Being Women of Influence

Her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” Proverbs 31:28-29 NKJV

Following the Lord’s leading will have its consequences. Here we see Proverbs 31 Woman receiving praise from her husband. Proverbs 3:3-4 NKJV says “Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.” This woman knew how to do just that.

If our aim is to please God, we find favor with God and as an added bonus we also receive favor from man. The priority must be God and His Kingdom first (Matthew 6:33), and then all these other things will be added. Confusing these by aiming to please man first will result in much disappointment, bitterness, resentment, anger and discouragement. Therefore, if you are experiencing these side affects you may want to revisit your priorities through prayer.

Father God above, forgive me for loosing my focus on You. Help me regain the balance of being rightly related to You and man. Enable me to seek Your will first. Break the people-pleasing tendency by helping me focus on pleasing You alone. Jesus said in Matthew 11-28:30 NKJV: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Help me bring my burdens to You. In Jesus’ precious 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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She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27 NKJV

People can be difficult to live with. It’s easy to look the other way or pretend everything is okay when it is not. The idleness spoken of here is about failing to do what’s healthy and right in our relationships. The Proverbs 31 Woman knows what to do. She knows everything going on in her household. If a conflict arises, she springs into action. If someone’s feelings are hurt, she aids those involved to resolve their issue in a godly manner.

The imagery used “bread of idleness” helps us understand how doing nothing about a strained relationship can be satisfying in a warped kind of way. For bread satisfies. Depending on the type of bread, it can either be healthy or not so healthy. Take wheat bread for example. It’s supposed to be better for you than white bread. The bread of idleness is like an unhealthy type of bread we should avoid. What happens when we eat unhealthy bread? Nothing happens, at least right away. The consequences of a bad diet don’t exhibit themselves immediately. No, the problems arise later.

It’s the same with relationships. You can go along your merry way pretending all is well in your relationship. Ten years later find yourself, bitter and filled with resentment. That’s what the bread of idleness with do. So let’s learn from Proverbs 31 Woman and watch over our households by not eating the bread of idleness.

Lord Jesus, you alone cause all things to work for good to those who love you and are called according to your purposes. Help us to steer clear of the bread of idleness. Teach us to watch over our households diligently. In your precious 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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Her children rise up and call her blessed; Proverbs 31:28 NKJV

This verse reminds me of a certain commercial for some kind of food. When the mother serves it, her child stands up on his chair and praises her for making it for them. It’s so unrealistic it is funny!

I never would have believed one day my kids would be thankful for all I have done for them…until I became thankful for my own mother. I was in my mid-thirties. One morning I was making a hot breakfast for my son and struggling with so many things to get ready before we had to leave. Then it hit me. Wow! My mother had made me a hot breakfast every day I lived with her. Not only that, but she never fussed over how much work it was! Now I understood what it meant to work so hard with little or no thanks. So realizing how long it took me, I now know one day my kids will understand just like I finally did. How wonderful the thought.

Don’t be discouraged when your children are not always thankful. A great verse to remember in that situation is Habakkuk 2:3 NKJV: “For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

Lord Jesus, we are thankful you never give up on us. Help us never give up on our kids. Equip us to continue doing what is right without growing weary. In the end we will reap a harvest of right living. 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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“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)

Every little girl dreams of being a princess and living happily ever after.  One day, those little girls grow up to be women who enter the workforce or choose to stay home and raise children of their own. But that dream of being a princess and living happily ever after never leaves her.

Most working women struggle with balancing work and family and being confident in their role in life and society.  We tear ourselves apart between the internal battles over self worth and seeking the affirmation from our culture–which does not come. But we keep on dreaming.

“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function…We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” Romans 12:4, 6 (NIV)

God has given each woman a unique purpose in life, along with the talents and spiritual gifts to fulfill it.  He calls some to be in the workforce for a season, some not at all, and a few to serve in the highest positions of leadership and influence.  God created every woman special, each one different from the next.

In Judges 4:4, we meet Deborah, a wife, a woman of great influence and a mighty leader.  She was a spiritual and political authority in the nation of Israel.  “Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time” (NIV).

God used her courage, wisdom and leadership skills to fight out on the battle field.  She accompanied Barak into battle against Sisera, to bring victory and liberation to the people of Israel.

Phoebe, an influential woman in her community served in and was a contributing part of Paul’s ministry. “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea.  I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me” Romans 16:1-2 (NIV).

But perhaps the most challenging yet influential role a woman may have is that of mother.  On mornings when we are running late, the kids are slow in putting on their shoes and they are in danger of missing the bus and you the morning meeting, it may be hard to see our work as a mother as service unto the Lord and our children a gift.  “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3 (NIV)

But Jesus cares very much about the role of the mother.  Jesus knows how important the bond between mother and child is; he understands what a mother’s love and touch does to an impressionable mind and heart.  In fact, Jesus’ last act of kindness was to take care of his mother and make sure that she was not alone.  “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother…  When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home” John 19:25-27 (NIV).

We are also the bride of Christ and Jesus is our husband.  Married or not, we should all desire to conduct ourselves in such a way to honor Jesus because of our love for him.  If we live as if Jesus were our husband, then we cannot disappoint our earthly husband.

Ladies, know that you are loved by the King and you are his princess. One day you will live happily ever after.  God has specially gifted you to carry out your life’s purpose at home, at work, in the church and in the community according to his perfect order and plans.

© Helen M. Mitchell is the director and co-founder of the workplace ministry at Saddleback Church. She is also a speaker, author, and consultant to companies and ministries regarding strategy, organizational effectiveness, and building cohesive leadership teams.

www.strategicmgmtresources.com

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Learn from Proverbs 31 Woman.  This section of scripture is jammed packed with positive examples of godly influence. 

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A co-worker of mine was diagnosed with advanced stage breast cancer.  She is a mother of three small children.  She is also a believer in Jesus Christ.  Throughout her treatments, she did not complain or ask questions like “why me?” but rather she did what she had to do quietly and patiently.

During and after her treatments, as many experience, she lost most of her natural hair.  She wore a wig to hide her baldness, but it wasnt’ for her benefit rather for ours.  Others going through the same situation were more concerned over their loss of hair.  It was devastating to them, being robbed their natural beautiful hair.  This had quite an impact on my co-worker friend.

When she herself began growing hair again, she made a commitment to give back to others.  She sommitted to growing her hair long only to cut it off and donate to a wig making companies serving cancer patients.  In this way, she could ease the pain of others by supplying them what they lacked during their ordeal.  Who better knows what a cancer patient goes through than someone who has already gone through it.  God never wastes a hurt.  He uses it for good.  He certaintly did with my friend.

This woman is a woman of influence.  God uses all things for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes.  This woman used her influence to bring hope to others.  She inspires others to do the same.

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Most authors dream of selling a million copies of their books …

Joyce is a bit different. 

She wants to GIVE AWAY A MILLION COPIES

 Of her first book in E-Book format.

Chili and Chocolate Cake is not your average inspirational book; and is as unique as the title.  The author shares her message of forgiveness, restoration, and hope for hurting women– especially those who have experienced the loss of a child through abortion, miscarriage, or stillborn birth.  This book is a shining testimony to the power of God to heal the broken heart.  Author Joyce Schneider’s dramatic life and the miraculous change from a tortured young women  to a great woman of God  will encourage every reader.  God even used the stablilty gained from preparing chili and chocolate cake to weave the thread of His grace throughout her troubled life.  Get ready for an outpouring–from the barren days of the past, to springs of living waters; rivers that will refresh long after you close the pages of this book.

                    Thank you for being a part of our Million Copy Give Away!

Joyce Schneider is a wife, mother, author and speaker living in Naples, Florida with her husband and sons.  Joyce uses her real life experiences to share healing and hope through faith in Jesus Christ.

Joyce has a passion for helping hurting woman, especially those suffering from past abortions, miscarriage or stillborn birth.  She understands the hurt left inside from these traumatic events. 

Her writings share her experiences in walking out her faith in day to day life; her discovery that God doesn’t want our perfection, but rather our hearts.

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There’s a retired woman I know who possesses wonderful gift and talent of quilting.  She loves the creativity that goes into making quilt tops.  But she doesn’t just make the top portion she also binds the batting and back of quilt with wonderful edges.  Then she uses a long-arm sewing machine to embroider crazy, unique, whimsical quilting stitching patterns onto her wonderful creations.  The result is stunning. 

When she is not stitching patterns on other people’s quilts, she loves to make scrap quilts.  People all over the world send her fabric scraps, already made quilt squares and other left over material.  She applies her God-given gift and creates beautiful quilts of all sizes, shapes and colors.  She does this for fun!

As you can imagine, her house is filled with the various quilts she has created.  You might be wondering what she does with them all. Some quilts are created by request purchased by those who value her talent, but most are made for charity.   

On my last visit, she told me she made 25 baby quilts in less than two months, all going to the cancer patients at Choc Hospital.  What a blessing for those going through the cancer treatments to have a soft, cuddly, creative quilt to snuggle with! 

This woman is known for making quilts at the slightly hint of a need.  If ever in conversation she hears of a newborn baby arriving, you can rest assured you’d have a baby quilt to you in seconds flat! In fact, here are two she made for a friend of mine, who recently celebrated twin grandson!

This woman is a woman of influence!

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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.

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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