God's Provision..part 1

I always worry about if I am doing things the right way. Is it pleasing and good for my family? Is God happy with the decisions I am making? This feeling is ever more present in times of struggle. Then, I really question everything I did up until that point and could I have done things differently.

The bottom line is that God is always guiding and looking out for us. We have to seek His voice and stay sharpened so we can tune in and follow His lead. It isn’t some mystical thing. We read the word to know God’s heart and see Jesus example. We fellowship with others and gain practice in what we learn.

That is how Jesus did it. When He walked the earth, he spent time with God. Then, he spent time with those around Him. Not just his inner circle, but those tax collectors, liars, adulterers, prostitutes…you get my drift. Don’t be so holy that you aren’t following after God’s heart. God’s heart is for people (2 Timothy 1:8-11).

When people often look at what happened on the cross, they see this horrible act of murder to someone who didn’t deserve it. I see God’s provision.  And even in that, every day God provides for us: food, clothing, shelter life…. When times are difficult, we often start thinking about what we can do to make things be better. God still calls us to be in a place of listening to Him and following His direction. Unconventional it may be, but wasn’t Jesus an unconventional kind of man?

I can almost guarantee you things will never work out like you think it should. But I can also guarantee that it will work out. In His word God says that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord, who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28, NKJV). If your heart is with God, you are the called. That means every thing you do with a right heart will prosper. 

Mistye Ruffin
Proverbs 31 Mama Team

 

Setting the Atmosphere

The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands. 

Proverbs 14:1

Setting the atmosphere in your home is for women who are married as well as single women. We as women set the tone for our household and are responsible for building and maintaining a pleasant atmosphere. Your tone of voice, attitude and actions play a major part in your household.

Most importantly your spirit and love for God should be filling your home and pouring out like a sweet fragrance. You should be in prayer for your family from the time you rise in the morning and consistently praying throughout the day. Regardless of the type of day your family has experienced outside the home, when they enter into their household, they should feel safe, warm and secure. The feeling of love and comfort should be radiating throughout the household as soon as they step inside the door. 

Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches. Proverbs 24:3-4

 

To make a home pleasant and inviting you have to create some order and beauty. When there is no organization, there will be chaos. Your home should be neat and clean. Everything should have a proper place.  Absolutely no clutter should be allowed. No it doesn’t have to look as though it is in a magazine or you are competing for a prize for the best looking home. You are not competing with anyone. You want to make your house a safe haven for your family. This is your palace next to heaven and it should be treated as such.

If your home is dull and dark, you can’t possibly expect to have a loving and inviting atmosphere. Adding beauty to your home does not have to be expensive. You can be creative and make your own crafts and accessories. Fill your home with things of significance to you and your family. You can add personal touches such as family photos, paintings, drawing, etc. The sentimental value will add joy to your home more than anything you could ever purchase. There should be a nice aroma flowing throughout. You can use candles, oils, baked goodies, or use some of God’s beauty and bring in flowers, or other natural items.

When someone leaves your home, you should want them to remember the atmosphere instead of the quality of furniture material possessions you have or if you had a common theme throughout the room.  

Lastly, your home should possess a positive atmosphere for positive learning. This is the place your family will spend quality time together as well as learning and growing in God and education. Therefore, negative influences should not be allowed.

You should be striving to set a pleasing atmosphere for your household on a daily basis because activities are forever changing. Don’t get into the habit of thinking because you have a nice atmosphere one day that it is going to remain that way every day.

My prayer for you is to work diligently to ensure your dwelling place has an atmosphere where those who enter will feel the love and warmth you have for God as well as one another, and are looking forward to returning.

Aretha Turner

Sisters of Honor

www.sistersofhonor.org

A Wife’s Heart

http://awifesheart.blogspot.com