CHAPTER 1
Can I Get a Witness?
And why call me Lord, Lord,and do not the things I say?
—Luke 6:46
Service is over. The Word was spoken. The message behind theWord was heard. The anointing fell, and we promised God wewould change our lives. However, as soon as we step outside thechurch doors, we literally step back into the world. The love andcompassion we show each other inside the church changes. Are wemerely "inside" Christians who put Christ on only between the fourwalls of the church building? Once we get outside those walls, is theworld able to identify the "real" Christians?
We are God's ambassadors and representation. If we continue todo and act like the rest of the world, Christ cannot be seen. Ourprayers are hindered and our blessings are blocked when we do notput the Word of the Lord into practice in our lives.
Each time we assemble, it is another opportunity for God to revealthe areas in which we need to improve. Once that Word is spoken, itis our obligation to receive and live it. Only by doing what He sayscan we experience change. Once change has taken root, what wehave on the inside will come outside. The world will then know thatwe are real Christians.
In the present day, people really need to see God in us so they canknow He is real. My prayer is that we all will become real Christiansbefore He returns and be effective witnesses in our communities tolead people to Christ.
My prayer: Father, let not me live my life in vain. Help me to do allYou say so that I might win others to Christ. Amen.
CHAPTER 2
The Virtuous Woman
Who can find a virtuous woman?
—Proverbs 31:10
To be chaste, faithful, righteous, right-minded, trustworthy, andeffective are a few of the characteristics Christian women are toexhibit. These qualities should be applied daily. We can call themGod's spiritual makeup. Only as we begin to follow the example ofthe virtuous woman in Proverbs will our true beauty be seen.
The virtuous woman is a gift from God. The writer in Proverbs31:10 asks who can find such a woman. This is an indication thatbecoming virtuous means such women are in demand. This is ahigh calling from God and should not be taken lightly. We are calledto set the example of being virtuous wives, mothers, and women ofGod as He has intended.
Let's examine each role of the virtuous wife, mother, and womanof God. Proverbs 31:11–12 says, "The heart of her husband dothsafely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She willdo him good and not evil all the days of her life." This is wheretrustworthiness comes in. She can be trusted. In current times,men find it hard to trust women. As regards virtuous mothers,Proverbs 31:29 says, "Many daughters have done virtuously,but thou excellest them all." The virtuous woman lifts up all herchildren and shows no favor. Her love is unconditional. Finally, inregard to a virtuous woman of God, Proverb 31:30 declares, "Favoris deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord,she shall be praised." This means the virtuous woman respects andhonors God by applying her spiritual makeup every day. Proverbs30:28 says, "Her children call her blessed; her husband also, and hepraises her." The blessing of the Lord rests upon her, and her familyacknowledges it. "Her price is far above rubies" (Proverbs 31:10).This woman is a valuable jewel. Priceless!
So, ladies, let's take a stand and be the women God has called usto be, without compromise. When our spiritual makeup shows, ournatural beauty will shine!
My prayer: Father, as I transform into the woman You have calledme to be, let Your reflection and love be a light that all can see.Amen.
CHAPTER 3
Love
If you love me, keep my commandments.
—John 14:15
The law of love is the force that releases all of God's blessings intoour lives. Everything hangs on love, and God associates love withfollowing His commandments.
In Matthew 22, Jesus speaks about two commandments. The firstand great commandment is found in Matthew 22:37: "Thou shaltlove the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, andwith all thy mind." This means our hearts, souls, and minds shouldbe constantly consumed with God. The second commandment is"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" (Matthew 22:39).
Who are our neighbors? According to Webster's...