A Wife's Biblical Submission Bible Study

Texas Revival Series - Evangelism Conference

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:29:00 +0000

I wanted to invite all of you and your families (including your kids, teens and up) to a fabulous evangelism conference that will be held next Saturday, September 26 from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m., right here in TEXAS!!! Hallelujah!

Please pass this on to others who you know will be encouraged by a conference like this! :-)

This conference sponsored by First Baptist Church of Justin and The Lost Cause Ministries. (TLC) Two faithful brothers and fervent men of God, Jon Speed and Tim Crawford (of TLC) are heading up this conference.

All four of our family members are attending and we're so excited! These are the guys I go to UNT with every Tuesday to evangelize and our whole family has evangelized with these guys numerous times. We love them! They are such great men of faith and God has used them mightily to exhort us and remind us why we are still here.

They have a fabulous line of speakers who will speak for about 55 minutes with a 5 minute break in between each speaker. We will also have a 2-hour break for dinner.

Oh, and here's the BEST part! These guys are not just talkers, or only "hearers" of the Word, but faithful doers. So after the conference they will take a team and hit the streets to evangelize! This last part however, is voluntary, so please come as the Holy Spirit leads you, and not just when you feel comfortable. If it makes you feel better, I'm scared ALL the time to evangelize. Really, I am. But God is always faithful to empower me from on high. And if you are willing, I know He will do the same for you, for our Lord shows no favoritism. :-)

The conference is FREE, but you must register since space is limited. Below are all the details:

CONFERENCE:
Texas Revival Series
DATE:
Saturday, September 26, 2009
TIME:
1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
(w/2-hr dinner break, see schedule below)
LOCATION:
FBC Justin
402 8th Street
Justin, TX 76247

We’re excited about the powerful preaching we’re going to hear, the opportunity to fellowship with like minded believers, and the outreach afterwards in Sundance Square in Fort Worth.

We’re so excited, we want everyone to know about it. We’ve been advertising the event on KDKR 91.3, on Facebook ads, by email, with postcards, and elsewhere on the internet.

We think that you will agree; it’s not often we get this caliber of evangelism training and just good old fashioned preaching in DFW.

Keep in mind that our speakers are known for their passion for the Word of God and evangelism.

SPEAKERS:

Keith Daniel, a committed preacher of the Word from South Africa, has been coming to this country for years and the Lord has greatly used him during those times to bring many to faith in Christ.
Randall Easter, an evangelistic pastor and a friend of Paul Washer’s, is a man of God who serves the Lord with great passion for His Word and His people.
Mack Tomlinson is a busy conference speaker who was discipled by Leonard Ravenhill and on the board of HeartCry Missionary Society.
Mike Gendron is in demand as a speaker on witnessing to Roman Catholics.

We’re blessed to have each of these men speak.

This will also be a time to get informed about evangelism resources. Ministry tables will include: Way of the Master, One Million Tracts, Custom Tract Source, Gospel for Asia, and more.

When it’s all over, those who are interested will take the gospel to the streets of Fort Worth. This is not a conference where people are encouraged only to be a hearer of the Word. Our prayer is that people will become doers of the Word.

Freebies:

Remember, it is FREE to attend this conference. In addition to the conference being free, we’re giving away:

One copy of the evangelistic DVD “Missing Heaven Unaware” to each household that’s registered.
One copy of the book “Evangelism in the New Testament” to each household.

Lack of Communication?

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:51:00 +0000

Hello precious sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ,

For those of you who are not subscribed to my personal/devotional blog, I have been very ill. As a matter of fact, I was just released from the hospital after being there for six (6) days.

In the effort to communicate with all of you the best way I can, please read my health updates/what God has taught me while in the hospital over at my personal blog entitled: Meditations from the Hospital Bed; there are only three (3).

Please pray that in spite of my serious health conditions, that the Lord will provide me the mind and strength to finish writing this study.

I never anticipated that the Lord would draw so many of His precious daughters to this study in order to fulfill the mandate He gave us re: biblical submission. I am humbled, grateful and overwhelmed by His generosity, mercy and love towards us.

Unfortunately, I cannot write or respond to each of you, as much as I'd like to. Many of you have sent me private messages through email, and I wanted to let you know that I do read them all and pray over each of you. Please do not think my lack of communication is any indication of my communication with our heavenly Father on your behalf. ♥ When I am able, as the Holy Spirit moves me, I will respond accordingly. I hope you understand.

Also, for women who have written to me requesting biblical counsel regarding your marriages, please understand that:

if you are not soundly saved, that is; born again of the Spirit through full repentance and trust in Jesus Christ for your life;
and are not first committed to God to fulfill this great commandment to all wives;
if you are not taking this study faithfully or at all;
then I'm afraid I will not be able to respond any longer to your emails

Regarding the first (your eternal salvation), if you are not yet saved, but are interested in knowing how to be saved, I will of course be more than happy to share the Gospel of Christ with you, but if you have no interest in an abandoned and surrendered life in Christ Jesus, then we have nothing to discuss as all my counsel will be based on His words and they will make no sense to you; therefore would be of no benefit to you.

With great love in Jesus,

Mr. Linky Is Back Up & Running!

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:39:00 +0000

Hello beloved and precious sister in Christ Jesus our Lord,

I wanted to let you know that Mr. Linky has been enabled once again. :-)

I look very forward to reading your articles as I am always blessed and learn so much by what God teaches each of you through every lesson. ♥

Oh, by the way, we have a new participant, Casey. She just started this week and I've already been blessed by her commitment and love for Christ and her husband. I encourage you to visit her as I am sure you will be just as blessed as I have been by what the Holy Spirit has been teaching her.

Our God is surely an awesome God!

Mr. Linky Temporarily Disabled

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 18:48:00 +0000

Hello precious sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ,

I apologize, but I will be away for the weekend celebrating my 40th. birthday with my Favorite!

We've recently had someone by the name of Darlene, who is not a participant of our study who continues to link her URL to this study up to 6 times per day. I've kindly requested she stop, but as of yet, she has neither responded to my request, nor discontinued using Mr. Linky as it is meant to be used.

In attempts to help her, I've even changed the note in red and asterisks at the very bottom of each lesson so that she might better understand the proper usage for Mr. Linky. Again, my attempts seem to have fallen deaf ears.

I know that as a teacher, I am judged more strictly by our Father God, and have strived to keep this Bible study site as "clean" as humanly possible. I will continue to use whatever means the Lord provides me in order to help you not to be misled by anyone who has "linked" with selfish motives or left unbiblical comments.

I've contacted Mr. Linky to see if I can get her URL permanently noted as spam.

Since I will not be able to manually continue to delete her links while I'm away, I've had to temporarily disable Mr. Linky. I will have the links up by Monday, March 30, 2009.

Please pray for me as I continue to please the LORD our God in all that I do.

Proverbs 31:23 - Three Wise Women

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:49:00 +0000

This Scripture-Picture was lovingly created by
Lori @ I Will Take It Lord, All You Have to Give

In our first lesson on Proverbs 31:23, we saw a real-life picture of what an ungodly, unbiblically submissive wife looks like. We witnessed her sinful and wretched prayer life as well as her "holier than thou" attitude against her husband in which Satan so skillfully used to cause much strife and division in her household. Yes, we discovered in our last lesson that I allowed Satan to use me as a baseball bat to beat my husband and recklessly tear down my house with my own hands.

"The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down."
~ Proverbs 14:1

Therefore, it is fitting that we now turn our attentions to three women in the Bible that truly understood what biblical submission was all about. In His righteousness, the Lord our God saw it fit to use these women as examples of what a Princess of the King really looks like: beautiful (inside), calm, confident, quiet, peaceful, and a humble servant ready to act on behalf of others when necessary with no regard for her personal well-being. Who are these wonderful women? They are:

Zipporah (Moses' wife)
Ruth (Boaz's wife & great-grandmother of King David)
Elizabeth (Zechariah's wife & mother of John the Baptist)

Zipporah
Read:
Genesis 17:10-14 (highlight v. 14)
&
Exodus 4:24-26 (highlight v. 26)

A biblically submissive wife protects: LIFE

When we read this passage, especially the verses that come right before Exodus 4:24, it seems a bit out of place. Right before verse 24, we see that God has called Moses to be the one who saves/leads His people out of bondage. So what does this have to do with circumcision and why did God make sure these three tiny little verses were placed right after Moses' commission from the LORD and right before Moses even had the opportunity to enter Egypt?

To understand the importance of these three verses, we must first understand the Lord our God and His ways and what is most important to Him concerning man ~ to reconcile man into a right relationship with God the Father. God used the life of Moses to reveal to us the shadow of the things to come. Moses was given the Law and was kept by the Law through the old covenant of physical circumcision. But when the Son, who is the Christ came, the old covenant was dissolved and the new covenant in the blood of Jesus restored, saved and led all people who trust in Christ into a right relationship with God the Father by circumcising one's heart ~ separating the soul of man from his dead flesh and binding it with the life of Christ. In fact, the actual Hebrew word used in this passage for "covenant" is bĕriyth that comes from the root word bara' which together mean: to cut; to create something new; to make a treaty, alliance.¹ This is why those of us who have repented and fully trusted our lives to Jesus, are called a "new creation". We have been "cut off" from the old self which lived in and for the flesh with its wicked passions and desires that war against God; and have been granted to enter into a "treaty, alliance" with God to live in and for His Spirit that now dwells within us.

"Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn."
~ Deuteronomy 10:16

"For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God."
~ Romans 2:28-29

Why did Zipporah, the wife of Moses suddenly choose to circumcise her son, touch Moses' feet with the bloody knife and then speak those words [Exodus 4:25]? While it is not written in Scripture, it is obvious she was well-taught God's holy commandments and what was required to remain in a covenant relationship with Him [Genesis 17:14].

Now, Scripture doesn't say who's life was in danger, Moses' or his son who had not been circumcised up to that point, but God is clear in His word, that He intended to take one of their lives that day.

In God's awesome mercy, He chose to reveal to Zipporah her husband Moses' error and great sin against God. Our heavenly Father knew Zipporah had a submissive, humble and reverent heart towards Him, so He graced her with the knowledge of the impending doom (eternal damnation) that was to come upon one of her family members.

And what did Zipporah do with this knowledge God so generously granted her? Did she puff up with pride because God revealed something to her that was not revealed to her husband? Did she think she was better or more holy than Moses because God showed her her husbands error so she could lord it over him, correct him and expect something in return, i.e., respect, reward, her husband's submission to her judgment, etc.? No, this godly woman did no such thing. Instead, without any concern for herself, what she might lose or gain, she acted out of her love, reverence and gratitude towards God and her family, by quickly doing what her husband should have already done; pleading for their life, and submitting herself to her husband (even though it was his sin that caused this) by throwing herself at Moses' feet while she spoke those gracious words that moved God's heart to relent.

Contrary to popular belief, the Lord our God does not help those who can help themselves. Instead, He is always faithfully seeking to help those who humble themselves. Like Zipporah did. Just think sisters, your humility could be used by God to save someone's life, both their physical and more importantly, their eternal.

"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him."
~ 2 Chronicles 16:9

Ruth

Read:
the entire book of Ruth

A biblically submissive wife sows: HUMILITY

Ruth 1:16-18 → Ruth makes a declaration of saving faith. These words of hers are not emotion-led, circumstantial, temporary words. She does not make this statement of her trust in the God of Israel to merely feel better and in hopes of a better life here on earth, as we will see this in the following verses as Ruth's faith is proved by her godly and humble actions.

Ruth 2:2 → Ruth didn't sit around feeling sorry for herself (which she could've easily done, especially in her situation, i.e., lost her husband, moved to a foreign country, doesn't' know anyone and lives with a bitter and depressed ex-mother-in-law). Instead, she takes the initiative to ask Naomi for permission to go find a humble job or rather, a humiliating job in order to feed and care for the both of them. Ruth already begins to display her humility, kindness, wisdom and honor for others above herself; which are all attributes of a biblically submissive woman. Ruth doesn't have an "I'm in charge!" attitude, but more of a "How can I help?" attitude. Although Ruth was in no way truly obligated to Naomi, she chose to commit herself to someone who was utterly of no use to her in any way. Think about it. If anything, Naomi was "dead weight" more than she was a blessing. But because Ruth esteems herself not, all she can see, all her heart perceives is the destitute and sorrowful state of her mother-in-law and compassion for Naomi overtakes Ruth; this is the same compassion that overtook Christ's heart for us - providing us eternal salvation by His wounds.

"When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.' "
~ Matthew 9:36-38

In this world, there are spectators who only talk about what should be done, what they plan to do, and point out error in others. And then there are the laborers who only talk when necessary because they are too busy working and about the Lord's business instead of the world's business.

God is gracious and He is sovereign. And in His sovereignty, He gives us free will to choose whether we will be chatty spectators or humble laborers. Ruth, was most definitely a humble laborer who was mercifully welcomed into God's fold, although she was a Moabitess.

It is easy for us to seek God's face when we are in need or distressed. Not only is this fact true historically in the Bible, but I've found it to be true in my life as well. As with God's children of old, I too have cried out to God for deliverance and found it easy to be grateful when He provides refuge, comfort and grace in my time of need. But it seems that when we're doing well, when we're comfortable, we tend to forget the God who so generously provided us with His awesome presence and His glorious riches. We take God and His gifts for granted as if we somehow deserved or earned all that we have. Ironically, it is not in the difficult times that our humility is tested, but in the times of pleasantry.

"Take care lest you forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments and His rules and His statutes, which I command you today, lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God...Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.' "
~ Deuteronomy 8:11-14(a) and 17

Unlike many of us, Ruth didn't forget the Lord her God who gave her her husband, then took him away. Instead she desired to stay near to Him, even if it meant that she would live in poverty, with an embittered, depressed mother-in-law in a foreign land where she might be belittled and mistreated because she was not an Israelite, but a Moabitess.

She then labored intensely in a field, gleaning like a beggar from what was left from the harvesters who had gone before her and already reaped the best of the grain from the field. Except for a short and necessary rest, she did not stop until she had reaped an ample amount to bring home to her mother-in-law, so they may eat and be satisfied.

And even when she caught Boaz's eye, she did not consider herself worthy. When Boaz spoke kindly to her, she did not do a "Yay me!" dance, but fell to the ground in humility and wondered why such a man like Boaz would dare to even notice a girl like her.

Ruth 4:14, 17 → Ruth's love, trust and full devotion to the God of Israel, allowed her to receive a rich and glorious blessing she could never do anything to deserve - she became the great-grandmother of King David and ultimately was privileged to be included in the earthly lineage of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

When we allow our pride to take us over, then we are actually choosing to step out of God's will - His protection and gracious blessings we could never dream of, earn or deserve. But when we humble ourselves, we willingly submit to God's authority, obey His commandments (which is love to God [1 John 5:3]).

The humility of a wife/mother tends to breed humility in those around her. Not because she boasts of this, but because the evidence of God's work is clearly manifested in her life a she decreases (humbles herself) all the more so that the life of Christ the Lord may increase.

For the perfect example of unnecessary honor and submissive obedience rendered, read: Luke 2:48-52

Elizabeth

Read:
Luke 1:1-80

A biblically submissive wife exudes: FAITH

Although both Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth were found to be righteous before God and walked "blamelessly in all the statutes of the Lord", Zechariah began to lose faith that a God would ever grant them a child. This fact is evidenced by his response of unbelief when the angel of the Lord, Gabriel spoke to him about the birth of John. Because Zechariah was hasty to utter anything before God (Ecclesiastes 5:2), Gabriel close his mouth of unbelief until it was time to name John (nearly an entire year).

When it was time to name their son, the other priests had been aware that Zechariah could not speak, so they were going to name him after Zechariah. But Zechariah's biblically submissive wife, Elizabeth humbly spoke up and said, "No; he shall be called John." In her time it was not seen as "proper" for a woman to speak up in such a manner, especially to correct other men. But she did not speak from her own, but only that which God had given her before-hand.

Elizabeth's faith exuded from her every being. She immediately accepted God's blessing of a baby when it seemed impossible, she prophesied when Mary came to see her in her six month, and she spoke only when necessary, with words from the Lord.

Her faith, built up her husband's faith and his speech was restored when he humbly agreed with the the words from his wife, because he now saw, that truly, it was the word from God.

Was it Elizabeth's words from much study and eloquence in which she expressed herself or her knowledge of spiritual matters that restored her husband's faith? No. It was by her good conduct that proved the work of her faith in teh meekness (humility) of wisdom (James 3:13)

In this lesson, we were blessed to visit with three sisters of old, who exemplified what biblical submission looks like in very different situations. We saw that a biblically submissive wife protects life, sows humility and exudes faith. And we also saw that these godly attributes were God-given gifts to each woman so that through her biblical submission generations after her will be blessed.

Homework:

Don't rush through this lesson. There is a lot of Scripture to cover and it will not benefit you to merely skim through it. Meditate deeply on each Scripture/passage and write the Scripture/passage in which God quickens your heart to obedience and write everything the Lord reveals to you in your journals.
Continue with your next day in your Love Dare Journal. Prayerfully consider any area in your life that is not fitting with these women we studied today and write a prayer of repentance and request to the Lord to make you the woman He has created you to be. Commit to work with the Holy Spirit and not against Him or "for" Him.

Footnotes:

1. Hebrew definitions for bĕriyth and bara' - were found at Blue Letter Bible. Click this link to view the full definition of bĕriyth and click this link to view the full definition for bara'

***Mr. Linky has been added ONLY FOR PARTICIPANTS of "A Wife's Biblical Submission" Bible Study so they may edify other sisters who are traveling this road together. Please do not use Mr. Linky to promote and/or produce more traffic for your blog or website. If your URL does not link directly to a post pertaining to this lesson, it will be deleted. Thank you for giving honor to the participants.***

Speak Up For Those...

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:55:00 +0000

...who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
(Proverbs 31:8)

I don't normally do this on this Bible study blog, but I feel this issue is too important and I am compelled to share this with every means God has made possible for me. Please help me to get this word out.

If the Obama administration is successful in rescinding the "Conscience Clause" then many doctors could be fired or go to jail if they refuse to take the life of a precious baby.

Respect God's Commandment on Life

Watch a video of Senator Tom Coburn who states:
"I will go to jail before I perform an abortion."

Fox News - Tom Coburn

Below, is an excerpt from Jay Sekulow's website regarding what we can do, as children of God to help save the lives of unborn babies and our brothers and sisters in the medical profession who are standing for the same.
____________________________________

President Obama said it. He wants to hear from you.

But he's given you a deadline: You've got two weeks to voice your concerns - to speak out for America's pro-life medical professionals ... and their moral conscience - before it's too late.

Right now, the Department of Health and Human Services is accepting public comment on this very critical issue - but the deadline is quickly approaching.

You have strong convictions, but President Obama says that doesn’t matter. He’s ready to rescind the Conscience Clause.

The Conscience Clause was implemented by former President George W. Bush to give physicians and nurses the choice to act according to their conscience — to not participate in abortion procedures if it conflicts with their personal convictions. If President Obama makes this damaging move, if he reverses the Conscience Clause, pro-life doctors and nurses will be forced into performing abortion procedures, despite their individual beliefs.

Please click and sign below and pass this information on to everyone you know. Remember, President Obama has only given us two weeks to act. Thanks be to God, He made His children fast typers! ♥

Petition to Protect Pro-Life Doctors

Welcome Maria, Raye Ann and Meg!

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:19:00 +0000

I apologize dear sisters for my delay on this long-overdue welcome.

Precious sisters Maria, Raye Ann and Meg, may the Lord our God bless you and protect you as you participate with His Holy Spirit's work in peeling away all the unwanted chaff that hinders you from becoming the woman He has created you to be. As you offer yourself as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to our Father God, may He clothe you in His love, compassion and mercy so that when you bare your soul to Him, you will not be ashamed, but will be restored - restored back to the beautiful creation He made you to be: the precious jewel, that adorns the crown on your husband's head.

With great love for Christ and for you,

Changing Format - PLEASE READ

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:26:00 +0000

"So teach us [Lord] to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."
~ Psalm 90:12

This is a prayer I pray every day and nearly all day. As a matter of fact, my entire family does. The other Scripture we keep in our constant prayers is:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
~ Hebrews 12:1-2

With all that said, I wanted to share with you what God has revealed to me as I've been praying these two prayers consistently. Our gracious and wise Heavenly Father has shown me that I needed to "clean up" this site and how this Bible study runs. And I certainly want to be quick to obey. Therefore, the following changes will be made on how this Bible study is offered and conducted:

There will no longer be a Participants' List as this is one of those "unnecessary" weights God revealed to me. While it's a nice thing to have on here for your reference, it really does not serve a great purpose in your spiritual edification; therefore it will no longer exist.
If you desire to do this Bible study in a group setting and fellowship with others sisters traveling this road, please announce this at your church, neighborhood, women's groups, etc. and feel free to print out and/or refer each participant to this site to print and complete each lesson during their personal study, prior to weekly meetings. As much as I enjoyed it, I will no longer be able to monitor nor establish an online fellowship for you.
Should you desire to fellowship with the other sisters online who are taking this study, then it will be up to you to follow their links with Mr. Linky that are posted under each lesson.
Being as there are over a 100+ sisters taking this study now, both online (with blogs) and offline (without) blogs, it is no longer humanly possible for me to offer personal discipleship/counsel to every participant. I will truly miss this aspect of knowing each of you personally, but I willingly let go of anything I love in order to serve you better. Should you require counsel, I highly suggest you refer to your church's women's ministry director. If you are not at a church that offers wise, biblical counsel, based on sound doctrine, but only on man's opinion, then, please email me with your questions and I will be more than happy to respond to you within 3 to 7 days of your email. If I receive similar questions from many of you, per your approval and without mentioning your names, I will post the biblical counsel here on this site so that everyone may be efified in the most efficient way possible.

I pray that all of you understand the necessity of these changes and that they have all been done in order to give my utmost for God's highest and to love and edify you the with the best means God has provided me.

With all my love dear sisters,

UPDATE ~ Welcome Christina, Michele and Nicole!

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:49:00 +0000

Hello my wonderful and beloved sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ!

I'm so sorry I'm so behind on the welcomes! If you've been following my personal blog, then you will know that I'm still struggling with quite a few health issues and most days have a tough time just keeping up. I will try my best to keep you updated and thank you all so much for your prayers and patience. I will also be posting the newest lesson here very soon! It's Part 2 of Proverbs 31:23. I'm really excited about it! The Lord has taught me so much through this lesson as He guides me in writing it.

Well, with all that said, let me introduce to you three new sisters who have joined us. ♥Christina, joined us about a month ago, but did not have a blog, so I gave you her email address. But since joining the study, she started blogging, so she's included on this list of welcomes!♥ ♥Also, Nicole's husband has returned from serving in Iraq and they are in the midst of moving, so she probably won't be blogging for a bit, but please go visit and offer her a welcome so when she returns, it'll be such a sweet gift for her! ♥

Christina @ Blessed by the Journey
Michele @ My Life as Wife, Mother and a Christian
Nicole @ He Walked With Me

Please help me extend a warm welcome to these precious sisters. And faithfully keep one another in your prayers while exhorting and edifying each other all the more as we see the Day approaching.

May the Lord our God bless you as you strive to seek His face and live only for His glory. ♥

With great love,

Welcome Precious Sister Stephanie!

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:22:00 +0000

Beloved sisters in our most gracious Lord Jesus Christ,

I have some more wonderful news to share with you today The Lord our God has seen it fit to draw another dear sister in Christ to our study! Please join me in offering her a warm and Spirit-filled welcome:

Stephanie @ Blessed Beyond Measure

Our lovely sister Stephanie has already written her first intro article, so please be sure to visit her, add her to your blog and/or "following" list, and begin including her in your prayers.♥

Thank you all for your faithful participation in the Holy Spirit's work personally and corporately through this study! I am constantly encouraged as I read your articles and testimonies of how God is shaping, pruning and refining each of you into the wives He has created you to be.

I love you all dearly!

Welcome Christina & Elizabeth!

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:23:00 +0000

Precious sisters in the Lord,

I wanted to introduce you to two new sisters who have joined us on this blessed and at times, very trying road to biblical submission:

Christina
&
Elizabeth @ Small Town Blessings

Our sweet sister Christina is one of our "offline" participants as she does not have a blog. Therefore I encourage you to welcome her via email by clicking on her name above. I've linked her name to her email so it will be much easier for you to contact her. ♥

And our wonderful sister Elizabeth has already written two articles (her intro and first lesson), so please be sure to stop by and visit with her. She's just a sweetie pie and I know you'll enjoy visiting with her just as much as I have! ♥

I love you all dearly,

Four More Sisters Traveling With Us!

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:30:00 +0000

Hello dearest sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ,

I've been "offline" for several weeks now due to my declining health. Not only have me pre-diabetic glucose numbers elevated to full diabetic glucose numbers, but I have had two upper respiratory infections in since 12/21/08.

All this to say that I apologize for my tardiness in writing this "WELCOME" post for the four sweet and wonderful sisters the Lord has brought to our study. Please, please be sure to go visit them and offer them a warm, sister-in-Christ welcome! God is doing great and mighty things with this study and I'm afraid my weakened and frail body just can't keep up.

Rhonda @ Life with the Reilly's
Stacey @ Living in the Spirit
BJ @ A Day in the Life of a Homemaker
Shauna @ Mercy New every Morning

I still have to finish writing this study as well as keep it maintained.

God continues to woo many of His precious girls here, and many of you have already expressed the daunting task of visiting everyone and not knowing for sure who's participating and who isn't. So I added and removed some names and URL's from our Participants' List. Please take notice of current Participants so that you can update your blogroll's or your Blogger "follower" lists.

Please know how much I thank God for each of you and pray for you and your families! Just because I'm not "here" doesn't mean that my love and prayers for you are far. :-)

With enduring love in our Savior,

***Mr. Linky has been added ONLY FOR PARTICIPANTS of "A Wife's Biblical Submission" Bible Study so they may edify other sisters who are traveling this road together. Please do not use Mr. Linky to advertise your blog or website. If your URL does not link directly to a post pertaining to this lesson, it will be removed. Thank you for giving honor to the participants.***

Welcome Sisters Brandy & Heidi!

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 18:45:00 +0000

Dearest sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ,

I have more wonderful news to share with you! We have two sisters who just joined us on our journey to biblical submission!

Stop by for a nice visit and give them your bestest, warmest, lovingest, biggest, sister-in Christ welcome!
(yes, I'm well aware that I made up LOTS of words, but it's all in love, so it's okay *wink* *wink*)

Brandy @ A Work in Progress
Heidi @ Living in His Grace

Please be sure to add them to your blog list on your sites, and/or for those using Blogger, add their URL to your "I'm Following" list in order to stay updated on their lives so you can pray for them more personally.

It's not necessary that you visit one another daily, but visit at least once a week. You can set aside time in your schedule just to "visit" with your sisters like I do; much like you schedule time for play dates with your kids or lunches with your friends.

And you don't have to leave comments on everything you read, just when and where the Holy Spirit leads you. As you live by the Holy Spirit's leading in all things, you ought also walk in step with the Holy Spirit in all things.

Remember how much encouragement you need, then give it away, instead of expecting it in return.

I love you all dearly and am REALLY enjoying drawing nearer to our Lord with you wonderful sisters! Thank you so much for taking this journey with me!

**Special note: In order to help you keep your blog rolls and/or Blogger Following lists updated, you can remove our sister Tanya @ A Changing Heart from your lists since she is no longer participating. I'm not sure where our sister Tanya is or what is going on. I've tried to reach her, but I've yet to receive a response. I believe she has moved to Korea and perhaps does not have internet access. I don't know for sure, but please keep her in your prayers as the Lord leads. Thank you! :-)

***Mr. Linky has been added ONLY FOR PARTICIPANTS of "A Wife's Biblical Submission" Bible Study so they may edify other sisters who are traveling this road together. Please do not use Mr. Linky to advertise your blog or website. If your URL does not link directly to a post pertaining to this lesson, it will be removed. Thank you for giving honor to the participants.***

WELCOME SISTER MANDY!!!

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:12:00 +0000

Dearest and most precious sisters in the Lord Jesus,

I apologize for getting this news out to you so late. Of course, it seems that several of you have already found out and have already extended God's kindness to our newest member of our study.

I also passionately apologize to you sister Mandy for taking SO long to post this announcement.

So, without further blah, blah, blah's from me, would you ALL please join me in welcoming our dear and precious sister Mandy to our study?

You can find our sister Mandy at:

Mrs. Mandy's Musings

With great love and a very heartfelt apology,

***Mr. Linky has been added ONLY FOR PARTICIPANTS of "A Wife's Biblical Submission" Bible Study so they may edify other sisters who are traveling this road together. Please do not use Mr. Linky to advertise your blog or website. If your URL does not link directly to a post pertaining to this lesson, it will be removed. Thank you for giving honor to the participants.***

Things that might prove helpful....

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 06:00:00 +0000

Dearest sisters,

I just realized that I should've provided the following information in the Welcome and Instructions page and didn't. Therefore, I have updated the Welcome and Instructions to include this, and would now like to inform you of it as well.

Below are a few other things you might want to purchase for the study to help you mark your Bibles or even your own personal notes. I've included the links so you can see which brands I use that are safe for your Bibles and won't bleed through the pages or damage your Bibles in any way.

Here's the statement I've updated in the Welcome and Instructions page, along with the links:

Purchase a Bible highlighter, archival quality pens and/or colored pencils. You can purchase all of these either online, or in your local Christian bookstores.

I hope these are helpful to you! :-)

I love you all dearly,

***Mr. Linky has been added ONLY FOR PARTICIPANTS of "A Wife's Biblical Submission" Bible Study so they may edify other sisters who are traveling this road together. Please do not use Mr. Linky to advertise your blog or website. If your URL does not link directly to a post pertaining to this lesson, it will be removed. Thank you for giving honor to the participants.***

2 More Sisters to Share Christ's Love With!

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 01:45:00 +0000

Hello my amazingly beautiful and faithful sisters in the LORD!

Please forgive me for taking so long to write this announcement. I've had so much to keep up with, as I am trying to write the lessons at the same time I'm trying to keep up with the administrative side of this Bible Study. What a wonderful problem to have, wouldn't you say?

Just when I think God has blessed me beyond all I can bare, He continues to cause me to overflow; overflow with rejoicing, with worshiping and with constant thanksgiving in His glorious Name!

We have two new sisters who have joined us this week and I'd like to introduce them to you.

They are:

Melissa @ His Sweet Embrace

&

Ruby @ Blessings and Beyond

Would you all please join me in offering our sisters Melissa and Ruby a nice, warm, sister in Christ welcome?! I know some of you already have, and I am so grateful to you for doing that! You truly live out being the Body of Christ and you bless me immensely!

Much like each of the sisters God has drawn to this study, these two sisters have unique and heart-baring stories to share with us.

Let us never neglect to pray fervently for one another. As we journey together, naked and bare before God, on this very challenging road to biblical submission.

I love you all so much and constantly give thanks to God for each of you!

***Mr. Linky has been added ONLY FOR PARTICIPANTS of "A Wife's Biblical Submission" Bible Study so they may edify other sisters who are traveling this road together. Please do not use Mr. Linky to advertise your blog or website. If your URL does not link directly to a post pertaining to this lesson, it will be removed. Thank you for giving honor to the participants.***

Proverbs 31:23 - The Crown of Her Husband

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:16:00 +0000

This Scripture-picture was lovingly created by
Lori @ I Will Take It Lord, All You Have to Give.

Much like our previous study on Proverbs 31:22, this verse seems a bit out of place, doesn't it? In our last lesson, we had to stop and consider why this wonderfully, biblically submissive woman, that is so priceless and precious in the sight of the LORD God Almighty, would only provide bed coverings for herself. But after we began to meditate on God's word and turned up our Holy Spirit "hearing aids", we could hear Him gently explain to us how it is that a woman of such noble character is covered: first by the blood of Jesus, the Son of God; second, by the seal of the Holy Spirit until the day of Redemption; and third, by her earthly husband, to protect her from the deceptive schemes of our enemy, the devil.

But unlike our last lesson, this one appears to carry even further away from what we've been studying up to this point. How is it that an acrostic poem about such an excellent woman, included an accolade regarding a man, her husband?

For those of you, who have steadfastly traveled with me thus far on the road to biblical submission; probably already have a keen sense of what God plans to teach us at this junction.

So let's get out the Sword of the Spirit, our pens, colored pencils, and/or our archival quality highlighters and get ready for a beautiful stroll with our Lord and Father in Heaven!

To get a glimpse of what we’ll be studying today, take a good look at the Scripture-picture our sister Lori created for us. Tell me what you see. This is what I see:

A Gate;
Pure, white snow;
Both, facing the sun

We’ll come back to these three observations at the end of this lesson.

Before you read on, I would like to ask you to stop for a moment and pray. Ask God to reveal to you, what He wants you to see in the above Scripture-picture. After you’ve prayed and listened intently to the Holy Spirit, jot down what He told you, so you’ll be prepared to receive what He desires to reveal to you.

At this time, I’d like to direct you to an excerpt from a sermon John Piper gave on Sunday, May 10, 1981 that brings some light as to why verse 23 was included in an acrostic poem about an incredibly godly woman, who fears and loves the Lord.

“Verse 23 seems out of place in a song of praise to women. It says, "Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land." How is that a word of praise to the wife who fears the Lord? Proverbs 12:4 gives the answer: "A good wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is the rottenness of his bones." A wife who fears the Lord increases the esteem of her husband at the gates of the city. In twelve and a half years of marriage my wife has never done or said anything in public that would have caused me to be ashamed. She has my absolute trust as a representative of what our family stands for. There is no place I might go where I would be ashamed to take Noël. She is a crown to my head and a signet ring on my right hand. She is for me 100% because she is a woman who fears the Lord. And I pray that every wife here will, under God, give that kind of support to your husband.”

~ John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org

What our brother John Piper said about his wife Noël, is what every man who is married to a daughter of the King, should be able to say about his wife. Has my husband always been able to say this about me? Absolutely not! During the first years of our marriage, I was a very strong-willed, opinionated, Pharisaical, loud and boisterous woman who demanded to be heard, respected, romanced and highly esteemed! Okay, I know you want to laugh, and you can. Believe me, I do. When I remember how ungodly I behaved, yet expected to be well-loved and cherished, it really makes me laugh. I was basically questioning why my husband couldn't and wouldn't snuggle up to a thornbush! This only confirms that when someone is not walking with God and disobedient to His commands, they are completely illogical and out of their minds. I can say this with assurance because, as you can see, I’ve been there.

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.
~ Proverbs 28:26

I’ve said this before and I will say it again; you will never know and appreciate how sweet, sweet is, unless you’ve tasted sour.

With this in mind, I’m going to do something a little bit different with you today. I’m going to give you a little break from thinking you’re a horrible mess, by allowing you to see what a horrible mess really looks like. You have all been working so hard up to this point; bearing your souls, naked before God and confessing your sins so that we might pray for one another and be healed of our sickness: the desire to rule over our husbands.

I think the most appropriate and beneficial thing I can teach you today is what a contentious, unsubmissive wife looks like. Not just on the outside (because she may look quite “holy” on the outside). But I want to give you a glimpse of the heart of the most contentious, unruly, merciless woman I have ever personally known. I know that she will gladly allow you to view the deep recesses of her heart in the hopes that you will be so utterly repulsed by it, you will not venture that way yourselves and will run to our Savior with every breath you have at even the slightest likeness of becoming what she once was. This woman was once truly, the epitome of a modern day Eve.

I have her permission to share a personal journal entry in what she has affectionately called her “complaint journal”. No, not a prayer journal; a complaint journal. She was such a horrid woman, that at some point, knew it, and thereby had a complaint journal in which she journaled all her complaints to God, her Father, about all the things in life that irked her. She was sure that she was pretty much as close to perfect as humanly possible and was constantly annoyed that others were so blind they could not see this truth themselves. Doesn’t she sound like someone you’d want to quickly make friends with? I think not! At one point in her life, she even bought a book entitled: The Perfect Christian by Tony Evans because she was sure, not only might she be mentioned in the book (although she didn’t know the author), but also thought the book must be about someone like her! It’s amazing how arrogant we allow ourselves to become. I’m sure we can all say we’ve thought similar things – we just don’t want everyone else to know about it.

Before I share the journal entry she wrote, she wants to make sure that you understand where her heart was and what she was thinking at the time she wrote this. You see, she’d been praying for years for God to change her husband. She wanted God to make her husband into a man who was worthy of her. But after four years of praying this and receiving no answer from God, she changed her prayer for the next two years. She felt he was “dead weight” and was holding her back from her potential to becoming the most holy and perfect woman alive.

Finally, after two years of praying of praying a "new" way and still not getting any response from God, she wrote the following entry in her complaint journal. She wanted God to change her husband or get rid of him, and she wanted it to happen now! By this time, they had two sons and she did not want them to grow up, learning to be such ungodly men as she believed her husband to be.

Before you read this, I want to point something out to you. In the second paragraph, she writes, “I know I can’t change anyone, but You can.” She is referring to God changing her husband. I want you to see how our awesome God changed this bitter and ungodly woman’s heart, from that sentence to the next.

November 22, 1998

It is 8:10 a.m. and I am as sad and lost as can be. You’d think I was dragged through a long day, but I haven’t. I just feel like I have although it is early in the morning.

Lord, where do I go from here? I know I can’t change anyone, but I know You can. So change me, Father. Guide me to be less human, and more godly. Help me to “pursue righteousness and love” so that I may find “life, prosperity and honor.” (Proverbs 21:21)

Lord, I have so many wants and expectations. Why? Why do I? Could You, Father, create in me a new heart that works hard and expects nothing? So that I may turn from anger and hostility against those who give little? Lord if You create in me a new heart and mind that is completely focused on You and not myself, I know I will have fewer disappointments in my life here.

Guide me O Father, regardless of circumstances, to always be a good witness and example of Your love, power, grace, wisdom and righteousness. May I spend the rest of today, and every day (one day at a time) focused on my Lord and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

I know You know sweet, loving Father, that through my Savior, Your Son, Christ Jesus, You fully understand what it is to love and give so much with no or little return of it back. I know Jesus has walked more than a mile in my shoes. He did nothing wrong and EVERYTHING righteous and Godly, yet He was beaten, mocked and crucified, so that my life…my eternal life could see Your Glory. Oh Father forgive me for my selfishness and complaining. Release me O Lord of my natural want to complain and grumble of all that I do not have, and place in me a supernatural want to serve, love, persevere and to be humble in all and every situation. I love You Lord with all my heart, all my soul and all my mind. Use me today Father for You.

Praise be to the One and Only God through my Christ, Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. AMEN”

WOW! Is our God awesome or what?! Who would ever believe that such a horrid, filthy woman could ever be cleansed and made whole again – only in and through Christ’s love was this possible. Who was this woman? It was me.

Why did God change my heart in an instance, after six excruciating years living rebelliously out of His good and perfect will? Because at this point in my life, I had emptied myself, of myself. Although my thinking was still in error, God saw my heart; broken and willing to receive whatever it was that He desired to give me. That day, the Lord of Hosts rebuked me and disciplined me. And when I could not stand, due to enormous shame, He held out His hand and lifted me out of my miry pit and set my feet upon the Rock (Psalm 40:2). He comforted me and reminded me that now, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1-2). But only hope, and the truth that we are all unworthy wretches, deserving of eternal damnation in Hell, but it is finished. Jesus Christ took the shame of my sins and He nailed them to the Cross. O glorious God, who is abounding in compassion, who will not deal with us according to our iniquities, but mercifully grants us the everlasting life in His eternal Kingdom! This is why we praise Him!

"The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will He keep His anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to His children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust."
~ Psalm 103:8-14

This is why I can share this for all the world to see. Do I like who I was? No. Do I have guilt and shame over it? No. Why? Because I believe my Father God’s word that says that He has forgiven me and will refine me through and through, conforming me into the likeness of His brilliant Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Do I have regret over this? Yes! This is why I and others who are committed to our Savior, sin less. Christians are not sinless, we just sin less – and less, and less, until the Day of Redemption (1 John 3:6-9 and 1 John 5:18-20).

What happened after that day? Well, God not only opened my heart, but He opened my eyes as well, and I saw my husband, like I’d never seen him before. He was the man I’d been praying for. I was just too blind to see it because the mirror I was looking at, only pointed to me – and I could see no one else; the imperfections I thought I was seeing in my husband, turned out to be the imperfections in me. God is compassionate, merciful and gracious, even to the wicked and ungrateful. I know, I’ve been and sometimes still am, the wicked and ungrateful. Yet our faithful Father God restores me, every time I seek Him with a humble heart.

So why did I notice the gate; the pure, white snow; and that they were both facing the sun? Because this is what God has done for me and I can’t help but see my life, the way He sees it. Jesus Christ is the Gate I must enter – the Gate that was broken and opened, so that I might find eternal life and salvation. And as I came to Jesus, filthy, unworthy, yet repentant, He washed my sins, with His precious blood; as white as snow. And now, both my flesh and my spirit can face the Son and drink from the Living Water, so that I may never thirst again.

I pray that you learn from my sin, and run far from it. I know for certain our God is a mighty God. He is awesome and there is no sin you or I can, or have ever committed, that is too great for Him to forgive and cleanse you from. God took me from being a woman who was a snare to my husband, to a woman he now wears proudly as his crown, his jewel, his greatest earthly treasure; all because our King Jesus is refining me, so that I am free to shine His glory!

I’d like to close this lesson with the chorus from the Casting Crowns’ song entitled: In Me.

“ ‘Cause when I’m weak, You make me strong
When I’m blind, You shine Your light on me
‘Cause I’ll never get by living on my own ability
How refreshing to now You don’t need me
How amazing to find that You want me
So I’ll stand on Your truth, and I’ll fight with Your strength
Until You bring the victory, by the power of Christ in me.”

Homework:

Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to all the Scriptures our Father wants you to see, to turn you from the desires of your flesh, and also to restore you in His love.
Continue with your next day in your Love Dare Journal. Please do not stop, please do not take this lightly and please do not linger on one day too long. I've heard some people (not in our study) saying because patience is so hard for them, they'll wait until they get that mastered before they move on. Then they share it's been three weeks, since they've started, then laugh. It is different if you're actively working on a certain sin issue with God, but it is quite another to lightly consider your marriage and how it looks in the sight of our holy and awesome God.

God's Giving - Let us Receive...New Participants!

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 03:27:00 +0000

Dearest and most precious sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ,

I don't know about you, but I am overwhelmed and humbled by how God is answering prayers! Both in the Mission of this blog and the Introduction, I share how I've been praying fervently for God to turn the hearts' of His daughters back to Him through biblical submission; as a demonstration of our great love and devotion to Christ Jesus.

I truly believe as the world sees very strong-willed, stubborn, out-spoken women in Christ become peaceful, loving, gentle and quiet, they will not be able to keep from asking, "Why?" and "How is this possible?" Then, dear sisters, we will be prepared to give an answer for the hope we have in our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus - the King of kings and the Lord of lords! :-)

Due to the fact that the Lord is wooing more and more daughters to Himself to return to the beautiful purpose in which He created us, I am going to need everyone's help. Will you help me?

I will try my very best to visit all of you as often as possible, but there is only one me. While God called me to write and lead this study, as I stated in the Welcome and Instructions, God did not call me to be the only voice or source of encouragement and love in Christ Jesus. This is where I need all of you to help. Will you please be sure to try to visit as many sisters (I know you can't visit all of them) as much as you can and share a word of encouragement, prayers and extend the love of our Savior to one another?

I especially need your help in welcoming our newest sisters who join us. It would be a great blessing to me to know that you are all loving one another in the name of our Lord Jesus who said that it will be our love for one another that will proclaim to the world that we are truly His disciples. ( John 13:34-35)

Now, I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce you to our newest participants! Please join me in welcoming these dear sisters in Christ:

Dawn @ The Proverbs 31 Journey
Jenny @ Shoe Momma
Naomi @ Loving My Life As Mommy
Rose @ Heart at Home
Shaina @ Biblical Homekeeping

Oh, one more VERY IMPORTANT note. The sisters who are participating in this study are not only from all around the U.S.A, but also from Prague, Philippines and the UK. Due to this, please be considerate of differences in customs, cultures and how we might express ourselves differently; since languages are not always translated word-for-word.

Our sweet sister Monika is from Prague and writes in both Czech and English. I think most of you have not visited her because you only saw the titles and such in Czech. But after she does that, she translates what she writes into English. So please be sure to visit and extend the love of our Savior to all the sisters in this study that God sovereignly joined together to travel the road of biblical submission with much pray, love, sharing our struggles and our victories in His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord.

I love you all so much!!!

***Mr. Linky has been added ONLY FOR PARTICIPANTS of "A Wife's Biblical Submission" Bible Study so they may edify other sisters who are traveling this road together. Please do not use Mr. Linky to advertise your blog or website. If your URL does not link directly to a post pertaining to this lesson, it will be removed. Thank you for giving honor to the participants.***

Welcome Sisters - New Participants!

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:56:00 +0000

Hello dearest sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ!

I wanted to let you know about our newest participants!

We have some more precious sisters who will be joining us, and I am so delighted to get to know them better! Be sure to visit their blogs and welcome them with the love and encouragement that comes from our Lord and Master, Jesus! :-)

Many of the sisters who are joining are VERY new to blogging. So any "blogging" tips or kindness you'd like to share would be great too!

One of the things I'm really in awe by, is how our awesome and gracious Father God has brought such a diverse group of sisters together; not only in different stages of our lives, but also in many different countries! Our God is Sovereign and His arm of salvation is mightier and longer than we can ever imagine! What an awesome God we love and serve!

Well, without further ado, listed below are the sisters who've just joined us, and their blog sites:

Bonnie @ Walking with God...Gives Me Joy
Doylene @ Christian Woman Keeper Of The Home
Ernestine @ Motherhood: A Noble Calling
Melody @ Gift from God
Rena @ Insert Grace Here...

Sisters Bonnie, Doylene, Ernestine, Melody and Rena....

WE'RE SO DELIGHTED YOU ARE HERE!!!!

With great love in our Savior,

***Mr. Linky has been added ONLY FOR PARTICIPANTS of "A Wife's Biblical Submission" Bible Study so they may edify other sisters who are traveling this road together. Please do not use Mr. Linky to advertise your blog or website. If your URL does not link directly to a post pertaining to this lesson, it will be removed. Thank you for giving honor to the participants.***

I'm Taking a Little Rest

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:48:00 +0000

Proverbs 31:22 - She is Covered!

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 22:32:00 +0000

This Scripture-Picture was lovingly created by
Lori @ I Will Take It Lord, All You Have to Give.

Let's recap what we've studied, meditated on and gleaned from this beautiful, strong and wise, Proverbs 31, Biblically submissive wife so far. She is:

An excellent wife, who's worth is incomparable to anything on this earth, as her value in God's eyes and to her husband and children are held and kept safe in God's Heavenly treasury (Matthew 6:33). She is also a force to be reckoned with and our enemy, the devil knows it and that is why he tries so hard to keep this kind of woman deceived by being "liberated" by the world and all its lies. (v.10)
A woman who's husband is free to be the man God created him to be because she is a woman who regularly exercises self-discipline and welcomes God's pruning shears so that she may bear bigger and more vibrant fruit. She is humble, gentle and kind and allows the work of her hands, done in meekness to speak for her as her full trust and confidence is in Christ her Savior, not in any human being (1 Thessalonians 4:11, James 3:13). She feels no need to defend herself, but is eager and ready to defend the reputation and quality of life, for her husband and children (1 Peter 2:23-3:2). (v.11)
A woman who does her husband good and not harm all the days of her life, but does not rejoice in this. Instead, she rejoices only that Christ is the one who alone is qualified to do anything good, therefore gives Him honor and praise for working this miracle in her life to bless her and her entire household. This kindness of Christ always brings her to her knees where she humbly offers our Lord and King Jesus, praises and holy adoration (Mark 14:3-6). (v.12)
A woman who recognizes that God uses her to warm the hearts of those in her household by blessing her husband with her unconditional love and respect through daily acts of kindness so that he may truly find his home to be his castle - his sanctuary from the world and all that it has taken from him each day. She extends this same kindness to her children and all who are in her household as God also uses her to "cool" and calm the spirits of those he has providentially placed in her life; so that she may be the arms and feet of Jesus (Proverbs 18:22, Acts 9:36, 39). (v.13)
A woman, who like the merchant ships, provides food; good, nutritious food for her entire household. She is wise, efficient and organized. Therefore, she does not spend her husband's hard earned money frivolously, but to demonstrate her gratitude to God for all her provisions, including her husband's job, she is frugal in her spending and plans meals so that nothing is wasted (John 6:12, 1 Peter 4:9-11). (v.14)
A woman who rises with the Son of God. Her heart and mind are guarded in Christ Jesus our Lord because she mediates on His Word, day and night and refuses to entertain idle activities, but only that which edifies her and builds her up in the faith. She is not deceived by Satan to believe it is the hour in which she wakes up that God is pleased with, but in the attitude in which she wakes up is how God is honored (Psalm 1:1-3, Ephesians 5:15-17). (v.15)
Smart and classy. She keeps herself well-informed of all things that are necessary in helping her to buy or sell, keep her home tidy and organized, and whatever work God gives her to perform, whether in her home our out. She faithfully meditates on the Word of God and keeps a watchful eye on her labor to ensure she is not engaged in frivolous activities that only bring her pleasure, but prayerfully seeks God's will in everything she does, to bring honor and praise to His Name because of her work (1 Peter 2:12). (v.16)
Able to dress herself. Not only physically, but more importantly, spiritually. She is fully dressed in the Armor of God and clothed with the Fruit of the Spirit. She finds her full security and source of joy in Christ Jesus alone as she always recognizes that she is betrothed to the Son of God, Who alone is capable of loving her perfectly, and satisfying all her needs. Therefore, when her husband fails her, instead of growing angry or bitter, she falls to her knees and thanks her Heavenly Betrothed One, Jesus Christ, for reminding her that her husband is but a man; a sinner, just like her, and that Christ alone can fulfill her and will never fail her (Matthew 11:28-30). (v. 17)
Immersed in God's Word, as she hungers and thirsts for righteousness. She perceives that the Word of the Lord is a lamp to her feet and a light for her path. She does not foolishly stay up all night working, as she fully understands that it is a gift from God to eat, drink and enjoy the fruit of one's labor; and to enjoy the peaceful rest that God provides. She is a good and faithful manager of her all her God-given gifts, talents and abilities and uses these gifts to bless and benefit all those around her. She wisely recognizes that her Biblical submission to her husband is used by God to woo others to Himself as they stand in awe of the inner beauty she possess - the incomparable beauty of Jesus Christ Himself. (v.18)
A Distaff - a woman who is full of good works and acts of charity. She is well-loved and respected in the Family of God because of her deeds done in love. She does not require nor seek praise from men, as she is fully aware of this entrapment, and refuses to stray from her First Love, Jesus Christ. No, instead, she lives and breathes for the pleasure and glory of the LORD God alone (Galatians 1:10). (v. 19)
A woman who keeps her hands clean with acts of kindness performed in sincere love; and maintains a pure heart by confessing and repenting of her sins so that she may see God. She willingly and lovingly "bends down" to submit to her husband and serve him, just as Christ our God, "bent down" and submitted Himself to earthly authority because He came to serve and not to be served. Then and only then, can she "bend down" to feed others outside her household, who are poor and needy (Psalm 32:3-5). (v.20)
A woman who fears the LORD God Almighty alone, for her hope [trust] is in Christ and His salvation, and not in man, nor any "securities" of this world. Only the LORD God is her portion. She clothes herself and her entire household in scarlet to acknowledge they are of royal heritage (for she herself is saved, and trusts the LORD to save her entire household). They are all doubly clothed: washed with the blood of Jesus, therefore, clothed in the robe of His righteousness and sealed with the Holy Spirit of God, until their bodies are redeemed (Luke 19:9, Romans 2:29). (v.21)

I must admit, when I first read Proverbs 31:22, I was a bit confused. I asked the Lord, "Father, why does she make bed coverings for herself? Why is she clothed in fine linen and purple? Why does she not provide bed coverings for her household? Why is this verse only about her?"

Our glorious and wise Father God, generously answered me, just as He promised:

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

~ James 1:5

God reminded me, that because He is not a far off God, but intimate with each of His children, it is important to take note of how His daughters are covered and clothed.

The first portion of this verse says that she makes "bed coverings" for herself. Therefore, let us dissect the use and purpose of bed coverings so that we may better understand the significance of this portion of Scripture.

During the Old Testament times, bed coverings were not limited to what was actually on one's bed, but also included what was around one's bed. Curtains were often used to "cover" [surround] the bed for the purpose of privacy as well as providing additional protection from the elements. And bed coverings were not necessarily used for "common" or ordinary purposes, but were made only for those of royal or noble birth. The bed coverings themselves were beautiful, ornate and often made with tapestry (much like the one in today's Scripture-Picture).

In this verse, we can see that a Proverbs 31, Biblically submissive wife, makes her own bed coverings that are used to both lay over her body to provide her with warmth and comfort, as well as making a curtain that surrounds her entire sleeping area. While this is a physical necessity and comfort for a good nights rest, the spiritual application for this is far more precious. For she not only makes physical bed coverings for herself to ensure a good nights rest, but she also faithfully works out her salvation, as she draws deeper and deeper into the well-spring of Life, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. She doesn't expect anyone else to grow her intimacy with Christ. No, she can dress herself (like we found out in Proverbs 31:17). She does not need to be spoon feed, nor does she require anyone to "prop" her up in the faith. She is committed to be conformed into the likeness of her Savior and she does not need any cajoling or convincing to chase hard after God. She can dress herself. She can handle herself. She can read the Bible herself. And she practices self-discipline, so that she is not a burden on anyone else, but knows to cast all her cares on Jesus first and foremost. Her greatest desire is to remain in Christ and to be covered with His joy and peace that only comes from pure communion with Him.

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety."
~ Psalm 4:8

"The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake."
~ Psalm 23:1-3

"My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise You with joyful lips, when I remember You upon my bed, and meditate on You in the watches of the night; for You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I will sing for joy."
~ Psalm 63:5-7

In these Scripture passages above, we see why a Biblically submissive woman, who is abandoned to Christ alone, can rest and rest well - in peace and with great joy. She is covered! She is covered by the LORD God Almighty Himself, as she takes refuge in Him and never leaves the shelter of His wings!

There is nothing better than to wake up to our awesome Father God, mediate on His Word throughout the day, then end each day with His Word, so that you may rest in His love.

I found it peculiar that this, "hands-on" hardworking woman would be dressed in fine linen and purple. For fine linen, from the worldly perspective, wrinkles easily and really doesn't seem to be something that is well-suited to be worn for a lowly, manual laborer. And then, there's the purple, which is also another color most often used to represent royalty. So how can a "working woman" be dressed in such refined clothing, while engaging in so much manual labor?

The answer is this. A Biblically submissive wife recognizes herself to have been adopted into a royal heritage through the blood of Jesus Christ, therefore, she does what her Master does; she comes to serve and not to be served. She is dressed in purple to denote her royal heritage in the Kingdom of God. Not to lord it over others that she is somehow better or greater than they are. She is dressed the way she is for no other purpose, than to proclaim that she is one with the King of kings, and the Lord of lords - the One and only Son of God, Jesus the Christ.

But there is still the question of why she is dressed in fine linen. The Hebrew word used here, for fine linen is: shesh¹, which means: something bleached white, byssus, linen, fine linen.

"Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,

'Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready;
it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure' --

for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints."

~ Revelation 19:6-8
(emphasis added)

The Greek word used in Revelatian 19:8 is bussinos² which is derived from the Hebrew word, bussos³ which means: 1) byssus, a species of Egyptian flax; 2) linen made from byssus, very costly, delicate, soft, white and also of a yellow colour.

Both the Hebrew word shesh, used in Proverbs 31:22 and bussos, used in Revelation 19:8 have the same definition: white byssus, which is a species of the Egyptian flax. From this comparison, we are able to fully comprehend why King Lemuel's mother found it to be significant to mention that this woman, this Biblically submissive woman she desired for her son to seek as a wife; be clothed in fine linen. And we find the significance here in Revelation 19:6-8 as God revealed to the Apostle John that fine linen represents the righteous deeds of the saints.

With everything that we have learned about this woman of God thus far, no one can argue that she is a woman not only of fine stature, but also a woman who beautifully manifests our Lord Jesus' humble, servant's heart.

"who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."

~ Philippians 2:6-7

In conclusion, she is covered! Covered by the blood of the Lamb of God, that cleanses and purifies her of all her unrighteousness! She is covered! Covered and sealed by the Holy Spirit of God, until the day of redemption! And while, here on earth, she is covered! Covered by her earthly husband God has provided her, to be His hands, feet, and wing of protection from Satan's cunning deceptions. And with great wisdom, she remains in and under all that God has given her as a covering.

Gracious Lord God and Redeemer! Thank You for covering us! Thank You for washing us with the precious blood of Your Holy Son, Jesus, so that we might see Your face and one day, see You in full glory! Thank You for calling us to Yourself and stripping us of our unrighteousness and filthy rags, and clothing us with the righteousness of Jesus - with purity, love, goodness, humility and good works. Whether we clean toilets, wipe our babies' bottoms, cook, or sweep our floors, please Father, help us to remember that it is all for You so that we may not be robbed of our joy. I know if we store all our hope, all our joy and our everything in You, we will not be robbed, for who can come against You Lord and steal anything from You? Create in us, pure hearts, clean hands and Jesus' humble spirit that we may, in all things bring You honor, glory and praise.

Homework:

Continue with your Love Dare Journal. Please be sure not to miss a day or delay in fulfilling each day's love dare.
As usual, look up every Scripture in this lesson and journal all those that apply to you and where you are personally in your walk with the Lord, right now.
Memorize Psalm 4:8, 23:1-3, 63:5-7 and Revelation 19:6-8.

Footnotes:

1. shesh- Strong's 08336, Net Bible. Direct link is: http://net.bible.org/strong.php?id=08336
2. bussinos - Strong's 1039, Net Bible. Direct link is: http://net.bible.org/strong.php?id=1039
3. bussos - Strong's 1040, Net Bible. Direct link is: http://net.bible.org/strong.php?id=1040

Blogosphere "House Keeping" Suggestions

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:52:00 +0000

Hello my dear and beloved sisters in the LORD!

In light of the email God had me send out last week, and all the wonderful things He has done with it, I thought it would be best if I write to you so that I may somehow help you to also "clean house" on your blogs as well, so that we may all be blessed with God's orderly and tidy way of keeping all things we've committed to Him. :-)

In the effort to help you do this, I have made one more change on my side bar located on the right. Under "Spoken With Grace" I have listed all the sisters of this study, their blogs, and most recent articles they have written with little snippets of their articles to help you remain connected and up to date on who has recently posted on their blogs.

The following are some ways to do this:

Our dear and blessed sister Amanda @ One Sacrifice For All Time, has placed a blog roll on her side bar that is entitled "Biblically Submissive Sisters" in order to help her to remember to pray for, visit and encourage the sisters in our study. I love this idea! I'm going to do it too!
For those of you who are using Blogger, please add your sisters who are traveling this road to Biblical Submission with you, on your "I'm Following" list so when anyone writes a new article and posts them on their blog, you will be notified and can hop on over there to get to know one another better so you can pray for, encourage and better love one another as our Lord Jesus Christ commanded us.
You can also subscribe via email or RSS feed to one another's blogs to stay in close communication with each other.
I've also "bookmarked" all of your URL's and put them in a "folder" labeled "A Wife's Biblical Submission" so I can find you quickly.

If any of you have any other suggestions to make our study more honoring to Christ, please let me know so I can share what God has given you with everyone! :-)

I am blessed to know that quite a few of you are already becoming good friends are sharing God's love and victories in Jesus with one another so that we may continue to encourage each other to press on toward the goal in which our Father God has called us in Heavenward in Christ Jesus.

By the way, our sister Lisa @ The Epsteen Chronicles has written her first post today and I encourage you to visit her to offer her your fervent prayers, exhortation and sisterly love found only in our wonderful Jesus!

I will continue to make any necessary changes for this study as the Lord directs me in order to:

help you stay in God's Word daily (at least 3 times)
seek Christ in all things first
Biblically submit to your husbands
extend sisterly love to those who are in Christ
and encourage you to discipline yourselves and your time on the internet with only that which brings about the most benefit to you, in order to build you up in your faith, so it does not interfere with your first earthly ministry: your wonderful husbands and children. :-)

I love you all dearly!

***Mr. Linky has been added ONLY FOR PARTICIPANTS of "A Wife's Biblical Submission" Bible Study so they may edify other sisters who are traveling this road together. Please do not use Mr. Linky to advertise your blog or website. If your URL does not link directly to a post pertaining to this lesson, it will be removed. Thank you for giving honor to the participants.***

Proverbs 31:21 - She Fears God Alone

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:44:00 +0000

This Scripture-Picture was lovingly created by
Lori @ I Will Take It Lord, All You Have to Give.

In the beginning of this study (WEEK #2: The Wife and The Rib) you were asked a very important question that you should consider every day of your life: "How will you use the 'power' God gave you, today?"

I pray daily that we will all choose to serve Christ first, by submitting to our husbands, thereby providing protection for them and our entire households from the schemes of Satan. As I have stated in previous lessons, a Biblically submissive wife is no wimp. No, she is definitely a force to be reckoned with; as she must not only carry her own burdens, but that of her husband and entire household; and perhaps, the burdens of other brothers and sisters in Christ along the way. Unlike an un-Biblically submissive woman who has been "liberated" by society through the feminist movement, who, at best carries only her own burdens.

But the Biblically submissive wife, puts her full trust in the LORD God alone, therefore, all her work is good, is blessed and very fruitful. As a matter of fact, her life so overflows with good fruit in Christ, that anyone who is in her vicinity can't help but be blessed themselves....even without her knowledge!

Knowing this, I don't think I prefer to be "liberated" by society's feminists movement; as I find it very suppressive, demeaning, and limits a woman in exercising all her God-given gifts and abilities. I prefer to be a Biblically submissive wife who faithfully exercises the quiet characteristics of all the strong, influential women of Scripture who were so beautiful and precious in the sight of the LORD God Almighty.

I would like to take today's verse and break it down into two very delicious morsels. Are you hungry? Good! Then let's dig into the delectable word or our LORD and feast on His goodness and absolute truth!

First Slice

"She is not afraid of snow for her household," (ESV)

or

"When it snows, she has no fear for her household;" (CJB)¹

According to this portion of the verse, a Proverbs 31, Biblically submissive wife, does not have any fear of the winter, or give any honor (reverence) to the cold, or is frightened by anything winter might bring: whether it brings snow, illness, the death of her crops or freeze any or her assets. No, it seems the winter has really no significant effect on such a woman.

Let's dig deeper into God's glorious Word and find out why, she has no fear of the things any average woman would fear.

The word "afraid" or "fear" used here in Proverbs 31:21, is a verb and comes from the Hebrew word, yare' which means: to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten.²

There are other Scriptures that use the Greek noun, phobos which is defined to be the word that: first had the meaning of "flight," that which is caused by being scared; then, "that which may cause flight,".³

As you can see, there is a stark difference between the definition of the Hebrew word yare' used here in Proverbs 31:21, and the Greek word phobos used elsewhere in Scripture. Yare' is used to describe a sense of fear due to awe, which causes a person to desire to draw near and find shelter in that which produced this sense awe. Whereas phobos is used to describe the sense of being scared, not awe, but afraid of some impending doom that it causes a person to "take flight" rather than draw near.

Understanding the definition of the word "fear" is important to note before we examine the verses below that also refer to "the fear of God":

Deuteronomy 10:12-13
Psalm 2:11-12⁴ and 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Psalm 19:9 and 1 John 4:18
Psalm 111:10
Isaiah 11:3-4 (a prophecy about Jesus) and Matthew 5:3, 5
Philippians 2:12-13

"The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil."

~ Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
(emphasis added)

All the Scriptures noted above, pertaining to the "fear of the Lord" are so full of God's holy and pure love, they are reassuring, bring comfort and security found only in Christ; reminding our hearts and minds of our Father God's promises only for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose in Christ Jesus our Lord. Truly, there is no higher calling or greater honor in Heaven or on earth, than to be called, the children of the Most High God, and that is what we are! (1 John 3:1)

One of the reasons a Biblically submissive wife runs to God instead of running away from Him is because she knows that He is not only Sovereign, but He is also Good! One of the things I daily thank God for, is that He is good! Could you imagine if Satan, who is evil had God's omnipotence? I shudder to even think of such a horror! Which brings me into even deeper gratitude that God is Sovereign AND Good! Is this part of your daily offering of gratitude to God? Because if it isn't, make sure it is now.

As I was studying and preparing to write this lesson, I was also telling God how grateful I am that He is Sovereign and Good. During this time, I was reminded of a movie. The movie is "The Second Chance" (starring, Michael W. Smith). In this movie, we are reminded Who we are serving, and Who we are living for - Christ Jesus, alone. Not for our so-called reputations, not for the applause of men, not for selfish gain and certainly not out of God's divine order of things.

I don't usually quote movies, but this is a great movie about keeping our priorities straight (constantly acknowledging that Jesus Christ is our First Love). This quote comes at the very end of the movie when the Senior Pastor of a mega-church realizes that he has become weak spiritually, and therefore gave Satan a foothold to drag him down to the belief that bigger always means better; that more praise from men, meant greater success; and ultimately the pleasure of men was more important than the One he committed his life; to love and serve, Jesus our Lord. But God is gracious and compassionate and is slow to anger and quick to forgive those who truly repent and seek His face. And when this Senior Pastor does this, God blesses him, by allowing him to clearly see what had become of him. That is when this pastor makes this statement:

"I want to remember what it's like to be that lightening rod; to fear absolutely nothing, but God Almighty."

And this my sisters, is something we should all be able to say.

All the Scriptures we have read in reference to the word "fear" used in Proverbs 31:21, state that a Biblically submissive, Proverbs 31 wife does not "fear" or is not "afraid" of her circumstances, anything or anybody. The Scriptures have made it unequivocally clear that this woman does not give anything or anyone the supreme position in her life, that only belongs to God. She fears God, and God alone; therefore she is secure in all things, regardless of her circumstances. She has learned the secret and blessing of contentment: whether well fed or hungry, in abundance or in need; she is confident that she can do all things through Christ, who alone strengthens her. (Philippians 4:11-13 and 1 Timothy 6:6-7)

Second Slice

"for all her household are clothed in scarlet." (ESV)

or

"since all of them are doubly clothed" (CJB)

Scarlet and crimson were the firmest of dyes, and thus not easily washed out.⁵ This would explain why Kings and Queens chose to use this red (scarlet) that sometimes looked purple, for their royal robes. It would be clear that it would be most unseeming for someone of royal stature to wear something that would fade. Just as the LORD Himself is dressed in His unfading light, where there is no darkness that can neither affect nor diminish His brilliance; He will also, bestow upon His children unfading crowns of glory when we go Home (1 John 1:5 and 1 Peter 5:4).

Why did King Lemuel's mother decide it was significant to mention that a Biblically submissive wife clothes herself and her entire household in scarlet? The answer is found in the Scripture below:

"but let your adornment be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable [unfading] beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."

~ 1 Peter 3:4

Interestingly, both the curtains for the tabernacle and the veil (that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place) was made of blue, purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. (Exodus 26:1 and 31-34). As we know, the Lord Jesus Christ promises to make the sins, that is like scarlet (not easily washed out), as white as snow (pure) for all who repent and trust their lives to Him.

Can you imagine? Our sins are so disgusting, so putrid, so repulsive, filthy and vile in the sight of a holy and pure God, that the only thing that can cleanse us, is the precious blood of God Himself, fully manifested in the man, Jesus Christ? I know for certain if there was anything else, any other way, our sins could be cleansed, God would have chosen to spare His One and Only Son. As we know, the Son asked, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." (Matthew 26:39) And we also know, the Father allowed His One and Only Son to drink the full cup of God's wrath, applying the righteous punishment for the sins we committed, all on the only One who was without sin. Now I see why God had the Prophet Isaiah prophecy that while our sins are like scarlet, He will cleanse us, as white as snow.(Isaiah 1:18) This is why Christ alone, is worthy of all our love, praise and worship.

It is clear why a Biblically submissive, Proverbs 31 wife clothes herself and her entire household in scarlet. According to all the Scriptures we've referenced thus far, regarding the color scarlet, it is evident that she recognizes both she and her household are blessed partakers of royal heritage; and that she possesses an unfading beauty that is so precious to God, the fragrance of Christ permeates throughout her household, bringing life (salvation) into her home. (2 Corinthians 2:14-17)

The CJB version reads: "since all of them are doubly clothed." What does it mean to be "doubly" clothed? And why does one use a double portion of clothing?

Well, to answer these questions in the physical sense; to be doubly clothed simply means to have two layers of clothing to cover a person from cold, from sickness and/or from any exterior elements that may bring harm to a person otherwise. When someone wears two layers of clothing, it is never in usual or comfortable circumstances. No, when someone wears two layers of clothing, it is because they are in unusually cold and/or difficult situations that causes them to require a second layer in order to successfully endure the harsh conditions or exposure to harmful elements.

In the spiritual sense, these questions can be answered for those who are in Christ; have been washed by the blood of Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins, and sealed with the Holy Spirit until our bodies are redeemed. Therefore the blood of Jesus saves us, and the Holy Spirit of God sanctifies us through and through, keeping us safe and protected from our own sinful flesh, all of Satan's schemes, and the temptations of this world. Thus, children of God are "doubly" clothed, by Christ's robe of righteousness and sealed by His Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 31:21 is a beautiful depiction of a woman who loves and fears God. She stands in awe of His Sovereignty and goodness. Her eyes are fixed on Jesus, therefore the fierce winds of trials and the crashing waves of uncertain times do not shake her, because she knows full well that her life is kept by the Solid Rock - Jesus Christ Himself. Therefore she is free to go on about the work He has given her, during her short visit here.

As we have already seen and will continue to see in Proverbs 31, a Biblically submissive wife, confidently and faithfully goes about her work, with much strength and endurance. She makes sure her heart is well dressed with gratitude, humility, joy and peace. And she makes sure her outer dress matches her inner dress, by clothing herself and her entire household in a manner that signifies that they are all of royal heritage, and well protected as their robes are made of scarlet and are of double thickness.

Lord God in Heaven, thank You for giving us Your Word so that we might find life, prosperity and honor in Your Son. We so desire to bask in the abundant life that Jesus promised us! Prosperity that the world can neither give, nor touch, richness in Christ our God! We want to be adorned with Christ's love and indulge in His intimacy! Oh LORD our God, thank You for your loving-kindness! We are grateful that You are Sovereign AND Good! Thank You for Your gift of repentance that works salvation! Teach us LORD to love others as You have loved us! May all people bless and give honor and glory to the Name of Jesus, because of Your daughters who love You!

Homework:

Continue with your Love Dare Journal. Please be sure not to miss a day.
Look up every Scripture in this lesson and journal all those that apply to you and where you are personally in your walk with the Lord, right now.
Choose 1,2 or 3 of the nine (9) passages of Scripture listed above (in the First Slice) that refer to "the fear of God, then memorize these Scriptures only.

Footnotes:

1. CJB- refers to The Complete Jewish Bible version.
2. yare' - (3372, Strongest Strong's Concordance ref. number) definition provided by Biblos.com. To view the direct link, please click: Proverbs 31:21 Lexicon with Strong's Dictionary.
3. phobos - (5401, Strongest Strong's Concordance ref. number) definition provided by Vine's Concise Dictionary of Bible Words. Although I use this, it is old, and was published in 1999 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. I recommend you purchase the newer and better version that includes many more word searches in their original Hebrew and Greek: Vine's Concise Expository Dictionary.
4. Psalm 2:11-12 - causes a person to rest in God's peace (Psalm 4:8) and also brings about God's salvation in a person's life, both here on earth and eternally.
5. Scarlet - definition provided by the Easton Bible Dictionary. You may find the complete definition for the color scarlet at http://eastonsbibledictionary.com/search--scarlet.

Keep Up With Me - We've Got a NEW PARTCIPANT!

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:53:00 +0000

Hey there sisters (AGAIN!)

It seems like I've been making a lot of these announcements lately, huh? Well, all glory to God that He is answering my prayers to change the tides of this country and the world, through His Biblically submissive daughters!

You've all probably heard the the quote: "Walk quietly and carry a big stick." Well, I've got a better one for you: "Submit lovingly and be carried by our Big God!" What do you think about that? I think the second one is much better. :-)

Without further adieu, I want to introduce our newest participant:

Willow @ A Journey of Faith

As always, be sure to go visit her ASAP, and offer her a great big, sister in Christ welcome! I want to be sure that each of us participate in keeping this study founded in Christ, with His intimate love so that we will never be a mile wide and only an inch deep.

I love you all!

P.S. Many of you have commented and apologized because you believe your emails to me are too long. Well, I want to let everyone know that NONE of your emails are too long. :-)

I am humbled and count it a special privilege to travel this road with you to Biblical submission and find great delight in sharing your lives and making my prayers more personal for each of you. None of you are EVER a bother, but ALWAYS a blessing! :-) Please remember that!

***Mr. Linky has been added ONLY FOR PARTICIPANTS of "A Wife's Biblical Submission" Bible Study so they may edify other sisters who are traveling this road together. Please do not use Mr. Linky to advertise your blog or website. If your URL does not link directly to a post pertaining to this lesson, it will be removed. Thank you for giving honor to the participants.***

Announcement About a Change

noreply@blogger.com (JesusRulzMe) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:14:00 +0000

Hey there sisters!

I just wanted to let you know that our sister Jen (who joined us recently) has made a new blog just to post her articles for the study, so if you've bookmarked her already (like I have) or are "following" please add her new site and be sure to visit it as she's already made her first post and....well, it's pretty great and that's all I'm going to say....if you're curious, you'll just have to go visit her and be blessed yourself! :-) Below is the link to her new "home" for the Bible Study.

Jen @ Saved By Grace

OH! But be sure to keep her personal site in your bookmarks so you can know what's happening in her life so you can better pray for her and keep in touch!

Love you all VERY much!

***Mr. Linky has been added ONLY FOR PARTICIPANTS of "A Wife's Biblical Submission" Bible Study so they may edify other sisters who are traveling this road together. Please do not use Mr. Linky to advertise your blog or website. If your URL does not link directly to a post pertaining to this lesson, it will be removed. Thank you for giving honor to the participants.***