A heartfelt welcome to you in the name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ from a family of believers who worship together in Fairfield, California
ENCOURAGEMENT FROM PROVERBS 31
I was asked to write an article on encouragement. Not knowing where to begin or what to write, I prayed, sought advice from others and searched the scriptures. The answer came from the book of Proverbs 31:10-31. Lemuel wrote:
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still night;
She provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
Where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
God has blessed me to be a wife and a mother. My character and abilities are reflected through my family. Since I desire my family to be honorable, I am encouraged daily to practice hard work, concern and compassion for others and to daily encourage others. I may never achieve all the qualities of the woman described in Proverbs 31, but I will strive to serve God and my family all the days of my life.