“A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” Tenneva Jordan
I want to take a moment and applaud the women of my life…
First, there is mom. The very first woman I knew. She raised me, cared for me, guided me, helped me in numerous ways.
Jenny, my wife. The woman I fell in love with, my friend, my partner, the one who loves me in spite of all my mistakes and flaws.
My sister, whom I didn’t know completely growing up thanks to our age difference. But today she is my big sister who loves Jesus and cares deeply about me.
My many teachers who were women. I could tell some funny stories about these crazy ladies…but the bottom line is they were awesome in teaching me skills needed for today.
My Sunday School teachers and Children’s church volunteers. Wow, it wasn’t just knowing the Bible – it was the fact that they served!
Those I know today that serve in the church, in ministry, and sacrificially give back.
Thank you ladies. You are a blessing.
God created each of you with purpose and value. Trust God. Trust what He has given to you. Find your hope, security, and strength in God alone.
A godly woman isn’t perfect, rather she’s learning to open up and trust in her Savior. The measuring stick of godliness isn’t based on a comparison to others, but on your personal commitment to Jesus Christ. I encourage you to grow spiritually, and as you do you will:
Demonstrate an intimate familiarity with God’s Word – “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
You reveal godliness in you when your thoughts, words, and advice are based on the Bible and not your opinion. You’re not throwing out scriptures to show how knowledgeable and spiritual you are, but rather your key instinct is balancing faith and actions on the word of God.
Resonate a calm and quietness of spirit – “Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (1 Peter 3:4)
You don’t frantically wring your hands in the valleys of the unexpected. Instead, you have the inner peace of the Holy Spirit to comfort, guide, and teach you when everything seems out of control. You learn to lay your concerns at the foot of the cross and leave them there.
Be grounded in courage and strength – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
As our culture tumbles down the slippery slope of worldliness and immorality, you are confident in your Sovereign God to make all things work together for good. You will refuse to let fear invade your thoughts or feelings by constantly reminding yourself of God’s promise to never leave you.
Be relentless in prayer and intercession – “Pray continually.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
We need to fervently grab hold of Jesus just like the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21-28 and refuse to let circumstances dictate the final outcome over faith. Never give up praying for the hardest hearts, the deepest needs, or the highest mountain tops.
Be generous in resources – “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion…” (2 Corinthians 9:11)
As a godly person, you will give time, energy, gifts, and finances in days of feasting or famine. You learn to resist the fear of holding back because of your strong confidence in God to meet your needs according to His riches in glory and to grant all your desires according to His will.
I found these five challenges on a website for godly women. BUT, these five spiritual growth marks can be applied to us men as well…
Thank you, and God bless you as you faithfully follow Him.
Pastor Rex