We're eleven days into this new year and for my "resolution" (ok not really a resolution as much as a commitment to myself and God) is to read the bible front to back. I've been a Christian for 15 years and have never once done this. Sad, I know! I've read the entire New Testament and bits and pieces and parts and verses of the Old. I have so far thoroughly enjoyed it! I am learning so much and figuring out how things connect. God has really opened my mind and heart to receive His teachings during this time. It has kept me connected with Him and helps me re-center on Christ and not the busyness of life. On Facebook there is a group of ladies who are also reading through the Bible this year and they have been such an inspiration and motivation to me. As well as showing me the many perspectives from which God can teach! I am looking forward to diving deeper and deeper into God's living word and being drawn to Him through my learning. Did any of you ladies make a New Year's resolution or other commitment? And also have any of you read the Bible front to back and if so, what was your experience like? I hope you are all having a blessed year!
Until next time, may Christ's love and blessings be upon you and yours.
Kim said...
ReplyDeleteNo. Can't say that I have ever read the entire Bible, although I'm definitely a Bible reader.
My personal study verse for this week is Pr 31:25. I've learned so much, and I just wanted to share it. I stumbled across your blog because Pr 31:25 is your key verse.
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. (1PE 3:7).
The Bible says it,so it's true. Husbands are to honor their wives AS the weaker vessel/partner. We all know that 1PE 3:7 can be a very controversial verse because of the whole "weaker vessel."
However, Pr 31:25A sheds more light on the frame or state of woman. Although women may be the "weaker vessel" this verse tells us that a virtuous woman is clothed in strength and dignity - not weakness.
So, where does her strength come from? King David knew a thing or two about where strength comes from.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (©2009)
God--He clothes me with strength and makes my way perfect. Ps 18:32
International Standard Version (©2012)
the God who clothes me with strength, and who makes my way upright; Ps 18:32
Ps 28:7 NIV
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Like David, a virtuous woman will understand that her strength comes from the LORD.
While, "her husband can trust her (Pr 31:11A)" she understands that she must place her trust in the Lord like David mentioned in Ps 28:7.
Ph 4:13 NKJV
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
1 Pe 4: 7-11
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Needless to say, a virtuous person gets his/her strength from the Lord. The virtuous woman is not strong in and of herself, but she realizes where her strength comes from.
Beautifully put! Thank you for sharing that! Isn't it amazing how God has both men and women in certain roles in life and not He strengthens each of them according to their purpose. And we must never forget our strength is not of ourselves but from Him alone.
DeleteNew Year's Resolution: Trying to live God's plan for my life and not fighting against it. I knew it was going to be hard, and it is, everyday. Today wasn't a great day, but every day is a chance to try again.
ReplyDeleteAs human's I think we are natural control freaks and it is hard to go against the flesh and leave it to God. I pray you are successful overall in your resolution!
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