Pearls of Wisdom

Wisdom for Women

Steps to Overcoming Your Nineveh

by Leave a Comment

I recently attended the Sight and Sound production, Jonah, which is a musical adaptation of the Biblical story of Jonah.

The book of Jonah demonstrates the consequences we suffer when we are disobedient and fail to follow God’s instructions. The book also demonstrates God’s patience and love for us despite our disobedience.

In the story of Jonah, God gave Jonah instructions to deliver a message to the city of Nineveh, that they must repent or Nineveh would be destroyed in forty days. Jonah had no love for Nineveh and feared its leaders, so he decided to run away rather than go to Nineveh to deliver the message. Jonah escaped by setting sail on a boat headed to Tarshish. After being tossed overboard by his ship mates, God sent a gigantic fish to swallow Jonah to prevent him from drowning. Jonah remained in the belly of the fish for three days, allowing him ample time to ponder over his plight. After being released by the fish, Jonah knew that God was giving him a second chance to obey his instructions.

In the musical production, there is a song that asks, ‘What is your Nineveh?’ It suggests that each of us, like Jonah, may have a challenge or something that we dread doing. I began thinking of possible Ninevehs one may be facing. It could be a challenge that we feel we’re not equipped for, an illness or treatments that we’re facing, pending changes in employment or even the demise of a relationship. Any one of these things can cause great stress and as a result, lead us along a path that God did not intend for us to follow.

The story of Jonah shares some beautiful lessons that provide hope when you encounter your Nineveh:

  1. We serve a God of second chances. While you may initially run from God’s instructions, God always gives us a second, third, and sometime numerous chances to get it right. God didn’t give up on Jonah and He won’t give up on you.
  2. He will give you instructions, if you ask. God will always give you direction when asked. God gave Jonah instructions to visit Nineveh. Jonah didn’t want to follow them. Had Jonah been obedient, he would not have spent three days in the belly of a fish!
  3. It’s not as bad as you think it will be. You need to remember that God has gone before you and prepared the way. He knows what’s ahead of you. Jonah feared that he would be captured and killed if he went to Nineveh. However, when Jonah finally delivered the message to Nineveh, the people responded in a positive manner and were very grateful to Jonah for delivering the message and saving their city.
  4. Despite our disobedience, God never stops loving us. Of all the cruel and vicious things Nineveh had done to people throughout its history, God loved them enough to give them a final warning before destroying their land. In other words, it takes a whole lot for God to give up on you.

So, what is your Nineveh? Rather than run, face your fear and know that God loves you and is there to carry you through it.

I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. ~ Proverbs 4:11-13

A Mountain Top Experience

by Leave a Comment

Have you ever had a dream and wondered what it meant?

I’ve had many. I recognize that dreams are one of the ways in which God communicates with me. So, I pay close attention to my dreams and try to decipher their meaning.

Recently, I dreamed that I was climbing a mountain. In this dream, several times I stopped to rest and look out, but I couldn’t see anything. Unable to see, the Holy Spirit would instruct me to keep climbing. Finally, I reached a point where I could look out and see the vast land of beauty that laid below the mountain. When I woke up, I immediately thought of Moses climbing Mt. Nebo and looking out to see the Promised Land. (Deut. 32:49-50) 

I did some research to explore the meaning of my dream. Climbing mountains often means pursuing a goal or challenge. There are goals and projects that I’ve undertaken which God has encouraged me to stay focused on and persevere. I strongly feel that this dream is an affirmation of that message.

What happens during the climb is also important. Does the dreamer fall or stumble? Do they complete the climb? Does the climber descend the mountain?   The multiple stops along my climb indicate periods of struggle, distraction or loss of focus. However, since I reached the mountain top where I could see the view, I feel optimistic about reaching my goal or completing my projects with a positive outcome.

Are you pursuing a goal or challenge and wondering about the outcome? Ask God to provide you with wisdom with regards to the steps you need to take.

And many peoples will come and say, “Come! Let us go up to the mountain of the LORD.  To the house of the God of Jacob; That He may teach us concerning His ways and that we may walk in His paths.”  Isaiah 2: 3 NASB

 

If You Don’t Like Your Life, Change Your Voice

by Leave a Comment

So many times, you hear people complain about their dissatisfaction with life. They may be caught in an unhappy marriage or unfulfilling job. Sometimes people will find themselves unhappy for no particular reason.

Each of us have been placed on this earth for a purpose. There are things God has uniquely created you to do that were planned out long before you got here (Ephesians 2:10). As followers of Christ, our goal is to find that unique purpose and be about the Father’s work.  Finding our purpose is extremely important.  Our inner voice controls every decision we make with that purpose in mind, dictating the quality of life we experience.

Key Verse

Proverbs 29:18 AMP tell us that ’Where there is no vision (no revelation of God), the people perish; but he who keeps the law (of God, which includes that of man) blessed (happy, fortunate and enviable) is he.’

So, when we find ourselves in a place of discontent, that means that either 1) we haven’t found our purpose in life or 2) we have become distracted from our purpose and have strayed off course.

Maintain Focus

Finding your purpose requires focusing on the Word of God and allowing Him to order your steps. Maintaining your focus can be an ongoing challenge. The enemy is very clever in distracting you from your focus.

For me personally, it has taken me over a month to write a post for my blog. While I believed I had good reasons, I also knew that God had given me the vision for this blog and through my words, I had touched a few lives. The force that benefitted the most from my absence in writing was the enemy.  I realized I had allowed the enemy to distract me from my purpose. So, in response, I‘m changing my inner voice – which gave me excuses not to write. I am asking God to change my voice and direct me back to my purpose of inspiring and encouraging women through life application and the Word of God.

What voice do you need to change?

 

 

Proverbs 13:22 What is your Legacy?

by Leave a Comment

Proverbs 13:22 states that ” A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children.”  I think about that verse often as I interact with my granddaughter.

My daughter and four-year-old granddaughter live with my husband and I. After being empty nesters for four years, it was quite an adjustment to have my daughter back home along with her newborn baby. As I reflect on the last four years, despite the lack of privacy, the heightened noise level and home that seems to be in eternal disarray, what I see and appreciate more are the many blessings that I witness daily.

As a millennial, my daughter’s parenting practices are very different from the practices that I, a baby boomer, used to raise her. It is these differences that have created the opportunity for me to build into my granddaughter’s life.  Since my granddaughter lives with us, I have more opportunities to teach her things and values I deem important. We take regular trips to the library, spend time at the park and read together. Best of all, I get to teach her my Christian faith. I take her to Sunday school which she refers to as ‘Sunday church’. I get to provide teachable moments, showing her how to use her faith during the times she experiences fear, disappointments and hurt.

I believe if we want our life to count for something, we need make a lasting investment in the lives of others. As grandparents, we have a duty to leave a legacy for our grandchildren. This can be done in many ways. For me, as my granddaughter gets older and her faith grows, my prayer is that she remembers her Moo-Moo was the one who introduced her to God and taught her how to navigate life using her faith.

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  ~ Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Proverbs 11:25 Are You Paying It Forward?

by Leave a Comment

A few months ago, I stopped to purchase gas on my way to work. I was paying in cash so I had to go inside. I noticed a gentleman standing in the line next to me but didn’t pay attention to what he was doing.  As I approached the window, the gentleman asked if I was purchasing gas. Expecting some sort of scam, I replied ‘yes,’ and braced myself for what he was about to say. He immediately threw $30 down on the counter and said, “fill your car up and have a good day.” I was speechless as the station attendant behind the counter laughed. As I collected my thoughts, I asked the attendant, “who was that guy?” He stated that he comes in often and has done that before. Coming to grip with my good fortune, I went out to thank the man. He simply said, “You’re welcome. Enjoy your day.”

Key Verse

Proverbs 11:25 tells us “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

This verse reminds me of the ‘pay it forward’ movement.  The goal is to perform a random act of kindness for a stranger and instruct them to pay it forward.  I reflected on the many times I’ve paid for the groceries of people in the line ahead of me who were short of money, as well as the times I bought lunch for coworkers who were out of money right before pay day. I wondered, was I being paid forward for my previous acts of kindness?

What do you think? Have you received a random act of kindness from someone? Have you paid it forward recently?

Join us Thursday evening for our live blog chat at 8:00 p.m. EST as we discuss the above questions and more.  Call 1-712-770-8009; Code: 335261.

Proverbs 27:17 The Best Kind of Friend

by Leave a Comment

People will come in and out of our life – some for a season, but everyone comes for a reason.

God brings people in our life for many reasons. They may come as a mentor, companion or to teach you something about yourself.  They may even come to support us as we experience one of God’s many life lessons. Others come in our life and serve as a distraction, ultimately moving us away from accomplishing God’s purpose and plan.  God has a plan and purpose for each of us and we need to be sensitive to the opportunities and people that God has placed in our life to help us accomplish those plans.

Key Verse

“Iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”   Proverbs 27:17

The above verse is a reminder that we need to be purposeful in who we allow to occupy our time and space. We need to surround ourselves with individuals that will sharpen our minds, challenge our beliefs and mindsets. People who will inspire us to push further, work harder or reach higher. These are the people or friends that really care about you and really want to see you succeed on whatever journey you’ve chosen.

Every friend may not fall into the above category. However, we owe it to ourselves to find at least one friend who will listen to our dreams, plans or ideas, and offer suggestions to make our dream a reality. This friend will also be the one to challenge us to develop a better or alternate plan. As we wander along our journey, they’ll be in the background cheering us on.

Now, take a few minutes to reflect – who is your friend that sharpeneth you? Think about how different your life would be without their influence.  Take a minute to call, text or send an email to thank them for loving and believing in you enough to sharpen your iron.

Please join us for Thursday’s live blog chat at 8:00 p.m. EST.  Please call 1-712-770-8009;  Code: 335261. Tell us about that friend who sharpens you!

Proverbs 24:3-4 Three Steps to Establish Joy in The Home

by Leave a Comment

Recently, I attended a Women’s Conference sponsored by my church. The theme was ‘Joy through the Journey’.  Approximately 150 women gathered to hear speakers talk about how to establish joy in various aspects of one’s life. I chose to attend establishing ‘joy’ in the home.

As women, we play a key role in establishing and maintaining the mood and atmosphere in the home.  In the role as wife and mother, I believe the woman shares the responsibility (Proverbs 14:1) to create an environment in which children feel safe, and a place where family members will want to retreat, relax and unwind from daily stress.

Key Verse

Proverbs 24:3-4 ‘By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding, it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.’

If we examine the above verse, we find that wisdom is defined as ‘having the ability to think and act in such a way that common sense prevails and decisions made are beneficial and productive.’  The word treasure is defined as ‘something of great worth or value; a person esteemed as rare and precious.’

To restate this verse, one might say ‘a house should be built on a foundation of common sense and well thought out decisions.  The decisions made within the household should be mutually beneficial and productive to all valued members of the household.  Sounds easy, doesn’t it?

Now, I’d like for you to think back over the last three months.  Was the atmosphere in your home stress free? Friendly, inviting, loving? Were there silent wars taking place between family members? Arguing? Complaining? More importantly, were you modeling the Proverbs 31 woman – the virtuous and capable wife or the Proverbs 14:1 woman, tearing her house down with her own hands?

Steps to Establishing Joy in the Home

Shifting the atmosphere in your home can be done by consistently following a few simple steps:

1)      Ask God to give you a clean heart.  Repent of anything you may have done to foster a negative and unhealthy environment in your home.

2)      Begin praying God’s Word throughout your house.  Sing songs, hymns, or offer praises and thanksgiving as you walk throughout your home. We live in a spiritual world, so conducting a spiritual cleaning is very beneficial to keeping negative energy or spirits out of the home.  I perform a spiritual cleansing of my home at the beginning of each season and can truly feel the difference.  On one occasion, my daughter returned home from a weekend trip.  In her absence, I smudged and performed a spiritual cleansing of the home.  Upon her return, not knowing that I had smudged, she stated that her room felt different. It felt clean and calming.

3)      Think before you speak. Pray and ask God to help you find the right words when conversing with loved ones. This will help to improve communication which leads to healthier relationships.

As we begin our efforts to obtain joy at home, remember to bathe each family member in prayer daily. Consider playing praise music in your home rather than watching TV. Try to connect emotionally with each family member daily so there are no concerns festering beneath the surface.  Soon you will begin to detect a pleasant change in your home.  I have not mastered this process myself but am trying to be more deliberate in my efforts.

What are you doing to establish or maintain joy in your home? Let’s share ideas Thursday during our live blog chat.

Please join us for Thursday’s live blog chat at 8:00 p.m. EST.  Please call 1-712-770-8009;  Code: 335261. Share your thoughts regarding this post.

Proverbs 28:27 – Caring for the Poor

by Leave a Comment

Do you struggle with how to respond to a beggar when they approach you asking for money? When I worked downtown, there were always homeless people on the street begging for money. Now, I’m often approached in grocery stores by people who are shopping and ask for money to buy food.  Years ago, I used to respond by giving them whatever change I may have had in my pocket. In some cases, I would go as far as buying them a sandwich because I knew how my money was being spent.

Social service agencies discourage people from giving money directly to beggars.  There are governmental services and support available for the homeless that go unclaimed because the homeless prefer to panhandle on the streets.  I’m hesitant now giving them money in fear of enabling them to feed an unhealthy habit.  I also don’t want to be hustled by professional scammers who pose as the homeless and beg on the streets.  Yet, you don’t want to see anyone in need go without. It’s a tough dilemma.  I decided to seek wisdom from the Bible about giving money to the poor.

The book of Proverbs is full of wisdom regarding the poor. The message is clear throughout Proverbs that God made both the rich and the poor. (Proverbs 22:2) Although the poor are often despised, neglected and exploited, God desires that the poor be treated with the same concern and care as the rich. God has charged His children with taking care of and protecting the poor from those who would exploit them. (Proverbs 29:7)

I could not find anywhere in the Bible where the responsibility of caring for the poor was on the shoulders of the government.  It’s not a bad thing that government funded social services are available to the poor. However, outside of the tax payers’ contribution, God does imply that the righteous are still accountable for the care of the poor.  Failure to do so has consequences. “Whoever shuts their eyes to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.”  Proverbs 21:13.

One of my former Sunday school teachers said that she gave money to anyone who approached her. She kept change in her pocket for that reason. She did not believe it was her job to judge how the money was used.  She felt that she was following what God wants us to do and that God would honor her intentions, regardless of how the money was used. After researching Proverbs, I believe she was on to something.

“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.” Proverbs 28:27

Lord, please open my heart to be sensitive to the poor and to generously provide for their spiritual, emotional and financial needs. In Jesus’s name, amen.

 

Please join us for Thursday’s live blog chat at 8:00 p.m. EST.  Please call 1-712-770-8009;  Code: 335261. Share your thoughts regarding this post.

 

 

 

 

At the Movies: Featuring ‘The Shack’

by Leave a Comment

I recently saw the movie ‘ The Shack’. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was looking forward to seeing how this story translated to the screen. Often, Christian movies are low budget films, and the message is lost due to the low quality of the movie. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the movie version of this book.

A few years ago, I led a small group Bible study for women in my home. I selected the book ‘The Shack’, for our group to study. When I told a church ministry leader about my selection, he was leery. He felt that the themes in the book were questionable and could mislead or confuse people in their spiritual walk.  I took his advice under consideration, but ultimately stuck with my book choice.

This book was written as an allegory by a man who was trying to explain the love of God and God’s relationship with man to his children. It’s a story about a tragedy, and God’s presence throughout the tragedy and the pain that follows.  It challenges our thoughts about God and His relationship with us. Most importantly, it challenges our thoughts of preconceived ideas about the nature of God, that we’ve learned through religious practices and teachings.  You must move outside of traditional thinking to truly appreciate the book’s message.

For weeks, my group studied this story. One of the ladies was a little uncomfortable with it, but over time, through our discussions, she became more accepting of it. For me, I found it was life changing.  The other ladies in the group enjoyed it equally as much. In fact, because of the enthusiasm our husbands witnessed from our book discussion, they too decided to read the book and enjoyed it as well! I’ve shared this book with many others, who’ve also found it enlightening.

To my delight, the movie was very well made with A-list actors. I wouldn’t label it a Christian movie, nor was it billed as one. No one claimed to be God, or Jesus and the spiritual message was very subtle.  It was light-hearted yet thought provoking. I strongly encourage everyone to see this movie or read the book. It is great entertainment with a  message about God’s loving nature.

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” I John 4:16

 

If you’ve read the book or seen the movie, The Shack, please join us for Thursday’s live blog chat at 8:00 p.m. EST. Please call 1-712-770-8009; Code: 335261.  Let us know how the movie or book impacted you.

Proverbs 29:25 – Trusting God is Your Safest Bet

by Leave a Comment

I was speaking to a friend recently about some problems she was experiencing on her job.  The work relationship with one of her co-workers had become strained, due to other things that were occurring on the job.  There were some promises made that never materialized.  We discussed strategies and things she could do to alleviate the stress and enhance the relationship. I suggested that she try to determine what God was saying to her through this experience.  When God stirs or allows others to stir the pot, there’s a reason.

After prayer and reflection, she said that she felt better about the situation. I asked her what had changed.  She said that she was going to let God fight the battle for her. From past experiences, she said that she had always fared better when she stepped back and trusted God. There was nothing else I could say. My friend had learned to wait and put her confidence in the LORD. He had never failed her. Why would HE now?

Disappointments are inevitable. It’s part of life. Whether it’s your boss, your child, spouse, friend or neighbor, don’t get caught up in what man says or does. In all circumstances, put your hope and confidence in the LORD.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Father God, give me the wisdom and patience to wait on you and to trust that you have the perfect answer to all my situations. In Jesus’s name, amen.

 

Please join us for Thursday’s live blog chat at 8:00 p.m. EST.  Please call 1-712-770-8009;  Code: 335261.

Share your thoughts regarding this post.