I am very excited to write about chapter 12... SO insightful and so much to say! Anything that stood out to you?
"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid." (V 1)
We are stuck in our own stubbornness sometimes aren't we? We think we know better and are prideful, thinking we know best.
In verse 3 it talks about success and establishment through wickedness (without God) or by building your foundation with God, giving him all your passions, all your dreams and allowing him to do what he has planned with them. We can't hold anything back. Some people appear to have everything here on earth, yet are living outside of God's will. What is that worth in the end? NOTHING... because this world is only temporary. It may set them in high places, but they are slippery places that lead to no good. There is no security in living that way. But give your life to Jesus and work with him in your every step, trust him fully and he will lead you places you never thought you would go, take you on adventures that will leave you in awe and adoration for his love and beauty. When you plant your feet firmly in Christ you will find yourself conquering fears and obstacles that you probably didn't think you could because,
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
We may not have the home we dreamed for, the material things we want but let God teach you how to be content with what you have and we will be secure in God... not in material things, not in wealth. Money comes and money goes but God will remain the same always, what encouragement.
"The root of the righteous will not be not be moved, though their branches may be shaken."
Verse 4 really stood out to me, "A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones." A woman of noble character is clothed in:
-Patience
-Purity
-Courage
-Justice
To be patient means to be tolerant, to be gentle not rash or hasty. I'm going to pause right here. For you who are married, that can seem almost impossible sometimes can't it?
To be tolerant and gentle when your spouse makes a mistake (which is normal). To be tolerant when your spouse does that annoying thing that makes you mad. Whether it's snoring or forgetting to take out the trash. He is human and cannot be perfect. God never intended marriage to be about two perfect people just 'in love'. It is so much more. It is two imperfect people surrendering their entire lives to God and each other, accepting the good, the bad, the ugly... through sickness, trial until death!! It is two people doing life together, living out the gospel. Learning to love and care for your spouse as God loves and cares for you is such a challenge at times. I am so guilty with being quick tempered and it can come off as an attack sometimes. I point out my husbands flaws too much. That isn't making him happier, stronger, that isn't guiding him closer to God. It is separating us from God because it isn't of God. Where are my fruits of the spirit? Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
"It keeps no record of wrongs."
"Always protects, always hopes, always perseveres."
I struggle with this so much. I need to be an encouragement to my husband, instead of looking those negatives I should be searching for those amazing qualities that made me swoon in the beginning... those godly qualities that encouraged me, gave me hope. I should dwell in those and focus on filling him up with love and kindness. Show your spouse love even when you feel like he/she doesn't deserve it, be patient even when you feel like you have been patient for so long because love never gives up. When there is a problem, confront it, do not hide it. Be honest with each other and communicate issues with gentleness and self control.
Make sure you are being a woman who you would want your children to be like. Make your decisions, friendships and lifestyle point to God. Let them mirror your walk with Christ.
Love Unconditionally.
"An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up." (V 25) Heaviness of the heart is filled with fear, sorrow and pain. It will hold you back from what God has planned. Cast all your cares to the Lord and you will be strengthened through them. Choose to NOT settle with a heavy heart but seek at a deeper level. You will find JOY and COMFORT you did not see before.
Bethany Joy
"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid." (V 1)
We are stuck in our own stubbornness sometimes aren't we? We think we know better and are prideful, thinking we know best.
In verse 3 it talks about success and establishment through wickedness (without God) or by building your foundation with God, giving him all your passions, all your dreams and allowing him to do what he has planned with them. We can't hold anything back. Some people appear to have everything here on earth, yet are living outside of God's will. What is that worth in the end? NOTHING... because this world is only temporary. It may set them in high places, but they are slippery places that lead to no good. There is no security in living that way. But give your life to Jesus and work with him in your every step, trust him fully and he will lead you places you never thought you would go, take you on adventures that will leave you in awe and adoration for his love and beauty. When you plant your feet firmly in Christ you will find yourself conquering fears and obstacles that you probably didn't think you could because,
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
We may not have the home we dreamed for, the material things we want but let God teach you how to be content with what you have and we will be secure in God... not in material things, not in wealth. Money comes and money goes but God will remain the same always, what encouragement.
"The root of the righteous will not be not be moved, though their branches may be shaken."
Verse 4 really stood out to me, "A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones." A woman of noble character is clothed in:
-Patience
-Purity
-Courage
-Justice
To be patient means to be tolerant, to be gentle not rash or hasty. I'm going to pause right here. For you who are married, that can seem almost impossible sometimes can't it?
To be tolerant and gentle when your spouse makes a mistake (which is normal). To be tolerant when your spouse does that annoying thing that makes you mad. Whether it's snoring or forgetting to take out the trash. He is human and cannot be perfect. God never intended marriage to be about two perfect people just 'in love'. It is so much more. It is two imperfect people surrendering their entire lives to God and each other, accepting the good, the bad, the ugly... through sickness, trial until death!! It is two people doing life together, living out the gospel. Learning to love and care for your spouse as God loves and cares for you is such a challenge at times. I am so guilty with being quick tempered and it can come off as an attack sometimes. I point out my husbands flaws too much. That isn't making him happier, stronger, that isn't guiding him closer to God. It is separating us from God because it isn't of God. Where are my fruits of the spirit? Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
"It keeps no record of wrongs."
"Always protects, always hopes, always perseveres."
I struggle with this so much. I need to be an encouragement to my husband, instead of looking those negatives I should be searching for those amazing qualities that made me swoon in the beginning... those godly qualities that encouraged me, gave me hope. I should dwell in those and focus on filling him up with love and kindness. Show your spouse love even when you feel like he/she doesn't deserve it, be patient even when you feel like you have been patient for so long because love never gives up. When there is a problem, confront it, do not hide it. Be honest with each other and communicate issues with gentleness and self control.
Make sure you are being a woman who you would want your children to be like. Make your decisions, friendships and lifestyle point to God. Let them mirror your walk with Christ.
Love Unconditionally.
"An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up." (V 25) Heaviness of the heart is filled with fear, sorrow and pain. It will hold you back from what God has planned. Cast all your cares to the Lord and you will be strengthened through them. Choose to NOT settle with a heavy heart but seek at a deeper level. You will find JOY and COMFORT you did not see before.
Bethany Joy