Day 97 – The Beauty of Fearing the LORD
Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Story (by Rebecca Moni): Since deep diving into a study of God’s design for femininity 3 years ago, God has blessed me with a renewed perspective not only of myself but of what it is to be a woman and beauty’s part in that. Thankfully, I have since been able to escape the chaos that is researching, buying, testing the “next best” eyeshadow palette, face cream, fashion trend, etc. (to the deep relief of my wallet…), and learn who it is God has called me to be as a mirror of His own beauty and love.
Our ladies’ group is almost done with a Bible study devoted to this specific topic, and I couldn’t phrase it better than the authors did in the last chapter we went through: “A godly woman has been gripped with a more awesome vision of beauty than a woman who does not know God. The gospel has revolutionized her understanding of what true beauty is. She’s caught a glimpse of Christ, and it’s taken her breath away. Displaying that beauty has become more important and desirable to her than pursuing the fleeting beauty of the world. And even her desire for external beauty is rooted in a heart to display His beauty.” (Kassian & Demoss, True Woman 101)
What an undeserved, but thrilling gift it is to radiate His beauty–to captivate, inspire and nurture those He leads into our lives. To be His Bride and not only be a witness of His love, but to parallel the beauty of the Gospel in our roles as women of God. The world may laugh at this definition of beauty, but not only will those whose hearts belong to our Father look at us and be filled with awe, but our Father Himself will see and be filled with glory.
My Prayer Response: Father, Satan’s attack on beauty began with his deception of Eve. It has rippled through each generation since. The very concept has since become only more twisted and devalued, but by Your grace, the truth of beauty is ever-present in Your Word. I pray more and more women will realize and embrace this gift You’ve given each and every one of us. Thank You for the honor of being vessels of such a treasure.
May you radiate His beauty to others today!
Day 98 – Jesus is Coming!
Isaiah 59:19 So they will fear the name of the Lord from the west And His glory from the rising of the sun, For He will come like a rushing stream Which the wind of the Lord drives.
Story: In the midst of a sinful world without justice (v. 15), the LORD Himself acts decisively and powerfully (v. 16-18). With righteousness as a breastplate and a helmet of salvation, the LORD comes as a conquering king! He gives wrath, anger and repayment to His enemies. With all of that, now comes our verse today – so they will fear the name of the LORD from west to east. But salvation is also offered (v. 20), because a Redeemer will come to those in Judah who turn from transgression.
My Prayer Response: Father, Jesus is my Savior and Shepherd, but He is still a conquering King, who will bring Your wrath and judgment. Truly, it is a terrifying thing to be in the hands of an angry God! I am so grateful for my salvation in Christ; my future is secure. Continue to burden my heart with the need of others for Your salvation, that they too might turn from their transgression and find mercy and grace in Jesus.
May your confidence be in Jesus Christ!
Day 99 – What Does God Want?
Isaiah 66:1-2 Thus says the Lord, “Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest? For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being,” declares the Lord. “But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.
Story: What does God want? Is He so very interested in a building, made and decorated to the best of human ability? God reminds Israel that He is so much greater than being tied to a specific place. Yet, Israel had the temple in Jerusalem for the worship of the one true God. But God was not confined to that place; He is not a genie in the lamp. What God really wants from His people is not a place, but something more costly and valuable: hearts that are humble and broken, trembling at His Word. To God, it’s not about location, like the temple or the church building. It’s our heart. We are humble, broken of our pride, seeking to hear and then obey His Word with a fear and a respect that makes us shake. We tremble at His Word, not out of being scared, but out of earnestness. His Word is so important to us.
My Prayer Response: Father, You are much greater than Westwood Baptist, or Fresno, or California. It is easy for me to get blinders on and narrow You down to what has my focus. But what You want is my heart to be in total submission to You. So search my heart. Am I humble? Am I broken of pride and selfishness? Am I giving importance to Your Word to the point of trembling? Make me to be the man You want me to be, the man You have called me to be. Let nothing, not even me, stand in the way of You answering these requests.
May you seek today to be what the LORD has called and made you to be.
Day 100 – I Am With You
Jeremiah 1:8 “Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you,” declares the Lord.
Story: As God calls Jeremiah to be a prophet (v. 4-12), I find that I can relate. First, Jeremiah doesn’t jump up and down in excitement and agreement. Rather, he says he’s not eligible to be a prophet because he doesn’t know how to speak, being too young. God’s gives a three fold answer: v. 7 – speak whatever I command you; v. 8 – I will be with you; v. 9 – I have put My words in your mouth. I like verse 8, because I am often fearful of what people will think and how they respond when I speak. I imagine all sorts of anger and riotous violence, worst case scenario stuff that winds up with me getting seriously hurt. But God assures Jeremiah of His personal presence and protection. To speak of Jesus before anyone, not just as a prophet, means a dependence on God to give you the words, the courage, and His presence!
My Prayer Response: Father, thank You for the example of Jeremiah, and how I can see similarities to myself. You promised to be with Jeremiah, and You answered that – even when he did suffer for speaking Your word. As You developed Jeremiah, would You also develop me to speak Your Word, trusting in Your presence and Your protection.
May the LORD be with you today so you speak His words to others!