Today's Bible verse is Proverbs 31:30 (& I guess 31, because there is no day #31) - "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
We've made it to the end... and that is what we want, being a woman of virtue with a lasting kindness. Each characteristic we have been through in the last 29 days (and today), we want to be lasting in our lives. We don't just show it once, and then move on... it is to be a part of our lives forever. This 'Make-over' doesn't just stop today. We need to keep living out what we have learned.
"LASTING" by definition is:
–adjective
1.continuing or enduring a long time; permanent; durable: a lasting friendship.
–noun
2.a strong, durable, closely woven fabric for shoe uppers, coverings on buttons, etc.
3.Archaic. the quality of surviving or continuing and maintaining strength, effectiveness, etc.
"KINDNESS" by definition is:
–noun
1.the state or quality of being kind: kindness to animals.
2.a kind act; favor: his many kindnesses to me.
3.kind behavior: I will never forget your kindness.
4.friendly feeling; liking.
Kindness is one of the 'fruit of the Spirit'. We want a kindness and love to endure a long time, and to continue permanently. A kindness and love that survives through it all, and maintains strength and effectiveness. WOW!
I love how the dictionary defines some words with the actual word... that is just silly. "The state or quality of being...____". What indeed does 'quality' mean? A quality is a 'distinctive characteristic' (dictionary.com). Therefore this kindness is something we have to portray or show in our character. It helps people to distinguish you from others of the world. The Bible does say that Jesus told His disciples "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." ~John 13:34-35 NIV
Most women of the world think that outer beauty will distinguish them from others, yet it's the 'inner beauty' that makes us set apart. The Spirit living inside of us, makes us more delightful. This leads us into our verses for today, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." (Proverbs 31:30 & 31) An outer charm and beauty can be deceiving, for on the inside the beautiful person can be anything but beautiful. Outer beauty can fade and be 'fleeting' as the Scripture says, as we all get older and wrinkly, etc... but inner beauty can never fade away as long as we stick with God and His Holy Spirit. A woman who fears the Lord (not in the scared aspect of the word, but more of a reverance) is to be praised. The gate of a city, is where the prominent people are revered and praised. The praise of others, encouraging her to continue in her walk will be uplifting to her, and also to others who can follow her example. She however, does not need the praise of man, her reward in Heaven is much greater. This is what she is living for... why she has become and lived out the life of a 'virtuous woman'.
Each of these characteristics, each on their own are marvelous, but together give the 'whole package' that God desires each of us to walk in. We are His daughters, and we need to walk in ALL that He has given us. The power from the Spirit, the Blood from the Son, and the authority from the Father. When we are obedient in walking these out, and delighting ourselves in the Lord, He indeed will grant the desires of our hearts.
NOW... go walk in it! BE DIFFERENT! BE DISTINCTIVE! But above all, BE YOU (the You God desires you to be)!
Be 'THAT KINDA GIRL' - Check out 'old school' fun... with DC TALK...
Be blessed and be a blessing!!
(This may be the end as I said, but it's just the beginning... MORE FUN TO COME! Don't leave me now... continue with me on your own journey!)
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