Godly women in this day and age :)

Elisabeth Elliot comes to mind.She and her husband and her husband's friends went to  a certain country (can't remember the name) to share the good news about Christ.Her husband and his friends were killed.But instead of leaving the country,she continued to serve these people and spreading the gosplel.She is proof that the "peace of God surpasseth all understanding" and she defines self-denial.

For the past few months,I've been reading some of her quotes.They bless my soul.I struggled with the issue of feminity,submission UNTIL I came across her writings.God has gifted her with writings that calls the soul to Christ.She's challenged me to be pure,goldy,submissive,domestic and more.I'll keep sharing her quotes here.

“To me, a lady is not frilly, flouncy, flippant, frivolous and fluff-brained, but she is gentle, she is gracious, she is godly and she is giving. You and I have the gift of femininity... the more womanly we are, the more manly men will be and the more God is glorified. Be women, be only women, be real women in obedience to God.”
― Elisabeth Elliot

“Christ is sufficient. We do not need "support groups" for each and every separate tribulation. The most widely divergent sorrows may all be taken to the foot of the same old rugged cross and find there cleansing, peace, and joy.”
― Elisabeth Elliot, These Strange Ashes 

“Unless a man is prepared to ask a woman to be his wife, what right has he to claim her exclusive attention? Unless she has been asked to marry him, why would a sensible woman promise any man her exclusive attention? If, when the time has come for a commitment, he is not man enough to ask her to marry him, she should give him no reason to presume that she belongs to him.”
― Elisabeth Elliot, Passion and Purity: Learning to Bring Your Love Life Under Christ's Control 

“God's command 'Go ye, and preach the gospel to every creature' was the categorical imperative. The question of personal safety was wholly irrelevant.”
― Elisabeth Elliot

The woman who accepts the limitations of womanhood finds in those very limitations her gifts, her special calling which bears her up into perfect freedom, into the will of God.

Elisabeth Elliot

Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/author/17940-Elisabeth_Elliot

The woman who accepts the limitations of womanhood finds in those very limitations her gifts, her special calling which bears her up into perfect freedom, into the will of God.

Elisabeth Elliot

Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/author/17940-Elisabeth_Elliot

 

The woman who accepts the limitations of womanhood finds in those very limitations her gifts, her special calling which bears her up into perfect freedom, into the will of God.

Elisabeth Elliot

Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/author/17940-Elisabeth_Elliot

A godly woman is UNASSUMING

A godly woman is UNASSUMING

Nor does she allow herself to be in situations where she will end up assuming nor does she allow her mind to assume.

What I mean is, we should not conclude until something is stated, as we are putting ourselves on the devil's ground. This I've seen especially in our relationships with our brothers. A brother will show kindness towards a sister, share the Word, be there for her and she will suddenly assume he's interested in her. Or a brother may give certain looks at a sister and she will assume the same. I’ve been a victim of this and by God's grace I see its evilness and slowly overcoming, through His grace.

Most of my sisters have been hurt because of this. I remember  an instance when a lady I know had been in  a long friendship with a certain guy and because they shared their problems with each other they became close-this is a general thing, the more we share certain things about ourselves with certain individuals the bond becomes tight. This is evident in our spiritual life as well-there more time we spend in prayer and in God's word, witnessing we become closer to God. But back to my story, she started viewing the guy friend in a different light and would have loved a relationship with him.

But sadly, the idea was not mutual. And she was badly hurt and then she went on to say the friend used him. But on what grounds? He was never in a relationship with her to begin with. And there is a lot of this going on between brothers and sisters in the church. But this is not how God would have it.
He would have us "affectionate, kind, and devoted to one another. “Romans 12:10

Even so, there need to be boundaries so that hearts don't get broken-after all, “love does no harm" Romans 13:10.And so my sisters, let us pray for an unassuming spirit. We should not quickly assume that because a brother expresses kindness towards us he's interested or he wants to pursue a relationship with us. It’s his brotherly duty. And we should guard our hearts and examine our feelings and ask God to search our hearts. In fact, I’m learning that we need to give God our feelings, because feelings cannot be trusted and "the heart is wicked above all things”. A speaker once advised that as ladies, we should not place ourselves where we are likely to develop feelings for a brother.

How do we do this? Let us make God our only, true friend. Instead of pouring our hearts to guys, let us tell Jesus because he is more than eager to hear about our struggles and he enjoys it when we come to Him. That way, we have more control over our hearts.Also, pray for a godly sister in whom you can share your trials with or get an older, godly woman to pray with and seek advice from. And if you happen to be blessed with godly parents, share your struggles with them-this not only saves you from a broken heart but strengthens the relationship you have.

And yes, guys are accountable as it is not wise for them to be our confidant. But I'd rather talk to sisters. And as much as we are to love our brothers, we must guard carefully how we interact so that we don't mislead each other and end up losing focus on why we are on this earth.

And just an illustration from the human body: during reproduction/...,the sperm is the one that runs after the egg not the other way around. This simply shows it is not according to God's order for a godly woman to "pursue" a man.It's against God's order. And my dear twin brother has often told me that pursuing a guy makes him disrespect you or use you. Let’s not put ourselves in situations where we'll get hurt.

I've learnt that the ONLY time it is appropriate for us to open our hearts is when we are in a relationship. That way you won’t get hurt. Let us not open our hearts to every guy out there-your future spouse is the one worthy of that.

May God grant us with godly reserve and an unassuming spirit? May we be so focused on Christ, that we'll pursue pure relationships with our brothers with no mind games?

THE LANGUAGE OF HEAVEN:PART 1

In the word of God we are commanded to do everything to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).And talking is part of "everything".Do we,by our speech,characterise the character of God,the character of love?Jesus came to live on earth and we told he words that were fitted for every season.Nowhere do we find him expressing any impatience in his speech nor any unkindness or anger.We are told his words were full of love and compassion,regardless of how he felt or was going through.

His speech was always "edifying and full of truth".And as Christ's followers we are to walk every path he took;even in our speech.I'm grateful to God for revealing this to me as I need reformation of speech.When I think in the past,I'm ashamed that I have spoked rudely to my brother or to my mum.But I thank God that he is helping me even in this area.

There's instances when I've seen parents shout and call their children "stupid" or just speaking in an unkind manner and this is always hurtful to watch.SOP goes on to say Christ is hurt and displeased when hurtful,spoken when words are spoken to little children or to anyone for that matter.In the word of God we are told about heaven and how angels always praise God.In heaven sin doesn't pervade there and there is no intolerance or hurtful words uttered there.And if we want to make it to heaven,we then have to prepare our speech now.

Our speech is a testimony on it own.When Peter denied Christ,we are told his speech revealed that he had been with Christ.Can people say that about us?Or we are the first to curse,critisise and speak in anger?Are even considerate of others?

If we are to have peace and joy in this world full of misery,then our words should be well calculated.We will even give account of our words,when Jesus comes (Revelation 22:12).And God is able to help each when of us to speak pure,edifying,kind words.

Let us prayerfully consider this passgage of scripture:

" Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."~Ephesians 4:29

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."-Colossians 4:6

^" Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."-Ephesians 4:32.Kindness is also expressed in words!

May David's prayer be ours as well: "Set a guard over my mouth, Lord;
    keep watch over the door of my lips."-Psalm 141:3





"Our words should be words of praise and thanksgiving. If the mind and heart are full of the love of God, this will be revealed in the conversation." COL 338.

Grateful for the testimonies

I am humbled and filled with much gratitude for the testimonies.I am blessed to be able to make use of these books.I encourage each one of you,to make use of these books.Not only are they inspired but they provide practicalness and help us to understand things not clear/not expanded in God's word.And last but not least,they make us know God's will!

"To the  law and to the testimony,if they speak not according to this word,there is no light in them(paraphrased)"-Isaiah 8:20. They aid us to test whether doctrines are true and of God!Like the word of God,they bring change in us :)!

These quotes blessed me today.

When brought into trial, we are not to fret and complain. We should not rebel, or worry ourselves out of the hand of Christ. We are to humble the soul before God. The ways of the Lord are obscure to him who desires to see things in a light pleasing to himself. They appear dark and joyless to our human nature. But God's ways are ways of mercy and the end is salvation.-DA,p301

No mere external change is sufficient to bring us into harmony with God. There are many who try to reform by correcting this or that bad habit, and they hope in this way to become Christians, but they are beginning in the wrong place. Our first work is with the heart.-DA,p97

The grace of simplicity, meekness, and true affection would make a paradise of the humblest home.-CG,p142

Above all things else, let parents surround their children with an atmosphere of cheerfulness, courtesy, and love. A home where love dwells, and where it is expressed in looks, in words, and in acts, is a place where angels delight to manifest their presence.

Parents, let the sunshine of love, cheerfulness, and happy contentment enter your own hearts; and let its sweet, cheering influence pervade your home. Manifest a kindly, forbearing spirit; and encourage the same in your children, cultivating all the graces that will brighten the home life. The atmosphere thus created will be to the children what air and sunshine are to the vegetable world, promoting health and vigor of mind and body.1The Ministry of Healing, 386, 387.

  

I salute mothers

Especially those who have raised/are raising their children according to God's will.It is really not for the faint-hearted.It requires full dependence on God and faith.What makes me say this?The following statements and what I've seen.

"The mother’s work is such that it demands continual advancement in her own life, in order that she may lead her children to higher and still higher attainments. But Satan lays his plans to secure the souls of both parents and children. Mothers are drawn away from the duties of home and the careful training of their little ones, to the service of self and the world.1Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 60.

For the sake of their children, if for no other reason, mothers should cultivate their intellects, for they bear a greater responsibility in their work than does the king upon his throne. Few mothers feel the weight of the trust that is given them, or realize the efficiency they can attain for their peculiar work through patient, thorough effort in self-culture.

And first, the mother needs to strictly discipline and cultivate all the faculties and affections of the mind and heart, that she may not have a distorted or one-sided character and leave the marks of her deficiency or eccentricity upon her offspring. Many mothers need [to] be roused to see the positive necessity of a change in their purposes and characters in order to perform acceptably the duties they have voluntarily assumed by entering upon the married life. The channel of woman’s usefulness can be widened and her influence extended to an almost unlimited degree if she will give proper attention to these matters, which affect the destiny of the human race."2Pacific Health Journal, May, 1890.

"It is the duty of mothers to cultivate their minds and keep their hearts pure. They should improve every means within their reach for their intellectual and moral improvement, that they may be qualified to improve the minds of their children."4Testimonies For The Church 3:147.
 
"My sister, Christ has committed to you the sacred work of teaching His commandments to your children. In order to be fitted for this work, you must yourself live in obedience to all His precepts. Cultivate a watchful observance of every word and action. Guard most diligently your words. Overcome all hastiness of temper; for impatience, if manifested, will help the adversary to make the home life disagreeable and unpleasant for your children."17Letter 47a, 1902.

~Child Guidance,chapter 8 for further reading!

Parenthood

As I continue to study about parenthood and motherhood especially,I realise before one can be a parent,they need to be children of God and obey him.Parenthood is a great responsibility and only those that seek to do God's will and are dependent on him are qualified to be parents.Parenthood is not mainly a matter of age,but understanding that the children brought in this world need to be led to God and to love His will.But how can one train a child to follow God's will when they don't.I'm tempted to say:there are few true parents out there!May God help us as young people to realise that parenthood comes with great responsibility and the salvation of the children rest upon the parents.

"Parents should study the laws of nature. They should become acquainted with the organism of the human body. They need to understand the functions of the various organs, and their relation and dependence. They should study the relation of the mental to the physical powers, and the conditions required for the healthy action of each. To assume the responsibilities of parenthood without such preparation is a sin."The Ministry of Healing, 380. /Child Guidance pg64.

But all is not lost:"Parents may well inquire, “Who is sufficient for these things?” God alone is their sufficiency, and if they leave Him out of the question, seeking not His aid and counsel, hopeless indeed is their task. But by prayer, by study of the Bible, and by earnest zeal on their part, they may succeed nobly in this important duty, and be repaid a hundredfold for all their time and care.... The source of wisdom is open, from which they may draw all necessary knowledge in this direction."p64

Points to ponder...

Been reading the book of Joshua and thus far I’ve learnt:

-God’s promises are true and they will come to fulfilment
-Disobedience to God’s word always has serious repercussions
-Males and females have different roles and offices: in the Old Testament only males became priests, only men went to battle etc.

Now I ask: If females went to battle, what would happen to the children?

COMPARE:
Titus 2:3-5King James Version (KJV)

3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Timothy 3:1-2King James Version (KJV)

3 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
Timothy 3:12King James Version (KJV)
12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
 

Motherhood:

As I ponder deeply on the calling of motherhood, I realise:

-Being fertile doesn’t qualify one to be a mother, as it’s a calling from God.
-The salvation of her children depends to a large extent on her.

“The mother must keep her mind refreshed and stored with the promises and blessings of God’s Word, and also the forbidden things, that when her children do wrong she may present as a reproof the words of God, and show them how they are grieving the Spirit of God. Teach them that the approbation and smiles of Jesus are of greater value than the praise or flattery or approval of the most wealthy, the most exalted, the most learned of the earth. Lead them to Jesus Christ day by day, lovingly, tenderly, earnestly. You must not allow anything to come between you and this great work.”2The Review and Herald, April 14, 1885. /Child Guidance, page 41

“The mother must ever stand pre-eminent in this work of training the children; while grave and important duties rest upon the father, the mother, by almost constant association with her children, especially during their tender years, must always be their special instructor and companion.”14Pacific Health Journal, January, 1890. /Child Guidance, page 24
If we, as ladies, do not enjoy reading our Bibles now, how will we then be equipped to be mothers?

What kind of home life would you like to have?

When I thought of marriage,I used to see myself living in a big home with a pond :),with fish tanks etc.But then I'd get stuck when it came to children.They'd be there for the sake of  being "fruitful and multiplying".But what a solemn responsibility lies in the home.So many of us think of the home life as leisure where God is not central but we have a wrong idea.

Some ladies want children because children are lovely.And yes they are;but with children comes a responsibility.In fact,the home is a training school for developing a Christian character and preparing the children for serving God here on earth and to be prepared to meet the Lord.

"The educational influences of the home are a decided power for good or for evil.They are in many respects silent and gradual,but if exerted on the right side,they may become a far-reaching power for truth and righteousness.If the child is not instructed aright here,Satan will educate him through his agencies or his choosing.How important,then,is the school home."~Child Guidance,p.17.


From the above statement,we can conclude that not only should  the home be a place of love and safety for children but they are to be instructed to develop Christ-like characters.So ,marriage  life and parenthood is a solemn duty,which should not be lighlty guarded.If a couple decides to have children,they are placing the blood of their children on themselves.With that said,I cannot help but wonder:If we cannot obey God,how do we expect to teach our children to obey Him?

"Home education is not by any means to be neglected.Those who neglect it neglect a religious duty."p18.The home is a place that prepares individuals who will go out into the society and exert an influence-whether good or evil.Shouldn't we,who have a desire to build homes,carefully consider this matter?

"The father and mother shall be the first teachers of their children.Parents should not lightly regard the work of training their children,nor neglect upon any account."p23

May our thoughts concerning marriage and parenthood not be of roses and picnics and family potrait pictures,but of God's ideal.We are to realise that children are "God's property bought with a price" and they are to be taught in the way of the Lord.I wish I can express it more deeply,but it's not for those who are not yielded to God.But it's for those who are willing to be molded by God.

#AS I LEARN