When I first was saved, the first thing the Holy Spirit began to deal with me about was my conduct, and what God desired of me as a woman. He's still teaching me today, and He always gives us free choice, to heed His word, or go our own way. I'm also still learning-it's to my benefit to obey the Lord's instructions, and apply them to my life.
I've been accused of being hard on women, and too critical. I've been the most critical of myself over the years, as I've read what scripture teaches about women, and put it into practice in my own life and allowed it to transform me. I'm far from being what God wants of me I'm sure, but I'm not what I was when He first saved me-and I intend to continue to let the word of God renew me, and change me. I've learned if I'm a woman who fears the Lord-I will want to obey Him. I may fail, and may have to endure chastisement. But I'd rather be chastised, knowing I belong to Him, and know He's correcting me for my own good, than keep going down a wrong road that will lead to destruction. The best decision to make is be quick to repent, and quick to make the changes to align myself with the Lord. This is what opens the way for God to bless us, and restore us
I've been accused of being hard on women, and too critical. I've been the most critical of myself over the years, as I've read what scripture teaches about women, and put it into practice in my own life and allowed it to transform me. I'm far from being what God wants of me I'm sure, but I'm not what I was when He first saved me-and I intend to continue to let the word of God renew me, and change me. I've learned if I'm a woman who fears the Lord-I will want to obey Him. I may fail, and may have to endure chastisement. But I'd rather be chastised, knowing I belong to Him, and know He's correcting me for my own good, than keep going down a wrong road that will lead to destruction. The best decision to make is be quick to repent, and quick to make the changes to align myself with the Lord. This is what opens the way for God to bless us, and restore us
I've sat under many godly women, and those who were true to the bible, and would teach it as it was written, whether anyone liked it, or not. As a bible teacher myself-I've found this to be all-important. I'm going to teach the scriptures on what it says about women-no matter the outcome. I'm not going to just tell you what you want to hear, but what you need to hear-in order for the Holy Spirit to bring the needed conviction, and prick your conscience, even if it makes you angry. I care enough about your soul, and hope for your salvation-to teach the verses you'd never want to hear-hoping it will get you to turn around, and give your life to the Lord.
For many months after my salvation, I would sit alone and study the scriptures and go to the Lord about what the verses were teaching me. The word of God reveals us to ourselves. When this happens to people who don't want to see themselves as God does, will close the book and won't allow it to change them.
I watch with sadness as many young women do the same as I did before coming to the Lord; to get attention, or make a statement. It does make a statement; but not in a godly way. For example: When I was still a teenager, many girls were getting their ears pierced, and some also pierced their noses. I had my ears pierced, and over the years, a few times they became infected, and I'd have to stop wearing earrings until they healed. It didn't happen because of being unclean-my doctor said it happened to many women with piercings. Later, after my salvation, I began to study what the bible taught on the subject, and found I was putting myself in bondage spiritually by doing this. I repented and stopped wearing earrings, and hoped they would completely heal over, but to this day-over 40 yrs. later, the imprints of the piercings are still in my lobes.
If your a young woman who has pierced your ears, nose or any other part of your body-you are sending a message in the spirit realm; you've put yourself in bondage, and are broadcasting it. If you have a pierced nose- you are representing a sow, or cow bound; and allowing yourself to be led by the nose. Jesus can set you free-and you don't need a ring in your nose, or any part of your body. You were made to glorify the Lord-not the devil.
Deu 14:1 Ye are the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.
Lev 19:28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.
Jer 16:6 Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall men lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them:
New Testament scripture gives more clarification-we are bought with a price, we are not our own:
1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
You may have been brought up, and taught in school that we are just animals, and can do anything we want, with no consequences. That's a devils lie. We were born to glorify our God, and obey His commandments. He wants us to live forever with Him, in heaven. But, we'll only get there by turning from our sin, and obeying His word.
I'm going to add something from my own personal observations, and my opinion: Once you've lost your youthful beauty, and find yourself in old age-the mutilations you've done to yourself-will do you no favors. They add nothing to your charm, or attractiveness, when the wrinkles and sags take over. I never regret not going any further, and not getting tattoos.
For many months after my salvation, I would sit alone and study the scriptures and go to the Lord about what the verses were teaching me. The word of God reveals us to ourselves. When this happens to people who don't want to see themselves as God does, will close the book and won't allow it to change them.
I watch with sadness as many young women do the same as I did before coming to the Lord; to get attention, or make a statement. It does make a statement; but not in a godly way. For example: When I was still a teenager, many girls were getting their ears pierced, and some also pierced their noses. I had my ears pierced, and over the years, a few times they became infected, and I'd have to stop wearing earrings until they healed. It didn't happen because of being unclean-my doctor said it happened to many women with piercings. Later, after my salvation, I began to study what the bible taught on the subject, and found I was putting myself in bondage spiritually by doing this. I repented and stopped wearing earrings, and hoped they would completely heal over, but to this day-over 40 yrs. later, the imprints of the piercings are still in my lobes.
If your a young woman who has pierced your ears, nose or any other part of your body-you are sending a message in the spirit realm; you've put yourself in bondage, and are broadcasting it. If you have a pierced nose- you are representing a sow, or cow bound; and allowing yourself to be led by the nose. Jesus can set you free-and you don't need a ring in your nose, or any part of your body. You were made to glorify the Lord-not the devil.
Deu 14:1 Ye are the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.
Lev 19:28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.
Jer 16:6 Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall men lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them:
New Testament scripture gives more clarification-we are bought with a price, we are not our own:
1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
You may have been brought up, and taught in school that we are just animals, and can do anything we want, with no consequences. That's a devils lie. We were born to glorify our God, and obey His commandments. He wants us to live forever with Him, in heaven. But, we'll only get there by turning from our sin, and obeying His word.
I'm going to add something from my own personal observations, and my opinion: Once you've lost your youthful beauty, and find yourself in old age-the mutilations you've done to yourself-will do you no favors. They add nothing to your charm, or attractiveness, when the wrinkles and sags take over. I never regret not going any further, and not getting tattoos.
A study of Proverbs ch. 31 was one of the first things I did. It speaks of the many godly characteristics of a wise woman, who follows God. Faithful, diligent, hard working, honest, cares for her family and provides for them, a good business woman. It is worth taking the time to go into it.
The Woman Who Fears the Lord
Pro 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
Pro 31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
Pro 31:12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
Pro 31:13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
Pro 31:14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
Pro 31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
Pro 31:16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
Pro 31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
Pro 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
Pro 31:19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
Pro 31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
Pro 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
Pro 31:22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
Pro 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
Pro 31:24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Pro 31:25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
Pro 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Pro 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Pro 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Pro 31:29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Pro 31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Pro 31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
F.B. Meyer gives a very good commentary on the Proverb 31 woman-
“HER WORKS PRAISE HER”
The ideal woman, as portrayed here, is a wife. She is the stay and confidence of her husband. Not only when she comes as a young bride into his home, in the glory and beauty of her youth, nor only when her womanly beauty holds his admiration, but long after and to the end of life she does him good. She is always busy. She is thrifty in administering his earnings. If he brings the money to her, she expends it economically for their common weal. When a friend of mine was sixty, his wife came to him with an annuity which she had purchased for them both, by her wise administration of the money entrusted to her through forty years of married life.
It is in the home-place that the man’s strength is gathered for public life. The woman in the home communicates the inspiration and strength which make him “known in the gates.” Her secret, unobtrusive loyalty, counsel, and thrift inspire a growing depth of appreciation; so that the man who chose her in the spring will say of her amid the snows of age, “Other women may be good and true, but ‘thou excellest them all.’”
Below are some images to contemplate-and ponder.
The Woman Who Fears the Lord
Pro 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
Pro 31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
Pro 31:12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
Pro 31:13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
Pro 31:14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
Pro 31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
Pro 31:16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
Pro 31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
Pro 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
Pro 31:19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
Pro 31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
Pro 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
Pro 31:22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
Pro 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
Pro 31:24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Pro 31:25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
Pro 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Pro 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Pro 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Pro 31:29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Pro 31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Pro 31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
F.B. Meyer gives a very good commentary on the Proverb 31 woman-
“HER WORKS PRAISE HER”
The ideal woman, as portrayed here, is a wife. She is the stay and confidence of her husband. Not only when she comes as a young bride into his home, in the glory and beauty of her youth, nor only when her womanly beauty holds his admiration, but long after and to the end of life she does him good. She is always busy. She is thrifty in administering his earnings. If he brings the money to her, she expends it economically for their common weal. When a friend of mine was sixty, his wife came to him with an annuity which she had purchased for them both, by her wise administration of the money entrusted to her through forty years of married life.
It is in the home-place that the man’s strength is gathered for public life. The woman in the home communicates the inspiration and strength which make him “known in the gates.” Her secret, unobtrusive loyalty, counsel, and thrift inspire a growing depth of appreciation; so that the man who chose her in the spring will say of her amid the snows of age, “Other women may be good and true, but ‘thou excellest them all.’”
Below are some images to contemplate-and ponder.
In the New Testamant, it goes deeper into godliness, and good character. These verses show us what a godly woman should exemplify.
1Pe 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
1Pe 3:2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
1Pe 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
1Pe 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
1Pe 3:5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
1Pe 3:6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
1Pe 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. See also 1Tim 2:9-10, Psa 45:13
This is a world that tells you that what you wear, how you look, and what you project is all important. These verses go against everything the world teaches. This is why they are largely ignored, or mocked and laughed at.
During the years I was divorced from Lynn, it was the scriptures that held me fast, and kept me praying for a reconciliation, when everybody I knew was telling me to give up. It was the scriptures that helped me to keep living for God, and doing what was right whether anybody else cared or not. God kept His word, and we were remarried. Greater obstacles, and trials awaited, but God was there when they came as well, and kept His word to me through all of them also. The greater the storms, the greater God's word prevailed. Like the song says, the ship is battered, but the anchor holds.
It is possible to be a strong woman, and be compassionate, honest, and walk in integrity. Being meek doesn't mean weak. People may lie, and spread slander, but if you are walking your life out for the Lord, your heart will remain steadfast, no matter what anyone does or says about you. If you've been in deep sin before your salvation, God's word is clear. His forgiveness washes us clean, He forgives, and He forgets. It does not matter whether anyone else forgives, His love and grace is enough. The power of the Holy Spirit within will give the strength to help you make changes in your life to please the Lord, and establish His peace in your life. If you stumble and fall, He will forgive and restore, again. The world is a very cruel, merciless place; but under the shadow of the Almighty, we always will find a refuge, and strength to get back up, and go on again.
The next verses goes into the life of women who are widowed, but also women's conduct in general. It is brutally honest about human nature without God:
1Ti 5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
1Ti 5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
1Ti 5:11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
1Ti 5:12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
1Ti 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
During the years I worked with the elderly, I saw and heard a great deal of things that most people don't want to hear about. Abuses, ill treatment of elders, neglect, etc., which has made me outspoken against these issues, and am willing to pay the cost of speaking up.
I also know that younger women in the business world can, and do make it very difficult for other's if they are not catered to, or their conduct brought up. They can make someone else's life very difficult and they know all the ways to do it. A woman who has no moral compass will use any strategy to get their way, whether it's lying, slander, manipulation; to them the end justifies the means. I've watched it and observed it over and over, it's sad to see what they will stoop to. But the worst of it is, what it's doing to themselves. Think about Hillary Clinton, and other women like her.
I've been on the recieving end of some of this, but it doesn't bother me, it just proves my point. I avoid these kind of women, not out of fear; but what the truth of this verse tells me:
Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
At the end of your life, what kind of path will you have left behind you; what do you want to look back and see? What pattern of influence do you want to leave behind you? I keep this in the forefront of my mind, and then turn around, face the road in front of me, and walk it out with the scriptures shared here, as my guide.
Lorna Couillard
1Pe 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
1Pe 3:2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
1Pe 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
1Pe 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
1Pe 3:5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
1Pe 3:6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
1Pe 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. See also 1Tim 2:9-10, Psa 45:13
This is a world that tells you that what you wear, how you look, and what you project is all important. These verses go against everything the world teaches. This is why they are largely ignored, or mocked and laughed at.
During the years I was divorced from Lynn, it was the scriptures that held me fast, and kept me praying for a reconciliation, when everybody I knew was telling me to give up. It was the scriptures that helped me to keep living for God, and doing what was right whether anybody else cared or not. God kept His word, and we were remarried. Greater obstacles, and trials awaited, but God was there when they came as well, and kept His word to me through all of them also. The greater the storms, the greater God's word prevailed. Like the song says, the ship is battered, but the anchor holds.
It is possible to be a strong woman, and be compassionate, honest, and walk in integrity. Being meek doesn't mean weak. People may lie, and spread slander, but if you are walking your life out for the Lord, your heart will remain steadfast, no matter what anyone does or says about you. If you've been in deep sin before your salvation, God's word is clear. His forgiveness washes us clean, He forgives, and He forgets. It does not matter whether anyone else forgives, His love and grace is enough. The power of the Holy Spirit within will give the strength to help you make changes in your life to please the Lord, and establish His peace in your life. If you stumble and fall, He will forgive and restore, again. The world is a very cruel, merciless place; but under the shadow of the Almighty, we always will find a refuge, and strength to get back up, and go on again.
The next verses goes into the life of women who are widowed, but also women's conduct in general. It is brutally honest about human nature without God:
1Ti 5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
1Ti 5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
1Ti 5:11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
1Ti 5:12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
1Ti 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
During the years I worked with the elderly, I saw and heard a great deal of things that most people don't want to hear about. Abuses, ill treatment of elders, neglect, etc., which has made me outspoken against these issues, and am willing to pay the cost of speaking up.
I also know that younger women in the business world can, and do make it very difficult for other's if they are not catered to, or their conduct brought up. They can make someone else's life very difficult and they know all the ways to do it. A woman who has no moral compass will use any strategy to get their way, whether it's lying, slander, manipulation; to them the end justifies the means. I've watched it and observed it over and over, it's sad to see what they will stoop to. But the worst of it is, what it's doing to themselves. Think about Hillary Clinton, and other women like her.
I've been on the recieving end of some of this, but it doesn't bother me, it just proves my point. I avoid these kind of women, not out of fear; but what the truth of this verse tells me:
Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
At the end of your life, what kind of path will you have left behind you; what do you want to look back and see? What pattern of influence do you want to leave behind you? I keep this in the forefront of my mind, and then turn around, face the road in front of me, and walk it out with the scriptures shared here, as my guide.
Lorna Couillard
