30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30 (New King James Version)
This verse is so contrary to what the world tells us, isn’t it? The world tells us that being beautiful, rich, or charming is what brings happiness and will make people love us. I’ll be the first to admit that this is an area of weakness in my life. I find that I am so consumed with how I look—being thin, fit, in style—that I fail to see myself as Christ sees me. For so long, I believed that in order for any person to ever love me, I had to be perfect. I had to look good, know what I wanted to do with my life, and appear to have everything together. I ended up alienating myself from others—people who might see my imperfections.
It wasn’t until I allowed myself to really let go of false standards and fully grasp how much God loves me that I could slowly let my walls down and allow my imperfections to show. God’s love is so consuming that what the world values—beauty and charm—starts to lose its importance. I don’t want people to think of my external appearance or “charm” when they look back on my life; I want them to see a woman devoted to God and serving him. I want to be a person who fully lives my life within the love of God.
Do you find yourself spending more time each day worrying about what you look like rather than spending time with God in prayer? Have your beauty and charm become a cover-up for your imperfections? Are you afraid that no one would love you if they knew the hidden things about you? No matter what you have or haven’t done in life, and no matter what you look like, God’s love never changes. His love is stronger and deeper than we can ever imagine. Take off the façade and run to God. Let his love cover all your imperfections. I am SO grateful I don't live my life in vain , today! I rather be spending my time in God's Word. His love is awesome!! His love is stronger and deeper than I ever imagined!! Woooohoooooo Life is awesome today knowing I am a child of God !
Have a most wonderful, blessed day . Prayers & Love Donna
At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. Luke 10:21 NIV
God’s Word is meant to be understood. He is not trying to hide something from you.
One of the most frequent reasons I hear from people for not reading the Bible is that they can’t understand it. Sure, there are difficult passages in the Bible, but the basic content is this: Jesus! If you read it looking for Him, it may make it easier to understand.
The Bible, however, is not like any other book. You can’t read the Bible like you would the newspaper and expect to get anything out of it. The Bible was written by God. It’s not about history, it’s about God. It’s not a book of literature. It’s a book of hope, love and relationship with the Creator God. To understand the Bible you don’t need education, you need revelation. You don’t need a scholar you need a Savior. You don’t need a translator you need the promised Holy Spirit. To understand the Bible you need God to show you what it means.
Let me suggest you try something the next time you read God’s Word. First, read it not for information, but for relationship. Read it as if God wrote it just for you. Second, read it in context. You can’t just read one verse and think you have it all figured out. God is a God of order. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. His Word does not contradict itself. Finally, read it consistently. I often say to God, “I’m going to read this passage until You reveal to me what You want me to know.” Sometimes that takes one time reading it; sometimes it takes several.
God is not trying to hide from you. He wants you to know Him through His Word. Try finding God within the pages of Scripture today.
When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty. Jeremiah 15:16 NIV
Reading the Bible helps you get to know the God who made you! It helps build a relationship with your Creator.
Many years ago I went through a very difficult time in my life. I received lots of advise, but the best was to make sure I was reading God’s Word everyday. I was at a point in my spiritual life where I had established a daily Bible reading habit, so at first I didn’t think much for the advise. As the days got darker in my life, the Bible reading became more of a chore. To be very honest, I didn’t really “feel” like reading my Bible. I hate to admit it, but I really didn’t think it mattered at that point.
Still, I kept the habit going, not expecting much in return. For about thirty days my Bible reading was miserable. If it were not for the commitment I had made to myself, I wouldn’t have done it each day. About the second month, however, God’s Word began to take a whole new meaning in my life! Soon it was all I wanted to do! God’s Word, the same Word that I used to think couldn’t speak to me any longer, slowly became the most solid source of strength in my life. I realized that by reading the Bible I had built a better relationship with God. It wasn’t necessarily the habit of reading the Bible as much as it was the relationship I built out of that habit, which had become my strength.
Are you going through something today that is tearing you down emotionally, physically, or spiritually? Maybe you don’t necessarily “feel” like reading God’s Word. I want to ask you to consider reading it any way. Read it until it begins to feel good again!
What is your glory? Do you glory in your accomplishments, your wealth, your status, your looks, your piety, your humility ...? In the old hymn "Beneath the Cross of Jesus," we confess, "My glory, all the Cross." That's what Christians mean when we "glory in God's holy name." Our full understanding of God's holy name has been greatly expanded by Jesus. He taught us to not only reverence the name of God, but also to call him Father. Any other cause of joy, any other basis for boasting, is a passing illusion. For those whose hearts seek the LORD, glory is found in reverencing the holy name of the Father who gave up his precious Son so we could be his children. He loves us that much. Incredible!
You have blessed me in so many ways, Father. How can I ever begin to thank you properly? I confess that I sometimes seek notoriety and glory for myself even though I know it is fleeting and often it is only the false flattery of those who want something from me. But deep in my heart, dear God, I know that my true glory is found in the adoption covenant you signed with your grace. Thank you! Words cannot capture my appreciation, but please know that I look forward to being eternally grateful for all that you have done. May the glory be yours in heaven and throughout the earth, both now and forevermore. In the name of Jesus I praise you. Amen.
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