Being Women of Influence

Everyone says I have the gift of encouragement.  For the most part, I think it’s true.  I come alive when given the chance to encourage.  My writing ministry is geared towards encouraging others.  I believe God gave me the gift as small group leader, for that is when the encouragement started to blossom. 

Paul writes about Barnabas, whose name means Son of Encouragement.   Paul had a sorted background before he came to know the Lord.  He went around dragging believers to jail and participating in their demise.  When the Lord got Paul’s attention and turned him around, the believers were afraid to accept him.  But Barnabas took Paul in when none of the other believers would. Barnabas was a godly influence on Paul.  He took him in, encouraged him in the Lord.

We all need a Barnabas in our life.  Who is your Barnabas?  They may come in different forms.  They could be a family member or a neighbor.  Maybe they are a coach or teacher.  They could be a co-worker or fellow church member.  Whoever they are they have godly influence on you.

I am blessed to have more than one Barnabas in my life. The first is a neighbor of mine.  She has always been there to listen to my woes and point me back to the truth.  Not only does she speak truth but her life is an encouragement to me.  The way she chooses to live her life is a wonderful godly influence. She has been through much hardship and yet she is always praising God and reminding herself and me of God’s promises.  The second Barnabas I am thankful to God for is a co-worker of mine.  You see, along with being a small group leader there is a burden for others that can be overwhelming at times.  Just when I was starting to become discouraged asking God who’s going to encourage me, God graciously brings Diane into my life.  She came along side of me, prayed for me and talked about this burden I carry for my small group members.   She is a truth teller, great encourager and godly influence.

Yes, we all need encouragement through a godly influence.  We can receive encouragement directly from God and His Word.  Although sometimes I think the best encouragement is from another human being.  Someone who has been through what you are going through and can remind you of God’s promises.  If you have a Barnabas in your life, thank God for them.  If you don’t, I highly recommend you get connected with one. 

©Elizabeth Marks author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.

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She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle. Proverbs 31:19 NKJV

This verse requires some definitions prior to examination, doesn’t it? Distaff is a staff for holding flax or wool used for spinning.  Flax is a plant containing fiber used for spinning into thread. A spindle is a round stick with tapered ends used to form and twist yarn in hand spinning. 

In Proverbs 31 woman’s time there were no handy fabric stores with all the trimmings and trappings of a seamstress’ paradise.  Oh no, they gathered raw material flax from plants or wool from the animals and spun them into thread or yarn.  Can you imagine how long it would take to spin enough wool into yarn to knit a sweater? 

This woman doesn’t shrink from work.  Having an idea for how she plans to use the material, she keeps going.  She has a purpose and nothing will stop her from completing it. Aside from that, this woman is an ambidextrous too.  To operate the distaff and the spindle requires great dexterity.  While holding a staff with wool in one hand, she holds and spins the spindle in the other to twist the wool into yarn.  That sounds tricky, but she uses the talent God’s given her even though it might be difficult.

In our culture, we like the quick fix, don’t we.  If it doesn’t please our instant gratification it doesn’t get done.  But that saying: “good things come to those who wait”, is true.  The Proverbs 31 woman knew it.  Perseverance, commitment, follow-through, and hanging in there until the job is done are godly leadership qualities. 

As we look at Proverbs 31 woman, you might be tempted to compare yourself to her.  Don’t do it for that’s not the point.  Comparison only leads to dissatisfaction and discontentment.  Rather as we look back at this godly woman, let’s celebrate the wonder of a willing heart.  Look at all God’s was able to do through this woman because she was yielded to God’s purpose in her life.

Lord, thank you for this godly example. Help us to yield our hearts to you.  Work in us that which only you can do.  Enable us to be godly examples for the next generation.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade.  Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word. 

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A recent survey of women leaders in information technology shows that 92% of those surveyed believe that the ability to influence stakeholders is key to their overall success, and view their influencing approach as very different from the style of their male colleagues. Read whole article.

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She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night. Proverbs 31:18 NKJV

My mother is a gifted quilter.  She makes incredibly beautiful quilts in all shapes and sizes.  Some are hand-appliquéd and others are filled with quilted detailing.  With all the talent she possesses evident in the beauty she creates, my mother still doesn’t see her work as good enough to sell. 

Can you relate?  No matter how hard you try for perfection you just can’t reach it.  Then we are stuck pointing out all the flaws that others will never notice.  Why are we so critical of our self?

The Proverbs 31 woman perceives her merchandise is good.  She recognizes the worth and value others place on her handiwork.  What a blessing.  To know your product or service means something of value to someone is a great thrill.  Doing something you enjoy and giving pleasure, worth or meaning to another is a gift of God. 

It is motivating and energizing too.  As the verse says her lamp does not go out by night.  She probably waits for her family to retire for the night.  Then she steals away to busily work on her next masterpiece.  Who will cherish this piece she might wonder.

What are you gifted at but haven’t valued properly?  Ask God to show you how to make use of His gifts for His glory.  Do what you were made to do and God will take care of the rest. 

Lord, thank you for giving us many gifts, talents, and abilities.  Help us to recognize them and put them to good use for your glory.  In Jesus’ name we pray Amen.

Sign up for 8 week Bible Study on Proverbs 31 Woman:

©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade.  Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word. 

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She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. Proverbs 31:17 NKJV

To gird means to put on, to wrap up, or to cover up.  As strength is not something tangible like a coast, how does she gird herself with strength?

By reviewing the verses we have already studied Proverbs 31:10-17, we might gain some insight.   Let’s look together how the Proverbs 31 woman puts on strength:

Verse 11 – She is strong because she is a trustworthy wife.

Verse 11 – She is strong through helping her husband as God intended.

Verse 12 – She is strong from continuing to do good without growing weary.

Verse 13 – She is strong through her willingness to work.

Verse 14 – She is strong as she loves her neighbor as herself and provides for them.

Verse 15 - She is strong by meeting the needs of others rather than her own.

Verse 16 – She is strong due to her wise decisions and thoughts toward the future.

Did you notice everything on the list above was action oriented?  It makes perfect sense, because to strengthen a muscle, for example, one must exercise it.  Let’s say you want to strengthen your stomach muscles.  In that case, you will need to perform a series of tummy crunches, sit-ups and other exercises targeted at the specific area.  It is only when those exercises are done on a regular basis that strength is developed in the muscles.  Sadly, you can’t “think” your way to a firm tummy.  It takes effort and lots of it.

This woman strengthens her spiritual muscles through the things she does.  There is strength, confidence and peace knowing we do what is right and pleasing to God.  The thoughts recorded here are not promoting self-reliance, self-motivation, or think-your-way-to-a-better-whatever kinds of attitudes, though.   Behind the scenes this woman has put on the armor of God and draws her strength from Him.  She would not be able to accomplish all she does by her own effort else she would be exhausted and overwhelmed.  No, all this can only be done for the glory of God by the power of God working through her. 

How do we tap the power of God hidden within us?

• By renewing our mind with God’s Word (Romans 12:2).
• By letting Christ dwell richly within us (Colossians 3:16).
• By focusing our thoughts on what is pure, right, just, honorable and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
• By fixing our eyes on the eternal things rather than the temporary things (2 Corinthians 4:18).

When we learn these and apply them in our lives, the fruit of the Spirit will be evident just as it is in Proverbs 31 woman. 

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us everything we need to live a godly life until you return.  Help us tap into your power within us.  Teach to live by your Spirit rather than by our strength so we may bless others as you have blessed us.  In your name we pray. Amen.

Sign up for 8 week Bible Study on Proverbs 31 Woman:

©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade.  Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word. 

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Top 100 Women of Influence described by Business Journal Publisher James MacGregor, “The women listed exemplify many of the attributes that makes Silicon Valley a global leader in business, philanthropy and public policy. The experience and skills these women demonstrate have helped to innovate and shepherd the valley to success.”

Read the full article here.

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She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard. Proverbs 31:16 NKJV

The woman who considers is one who thinks through the pros/cons and all the potential impacts to others that are wrapped up in the decision.  It is wise to consider before deciding something.

She is able to make decisions.  Some have a hard time deciding whether or not to make a large purchase.  Others have a hard time figuring out what to wear in the morning.  This woman clearly knows how to choose. She is willing to take risks.  When she considers the risks she doesn’t let fear or failure stop her.  She even has a track record of good decisions because the verse talks about her profits.  She has done well with her financial gain in the past. 

She is not out to acquire for the sake of gain.  This woman’s intensions are for good.  With her profits she doesn’t run out and go shopping for herself.  With her profits she plants a vineyard.  Think about how a vineyard might help others.

(1)   It provides food for her family.

(2)   It provides jobs for others because she needs laborers to tend the vineyard and help at harvest time.

(3)   If she chooses to sell any of the harvest, she is supplying food to others.

(4)   It provides additional income for her family, when she sells some of the harvest.

This woman is an intelligent business woman.  Not only does she benefit all these people but she also invests for the future.  What an example for us!

Lord Jesus, thank you for this godly woman’s example.  Thank you, for the wisdom you provide when we ask for it.  Help us to be wise, decisive and thoughtful of the future.  In your name we pray. Amen.

Sign up for 8 week Bible study on Proverbs 31 Woman:

©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade.  Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word. 

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This is a must see video.  Lindsay is a school teacher who has great influence over under prelidged kids in the Bronx. Check it out.

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She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants. Proverbs 31:15 NKJV

The woman in today’s verse is committed to her family.  She rises early, sacrificing her own rest to provide for others.  Nowhere does it mention, she does this because of the appreciation she gets.  No, she does this out of love.  She is pleasing God through her constant care for her family’s needs and that’s all that matters.

She knows what each family member needs.  If one of her children has dietary restrictions, she would prepare food appropriate for them.  If another didn’t like spices, she would prepare a meal without spices.  She provides meals for the entire household.  Even the maid servants she treats as part of the family by providing portions for them.

She cares for each one in ways that matter to them. 

Food takes time to prepare. Especially, in bible times where they did not have modern conveniences such as electric or gas stoves, microwave ovens, and in-door ovens, etc.  Just imagine making bread from scratch.  If you are not familiar with the process, check out this How to Make Bread article at http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-Bread-without-a-bread-machine/ for more details.   First gather the ingredients, then mix them in a precise measure.  Next knead the dough for 8 to 9 minutes until the texture is just right (whatever that means!).  Then let it rise for an hour.  (Time consuming!) Move dough to pans and let rise again. Bake, cool and eat.  That’s a lot of time, just for a loaf of bread!

So remember, this woman did everything without the cool gadgets and fancy appliances we have today.  In a sense maybe it makes it easier for us to become “gourmet” cooks.  For those on the receiving end of the meals, remember someone prepared the meal especially for you.  It took time, preparation and care.  Don’t sneer because it looks funny.  Taste it and compliment the cook, even if you don’t like it. 

Lord thank you for giving us the energy we need to carry out your purposes.  Help us to focus on you today.  If that means cooking for someone, help us make a meal that not only satisfies the hunger but brings joy to the taste buds.  In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Sign up for 8 week Bible Study on Proverbs 31 Woman:

©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade.  Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word. 

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She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar. Proverbs 31:14 NKJV

Food is necessary for our survival.  However, this woman puts forth effort in making the necessary special.  She doesn’t just make simple foods, but rather exotic and gourmet. 

The mention of merchant ships brings to mind variety, not the “same old thing”.  Perhaps this woman was very creative in her meal preparations.  The verse says “she is like the merchant ship”.  Maybe her food was prepared in such a way the eaters believe it must have come from far away. 

Isn’t it nice to enjoy a new, different meal time experience?  It brings pleasure, doesn’t it?  It is a wonderful a woman who provides so abundantly for her family.

It is not only enjoyable, but it is also an opportunity for teaching her children about other cultures.  Exposing them to new kinds of food, talking of where the food came from and the types of lives people led all over the world is a great way to expand our children’s thinking. 

Are you the cook in the family?  What is one way to bring some creativity to your meals?  Don’t be afraid to try a new recipe.  It just might be your family’s next favorite meal.  It’s good for them to try new foods.

Lord thank you for the variety of food choices we have.  Help us be grateful for every type of food set before us.  Teach us ways to introduce new foods to our families.  In Jesus’ name Amen.

Sign up for 8 week Bible Study on Proverbs 31 Woman:

©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade.  Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word. 

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