2014 - March

I'm enjoying this system of reading through, plus I like the challenge of trying to puzzle the books into the days for each month.

If you're just beginning to read through and wanted to start at the beginning of the Bible here is January and February and now for your reading pleasure...drum roll please...March!

For those who are just joining us...add Job 41 and 42 to the 24th or shift Ecc.

Birds and Bees...

...and butterflies.

I'm finally beginning to 'feel' better after my bad adjustment.  It's taken a while, but thank you LORD, I am beginning to 'do' stuff.  I actually mopped my floor this weekend!

I even picked up some pine cones and sticks out of the yard and sat outside and read a book, in the SUNSHINE!  Mmmmmmhhhh!  My heart swelled afresh with pride and thankfulness as I perused the awesome job my oldest son and his in-laws did with siding my house.

Sooo...time for thinking about some borders on the house - all the previous plants (and I hope all those nasty vines) were rooted out during the installation of the footer and skirting.

I've had a couple of tea trees in pots for...well awhile.  They really need to be planted and I've been scoping where to place them.  They smell sooo good when they are blooming.  I want them close enough to have the fragrance billow in through the windows without causing any problems because of their root system.

As I was out and about the internet browsing for information on tea tree, I came across this article, which had information on how to infuse the leaves to extract the oil.

"The leaves can be made into a simple infusion, either using oil or distilled water. The easiest method is to pack a clear jar with fresh leaves and fill jar with either water or carrier oil (olive or grape seed are nice). Seal the container, then place in a very sunny spot. After two weeks oils from the leaves will have infused into your carrier, which can then be used to create other projects."

I'll need to finish out the skirting before I begin planting flowers, but wanted to get stuff which would attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies.  :-)

Thought I'd start with the hanging plant stake I have...and so here's what I've found thus far:

Birds:  Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds and this one Attracting Hummingbirds.

Bees:  What Plant Attract Bees and Making a Bee Fiendly Garden

Butterflies:  Plants that Attract Butterflies and How To Attract Butterflies to Your Garden

I'd never heard or read this before:  "As the poet pointed out, butterflies are flying flowers, and flowers are tethered butterflies."

It is better...

...than what?

I was intrigued by two passages in Proverbs today which say about the same thing.

Pro 21:9  It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. 

Pro 21:19  It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. 

Which made me think, what other passages have it is better?

The first usage is in Genesis when Laban says it is better to give Rachael to Jacob versus another man.

In 2 Samuel the people state to David it is better for him not to engage in battle.

Psalm 118:8 and 9 both state it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man or princes.

Proverbs 3:14 finishes up the thought that it is better to get wisdom than silver or fine gold.

Proverbs 25:24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

Ecclesiates states it is better to go into the house of mourning versus one of feasting and to hear the rebuke of the wise versus the song of fools.

Jonah says it is better him to die than to live.

In the New Testament it is better is recorded:

To enter into eternal life minus a hand, foot, eye.

To have a millstone hung about the neck versus offending a little one.

And the last two passages:

1Co 7:9  But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

1Pe 3:17  For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. 

So what is a woman who is:

brawling - H4079 - A variation for H4066.  (Used 9 times in 9 verses - all in Proverbs).

• H4066 - From H1777; a contest or quarrel.
• H1777 - A primitive root (compare H113); to rule; by implication to judge (as umpire); also to strive (as at law).

Which picks up a few more verses about women/wife:

Pro 19:13  A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. 

Pro 27:15  A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. 

contentious - H4079.

angry - H3708 - From H3707; vexation. (Used 25 times in 25 verses and translated as provoking, wrath, sore, grief, provocation, indignation, sorrow, spite, anger.)

• H3707 - A primitive root; to trouble; by implication to grieve, rage, be indignant.

This passage seems similar to me as the one in 1 Peter 3:17 quoted above:

Ecc 7:3  Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

Makes me think:  Sorrow and suffering - a man of sorrow's, acquainted with our grief.

As I mull over the definitions above, I see myself - brawling, contentious, angry.  Why?  Even as a saved woman?  Is it as the poisonous mind set of my sin nature are worked out of the marrow of my being by the grace of God?

I sense many women struggle with the same issues. While the sin nature we're born with is directly responsible for our attitudes, I think feminism has magnified it.  Women can't simply be women in today's society.

I remember once watching from my window, either an insect or bird, simply being itself.  It didn't have to act or pretend to be the other gender from what it was, it didn't have to act like any other insect or bird. It simply had to do and be as God created it.  No conflict with its design and purpose.  I remember feeling jealous of the peacefulness it had.  Is that why many women are brawling, contentious and angry?  Living in contrast to their original design and purpose?

Father, help Your daughters to live in harmony with Your design.  Lord You have made us for Your pleasure, You allow or don't allow situations and circumstances in our lives to mold us more and more into Your image.  Nothing which happens in our lives is by chance, even when we are forced to live in conflict with Your design for woman.  Give us strength and grace, mercy and wisdom to be vessels of honor as we walk this temporary abode.

Vow

Every time I see or say or think that word vow it makes me think of a movie my sons and I watched years ago.  A Vow to Cherish.  About a man's whose wife became ill, who set aside his business and chose to take care of her.  Dedication.  Commitment.  Selflessness.  Sacrificial.  Inspiring.

I'm still pondering on vows from this post the other day.  I realized I hadn't fleshed out what a vow is and what it means in Scripture.  So a little word study.

Just the word vow is used 41 times in 35 verses - the first instance:

Gen 28:20  And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, 

H5087 - A primitive root; to promise (positively, to do or give something to God. (Used 31 times in 28 verses - translated as vow, vows, vowed.)

Other Hebrew words for vow:

H5088 - From H5087; a promise (to God); also (concretely) a thing promised.  (Used 60 times in 57 verses - translated as vow, vows, vowed.)

Greek:

G2171 - From G2172; properly a wish, expressed as a petition to God, or in votive obligation.  (Used 3 times in 3 verses - translated vow or prayer.)

• G2172 - Middle voice of a primary verb; to wish; by implication to pray to God.  (Used 7 times in 7 verses - translated would, wished, wish, pray.)

So what's the difference between a vow and an oath, or swearing?

Oath:

H7621 - Feminine passive participle of H7650; properly something sworn, that is, an oath.

• H7650 - A primitive root; properly to be complete, but used only as a denominative from H7651; to seven oneself, that is, swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times).

H423 - From H422; an imprecation: - curse, cursing, execration, oath, swearing.

• H422 - A primitive root; properly to adjure, that is, (usually in a bad sense) imprecate: - adjure, curse, swear.

G3727 - From ἕρκος herkos (a fence; perhaps akin to G3725); a limit, that is, (sacred) restraint (specifically oath): - oath.

G332 - From G331; to declare or vow under penalty of execration: - (bind under a) curse, bind with an oath.

G3728 - From a compound of G3727 and a derivative of G3660; asseveration on oath: - oath.

Swear - in the Hebrew is primarily H7650.  In the Greek:

H3660 - A prolonged form of a primary but obsolete word, ὄμω omō, for which another prolonged form (ὀμόω omoō  om-o'-o) is used in certain tenses. To swear, that is, take (or declare on) oath: - swear.

I was looking for something about vows and came across this article by Got Questions which referenced Jephthah and an admonition of NOT making a rash vow unto the Lord.

Jdg 11:30  And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands, 

Jdg 11:31  Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD'S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.

As stated in the New Testament by Jesus:

Mat 5:33  Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: 

Mat 5:34  But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: 

Mat 5:35  Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of 

the great King. 

Mat 5:36  Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. 

Mat 5:37  But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

The final conclusion of the article was:

"If we have made a vow foolishly and realized we cannot or should not keep it, we should confess it to God, knowing that He is “faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” A broken vow, while serious, is not an unforgivable matter if taken to the Lord in true confession. God will not hold us to vows made imprudently, but He expects us to obey Jesus and refrain from making vows in the future."

I know God is gracious, long suffering and forgives.  O' Lord, forgive I ask, not only my rash words, but all of your people.  Help us to recognize and repent of hastily spoken words.  Help us Lord to seek reconciliation with You.

2014 - Day 49

Numbers 30 - a vow.  I've pondered upon this passage, questioning if I've locked myself in or not.  A long while back, prior to my divorce, I'd made a comment to my pastor, stating "I'll NEVER get married again...NEVER.  He rebuked my statement, knowing I was not in the mental state to make such at that time.  Was it a vow?

Num 30:2 If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.

Num 30:3 If a woman also vow a vow unto the LORD, and bind herself by a bond, being in her father's house in her youth;

Num 30:4 And her father hear her vow, and her bond wherewith she hath bound her soul, and her father shall hold his peace at her: then all her vows shall stand, and every bond wherewith she hath bound her soul shall stand.

Num 30:5 But if her father disallow her in the day that he heareth; not any of her vows, or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand: and the LORD shall forgive her, because her father disallowed her.

Num 30:6 And if she had at all an husband, when she vowed, or uttered ought out of her lips, wherewith she bound her soul;

Num 30:7 And her husband heard it, and held his peace at her in the day that he heard it: then her vows shall stand, and her bonds wherewith she bound her soul shall stand.

Num 30:8 But if her husband disallowed her on the day that he heard it; then he shall make her vow which she vowed, and that which she uttered with her lips, wherewith she bound her soul, of none effect: and the LORD shall forgive her.

Num 30:9 But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, wherewith they have bound their souls, shall stand against her.

Num 30:10 And if she vowed in her husband's house, or bound her soul by a bond with an oath;

Num 30:11 And her husband heard it, and held his peace at her, and disallowed her not: then all her vows shall stand, and every bond wherewith she bound her soul shall stand.

Num 30:12 But if her husband hath utterly made them void on the day he heard them; then whatsoever proceeded out of her lips concerning her vows, or concerning the bond of her soul, shall not stand: her husband hath made them void; and the LORD shall forgive her.

Num 30:13 Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void.

Num 30:14 But if her husband altogether hold his peace at her from day to day; then he establisheth all her vows, or all her bonds, which are upon her: he confirmeth them, because he held his peace at her in the day that he heard them.

Num 30:15 But if he shall any ways make them void after that he hath heard them; then he shall bear her iniquity.

Num 30:16 These are the statutes, which the LORD commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between the father and his daughter, being yet in her youth in her father's house.

So...here I am 15 years later - no husband, no potential prospects in view, wondering.  Hmmm...did God consider that a vow, and if so, do I fit into the category above, even if I wasn't divorced at that particular moment.

Or is my continued single state solely due to God's plan of having me remain single until He calls me home?  Am I not being content enough?  Has He really 'prepared' me for marriage?  Am I marriageable material?

Of a truth it is difficult when you think you 'want' something, pray about it, seek counsel, ask for prayer, try to be at the well and find no one needs, or wants a drink, at least from you.  Wondering, ever wondering, did I consign myself to this fate by what I said?

I thought this post would be more difficult to write...admitting well, maybe I am where I am because of what I said.  Yet, I find, release, if I have vowed to God and He is making me honor it, then so be it.  He will give me grace, strength and wisdom to endure.  Perhaps endure isn't the proper word, no I know it's not.

Whatever the Lord has decided is best for my life isn't to be endured, it is to thank the Giver of Life for His gracious provision, even if and when it doesn't quite 'match' the picture or hopes I may hold in my heart and mind.  May His peace be with you for whatever you are 'enduring' and may we each find joy in His provision.

Womanly Wisdom?

Today's reading was in Numbers 25-28.

Zelophehad had only daughters, no sons.  In Numbers 27, they approach Moses and query him regarding preserving the line of their father.  Moses brings their cause before the Lord.  The Lord affirms if a man died having no sons, a daughter should be heir.  Quite an amazing decision for a woman.

Which made me think, they weren't giving counsel, rather questioning.  Contrast their attitude with a recent article I read in Leben Magazine: Anna Spafford and The Shipwreck of the American Colony.

Which was frankly, quite a sad eye opener.  Anna Spafford is not an example of godly womanhood.  The article isn't currently available online and while trying to find more information I came across these:

Horatio Spafford: Not Well With His Soul - I perused through and this article seems to contain a lot of the same information as the Leben article.  Though this writer questioned whether continuing to sing It Is Well With My Soul was acceptable.

It Is Well With My Soul: An Exposition of My Favorite Hymn - Part 1 and Part 2.  Again, skimming through, this author references the article above but takes a different position on continuing to sing the song.  Because I was trying to get a 'feel' for where the author stood on women, quickly browsing around and found this article:  Joni Eareckson Tada and Joyce Meyer: An Example of Biblical Womanhood and an Example of a Manly Woman Preacher which I think gives a good breakdown between sharing and preaching.

So...having done all this perusing and skipping - my thoughts turned to other examples of women who gave (or sought) counsel in the Scripture.

Obviously the first example was Eve, though she didn't say anything, she offered something to her husband.  So it's not just words...it's actions as well.

The next example which came to mind was Sari - offering Hagar to Abram, to get him what he wanted. Suffering the consequences, then counseling to get rid of Hagar and her son, which counsel God approved.

Rahab giving counsel to the spies; a faithful witness delivering souls.

Jezebel consoling her husband and taking authority to get him what he wanted.

Deborah a prophetess providing counsel to the children of Israel.

Manoah's wife (she bore Samson) reassures her husband concerning their visit from the Lord.

I know I'm probably missing quite a few - perhaps like Athaliah - who took over the seat of government, by killing all the royal seed.  For me, it's been an opportunity to examine, am I asking questions, comforting, giving counsel or testifying about HIM in a way which brings glory and doesn't compromise?

How careful am I to be respectful, to either men or women in how I speak (or act)?  Is my behavior drawing attention to HIM or myself?

2014 - Day 44

Ahhh....44 days. How are you doing? Reading steadily? Lagging (if you can call it that)? Haven't started? Start, stop, start, stop? Where ever you are, DON'T GIVE UP! Stay the course, keep reading!

Today's reading is Numbers 13-16 and Proverbs 13.

This verse seemed to tie in well with some passages I was reflecting upon from Numbers:

Pro 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

I was intrigued by the phrase return to Egypt as well as Korah, Dathan and Abiram. When Moses calls them out in Numbers 16:26, Dathan and Abiram came and stood in the door of their tents. But where's Korah?

Was he too proud to even come and see what was going on outside his door? Was he so without fear of the Almighty? Or resigned to his fate, knowing he'd past the point of no return?

And the wives and children - they suffer the same fate as their husbands. The ground opening up and swallowing all. A timely reminder to take care in whom you marry or have as friends.

For some reason I thought there were more passages where Israel wanted to 'return to Egypt'.

Num 14:3 And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?

Num 14:4 And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.

What did Egypt represent to them?  Egypt is seen as a type of the world.  Israel, though in bondage, was comfortable in Egypt.  Did they like their bondage?  Being slaves?  Having their children murdered?  No.  But the familiar is comfortable, especially when faced with new situations or circumstances.

Even the treacherous life of living as slaves afforded some measure of 'comfort' in knowing if they 'toed' the line, they would save their hides.

They are continuously looking back to what was, what they had, what they were now 'lacking' as they learned to follow God.

Looking back makes me think of Lot's wife and we know she ended up!  A pillar of salt.  Israel ended up losing the promised land for all those over 20 (except for Joshua and Caleb).

The question for me is, how much of the world am I entertaining in my life?  How much am I craving the world?  I know I must live in the world, yet not be of the world, but how well am I balancing?

Is the outside persona I present truly what is on the inside?  Am I truly being renewed and renewing my mind with the Word of God?  Desiring to be washed in His word?  To give a proper estimate of Him?

Lord, help me to stay focused on the goal line, to cross victorious, to hear You say, well done, thou good and faithful servant.  Not for the sake of boasting and not because of anything in me - for I am completely unable.  For Your glory Lord, help me to run this race with endurance, to forsake the things of this world.

Lord, help me to encourage others to seek You, and for companions on this journey, that together we may walk and talk of the things pertaining to You and righteousness.

Where is she?

As I was preparing the blog post on Who can find, I began thinking about where does a man find a wife?

Some reflections from Scripture:

Eliezer (seeking a wife for Isaac):

Gen 24:11 And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water.

Gen 24:12 And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.

Gen 24:13 Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:

Gen 24:14 And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.

Noted - I'm assuming this was Rebekah's customary task to daily fetch water. I was trying to query the significance of wells and the women who were met at them. Another rabbit trail...though I don't agree with this article, a couple of items captured my attention. one of which was giving Rebekah a choice in accepting the marriage proposal.

Jacob:

Gen 29:9 And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep: for she kept them.

Gen 29:10 And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother.

Moses:

Exo 2:15 Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.

Exo 2:16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.

Exo 2:17 And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.

Exo 2:18 And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day?

Exo 2:19 And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock.

Boaz:

Then we have the story of Ruth - who went out to glean grain for her mother-in-law and herself, and received much more.  Read Ruth.  :-)

In these few examples I've reflected upon, the women were going about their daily chores and/or responsibilities.  Daily fetching water from wells, interacting on a regular basis within the community, seeing and being seen.

A close knit community and focus on providing marriage partners would have been a priority.  Our culture has lost the focus and beauty of marriage and working to ensure preparation and opportunity for marrying and finding suitable mates.

So where are are wells of today?  (I thought this overview of wells was interesting.)

Family Gatherings - weddings and funerals (is that morbid?), reunions (do people still have these?).

Church Gatherings - and I'm not referring to the youth groups - I am frankly wholly opposed to fragmenting people based upon age, gender or marital status.  I'm not quite sure what a church social is, but would think any activity hosted by a group of believers which allows for interactions and inspection qualifies.

Community Service - not for the sake of meeting people, but if you have a passion, talent or interest in a particular area, this provides a chance to be out and about in the community.

What if you're limited on family and/or church gatherings?  Not able, or interested, in community service?  Could the internet be a well?

I know several who met their future mates online.  Family and church gatherings would be more localized wells, while the internet provides an international flavor.

Is this avenue for everyone?  No.  Does it require safe  and solid boundaries?  Yes.  Good accountability and oversight?  Yes.  If you choose to be seen in the community of internet wells it is imperative to thoroughly vet any potential suitors.

Here are a few sites I have either used or perused:

Sovereign Grace Singles - I like this one for the fellowship.  There is definitely a feel of community here.  One is able to interact in group settings and or forum discussions. Free membership - full access.  Theologically reformed.

Reformed Singles - I liked this one because you must have a pastoral referral.  The drawback was no open chat rooms or forums (this may have changed).  Annual fee less than $40.00 (or so).  Theologically reformed.

Marry Well - I've not used this site; however I appreciate the overall focus is in finding a mate - not just dating.  I had thought it required pastoral approval, but may mistaken.  Free for basic membership, reasonable cost for premium.  Theological focus, unsure.

Ultimately for those who are single and prayerfully desiring marriage, it is trusting God, knowing He will bring either contentment in singleness or a mate.  It is imperative (I believe) that there be a good foundation of prayer intercessors, as well as those who are willing to help and/or facilitate opportunities for well encounters.

Lord, comfort those who may be single and seeking, guide and direct them, raise up others to pray and intercede.  Help each of us as Your children to find contentment in whatever situation or circumstance You've provided.

Lessons from Leviticus

I was originally going to title this post Lumbering Through Leviticus; however, after cursory review of lumbering (clumsy and awkward and some of it synonyms: hulking, inept and maladroit) I decided another title was in order.  :-)

Why lumbering anyway?  Well, that's how I felt mentally.  Leviticus is one of those books that I sometimes have to 'knuckle' through.  Kings and Chronicles sometimes have the same effect on me.  And its not the books, its me.

I'll be reading along and catch myself 'reading' and mentally I've checked out, I'm off making lists or working on something else.  *sigh* So stop, go back to where I 'exited' and start re-reading.  Again!

The odd thing is, even if I chose to read aloud, I can still do the same thing - go into the 'zone' of performing the function without allowing the Word to wash me.

Having to retrace my steps has actually resulted in some interesting discoveries and ponderables.

Estimation (Lev 27:2-8), I was intrigued by the different amounts each gender/age was valued.  So how much was each person worth?

	Men	Women
20-60	50	30
5-20	20	10
0-5	5	3
60 & up	15	10

That's in shekels - silver too - approximately $128 per shekel.

As I began writing this the thought occurred, what does estimation mean?

H6187 - From H6186; a pile, equipment, estimate.

• H6186 - A primitive root; to set in a row, that is, arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications).

And what does a singular vow mean?

This appears to be something quite different from other offerings and vows.  I checked several commentaries - this one by Jamieson, Fausett and Brown seemed the most concise and easily understood.

When a man shall make a singular vow, etc. — Persons have, at all times and in all places, been accustomed to present votive offerings, either from gratitude for benefits received, or in the event of deliverance from apprehended evil. And Moses was empowered, by divine authority, to prescribe the conditions of this voluntary duty.

the persons shall be for the Lord, etc. — better rendered thus: - “According to thy estimation, the persons shall be for the Lord.” Persons might consecrate themselves or their children to the divine service, in some inferior or servile kind of work about the sanctuary (1Sa_3:1). In the event of any change, the persons so devoted had the privilege in their power of redeeming themselves; and this chapter specifies the amount of the redemption money, which the priest had the discretionary power of reducing, as circumstances might seem to require. Those of mature age, between twenty and sixty, being capable of the greatest service, were rated highest; young people, from five till twenty, less, because not so serviceable; infants, though devotable by their parents before birth (1Sa_1:11), could not be offered nor redeemed till a month after birth; old people were valued below the young, but above children; and the poor - in no case freed from payment, in order to prevent the rash formation of vows - were rated according to their means.

There is one ponderable I had as I completed my journey through Leviticus.  I've a couple more that 'popped out' but those will have to wait for another post.

Don't get discouraged if you're having a hard time staying focused while reading the Word.  Even the difficult passages, or parts that may not appear as interesting.  God has each and every word recorded for our benefit.

Who can find...

...a virtuous woman?

Pro 31:10  Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

Find - H4672 - A primitive root; properly to come forth to, that is, appear or exist; transitively to attain, that is, find or acquire; figuratively to occur, meet or be present.

Which makes me think of this passage:

Pro_18:22  Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

That means he's not sitting idle, playing video games, living in perpetual 'adolescence' - which by the way is NEVER mentioned in Scripture.  You were either a child or an adult, there wasn't any 'in-between' time.

The word 'find' denotes active engagement in the activity of actually looking, seeking, perusing, not sitting passively aside waiting and hoping for the 'right' woman to traipse along his path.  Scripture doesn't state an age for the man or woman, though we would seem to have encouragement from the Word:

Pro_5:18  Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

Our current culture, and unfortunately the church appears to be following suit, seems to put requirements on a man (and woman) to 'acquire' education, career, money, house, etc. etc., prior to marrying.  Telling them to 'wait' - where is that in the Word?  Treating marriage as a capstone versus the cornerstone (not negating Christ obviously).

Are these requirements in Scripture?  Should a man and woman be prepared?  Yes.  Which should be done in childhood.  Are we so focused on the individual we've missed the beauty of what our Lord intended marriage?

So what is a virtuous woman?

The phrase 'virtuous woman' is found only 3 times in Scripture, in the passage above, and here:

Pro 12:4  A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

Rth 3:11  And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.

virtuous - H2428 - From H2342; probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength.

• H2342 - A primitive root; properly to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), that is, (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; figuratively to wait, to pervert.

That's quite a word picture...hmmm...where, or how else is virtuous used in Scripture?  Well, only searching with 'virtuous' I get the same exact results - no additional passages with the word 'virtuous.'

Now, using H2428 - its used 243 times in 228 passages - the first usage is in Genesis 34:29 and translated as wealth.

The next passage (Genesis 47:6) as activity.  Subsequent usages are as:

host,

army or armies (that's an interesting thought, army versus armies - a plurality of plural men),

able (Exdous 18:21),

valiantly (uhm, I LIKE that word - it makes me think of men of valour!),

goods

substance, 

valour, 

worthily or worthy, 

strength or strong

power, 

men (1 Samuel 10:26, 1 Chronicles 5:18 - interesting), 

train (1 Kings 10:2 - the Queen of Sheba)

might or mighty

company (about the Queen of Sheba - 2 Chronicles 9:1)

forces

war

soldiers

riches

When you find a virtuous woman what then?  In the passages above which use the phrase 'virtuous woman' she's already married.  Does being married make her virtuous?  In the Ruth passage Boaz is stating something that is widely known about her, as a widowed woman.  Does that make Ruth single?  Interesting thought.  So ladies, whether married or single, are we striving to be virtuous?  Not for flesh and blood, but for the Lord?  Ruth is a wonderful example of a woman going about her daily tasks, trusting the Lord for His provision in all matters.

This post had already been drafted and I'd been mulling over the 'find' part, when a fellow saint posted about a couple of articles she read advocating marrying early versus waiting.
 to this point and hadn't finished tweaking it.

I may follow up on these in a later post:  

Her price is above rubies.

A crown to her husband.

2014 - Day 36

Lev 16:32  And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest's office in his father's stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, even the holy garments:

Lev 16:33  And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation.

I mulled these verses over a few times...thinking of how Jesus came as a priest in his father's stead.

Made atonement for the holy sanctuary and tabernacle (body) and the priests (believers).

Atonement - H3722 - A primitive root; to cover (specifically with bitumen); figuratively to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel.

My Bible references propitiate as an alternate word...and because curiosity killed the cat, what other words are listed as synonyms (courtesy dictionary.com)?

penance

redemption

reparation

amends

expiation

indemnification

payment

propitiation

recompense

redress

restitution

satisfaction

Reading through Leviticus, all the work required to be 'holy', all the preparation, the sacrifices, the blood, the minute examinations...I'm frankly amazed that people could accomplish anything in their day to day lives without having to constantly make atonement for some sin.

I know there were 'saints' in the Old Testament, those who believed by faith in the coming Messiah, yet there would have been those who didn't have faith, yet were trying to live a righteous standard.  How burdensome it must have been to constantly 'feel' like you had to guard everything you said, did, touched, etc.

Then I wonder...were they (saved or unsaved) burdened better than I?  How diligently am I to repent of my sins...to keep the righteousness of God before me?  To notice those 'little' details of transgression?  The wayward thought, the attitude, the minimizing of words or behavior?

Do I 'see' His blood, spilled for me?  For the 'leprosy' in me, my clothing, my belongings, my home.  How often does He 'shut me up' to examine and see if it is a 'fretting leprosy'?

How often do I ask for His review?  His examination?  Call for accountability?

And...when He shows me, do I kick against the goads?  Or do I embrace His correction, regardless of how it is given?  Am I a pliable lump of clay, or hardened and indifferent?

2014 - Day 35

Be holy...specifically, be holy, for I am holy.

Leviticus 11:45 For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.

Searching for just the words be holy, garnered quite a few hits.

Which reminded me of this passage from the New Testament:

1Pe 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

E-Sword doesn't have a cross reference, or if it does I haven't found it. My Bible has a Peter referencing Leviticus 11:44, 45; 19:2; 20:7 and I have a marginal note adding verse 26.

These verses call for us to sanctify ourselves:

Lev 11:44  For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Lev 20:7  Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.

Be a reflection of Him:

Lev 19:2  Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.

Separated from the heathen:

Lev 20:26  And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.

Until I'd done a search for 'be holy' I didn't realize how many times God says it.  The first instance:

Exo_22:31  And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs.

The particular phrase be holy is used in 39 verses...another one from the New Testament:

Eph_1:4  According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

The body (Jew and Gentile in one):

Eph_5:27  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

With the phrase be ye holy only 3 occasions Lev 20:7, 1 Peter 1:16 and this one:

1Pe_1:15  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

In all manner of conversation - still mulling over speaking in your heart (inward conversations and/or thoughts) and how they manifest outwardly.

in - G1722 - A primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), that is, a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); “in”, at, (up-) on, by, etc.

all manner - G3956 - Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

of conversation - G391 - From G390; behavior.

• G390 - From G303 and G4762; to overturn; also to return; by implication to busy oneself, that is, remain, live.
• G303 - A primary preposition and adverb; properly up; but (by extension) used (distributively) severally, or (locally) at (etc.).
• G4762 - Strengthened from the base of G5157; to twist, that is, turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively).

Thus concludes my musings on my daily reading today, quite a path I've followed and been exhorted.  Lord, help us Your people to be holy as You are.  To give a proper representation of You in all areas of our lives, especially in our conversations, whether they be internal or outward.

She Called Him Lord

I was browsing through my draft folder where I'd left some links under the heading Daughters of Sarah. I can't remember if I read the articles fully when they first caught my attention.  It's always good to review.  :-)

1Pe 3:6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

The article by Pyromaniacs raised the question:  When (in Scripture) did Sarah call Abraham Lord? Indeed, where? The only reference the author could find was this:

Gen 18:12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?

Which isn't speaking out loud, but rather 'within' herself. This is a challenge, not just for married women, but all saints. The battleground is indeed the mind, for what we dwell on inwardly manifests itself outwardly.

Quoting from the article:

"The lesson I find here is that the fountainhead is the heart, the mind, the center of thought and decision. From the heart flow the springs of life (Proverbs 4:23). If a woman wants to be a godly wife, this is where she must focus her consistent, prayerful, strenuous attention. She must focus on how she thinks about her husband. She must attend to and police the thoughts she indulges, and the attitudes in which she marinates."

So ladies...what are you 'marinating' in your mind?  About your husband, family, employer, situation, circumstances, etc.?

We're all guilty of thinking about something, mulling it over, either a word said (or something we'd LIKE to say) or 'working' something out and the sometimes negative impact it can have on relationships or situations.  Then there is the question of well, do I ever get a chance to 'vent' to talk things out, to have confidence when things are troubling me?  How do we balance godly counsel without it becoming gossip or tearing someone down?

I'm wondering how much stress and strife could be avoided in relationships if we truly philtered our thoughts.  Yes, I used philter, as in:

Php 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Relationships (whether marriage or other) isn't easy, especially if we expect perfection from one another.  Sarah definitely knew Abraham wasn't perfect, yet she still respected him. What thoughts are we allowing in our minds about others?  How respectful are we inwardly?

I recommend not only the article by Pyromaniacs, but another one he referenced, My Path To Women's Ministry.  I don't know anything about the author, or what her women's ministry is; however she relates in the article how challenged a roomful of women who were cackling about their husbands.  Out of the abundance of the heart, words (and actions) follow.

I leave us with this admonition:

Rom 12:1-2  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Oh Baby!

Oh baby! That’s the title of the invitation I received, coupled with an adorable picture of baby feet. I’m a grandmother! Well, she (yes she) isn’t actually here yet...but that doesn’t alter the change in my ‘status’ since we learned she was growing in her mommy’s womb!

A new life, all the bustling goodness of babiness! Oh yum! Today’s the baby shower, and since I’m quite a distance away, I couldn’t be there...however, my gift could! I was going to mail it, but was slightly concerned how it might fair in transport...and then, lo and behold, my son and his brother in law came down to help another family with a house remodel. Perfect!! Can you hear me purr?

My gift is this delightful diaper bike—the original directions were for a tricycle, but since I had extra diapers and knowing the new arrival is bound to be a zesty young lass, I decided to ‘jazz’

it up as a 4 wheeler? Mudding anyone?

Is this not adorable? Okay for those who’d like to give it a ‘whirl’ themselves, you can follow the directions from any of these sites:

Favecrafts

Thom’s Crafts had this video (I watched it twice).

Ehow couldn't be left out of the mix—check theirs out here.

One more page which came up while I was browsing from the Southern Fried Gal site.

1. 

Items I used:

• Diapers—I bought a large package of size 1.
• Receiving blankets—came in a package of 3.
• Bibs—came in a package of 5
• Socks—newborn, came in a package of 6
• Sippy Cup
• Ribbon—I chose two colors, wide width
• Diaper Pins
• Tape
• Rubber Bands - thin and thick
• Toilet Paper Rolls

Here is my pictorial process:

I started with a toilet paper roll and began wrapping diapers, continuing to wrap until my hand couldn't hold them in and then placing a thin rubber band. Once the 'roll' was complete I placed a thick rubber band and wrapped the ribbon around, taping it in place.

Once I had the four wheels, time to roll the blankets. This was the hardest part for me. Each of the instructions I'd read stressed the importance of rolling the blankets tight; however easier said than done!

Once the blanket was rolled (and I had to do this a couple of times), basically because I added a tire, I had to change the 'direction' of the wrap. From length or side ways to an angle.

The instructions I read said to tie a knot and then 'slip' the blanket around to hide the knot inside the toilet paper holders. Yeah right! There was no way to tie a knot and slip it, so voila use the diaper pins! I placed the bibs in place now.

Wrapped the 'handlebars' and slid them through the front tires. This was a bit difficult as the blankets were thick and the 'axle hole' small! Then placed the sippy cup a/k/a a headlight in place.

Once the head lamp was in place, rubber band the handlebars together. I forgot to put a ribbon here. *sigh*

Placed the baby booties on the handlebars as hand grips and the cuddly toy. This was the finished product.

My handlebars were lacking some 'oomph' and I couldn't figure out anyway to make them perky. I used a couple of the diaper pins to make foot rests on each side. The 'spare' parts went into a gift bag, along with a few other items.

I kept thinking how 'bland' the bike looked. So...ponder, ponder, ponder...(snap) I know, hair bob things! I can use those as extra lights! So off to the store...found these clip on with some snazzy color. I applied these with straight pins. Then I saw ponytail holders which had fringes of fabric. I'd wanted tassels on the handlebars. The extra two went on the rabbits ears!

Final product, wrapped and ready to go...I was looking for a form to use to cut a circle out of cardboard and remembered I'd bought a gamma lid for Emma, which was perfect!

I hope all the items used will be a blessing, I thoroughly enjoyed this project!