Poverty Alleviation

Devotional for 2.20.12 

Happy Monday! What a beautiful day in Jesus we’ve been gifted because “God is here. Wherever we are, God is here. There is no place, there can be no place, where He is not” (A.W. Tozer). May El Roi, “The God Who Sees Me” be your joy, peace, and provision today. Thanking God that each and every one of us is under His watchful eyes as we enter a new week. Shalom.

During the month of February we’re focusing on Wisdom about Money. Let’s turn to Proverbs to get wisdom that goes beyond the gold!

POVERTY ALLEVIATION

Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

Proverbs 14:31

The book of Proverbs has much to say to the poor and about the poor. To those who choose laziness instead of labor, God warns, A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest – and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man (Proverbs 6:10-11). The Apostle Paul lived by the rule that he taught: The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

Laziness is a single facet within the multidimensional system of poverty. The book of Proverbs also acknowledges that being poor can stem from injustice – An unplowed field produces food for the poor, but injustice sweeps it away (13:23), from oppression ­– Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God (14:31), or from exploitation – Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court (22:22).

God is a Father to the fatherless, a Defender of the poor, and a Helper to the needy. Jesus’ justice mission of reconciliation included preaching good news to the poor, proclaiming freedom for the prisoners, recovering sight for the blind, releasing the oppressed, and proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favor (Luke 4:18-19). We must follow in Jesus’ steps and obey God’s command to Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy (31:8-9).

We honor God when we are kind to the needy (14:31). Mercy to the needy is a loan to GOD, and GOD pays back those loans in full (19:17, MSG). Generous people will be blessed; those who give to the poor will lack nothing (22:9, 28:27).

To shut our eyes and ears to the cries of the poor comes with severe consequences (28:27). Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished (17:5). Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor, will also cry out and not be answered (21:13).

“Poverty alleviation is the ministry of reconciliation: moving people closer to glorifying God by living in right relationship with God, with self, with others, and with the rest of creation,” writes Brian Fikkert, Steve Corbett, and John Perkins within the must read book, When Helping Hurts: Alleviating Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself. “Because every one of us is suffering from brokenness in our foundational relationships, all of us need ‘poverty alleviation,’ just in different ways. Our relationship to the materially poor should be one in which we recognize that both of us are broken and that both of us need the blessing of reconciliation.”

Wisdom Step: What can you do to alleviate poverty today?

Poverty is the result of relationships that do not work, that are not just, that are not for life, that are not harmonious or enjoyable. Poverty is the absence of shalom in all its meanings.

Bryant L. Myers

Little By Little

Devotional for 2.13.12

Happy Valentine’s Day (a day early)! Please know how much you’re loved and appreciated for being faithful channels of His love to the women and girls in your area. We thank God for you! Have a blessed week!  

During the month of February we’re focusing on Wisdom about Money. Let’s turn to Proverbs to get wisdom that goes beyond the gold!

LITTLE BY LITTLE

Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.

Proverbs 13:11

“Slow and steady, steady and slow. That’s the way we always go” is a quote from a Walt Disney Goofy book that I read to my girls often when they were little. It’s how Goofy made it across the finish line. It’s also one of the aspects to financial planning that God gives us in the book of Proverbs.

Little by little, slow and steady, when we’re diligent in earning money and managing it rightly, savings accounts can grow. Add patience and faithful stewardship to the principle of compound interest and the resources can greatly increase.

Throughout Scripture and within the book of Proverbs diligence is often associated with wisdom and wealth, and contrasted to laziness, foolishness, and poverty. Little by little is God’s economic wisdom for personal finance and His Kingdom. Steady diligence pays off (Proverbs 13:11b, MSG).   

In the Parable of the King’s Ten Servants recorded in Luke 19, Jesus tells of a king who gave his ten subjects ten minas. “Put this money to work,” he said, “until I come back” (v. 13b).

The first two servants were praised and rewarded for gaining more money than they were originally given, ten minas, and five minas, respectfully. The third servant was called wicked for laying his mina aside. The master replied, “Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?” Then he said to those standing by, “Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas” (v. 23-24).

What gifts of money, resources, time, and talents, has God given to you? He’s entrusted us with so much! Just think of three. Write them down:

1. ________________________________
2. ________________________________
3. ________________________________

What does your investment portfolio look like? Are you using these things to store up treasures on earth or are you diligently, little by little, slow and steady, investing them in the treasures of heaven (Matthew 6:19-20)?

Jesus said, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Luke 12:48b). Those who are faithful with what’s entrusted to them will be richly blessed, but those who are eager to get rich will not go unpunished (Proverbs 28:20).

   

Wisdom Step: Describe your investment in God’s Kingdom. Is it easy come, easy go or a steady diligence for His glory?

We measure our worth by what we have; God measures it by what we’ve left behind.

Bob Goff

Better/Than Statements

Devotional for 2.6.12

Happy February, friends! Hope your new month and week are off to a wise start as we together seek to get wisdom which is better than gold, silver, paychecks, and savings accounts. Have a blessed week!  

During the month of February we’re focusing on Wisdom about Money. Let’s turn to Proverbs to get wisdom that goes beyond the gold!

BETTER/THAN STATEMENTS

Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.

Proverbs 28:6

A wacky icebreaker that gets girls giggling is the Would You Rather? Game.

Ø  Would you rather drink one gallon of ketchup or one gallon of mustard?

Ø  Would you rather be in a room with 500 spiders or 1,000 crickets?

Ø  Would you rather have a snake or a skunk for a pet?

The girls’ responses to those questions are as varied as their personalities. However, ask girls of all ages (and boys of every generation, too!) if they’d rather be rich or poor and the majority vote will probably favor wealth over poverty.

The wisdom found in the book of Proverbs always trumps popular opinion. When posed with the would you rather be rich or poor question, it’s considerations go far beyond finances, money, possessions, things, and stuff. It cuts to the heart.

In the book of Proverbs we learn that it’s better to be poor than rich if wealth . . .

√ Keeps you from being honest and trustworthy (28:6)

√ Becomes your fortress and protection (18:11)

√ Makes you surly and unapproachable (18:23)

√ Deafens your ears to the cry of the poor (21:13)

√ Causes you to forget and dishonor God (30:9)

The bottom line is that riches are not the problem. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil – this is a gift of God (Ecclesiastes 5:19).

The trouble comes when we love riches more than God and treasure things more than the Giver of all gifts. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs (1 Timothy 6:10). The book of Proverbs says that it’s better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil (15:16). How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver (16:16)!

There are two sides to every coin and two parts to what the book of Proverbs teaches us about money. Within this book of wisdom it teaches the positive side to earning, managing, and using our possessions, and warns that there is a negative side to gaining and maintaining wealth. Understanding God’s perspective on possessions and honoring Him with wise stewardship of all that He’s entrusted to us will keep us from the potential pitfalls that riches can bring.

Wisdom Step: How much do you treasure or fret about money? Would it be better for you to be poor than rich?

Some people are so poor they only have money!

Ivor Powell

A Word for Workaholics

Devotional for 1.30.12 

How are you today? It is good and pleasant to be unified in our love for the LORD, our work for Him, and our prayers for one another and all involved in the Titus 2 ministry of GEMS Girls’ Clubs. Thank you for your important part in helping girls everywhere meet the Savior. Have a blessed week!

During the month of January we’re focusing on Wisdom about Work. Let’s turn to Proverbs to get wisdom that goes beyond the gold!

A WORD FOR WORKAHOLICS

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,

but a man (woman) is tested by the praise he (she) receives.

Proverbs 27:21

In his book, A Proverbs Driven Life – Timeless Wisdom for Your Words, Work, Wealth, and Relationships, Anthony Selgavvio warns that there is a temptation toward two extremes in our attitude toward work. One extreme is the lure of laziness which the Bible calls being a sluggard. Today we’d call this person a couch potato. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep (Proverbs 6:9)?

“At the other extreme,” Selgavvio writes, “we can worship our work, finding the very core of our identity in ‘what we do.’ When I adopt this view, I become what the Bible calls an idolater – specifically, in today’s language, a workaholic.”

This extreme hits close to home for women who think “working nine to five” sounds like a vacation day. When work becomes our idol we reject the balanced pattern God gave us of work and rest.

The idol of praise. Do we do our work to praise God and make Him known? Or do we idolize the praise of people for a job well done? The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man (woman) is tested by the praise he (she) receives (Proverbs 27:21).

The idol of pride. Do we do our work in dependence on God? Or do we go about our responsibilities as if everything depends on us to get the job done right in our homes, churches, and the workplace? The wise walk and work humbly with their God. They get rid of their pride and stop depending on themselves and start trusting and depending on God. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).

The idol of greed. Do we work to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20)? Or are we pursuing the idols of earthly treasures, pleasures, and power? Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, “Who is the LORD?” Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God (Proverbs 30:8-9).

In Luke 10 Jesus chides Martha (perhaps a workaholic?) and praises Mary (perhaps a sluggard?) In his must read book for the overworked and exhausted, The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan, he writes that Jesus’ response was that “Mary’s choice is only better. What would be best? My guess: Martha’s industry joined to Mary’s attentiveness. The best is to have Martha’s hands and Mary’s heart.”

Wisdom Step: What choices can you make today to follow God’s pattern of work and rest?

Sit with Jesus until you hear from Him what He would have you do. Then put your hand to the task, Martha-like, and do it with all your heart, Mary-like.

Mark Buchanan

Striving for Excellence

Devotional for 1.23.12

Hello, dear sisters! How are you? I pray well. What joy it is to connect, pray for one another, and co-labor in His Kingdom. Thanks for all you do. Have a Christ-centered week!

During the month of January we’re focusing on Wisdom about Work. Let’s turn to Proverbs chapter 28 to get wisdom that goes beyond the gold!

STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE

He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

Proverbs 28:19

Winning the lottery, making a million dollars on a reality TV show, gambling, having rich parents or marrying rich, are just some of the tips you’ll read when you Google, “Get rich fast.” Get-rich-quick schemes promise high rates of return with little risk, skill, time, or work.

It was my father who first taught me, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” The book of Proverbs, which my dad reads from every day, agrees.

Proverbs 28:19 contrasts hard work to chasing the fantasies of get-rich-quick schemes. A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty (NLT). The hard worker is diligent in her tasks. The person who chases fantasies is always looking for an easier way. One leads to abundance, the other to poverty.

The point of the verse is not to elevate manual labor over desk jobs, or tasks that cause us to break a sweat in comparison to jobs that can be accomplished in high heels. What counts is the motive behind the responsibility at hand.

Is our motive to give our very best or do we seek to get by with the least amount of effort possible? Be warned: One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys (Proverbs 18:9). Within Aesop’s fable, it’s the diligent effort of the Tortoise, not the dreamy, nap-taking Hare that crossed the finish line first.

How do you and I approach the work of lesson planning, leading devotions for GEMS or Bible study, or preparing for a large group event like camp, theme night, or fall workshops? Do we do the hard work that bears abundant fruit for the Kingdom? Or do we cut corners and hope no one will notice?

In his book, Excellence, Andreas Köstenberger writes, “Far from being optional, excellence is in fact a divine mandate that applies to every aspect of our lives, for God Himself is characterized by excellence. Mediocrity, sloppy workmanship, and a half-hearted effort do not bring glory to God or advance His kingdom.” 

We must pattern our work after God’s work! He is the Rock, his works are perfect (Deuteronomy 32:4). Throughout His story of Creation He would look at what He made and see that it was very good (Genesis 1).

Wisdom Step: If God would grade the work you’ve done for Him today, would it read excellent, good, or poor? Seek to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Doing a few things well is better than doing many things poorly. When we are on the job, we are to give 100% effort, not the minimum we can get away with.

Kenneth B. Wingate

Employee Benefit Packages

Devotional for 1.16.11

Happy Monday, dear sisters! Hope you’re well! As we focus on wisdom about work this month, we don’t want to miss an opportunity to thank you for your work within the GEMS ministry. Whatever your role(s), accept our heartfelt thanks! Together let’s always give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because we know that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Have a blessed week!

During the month of January we’re focusing on Wisdom about Work. Let’s turn to Proverbs chapter 27 to get wisdom that goes beyond the gold!

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PACKAGES

The one who guards a fig tree will eat its fruit, and whoever protects their master will be honored.

Proverbs 27:18

If Employee of the Month recognition were given in Joseph’s day, year round he would’ve had his picture hanging on the lunchroom wall and printed in the company newsletter. With God as his Helper, whatever he did prospered. His boss Potiphar took note of Joseph’s success and honored him by promoting him to his attendant. He rewarded him by putting him in charge of his household, and entrusted everything that he owned into Joseph’s care. Thanks to his exceptional employee, the only thing Potiphar had to think about was what he wanted to eat for dinner (Genesis 39:1-6).

Honor and reward are part of the employee benefit package for those who give their best to their work. Whoever protects their master will be honored (Proverbs 27:18b). Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank (Proverbs 22:29). That’s true on earth and will be true in heaven, too!  Jesus said, “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” (Matthew 25:21)

Sometimes our work brings the immediate satisfaction of a job well done, the praises of our family (Great meal, Mom!), the approval of an employer, or the heartfelt thanks of a Club Coordinator.

At other times, we may feel unappreciated, devalued, and misunderstood. Joseph identified with that, too. He was a poster boy for unjust treatment at the workplace. He was a man of integrity who fled from Potiphar’s wife to honor his God and his boss, and his reward was a grim prison cell. Where’s the honor in that? Some honor only comes from our Master, not our employers. Some honor is delayed so that God’s good purpose may be achieved. Joseph rightly understood that when he told his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20).

Whether our work takes place at home, on the job, or within volunteer positions, there is a chain of command. John A. Kitchener writes, “If we attend to His honor, He will care for ours. Our first charge is to find the person or people under whom God has placed us and, then, to serve Him by serving them.”

Wisdom Step: Check out the benefit package that is ours when we honor God with our work: Matthew 25:21, 23; Luke 12:42-46, 19:17; John 12:26.

A life of honoring God and others means you graduate to heaven with honors.

Boyd Bailey

The Ways of the Sluggard

Devotional for 1.9.12

During the month of January we’re focusing on Wisdom about Work. Let’s turn to Proverbs chapter 26 to get wisdom that goes beyond the gold!

THE WAYS OF THE SLUGGARD

She works with eager hands.

Proverbs 31:13b

Sluggard. Webster defines it as a habitually lazy person, synonymous with a couch potato and loafer. Proverbs chapter 26 gives word pictures to what it looks like on the street:

The sluggard works harder at making excuses than doing the task at hand. The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets” (v 13)! Really? In general, lions prowl at night and sleep during the day when people should be at work. Yet that’s the ridiculous mindset of sluggards; they dream up excuses for why now is not a good time to start a project or give their best to their work. Do you have a lion’s share of excuses for not doing the hard work of sticking to a budget, fixing nutritious meals for your family, cleaning the shower, or memorizing scripture?

The sluggard moves, but goes nowhere. As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on the bed (v 14, TNIV). Like a door that moves, but goes nowhere have you ever spent a day at work within your home or at the workplace and accomplished nothing? You were busy, busy, busy, but not on task to the things He called you to do. Are you running aimlessly or running in such a way as to get the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24, 26)?

The sluggard is too lazy to feed herself. It’s one thing not to feel like cooking tonight, the height of laziness is not feeling like feeding yourself. Sluggards bury their hands in the dish and are too lazy to bring them back to their mouths (v 15, TNIV). The sluggard got the food to the plate, but then didn’t follow through by getting the food to her lips! Did you make New Year’s resolutions? Did you get your goals to the paper? Great! Now do the hard work and follow through, moving it from paper to action, from good intentions to accomplishments.

The sluggard rationalizes her laziness. Sluggards are wiser in their own eyes than seven people who answer discreetly (v 16, TNIV). Her laziness makes sense to her. She’s convinced herself that she doesn’t have self-discipline, and she never will. This is just the way she’s been wired. When foolish thinking is coupled to laziness, and the wise counsel of others is rejected, a person is without hope. Do you see people who are wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for fools than for them (v. 12). Reject foolish thinking about your gifts and abilities and focus on truth: God gave YOU a spirit of self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7)!

Wisdom Step: Think about your work. Do you work with eager hands or are you a sluggard?

Being a sluggard is the fool’s way of responding to God’s call on our lives to be productive and diligent for His glory.

Anthony Selvaggio

First Things First

Devotional for 1.3.12

Happy New Year, dear sisters! How are you? I pray well! In 2012 may He teach us wisdom in the inmost place as we seek to fear Him – honoring Him with our words, actions, and choices. Have a wisdom-filled week!

During the month of January we’ll focus on Wisdom about Work. Let’s turn to Proverbs chapter 24 to get wisdom that goes beyond the gold!

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.

Proverbs 24:27

Priorities. It’s what parents teach their children when they insist that they eat their veggies before they may have dessert, and finish their homework before going outside to play. Priorities are the way of the wise. The wise do their work in good order: first things first! Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house (Proverbs 24:27).

Contrast the work ethic of the wise to the foolish. I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest – and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man (Proverbs 24:30-34).

Whether the work we do is in our homes, at a place of employment, or the volunteer work done for ministries like GEMS Girls’ Clubs, how can we be wise it?

1. Do your very best! The Proverbs 31 woman teaches us this lesson well. She’s not just for Mothers’ Day sermons, ladies. Read her story. Be inspired by her strong character and work ethic. Learn from her resourcefulness and diligence. Do battle against the enemy who wants to use her story to intimidate Christian women and cause all sorts of insecurities to seep from our pores. Like this woman of noble character set about your work vigorously (Proverbs 31:17).

2. Complete the task! At one point the sluggard was at work in the vineyard. He initially invested labor and seed, but didn’t follow it through to completion. He neglected to finish his work (Proverbs 24:30-34)! How many half-finished projects do you and I have right now? First things first. Complete one task before beginning another!

3. Use your hands! Lazy hands make a man (woman) poor, but diligent hands bring wealth (Proverbs 10:4). There is a time to use our hands to work and a time to fold our hands to rest. The wise apply their hearts to God’s wisdom about work and know when it is time for one and not the other.

Wisdom Step: What wisdom will you apply to your work today?

Refusal to embrace a diligent work ethic is sinful because it violates a primary call God has given us as Christians – to echo our Creator who works.

Anthony Selvaggio

Do What is Just and Right

Until we connect again via this update on January 2, we want to wish all of you His peace, comfort, and joy. Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year!

Devotional for 12.19.11

We’ll again keep our thoughts focused on Wisdom about Integrity as we turn to Proverbs chapter 23 to get wisdom that goes beyond the gold!

DO WHAT IS JUST AND RIGHT

Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you.

Proverbs 23:10-11

The Israelites acquired their land by conquest, and every tribe and family considered its allotment or inheritance as a gift from God. David said, The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance (Psalm 16:6). With contentment and gratitude He acknowledged that all he had was a gift from God.

Boundary stones were a common way of marking off property lines. Sadly, some didn’t see these stones as set in stone. They moved them to the right or the left, depending on what was most advantageous to them. It was subtle, a little push here, a small nudge there. They’d do just enough to gain the upper hand without being detected.

It’s today’s equivalent to fudging on your taxes or your timecard, cheating the system, taking company resources for personal use, or withholding your tithe. What seems like a small thing in man’s eyes is theft in God’s.

God gives warning in Scripture: Do not move an ancient boundary stone (Proverbs 22:28, Deuteronomy 19:14, 27:17, Hosea 5:10). The consequences listed within these verses include being cursed and God’s wrath being poured out like a flood of water.

God desires that we be people of integrity who do what is just and right, especially in our relationships with the fatherless and widow. He is their Defender (Proverbs 23:10). He will take up their case against those who deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless (Isaiah 10:2).

We’re in the midst of a season where there are ministries far and near (including GEMS!) asking for gifts, prayers, time, and resources to help the needy, widows, and fatherless. This is what the LORD says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of his oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the alien, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place (Jeremiah 22:33).

Whether making decisions within the boundary lines He’s entrusted to you or responding to the boundary lines of the poor and needy, be a woman of integrity: Do what is just and right!

Wisdom Step: Read Psalm 82:3. How will you obey this command today?

Lord, to those who hunger, give bread. And to those who have bread, give the hunger for justice.

Latin American Prayer

A Good Name

Devotional for 12.12.11

Hello! Are you ready for Christmas? When people ask that question they’re often wondering, “Are your presents bought and wrapped? Are your Christmas cards sent and the goodies baked?” That’s not the readiness that matters most! In this season of Advent may the preparation that tops our list be the preparation of our hearts as we remember His first coming and look forward to His next. Have a blessed week putting His name on display!

Turn to Proverbs chapter 22 to get wisdom that goes beyond the gold!

A GOOD NAME

A good name is more desirable than great riches,

to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Proverbs 22:1

What do the names Nae, Percy, Bell, Rooney, and Bear have in common? Unless you’re a close friend or relative of my family, probably not much! That list includes my childhood nickname, and those of my siblings. We affectionately associate those names with one another yet today.

What names are personal to you? From given names to professional titles to pet names, each one of us has a name or two. For those who kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name, we’ve also been gifted the name child of God (Ephesians 3:14-15).

The names Christian, Daughter of the King, and Beloved originate with God. It’s because of His divine paternity and through His Son Jesus that we have a name that is more desirable than great riches and better than silver or gold (Proverbs 22:1).   

To have a good name means to have a good reputation marked by integrity, godly character and conduct. It’s one thing to receive a good name from God, it’s quite another to live up to that name.

Women of integrity have a good name because they hallow God’s name. Jesus taught us to pray, Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name (Matthew 6:9). We hallow God’s name when we think on His holiness and “recognize Him as transcendent in every moral attribute” (John Lewis). We hallow His name when we sanctify God in our hearts, setting apart Christ as Lord (1 Peter 3:15). His name is hallowed when our thoughts, conversations, and actions honor Him, and regrettably, His name is profaned when we fail to live as He requires.

If you were introduced to someone new in your community or at church and she said to you, “Oh, I’ve heard of you!” What do you think it is that she probably heard? Would it be your tender heart toward children, your prayer life, or your service projects? Or would it be that you’re a shopaholic, have control issues, or are updating your status on Facebook by the quarter hour? What is your name associated with first? Our integrity impacts our reputation, our reputation reflects our name, and more importantly, the holy name of God.  

Wisdom Step: Who are you trying to make a name for today? Seek to only desire and pursue His name and glory today and always.

My dear Jesus, my Savior, is so deeply written in my heart, that I feel confident, that if my heart were to be cut open and chopped to pieces, the name of Jesus would be found written on every piece.

St. Ignatius of Antioch

Conduct = Character

Devotional for 12.5.11

Happy December! Along with preparing our hearts during the season of Advent, we’ll join our GEMS in focusing on being wise in integrity. As leaders within this ministry it’s an important reminder to practice what we preach and be true to His Word in every area of our lives. Joining you on that journey. Have a blessed week!

Turn to Proverbs chapter 21 to get wisdom that goes beyond the gold!

CONDUCT = CHARACTER

The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

Proverbs 21:8

Our conduct points to our character. If our behavior is devious or scheming, it points to guilt. If our pattern of choices is upright it indicates innocence and purity of heart. More often than not, our conduct equates our character; our character and deeds tend to run plumb. Even a child is known by his (her) actions, by whether his (her) conduct is pure and right (Proverbs 20:11).

Job was a man of integrity. Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason” (Job 2:3).

Though Job lost all that he had – his family and his possessions – he held fast to his integrity. He fell to the ground and worshiped, demonstrating that He loved God more than His gifts.

Job’s response to such mind-numbing devastation agitated his wife who said, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9) Curse God and die. That was Satan’s goal for Job and remains his objective for mankind yet today.

In spite of Job’s pain and suffering, his unanswered questions and unsupportive spouse and friends, Job kept his steps on God’s path; his feet did not slip. He said, “Till I die, I will not deny my integrity” (Job 27:5). Although he wasn’t sinless, he was forgiven, and knew the joy and freedom of living with a clear conscious.

It’s complicated and pointblank exhausting, to cover up a lie with more lies, and deception with more deception. Foolish conduct leads to wickedness, death and destruction.

The way of the wise has nothing to hide. It’s a straight path to God and abundant life. God’s desire for His children is to guide them in the way of wisdom and lead them along straight paths (Proverbs 4:11). In everything – at home and/or the workplace, when we surf the Internet and pay our bills, interact with friends and/or strangers, let’s set an example by being women of integrity. Like Job, until we die, may we not deny integrity!

Wisdom Step: What kind of characters are you and I? Our conduct will point to the answer.

May I be consistent in conversation and conduct,

the same alone as in company,

in prosperity and adversity,

accepting all Thy commandments as right,

and hating every false way.

The Valley of Vision – A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions

Loyal Friends

Devotional for 11.28.11

Good morning, friends! What joy it is to be forever friends because we are sisters in Jesus! During the month of November we’ve joined the girls and counselors in focusing on wisdom about relationships. Let’s specifically think on the precious gift of friendship together one more time.

Turn to Proverbs chapter 20 to get wisdom that goes beyond the gold!

LOYAL FRIENDS

Many will say they are loyal friends,

but who can find one who is truly reliable?

Proverbs 20:6, NLT

In the book of Proverbs Solomon tells us that what each one of us desires is unfailing love (19:22). We want friends who will love us just the way we are, who will be there for us when we hurt, who will throw a party for us when we’re celebrating, who will extend forgiveness and grace when we mess up.  

Solomon acknowledges that these friends are rare. Many a man (woman) claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man (woman) who can find? (20:6) The Hebrew word that is often translated unfailing love is hesed. It’s a rich word that describes God’s covenant love – His mercy and steadfastness.

Lamentations 3:22-23, speaks of the merciful and steadfast love God has for us: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

God is a Friend like no other. He loves us just the way we are – God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). He’s there for us when we hurt – He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3). He rejoices over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17), forgives our failures (1 John 1:9), and from the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another (John 1:16).

Dear friends, since God so loved us [with unfailing, merciful and steadfast love], we also ought to love one another (1 John 4:11). Ruth demonstrated unfailing love to her mother-in-law Naomi when she said, Don’t urge me to leave you or turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me” (Ruth 1:16-17).

Jonathan and David promised unfailing love to one another. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself (1 Samuel 18:3). Their sworn friendship translated from words to action when Jonathan warned David that King Saul wanted to kill him, and when David showed kindness to Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, providing for all his needs and inviting him to always eat at his table (2 Samuel 9).

“Ruth” and “Jonathan”-like friends are a precious gift from God. May we seek loyal friends and be loyal friends who give unfailing love.

Wisdom Step: Think about your friendships, one by one. Are you demonstrating unfailing love?

Happiness isn’t in possessions, education, or sensory ability. Happiness is found in relationships. And life’s greatest happiness is found in life’s greatest relationship: a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Kenneth L. Tangen

True Friendship

Devotional for 11.21.11 

Let’s turn to Proverbs chapter 19 together so we can get wisdom that goes beyond the gold!

TRUE FRIENDSHIP

Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.

Proverbs 19:4

*Sally was the new girl in our small fourth grade class. There was nothing beautiful or winsome about her. She smelled. She didn’t fit in. Thinking back on the way she dressed and the language she used, I shudder to think of what must’ve been going on in her life outside the protection of our school. Yet for a minute or two, first thing in the morning, she was the most popular child on the playground. That’s because Sally had access to candy – ring pops, candy necklaces, bubble gum, and more. She’d come with a pocketful; first come, first serve. Like a swarm of bees we gathered around Sally until the last piece of candy was dispersed. Then just as quickly as we congregated, we scattered, savoring her treats, but rejecting her. It breaks my heart to this day as I wonder whatever happened to Sally.

What took place on our school playground is not unique or isolated. In Proverbs 19:4 and 7 we learn, Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them. The poor are shunned by all their relatives – how much more do their friends avoid them! Though the poor pursue them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found.

The wealthy have many friends, the poor has a friend.  It’s a sad commentary on the reality of human relationships. Left to the natural inclination of our sinful hearts, we’re attracted to people who have things we want – whether that’s resources, opportunities, or position. If our primary goal in seeking a friend is what we will gain, then the flip side of the coin is that those who lack resources will be bankrupt of friends as well.

Who are your and my friends? Do we love them for who they are or what they can do for us? Do we choose friends based on their Christ-like character or out of mere convenience? Are our relationships sacrificial or self-seeking?  

1 Corinthians 13 wisely points us to what true friendship looks like: Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head, doesn’t force itself on others, isn’t always “me first,” doesn’t fly off the handle, doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, doesn’t revel when others grovel, takes pleasures in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end (MSG).

Wisdom Step: Think about your closest friends. What is the motivation for choosing them as friends? How can you love them the way God loves you?   

We can’t be stingy about the way we love people;

go for broke.

Bob Goff

*Name has been changed.

In Community

Devotional for 11.7.11

Let’s turn to Proverbs chapter 18 together so we can get wisdom that goes beyond the gold!

IN COMMUNITY

An unfriendly man (woman) pursues selfish ends; he (she) defies all sound judgment.

Proverbs 18:1

Although Muppet character Oscar the Grouch lives on Sesame Street, you may know a person or two in your neighborhood with a character quality that resonates with his name. Proverbs 18:1 has a clear message for grouches: An unfriendly man (woman) pursues selfish ends; he (she) defies all sound judgment. Although it serves as a reminder for all of us to be friendlier and to smile more, it runs much deeper than that. At its core, it is wisdom about living in community, in relationship with one another.

He (She) who separates himself (herself) seeks his (her) own desire, he (she) quarrels against all sound wisdom  (NASB, emphasis added).

A man (woman) who isolates himself (herself) seeks his (her) own desire; he (she) rages against all wise judgment (NKJV, emphasis added).

Loners who care only for themselves spit on the common good (MSG, emphasis added).

The Proverbs 18:1 message is clear. It’s foolish to intentionally separate yourself from the faithful and wise community of believers. There should be no lone rangers within God’s family. Stubborn independence goes against sound wisdom, wise judgment, and the common good of the body.

It’s hard work to live in community. Personalities clash. Opinions collide. Petty disagreements ignite into full-flamed conflict. When the dust settles, foolish people may get what they desire, but they’ll lose out on the sound wisdom and relationships that they need.

The New Testament word for community is koinoœnia. It means partnership, communion, participation, and fellowship. We celebrate koinoœnia in Communion. We put it into practice when we share our lives (1 Thessalonians 2:8), our property (Acts 4:32), the gospel (Philippians 1:5), and share in Jesus’ suffering and glory (1 Peter 4:13).   

Can you think of someone within God’s family whom you’ve separated yourself from or maybe he or she has made the choice to separate from you? Paul gives us practical wisdom on relationships in Romans 12:9-21, including this command: If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (v18). Is that always easy? No. Is it the wisest choice you can make? Every time.

Wisdom Step: If there is division between you and another person within the body of Christ today, seek to do your part to live in community.   

If we do not give thanks daily for the Christian fellowship in which we have been placed, even where there is no great experience, no discoverable riches, but much weakness, small faith, and difficulty; if on the contrary, we only keep complaining to God that everything is so paltry and petty, so far from what we expected, then we hinder God from letting our fellowship grow according to the measure and riches which are there for us all in Jesus Christ.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Wisdom About Relationships

Devotional for 10.31.11

Hello, friends. What a dear word: Friends. Throughout the month of November we’re going to focus on the wisdom the book of Proverbs gives us about our relationships. Let’s give thanks again to God for the gift of relationships and for the especially sweet treasure of the sisterhood.

Let’s turn to Proverbs chapter 17 together so we can get wisdom that goes beyond the gold!

WISDOM ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS

Better a dry crust with peace and quiet

than a house full of feasting, with strife.

Proverbs 17:1

As fall transitions to winter, there are changes in wardrobes and food choices. The capris and t-shirts are traded in for jeans and sweaters. The menu moves from chicken on the grill to comforting chicken noodle soup on the stovetop. There’s comfort in the warmth of a fireplace, a mug of hot chocolate, and extra quilts on the bed.

Relationships are one of the comforts of human life that God has gifted us. He intends for us to experience comfort and joy in the love, peace, and unity that are characteristics of wise relationships.

• Those who are wise in relationships care more about who’s around the table then what’s on the table. Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife (Proverbs 17:1). Experts agree that sharing meals strengthens family relationships. Children who eat regularly with their families and feel a sense of peace and security around the table, experience better grades, healthier eating habits, closer relationships with their parents and siblings, and a greater ability to resist negative peer pressure.

• Those who are wise in relationships extend grace to all. He (She) who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends (Proverbs 17:9). When people makes mistakes the wise cover it with grace and love. The foolish gossip about it. One strengthens relationships; the other destroys them. So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you (Matthew 7:12).

• Those who are wise in relationships are quick to help those in need. A friend is loyal, and a brother (sister) is born to help in time of need (Proverbs 17:17). True friends stick together in the good times and the bad. If one falls down, his (her) friend can help him (her) up. But pity the man (woman) who falls and has no one to help him (her) up (Ecclesiastes 4:10)!

Jesus is the glorious, perfect fulfillment of how to be wise in our relationships. He is a friend to sinners, one who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24), and a servant of all, who in love and humility, made Himself nothing, becoming obedient to death so we can have a forever relationship with God (Philippians 2:5-11).

Wisdom Step: Thank God for the relationships you have. Pursue wise, practical, and fun ways to strengthen your relationships today.   

To have a good friend is one of the highest delights of life; to be a good friend is one of the noblest and the most difficult undertakings.  

Unknown

The Heart/Lip Connection

Devotional for 10.24.11

Blessed Monday to each one of you! How are you? What’s stirring in your heart today? That impacts so much, doesn’t it? The things that we think about and that we treasure within our hearts, impact our attitudes, our choices, and our words.

Let’s turn to Proverbs chapter 16 together so we can get wisdom that goes beyond the gold!

THE HEART/LIP CONNECTION

A wise man’s (woman’s) heart guides his (her) mouth,

and his (her) lips promote instruction.

Proverbs 16:23

The book of James, chapter 3, provides practical and truth-filled visuals about our tongues. A small bit can turn a large horse. Even in strong winds, a small rudder can steer a huge ship. A small spark can ignite a great forest on fire. And our teeny-tiny tongues contain that same fiery power for good or for evil.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, (my sisters), this should not be (James 3:9-10). This should not be, yet too often it is. James speaks of the irony of how all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man (or woman) can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:7-8).

  

To be wise women who speak wise words, we need to fill our hearts and minds with God’s wisdom. Our heart guides our mouth (Proverbs 16:23a). From a wise mind comes wise speech (Proverbs 16:23a, NLT). Jesus said, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man (woman) brings good things out of the good stored up in him (her), and the evil man (woman) brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him (her).” (Matthew 12:34-35) We cannot ignore the connection between our heart and our lips! This is an especially critical reminder for those who teach and are in leadership positions within their clubs and churches.

When we fear the LORD and gain His wisdom, the way we lead and instruct those we disciple will reflect that wisdom. According to Proverbs 16 our words will be . . .

• From the LORD. He gives the reply of the tongue (v 1)
• Honest. Truth will be spoken (v 13)
• Pleasant. Learning will increase (v 21)
• Sweet. Health will be given to the body (v 24)
• Patient. Self-control will be kept (v 32)

Sadly, the opposite is also true. Foolish words come with painful consequences. When we speak what seems right to us instead of speaking from God’s wisdom, it leads to death (v 25). When our words are poison instead of wise, they scorch like fire (v 27); they stir up dissension, and separate friends (v 28).

Wisdom Step: Think about the connection between your heart and lips in your leadership positions within your home, club, church, and community.  

God be in my head, and in my understanding;

God be in my eyes, and in my looking;

God be in my mouth, and in my speaking;

God be in my heart, and in my thinking;

God be at my end, and in my departing.

Old Sarum Primer, 1558

An Apt Reply

Devotional for 10.17.11

Let’s turn to Proverbs chapter 15 together so we can get wisdom that goes beyond the gold!

AN APT REPLY

A man (woman) finds joy in giving an apt reply –

and how good is a timely word.

Proverbs 15:23

Timing is everything, they say, and according to Proverbs 15:23 there’s special joy when we give an apt and timely word. Maybe that’s because it’s so rare when we say the right thing at just the right time! In haste or frustration we tend to speak too soon or too much. In retrospect we think of the should’ves – Should’ve listened closer, should’ve talked less, should’ve said this, shouldn’t have said that . . .

How do we gain wisdom on giving an apt reply? One of the ways is to look to Jesus, the greatest of all communicators!

Jesus listened and paid attention to people. An apt and timely word begins with closed lips and open ears. Concentrate on what people say and listen closely to their words (Proverbs 4:20). Jesus paid attention. He noticed Zacchaeus in the treetop (Luke 19:1-10), in a large crowd He felt the touch of a woman who was subject to bleeding for twelve years (Mark 5:24-34), and He stooped to hold babies and bless children (Luke 18:15-17). When people were hurting, hungry, and lacked hope, He listened, paid attention, and responded with love.

Jesus asked a lot of questions. The first to present his (her) case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him (her) (Proverbs 18:17). Asking sincere questions invites people into the activity of discovery. It’s often more effective for people to discover the truth on their own then for us to bulldoze our way through the conversation with bullet points of advice and three-point sermons of how they should make wiser choices. Although the Gospels only record a fraction of Jesus’ words, they contain more than one hundred fifty questions that Jesus asked! Jesus could’ve told His disciples, “I am the Christ.” Instead He invited them into the discovery and asked, “Who do you say I am?” (Mark 8:29). He could’ve told the religious leaders that His authority comes from God. Instead He answered their questions with questions that were imbedded with truth. Do you think questions are an effective way to give an apt reply?

Jesus spoke the truth in love. An apt and timely word is motivated by love. All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse (Proverbs 8:8). Jesus was the Truth and He spoke the truth. Not to prove that He was smart or right, or to be well-liked or well-known. He spoke the truth because He loved people. Jesus told His heavenly Father, “I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them” (John 17:26).  

Wisdom Step: Read through one of the Gospels this week. Record and learn from the ways that Jesus gave an apt and timely word.  

Jesus isn't wowed by fancy words. Keep it simple: Love God; love people; and do stuff. That about covers it.

Bob Goff