in Abundance!
~ Debbie ~

I'm joining the party at
~ Roses of Inspiration ~

Grace and Reflections for a Women's Heart #4

~ A Look into Proverbs ~

"For the Lord giveth wisdom:

out of his mouth cometh knowledge 

and understanding."

(Proverbs 2:6)

~~~***~~~

Proverbs contains the very wisdom of God,
given to show us the value
of living prudently ~ or to be cautious. 

 

"Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil;
but to the counselors of peace is joy."
(Proverbs 12:20)

~~~***~~~

Are you a peacemaker?
It is the mark of a child of God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers:
for they shall be called the children of God."
(Matthew 5:9)
Those who make peace show themselves
to be sons of God.
~
A peacemaker is someone who is actively
working to reconcile men to God
and to one another.
He (or she) is a "minister of reconciliation"
who has been given the "message of reconciliation."
(2 Corinthians 5:18-21)
 Since Jesus no longer walks this earth in the flesh,
His people are His ambassadors,
speaking and acting on His behalf for those
who do not know Him.
We as Believers are His head ~ the mind of Christ ~
His hands ~ the works of Christ ~
and the heart of Christ ~ the love of Christ ~
to those who need Him.
And our message is this:
be reconciled to God!

~~~***~~~ 

A "peacemaker" is not simply someone
who tries to stop the feuding between others,
but is a believer that has experienced
the peace of God, and who brings that peace to others.
Being a peacemaker should begin in our very own homes.
With our closest and most intimate relationships ~
our husbands ~ children ~ parents ~ grandparents ~
sisters ~ brothers ~ Aunts ~ Uncles ~
Then to our extended family ~ our close friends ~
church family ~ co-workers ~ class-mates ~ neighbors
And only then will peacemaking move out to more
remote relationships ~ in our own towns ~ Cities ~
State ~ Nation ~ and across the world.

 
But we all know that peacemaking is not easy,
in fact it can be difficult at times.
We may find it easier to just walk away
from a problem and not get involved at all.
Every tiny step we take in being a peacemaker
receives God's blessings.
~
Each of us can do something towards being that peacemaker,
here are just a few ideas.
~
Make a phone call
Write a letter or send a card
Make a meal or put a basket together
Meet a need with material blessings
Put your hands to work for others
Go and see a friend in pain
Listen to the cries to the wounded in heart
Lift your eyes up to see the world as God sees it
Preach the Gospel of peace
Pray one for another
~
How are you getting involved in the world?
Are you an ambassador for Christ?
Are you His instrument of peace 
so that others may see that you are a child of God? 


Grace & Peace be yours
in Abundance!
~ Debbie ~ 

Grace and Reflections for a Women's Heart #3

~ A Look into Proverbs ~

"For the Lord giveth wisdom:
out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."
(Proverbs 2:6)

~~~***~~~

Proverbs contains the very wisdom of God
given to show us the value
of living prudently ~ or to be cautious.

~~~***~~~

"Do not be wise in thine own eyes;
fear the Lord and depart from evil."
(Proverbs 3:7)

~~~***~~~

There is good reason for this verse ~
those who are wise in their own eyes
will NOT seek the wisdom of God;
instead, they think they have it already.
Whoa unto us!
Pride begins in elevating oneself
in ones "own eyes."
Romans 12:16 ~ instructs us to;
"Be of the same mind one toward another.
mind not high things,
but condescend to men of low estate.
Be not wise in your own conceits."


~ MAY WE STOP AND TAKE HEED TO THAT ~

Jesus associated with people in society
from all walks of life,
especially those with whom the high and mighty
wouldn't dare associate.
As our example of unity, He was comfortable
with everyone-even the outcast and sinners.

~~~***~~~

"Fear the Lord." The fear of the Lord speaks
of true, saving faith.
Job 28:28 ~ tells us;
"And to man He said,
Behold, the fear of the Lord,
that is wisdom,
and to depart from evil is understanding."
Job concludes in this verse that wisdom is to fear,
or reverence God.
Because of our love for God
we should desire to honor Him.
We should have a proper and respectful attitude
towards Him and seek Him in humility.
This fear should drive us to
righteousness and cause us to
"depart from evil."
Departing from evil is what brings us to
repentance ~ a change of heart ~ and a change of direction.

~~~***~~~

May we as women, grace our lives
in the purity found in the Word of God,
seeking Him for all wisdom.
May we walk after Jesus as our example of unity
looking to the needs of others
in His honor.
May our love for God drive us to
a closer walk with Him.

 Grace & Peace be yours
in Abundance!
~ Debbie ~

Grace and Reflections for a woman's heart # 2

~ A look into Proverbs ~

"For the Lord giveth wisdom:
out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."
(Proverbs 2:6)
~~~***~~~
Proverbs contains the very wisdom of God
given to show us the value
of living prudently ~ or to be cautious.
~~~***~~~
"She openeth her mouth with wisdom;
and in her tongue is the law of kindness."
(Proverbs 31:26)
~~~***~~~
This woman's words are graced with 
wisdom, kindness and love.
That is a requirement for being a virtuous woman,
one that I believe we all desire to be.
As hard as it may be 
we must be careful how we speak to others.
Many times our human response is to react
with quick and foolish words
that we know we will eventually regret.
Only when it is too late
do we stop to consider the effect our words had on someone.
~~~***~~~
Let it be our prayer that we 
stop, think and consider our words
before we open our mouths.
Let us look to the Lord, asking Him 
to put words of wisdom, kindness and love
on our tongues, that we may build others up
instead of destroying them. 
I believe we have all been eyewitnesses
to some damage that has been done
through the tongue.
Gossip ~ slander ~ hostility ~ cursing ~ and put-downs
are just a few of the things that spew out of our mouths.
Over 150 times Proverbs refers to
our lips our mouth and our tongue. WOW!
~~~***~~~
May we as women grace our lives
in the purity found in the Word of God,
and openeth our mouths with wisdom.
May there be a sweetness that spews out
touching the heart of the one whom we are speaking to.
~~~***~~~

Grace & Peace be yours
In Abundance!
~ Debbie ~ 
~
Sharing with
The Art of Home-making Monday's 

Grace and Reflections for a Woman's heart #1

~ A look into Proverbs ~

 I was reading one verse from Psalms and Proverbs
every day of the week last year
and the Lord richly blessed my heart 
through His Word.
I would then look deeper into those verses
to find out just what God was wanting me to know.
  Then ~ I would go before the Lord in prayer
 asking Him to apply His Truths to my life.
I was so encouraged that I wanted to share them with you as well.
One day a week I would love to share with you
words of wisdom from the book of Proverbs.
May your hearts be as blessed as mine has been. 
~~~***~~~ 
"For the Lord giveth wisdom:

out of his mouth cometh knowledge & understanding."

(Proverbs 2:6)

Proverbs contains the very wisdom of God

given to show us the value of living

prudently ~ or to be cautious.

~~~***~~~

"Keep thy heart with all diligence;

for out of it are the issues of life."

(Proverbs 4:23) 
~~~***~~~
The term heart in the Bible generally refers
to the innermost part of life.
It is the decision-making center,
the source of motives,
the seat of the passions,
and the center of the conscience.
"For out of the abundance of the heart
the mouth speaketh."
(Matthew 12:34b)
This verse has a flip side to it.
Whatever is on the inside will eventually come out,
whether good or bad. (Matthew 12:35)
If a person has a dirty heart,
he cannot produce purity in his life.
Likewise, if the heart is stayed on the Lord,
it will be seen on the out side eventually. 
~~~***~~~
If you think angry thoughts, angry words are sure to follow.
If you dwell on your problems they will soon overwhelm you.
If you give way to worry don't be surprised when worry gets you down.
If you focus on how others misunderstand you, you will soon become angry & bitter.
~~~***~~~
If you focus on the truth you will speak the truth.
If you seek out lovely things your life will be lovely to others.
If you dwell on the right the wrong will seem less attractive to you.
If you look for virtue you will find it.

~~~***~~~
May we as women grace our lives
in the purity found in the Word of God.
May we focus on those things which are pleasing unto the Lord
and act upon what we know to be true,
bringing glory to our Precious Savior.
~~~***~~~ 

Grace & Peace be yours
in Abundance!
~ Debbie ~
 ~ 
Linking up with:
The Art of Home-making Monday's