CHARACTER
Today’s Reading: Proverbs 31
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
On display in the Archaeological Museum in Pella, Greece, is a golden leaf crown. This was created to resemble the wreath of leaves placed on the head of Olympic champions. Of course the Emperor had to have one made of Gold. Today’s reading should help us all strive to be the best we can be with God’s Spirit working 24/7 within us.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Proverbs 31:10-11
Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
Could it be that Solomon was describing his own mother and the wife of his father. David and Bathsheba’s first child died at birth, and Solomon was their #2 child. No doubt Bathsheba shared in the words of repentance found in Psalm 51. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, believed that King Lemuel, whose name is mentioned in this chapter, was Solomon himself and that Lemuel was one of Solomon’s names which means, “One who comes from God.” Wesley notes, “Perhaps David and Bathsheba, as a pledge of their reconciliation with God, gave Solomon this name, along with others, to remind him of his obligation to God.” It’s very possible that in Solomon’s eyes, his mother Bathsheba became the “virtuous wife” he describes. We serve a God who redeems the fallen and who, by His Holy Spirit, develops character so that a person, made in God’s image, can change and grow into the “stature of the fulness of Christ.” For a New Testament reading check out Ephesians 4:12-16.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray with my whole being for Your help to fulfill all the potential that You desire to develop in me. Help me to be honest, virtuous and honourable. May the character of Jesus grow more and more in me, not by my own efforts alone, but by Your Spirit filling me, changing me, and growing me until I come into the “stature of the fulness of Christ.” Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Over the years I have read extensively about a man of character, Nelson Mandela, as well as reading his own writings. Mandela said on one occasion, “One thing 27 years in prison taught me was to use the silence of solitude to realize how precious words are.” Reading this and thousands of Mandela’s other words has caused me to strive to do a better job of using words here on my blog. I’ve read that during his years in prison with just bread and water for breakfast, he would lift the bread to God and say, I receive this in remembrance of Your body, Lord Jesus, and with the water, “I receive this in remembrance of Your blood.” This would have been in keeping with his Wesleyan Methodist upbringing. Then he would be taken outside to the hard labour which they required of him. I saw a photo in a Toronto newspaper from just before Mandela was elected President. It was of Mandela, DeKlerk, President at the time of South Africa, and Mangosuthu Buthelezi of the Zulu people, kneeling together during a prayer meeting. A bloody civil war was averted, and a week later Mandela was President. Could Mandela’s deep and mainly private relationship with God have been the secret of his amazing strength of character? I leave this for you to judge.
Yours for becoming all we can be with the great help of God’s Spirit dwelling within us,
David
Nelson Mandela was certainly a very great person. Using his time wisely and communing with the Lord, brought him out with a sound mind and a special place for ministry. A good reminder for us all.
Absolutely by the Holy Spirit we can prosper
Mandela was much like Paul in that he did not become bitter but accepted his imprisonment ,perhaps as from God,for a time when He could use him for His purposes?He had much time to think and he did not become unbalanced and look what he and He accomplished.
My back is noticeably a little better today but still hurts to cough and I may be catching Rev.Fortier’s nasty cold.I could not attend church today but will be getting some nourishment online.Yall be blessed
Breath From God
Each page is a breath from God,
Each sentence is written in love
And it will guide you as you trod
On your journey home above.
Let not fear plug up your ears
Nor the beauty of its truth escape,
For this truth dissolves all your fears
And fills your heart with agape.
To know the mind of the Lord
Is the purpose of these words divine,
So that you can wield His mighty sword
To fulfill His just design.
(G W) Bill Marshall/30 Nov, 2015
Amen
AMEN
wondering if you’ve had your back x-rayed? I get Aqupuncture every 3 months, it works so well for me, thankful for your postings William; God bless you amen amen amen
Amen Pastor David and Doreen! Beautiful Posts today. God bless you everyone!
Agreeing with David’s prayer: to become all we can be with the great help of God’s Spirit dwelling within us. Amen. Praying dear Saints for the requests at 8 pm, including Shawn, Cindy, Melanie, Sah, Ann, Deanna, Bill, Ger’s church, and all other needs of the Saints. Yes, lets start right away, if you can. Praise God we are united in prayer. There is no power so great. Amen?
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 ESV
Casting Crowns – I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day Live
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7670CXvPX0
TY Beverlee Kay; God bless you; I am being honest; I did not pray at 8 but I did pray when I awoke at 1 p.m. Yes the Lord God taught us His prayer! It is powerful! Prayer moves mountains!
the Lord knows about the room I have to rent; I ask Him what should I do? He knows the right person and the right circumstances for the room!
thankful for this past Friday & Saturday night; went to concerts in town; they were fabulous; Kyle Anderson played Friday night and the Jingle Jangle concert played at the Baptist Church; very fun and enjoyable evenings; I am so thankful
Thank you Beverlee, for your prayers, and for posting the link to this most beautiful rendition of this, my favorite Christmas song. Blessings on you sister.
Agreed with
David’s prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for your precious Word. It is, as Paul said, “the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes…” I’m reminded of that every time I think of Longfellow’s “I heard the bells on Christmas day”, a testimony of hearing, pondering, and one day accepting the Gospel message.
Thank You for your church, your people – where would any of us be without the loving work done by You through your children? Bless each and every one, Lord, and help us do the work You have given us. Especially bless all the pastors, evangelists, and leaders of your church today, Father, we ask in Jesus’s great name, amen