You are a Queen

 A True Woman says, "Yes, Lord."

She believes that God's purposes for creating male and female are good and wise.

What was the first purpose for God creating male and female?  We have to answer this question, before we can claim that it is good and wise. 

• Genesis 1:26  Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

And the answer is:  "let them rule over..."  God created man and woman in His Own image and placed them in the garden to rule over it.  Still today, you are to rule over your area.  Whether it is at school, on a job, or at home, you are to rule it.  Whether it is your health, your weight, or your finances, you are to rule it.  Whether it is your words, your relationships or your possessions, you are to rule it.  

  Are you ruling today?  In what areas, do you need to take back dominion? 

Once upon a time, there was a queen...  That Queen is you.  You are the ruler. 

 

Think about it and let's discuss this more tomorrow...

Rally Up

A True Woman says, "Yes, Lord."

She believes that God's purposes for creating male and female are good and wise.

• Galatians 3:26-28 "For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  And all who have been united with Christ is baptism have put on the character of Christ, like putting on new clothes.  There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave of free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus."

  As I was reading down this group of verses, I so wanted to stop and write on "putting on new clothes"-clothes are fun, but knew that would be getting off topic this morning.  I am determined to stay "on task" today.  Writing about "staying on task" is also for another day-I digress. 

  Let me just point out a few truths from these verses:

• You belong to God through faith in Jesus Christ
• You are united with Christ
• You are on equal ground
• You are one in God's kingdom

The apostle Paul must have known that the women needed to hear that truth when he was inspired to write these words to Galatia. Did they have a women's lib movement going on?  Were they organizing a rally?  We also need to hear that truth today.  God created you a woman.  You are His.  You are united with Christ.  You have equality in His Kingdom.  (Although in the light of the gospel and the sermon I heard yesterday, I would be happy to be a lowly peasant, in rags, grabbing at crumbs) Back to the task.  When we don't have a clear picture of God or His purposes, we get off track.  We must continually take our thoughts and align them with what the Word says.  The world is not doing that.  So "rally up", take your stand, but rally and stand in the truth - You are God's.  When He created you a woman that was a good and wise plan.  

  Heavenly Father, how good and wise You are!  You have a plan and a purpose for me.  I thank you for your love and care in my life.  Help me to stay on task to live a life that is aligned with that plan and purpose.  May I please you today.  In Jesus' name, Amen. 

I Enjoy Being a Girl

A True Woman says, "Yes, Lord."

She believes that God's purposes for creating male and female are good and wise.

In the Flower Drum Song, Rodgers & Hammerstein's character, Linda Low, a showgirl sang "I enjoy being a girl."  She loved frilly dress made of lace, talking on the phone for hours with cream on her face, or a new hairstyle.

I thought I would ask you a few questions today.  

• Do you enjoy being a woman?  Why or Why not?
• What experiences and relationships have been most formative for your femininity?
• What do you think of women as a whole?

God saw all that He had made and it was very good.  God saw that making woman was very good.   Agree with God and thank God for making you a woman.  

What a Doll You Are!

A True Woman says, "Yes, Lord."

She believes that God's purposes for creating male and female are good and wise.

• Genesis 1:26-28a "Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."  And God created man in His own image, in the image of God, He created him; male and female He created them.  And God blessed them;

Not only was man created in the image of God, but woman was created in His image also.  The word image is the same word used for idol in Scripture. We are not God, but we are little models or statues of God.  We have been created in His image.  Think about God's attributes.     Who He is and what has He created within us.

He is righteousness.      We have a conscience.

He is sovereign.       We have responsibility.

He is love.       We have a heart and personality to love.

He is omniscience.      We have a mind and ability to think.

He is eternal.      We are immortal.

God has created us to be His likeness, His model, His little statue on this earth.  

*When Alison was a child she played with Barbie dolls (please, don't judge :-).  She even had the dream house and lots of little accessories. She would dress them, pose them, tell them when to eat and sleep, redress them and play for hours.  You are God's Barbie.  You are His "action figure".  Just as Barbie represents Mattel.  You represent God.  You are God's doll created in His image.

*Disclaimer:  I know that this may not be the best example or analogy, but I think you get the picture.  Instead of Barbie, I guess I could have used Cabbage Patch or Troll.  I prefer to picture myself as Barbie!

It's a Good Thing

A true woman says, "Yes, Lord."

She believes that God's purposes for creating male and female are good and wise.

• Genesis 2:18  The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone.  I will make a helper suitable for him."

God knew what He was doing when He made woman.  He knew what He was doing when He made you a woman.  It was a good thing. 

Do you enjoy being a woman?  Why or why not?  

For the next few weeks, we will be looking at what God made when He made woman.  Whether you are married, single, divorced, old, or young, allow God to reveal His master plan for your life.  Say "Yes, Lord", to Him.  Ask Him to open your heart and mind to the plan He has for you as a woman.  As Martha Steward phrased "It's a good thing."  

Well, actually,  that was originally a God quote!

True Woman Review

As we begin this new year, let's review the concepts that we have been obeying since we started:

1. A true woman lives a God-centered life.  She lives for God's glory and pleasure.  She asks, "What will please You, Lord?"  She joins with creation in worshipping Him.  She turns her eyes upon Jesus in the midst of problems.  She lives a life of repentance, holiness and service.
2. A true woman trust God.  She doesn't fear, because she knows that God can be trusted.  She leans on Him and depends on Him is all times.  She resisted the temptation to worry or manipulate, because she has relinquished control to Him.

Read these again aloud, take out the word "she" and replace it with your name. (i.e. Pam lives for God's glory and pleasure.)  Are these statements true about you? Have you truly committed your life to be a true woman of God?  Is that the desire of your heart and soul?  Spend some time talking to God in prayer.  Ask Him to guide you in this journey.  It is a prayer He wants to answer.

Tomorrow we will continue by saying "Yes, LORD."  Stay tuned.

p.s. if you are in the San Jose area, plan on attending the start of "5 Aspects of Woman" class- this Thursday 6:30-8:00 pm at EVC. 

p.s.s.  My eye is healing and I am in no pain.  Thanks for the prayers!

 

Blurred Vision

Happy 2011!

  My 2011 has not started out the way I intended.  I had big plans regarding my bible study, my blog, my quiet time, and my exercising.  Sunday, as I was getting ready to attend Worship Services, I scratched my cornea. The next few hours were not in Worship with people I love at Evergreen Valley Church, but waiting in a clinic with strangers hacking and coughing, while I was crying out to the LORD for the pain to stop.  The next 24 hours were spend with blurred vision, a patch over my right eye and on pain medication (Thank God! for the pain meds, not the patch).

  Today was another trip to the Ophthalmologist and the pharmacy.  The patch is gone, so I am able to see, read and write again.  I will have to see about the exercise in the morning.

  Often times a day may not be what I had planned or even wanted, but like Job, I will trust in God.

• Job 23:10 "But He knows the way I take; when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold."

  Trust God with your days, no matter what they may look like.   He sees the big picture and knows what He is doing.  After all,  our vision is blurry at best.

Father, as we begin this new year,  Help us to trust you more, love you deeper and follow you closer.  May our faith grow and flourish this year and may we see you clearly as you work on our behalf.  To you be the glory! Amen.