The Wonder of Women

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9–12  (NLT)

I recently had the opportunity to meet some dear friends for much-needed reunion dinner. We have been in each other’s lives for 13+ years.  We have watched friends die, prayed each other through trials that seemed they would never end and cried tears of both joy and sadness together. Life can get in the way as the kids get older and their social lives intertwine with our own. You go from managing 2 social lives to 4 or 5 (depending on how many kids you have).  That makes the moments you can get together that much more special.

As I waited on them to arrive, I watched . . . .

I saw women slowly sipping wine while sharing a celebratory high-five. I imagined what they could be celebrating and my heart celebrated with them. Then my eyes scanned to another table as I watched two women deep in a hushed conversation with grave expressions and my heart sank as I pondered what they were sharing. Was it a divorce, unwelcome diagnosis, a prodigal child, straying husband, dealing with aging parents . . . . . ?

I realized that whether the women were celebrating or grieving, I was so thankful that they had one another. Another woman to come along side them to love, support and hopefully pray for them. We are always to seek God first, but He places His children (His daughters and our sisters) in our path with a word, a hug and encouragement. We can be their answer to prayer when we take the time to get past our fears, jealousy, business and insecurities and build friendships with other women.

Proverbs 18:24
There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. (NLT)

We are ALL daughters of a KING!

As my mind started to unwrap all the thoughts packed within it, I looked up and saw the smiling faces of my two friends approaching. I stood up and we embraced in long overdue hugs. Taking a much-needed deep breath as I sat back down, I felt so blessed to be in the presence of friends. Friends I know will always point me back to God for the ultimate answers, friends who will listen intently, ask the tough questions and throw out a high-five when needed. Which of your friends needs some one-on-one time with you? A listening ear? A word of encouragement? Which of your friends needs a prayer or flowers on their door step today?

Carve out some time and be that angel walking on Earth for a Heavenly Father that wants us to come alongside each other to love, listen and lift-up.

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. John 15:13–15 (NLT)

Thoughts and Revelations

I can’t believe my year of reading the Bible chronologically is complete. There were days I couldn’t put it down the story was fascinating and others days I wondered if I would ever make it through (Leviticus and Job). If you had told me I would say that about studying God’s word several years ago, I wouldn’t have believed you, but it’s true. It’s difficult to explain how amazing this journey has been for me. Even on the weeks I had more than four or five devotions, I still left out so much I highlighted, studied and starred in my Bible. However, if I had to boil it all down to three main themes to tuck away in my heart to ponder daily it would be these:

This is how we are sure that we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands. ⁴ The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” yet doesn’t keep His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. ⁵ But whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God is perfected. This is how we know we are in Him: 1 John 2:3-5

1. Know and obey God’s commands. To know them, we must read His word.. To keep and obey them, we have to read His word so we know to lean, ask and trust in our Heavenly Father for the strength, discipline and faith to follow Him.

So now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears we may have boldness and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 1 John 2:28

2. It’s not about this world, but our eternal one. We get so caught up in the “wants” we forget to focus on all our needs that are being met daily. If we will remain in God through His word, we have a greater chance of overcoming idols and taking the narrow gate that will lead us to Him.

Anyone who does not remain in Christ’s teaching but goes beyond it, does not have God. The one who remains in that teaching, this one has both the Father and the Son. 2 John 9

3. If we are to have eternal life with our Heavenly Father, we must believe in His Son, Jesus and when we know the Father, we must remain in His teaching. If we know the Father and turn away from Him we are no better than those who never believed.

I pray this blog series has encouraged and convicted you in astounding ways as it has me. I will never be the same and I’m so grateful I was given the incentive to read with a friend over the year. Stayed tuned for some exciting news next week about my new book coming out just in time for Christmas! A hint, it has to do with reading the Bible chronologically. After all, who doesn’t desire to know more about our “God who holds your life-break in His hands and who controls the whole course of your life.”?  (Daniel 5:23)

Praying we all continue to seek our Heavenly Father through His written word.It never fails and is always relevant. It lives and breathes after all these centuries and will continue to do so until His return and all that was prophesied is accomplished.