I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. (Acts 17-18)

Paul, frequently called the greatest New Testament writer, was first a persecutor of Christians. He gloried in their deaths. His zeal was known far and wide. But one day, on a road he met the one true and living God and his life was changed forever. With even more zeal than before, he brought the gospel to the Gentiles - you and me.

God forgave Paul for his previous life and used him to bring glory to His name. When Paul preached, he often reminded others what he had done and who he had been before salvation. He explained not only the saving grace of Jesus Christ, but he also shared the forgiveness we all can find in Him. Paul’s personal admissions made his testimony for the Lord even stronger

Your story is your testimony. What have you gone through that you can use to bring others to Christ? Tell them. You are forgiven. Now it’s time to share that you may inspire others to seek a relationship with the risen Lord. Then give God glory!

Blessings,

Joyce

Ruth full of tenacity was determined to follow after the heart of her mother in law Naomi.

(Ruth 1:16.17 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to 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.”)

Arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning, Ruth found great favor in the eyes of Boaz and was allowed to glean grain after the harvesters. Ruth continued to be blessed in every aspect of her servant’s heart, while Naomi continued to be a blessing to Ruth as she mentored her in so many ways. This was a true bond of love. God blessed Naomi as well as Boaz and Ruth with a son. The kinsman redeemer had come!

• Are we the daughter in laws that would cherish the heart and guidance of our mother in laws, supporting them and providing for them at their time of need?
• Are we the mothers in law that lovingly guide, and help establish a healthy relationship that builds up rather than tear down?

In today’s society we see and hear so many negative terms regarding this precious relationship mother in law; daughter in law. However, Ruth and Naomi should serve as an example for every Christian mother in law and daughter in law. Sadly enough this may not be the realistic in every household, but we can start somewhere. Whether we are the daughter in law or mother in law; just taking time to glean from the Book of Ruth it will help inspire the true heart of the matter. Prayerfully we can build, establish, rebuild and re-establish this loving bond of daughters and mother in laws for the future of our families.

Then the Lord answered me and said: “ Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. 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.” (Habakkuk 2:2-3)

My favorite quotation is one by Dr. Benjamin E. Mays:

“Every man and woman is born into the world to do something unique and something distinctive and if he or she does not do it, it will never be done.”

I truly believe this with all my heart. It is one of my driving forces. I know the Lord placed me on this earth to accomplish certain things and every day I try my best to do just that. He gave me a vision for my life that I want to see come to pass. I know if I do my part, God will do His.

What about you? What are you doing with your vision? If you feel stuck or you don’t know where to start, ask and answer these questions:

Purpose - Are you clear about your purpose? Do you know what God created you to do? Before you can clearly write your vision, you have to know your purpose. Pray for guidance and direction; ask the Lord to help you discover your purpose. Write down your vision for your life.

Preparation - Everything you’ve gone through in your life is part of your purpose. The pain, trials and circumstances you’ve faced and overcome, help prepare you for living your purpose and carrying out your vision. Look over your life and take note of all of the things the Lord has brought you through or helped you to achieve.

Performance - Knowledge without action is a waste. Performance is the difference between where you currently are and where you want to be. If you see yourself living the vision you have for your life, you can only get there by taking action. Every single day, do at least one thing to help you bring your vision to pass.

Blessings,

Joyce

Psalm 37 1-7 Do not fret because of evildoers, Be not envious toward wrongdoers. For they will wither quickly like the grass and fade like the green herb Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.

Life seems to be moving at a busy pace lately with so much to do and still yet so many things we may want too accomplish. In the midst of meetings, deadlines, family situations, life’s circumstances there is only one thing needed and that is; learning to delight ourself in the Lord. Today may we take time to reflect on the goodness of God and learn to cultivate faithfulness, while resting in Him.

Dear Lord; teach us to rest upon You, and to wait upon You. Help us to not fret because of what others are accomplishing ahead of us, but help to learn too wait patiently. Thank you for giving us the desires of our heart(s), and for bringing forth the light of Your love in our lives. Today we bless You Lord God, we praise You Lord God and we worship You Lord God. In the mighty and precious name of Jesus. Amen!

“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm —my great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed.” (Joel 2:25-26)

Founding Father Thomas Paine wrote The Crisis during the American Revolution. One of his most famous quotations is found there. It is,

These are the times that try men’s souls.

Thomas Paine wrote those words during a time of turmoil as this country tried to forge its identify and become a free nation from British rule.

Today, we find ourselves in a time of economic turmoil and Mr. Paine’s words are still applicable. But, just as the Founding Fathers were able to persevere, so shall we.

Whenever things in my life are not as I wish them to be, I am comforted by two things. First, I remember those times from my past when the Lord delivered me from my troubles. If He did it then, He’ll do it again. Second, I cling to God’s promises. He says that He will restore the years the locusts have eaten. So I trust Him as Job trusted Him to restore what I’ve lost.

These may be trying times, but you have a Lord and Savior who has not forgotten you. Look to Him to bring you through.

Blessings,

Joyce

Life is filled with so many possibilities for the Proverbs 31 women!

While we may not realize it until we have a God encounter moment, knowing that there is so much possibility within each of us. While the world may say it’s impossible; we know for those who walk with God; all things are possible!

Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Just this morning during a bit of quiet time, prayer and reflection I have a dream filled with possibilities, and hope to walk it out with the Lord’s direction. Whether we realize it or not we all have a dream and a passion to aspire and do things for our families, communities, and friends. Can this be a future vision filled with possibilities? Do we embrace this dream and seek the Lord on it or just lay it down to fizzle out? Often times as women we get caught up in the day to day mundane tasks without taking a moment of reflection, seeking the Lord for that which He has birthed within us.

Take a moment today and reflect upon the principles and precepts of Proverbs 31; and see what the Lord is speaking to your heart for your family, future and plan. It may be filled with many possibilities…

Proverbs 31 women continue to strive after the ways of the Lord and keep her relationship with Jesus Christ first and foremost. She is a loving woman, nurturing and enriching the life of her husband, family and friends. She helps to shape the next generation, training up her children to follow after the heart of God. She is a business woman, a faithful steward; daily seeking wisdom to follow God’s precepts.

Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised.

Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. (1 Corinthians 9:16-17)

Paul knew his purpose. Do you find yourself questioning yours? Have you ever cried out, “Lord, why am I here?” If so, you’re not alone. Most of us have a desire to live a life of purpose. Just look at the success of The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.

Here are some other questions to consider as you petition the Lord about His purpose for your life:

What is it you do, that when you do it, you lose track of time?

What gifts has the Lord given you?

What are you passionate about?

Pray that the Lord will help you find the calling that makes you feel the same compulsion that Paul did. Be confident that He will answer.

Blessings,

Joyce

Psalm 75:1 We give praise and thanks to You, O God, we praise and give thanks; Your wondrous works declare that Your Name is near and they who invoke Your Name rehearse Your wonders.

A word of thanks can mean many things in different languages. It can be formal or informal, for service or for a gift, spoken to an individual or a group. It can be a heartfelt prayer, a blessing or even a word of hope. It is good to learn how to say; ‘thank you’ in foreign languages, and should always be spoken as a common courtesy. When I think about the word; thank you, it reminds me of a word spoken with a heart that is filled with genuine gratitude.

Taking time today; I want to say thank you Dear Lord. Thank you for the sunshine that comes through the wake of a brand new morning… Thank you for dear friends that send letters of encouragement… help me Dear Lord to remember and do the same… Thank you for the ability to share a meal with a stranger that has now become a good friend. Thank you for helping me to see the beauty in each new day, even after the storm clouds have rolled away. Thank you for those mountain top experiences, even while sitting still in the valleys. I want to thank you for those who proclaim the good news of salvation through your Son Jesus Christ. (John 3:16) Thank you for bringing hope and deliverance to a heart that is lost in sin. (Rom. 26:22-23)

As we take time each morning in prayer and petition with matters of the heart will we reflect upon the goodness of the Lord and say; thank you? Take a moment and thank Him for all of His daily benefits and blessings. Bless Him today with a heart of thanksgiving.

Ephesians 5:20 At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.

Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, a just God and a Savior; there is none besides Me. (Isaiah 45:21)

There is a woman business owner I’ve looked up to over the years. I’ve watched her go from relative obscurity to being known nationally and internationally. She’s come a far way from struggling to pay bills to being a multi-millionaire.

She’s never professed to be a Christian. However, she often talked about thanking God for His blessings and answering her prayers. That was until recently. I listened to her a few weeks ago as she thanked the universe for allowing her to achieve her current level of success. Even though she has only been a mentor from afar, I realize that it’s time for us to part ways.

There’s a lot of talk these days from people from all walks of life, about the universe this and the universe that. The problem is that the universe was created by the Creator and a created thing can never be equal to or greater than its Creator.

I know that everyone does not share my Christian beliefs. Consequently, it’s up to me to be vigilant in what I allow into my life. I want nothing to pull me away from the one true and living God. Above Him, there is no other - He is the only One. So, as others talk about the universe supplying them with this blessing and that blessing, I am ever mindful to keep my eyes and ears clearly focused on the great I AM.

Blessings,

Joyce