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As mothers, we have been given the wonderful responsibility of raising children to walk in faith with Jesus Christ. However, with all the demands of the modern world, we sometimes find ourselves not having enough time for our children. Raising children requires a lot of time, patience, understanding, discipline and involvement. Because of our many responsibilities – as a wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, boss, employee, or colleague – we would sometimes need the help of those around us.

There is an old African saying that goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” We have all heard this before, but we often forget its importance. A child absorbs information and learns from the attitudes and behaviors of people in his or her surroundings. These early influences may determine who and what kind of person the child will grow up to be.

 

Try asking yourself these questions as a guide for raising children:

 

Who do you want your child to be?

What values or beliefs do you want to impart to your child?

How will you accomplish this?

 

The Bible says in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The scripture tells us that we must teach our children what is right from what is wrong as early as possible so that it will enter their hearts and they will keep it there for all the days of their lives.

 A spiritual foundation needs to be laid in the hearts and minds of our children early on. A child’s first source of knowledge is his or her parents; and subsequently, the other people who are always around. If we engage ourselves in the midst of bad company, then our children might pick up the unpleasant habits and mindsets that these people carry.

 Surround your child with people who you believe are a good influence. Being part of a body of believers in Christ will not only show your child of your love for Jesus; but it is also a great environment for your child to grow up in. Let your child be raised among like-minded individuals who believe and receive the grace of God.

 

 

All around us, we see people who have not yet heard the good news of Christ Jesus. It is somehow disheartening to see so many people in the world who could benefit from knowing God’s goodness, but they are still kept in the dark.

You and I are lucky to have been blessed by our faith. Others do not have the same advantage, but we can help them by bringing them to Jesus. It does not matter whether they are poor or rich, young or old…whoever they are, whatever they have done, whichever place they came from, God is willing to take them into His loving arms.

In helping people find God, we must not choose who to help only based on personal and societal biases. We are all entitled to God’s love, regardless of age, race, gender or status. The Bible reminds us that even if we are living in a global world, we are all the same in the eyes of God.

 

• Acts 10:34-35 (NKJV) – Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.

 

• Galatians 3:28-29 (NKJV) –  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

 

• Romans 10:12-13 (NKJV) For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

 

God shows no partiality and we are all one in Christ Jesus. Everyone is entitled to know how to find God. YOU can be the instrument for making it happen for people in your midst, no matter who they are. 

 

Bow down your head and pray:

Dear God, thank you for compelling us to know you. Help us to see and assist those who are struggling without faith. Make us strong so that we can lift up others by introducing them to you. Amen.

 

 

 

It is easy to put labels on people. It has become so common that we do it without even recognizing it. Labels may seem harmless, but they can hurt when they negatively influence our actions toward others. 

 

There is so much discrimination in the world today that it is hard to read the news without seeing stories of hate and violence because of prejudice. But we know that discrimination isn’t entirely a new thing. It has been there for ages, including that experienced by members of the early Church. 

 

An example of which can be seen in Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy:

 

But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 

-2 Timothy 3:10-11

 

The verses above tell us of the persecutions that Paul has endured in his discipleship; but they also tell us of God’s great deliverance. “And out of them all the Lord delivered me.”

 

The Lord Brings Deliverance

The people of God, then and now, have undergone many challenges and difficulties due to discrimination. Discrimination may come, yet there is deliverance waiting. God gives us comfort in His word:

 

Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

– Matthew 5:11-12 (NKJV)

 

As God’s followers, we are assured by the promises of God in heaven. Some of us may experience discrimination because of our beliefs and practices, but none of it should not make our faith falter. In fact, it should push us to strengthen our faith because we are showing others the essence of our faith and what it means to be a christian. 

 

Knowing God is much more than just having knowledge about Him and the history and workings of the church. To truly know God is to have FAITH in Him.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

-Hebrews 11:1

To know God is to know that all things are possible through Him. To know God is to believe in His promises. To know God is to receive blessings from Him. To know God is to praise and glorify Him for all the great things He has done for us.

The Bible says:

 “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”

– Psalm 46:10 

Knowing God is being filled with peace and joy that He is always by our side. We get to wake up in the morning knowing that we have been given another chance at life. We go through our day with confidence in His mantle of protection. And when we move into a different season, we know we are about to expect another blessing from God. 

To know God is also to bear fruit for Him. He gave us talents, skills and gifts for us to be productive in this world. Bearing fruit for God is not only manifested in the physical, but it also reflected in the emotional and spiritual lives of God’s people. Our hands have the power to point people who are lost, confused, in pain, etc. to the loving arms of God. 

 

Knowing God Reflects in Our Everyday Choices 

In following His teachings and commandments, we please God with our genuine heart of service and love for all of His creation.  We may encounter pitfalls and failures every now and then, but our choice to follow God’s word is proof that we truly know Him and we trust in His promises.

 

Have you ever caused someone to become closer to God?

 

We do not realize it, but our simple everyday actions have far-reaching consequences. When we talk and interact with people we encounter, our words and actions may seem normal to us, but it can affect them in a different way. This is true especially when the person is going through a rough patch in his or her life.

 

For instance, you are at a checkout line in a grocery store and you see that the cashier is feeling low. It may be instinctive to some, but saying something positive to the cashier may make a big difference in his or her day.

 

Simple things, like holding the elevator for someone rushing to get in, can make a difference. Who knows, that person might be rushing to get to a job interview. And because of your kindness, he or she got there on time and was able to get the job, which is exactly the blessing from God that he or she has been praying for.

 

Your good works can make a great difference. You can be an instrument of God’s blessings towards others. The Bible says:

 

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Colossians 4:5-6

 

The Bible tells us that our words should always be gracious towards others and we must always carry the wisdom and teachings of God. This way, we can show others our faith and be a role model for people who want to discover Jesus in their lives.

 

The apostle Peter tells us in the Scriptures:

 

Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

-1 Peter 2:11-12 NKJV

 

Through the good works that others will observe of us, they will see and glorify God.  

 

We always desire to be listened to. We feel valued and important when people give their time and attention to what we have to say. Most people constantly yearn for someone to listen to their thoughts, their ideas, their goals, their dreams, and even their fears. In today’s busy and often disconnected world, unfortunately, not everyone has somebody who is willing to listen at the time when they need it the most.

 

As believers of Christ, we should never have this problem. We should always be aware that there is Someone up above who is always listening. This is the assurance that we have from God, our Father.

 

15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

17 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

–Psalm 34:15, 17

 

God is always there to listen to us. We can talk to Him anytime, anywhere. He is on the line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are truly blessed because we consistently have Someone whom we can pour out our heart and soul to. Whatever it is that we have in our minds, whatever we have in our emotions, we can always share them with God through prayer. God is listening. He is constantly waiting for us to come to Him.

 

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

Isaiah 65:24

 

How Do I Know If God Is Listening?

You might ask, “How do I know that God is listening?” You may not see Him physically; He may not answer you vocally; but you can easily sense His presence once you have built a strong personal relationship with Him. He hears our voice and answers us through blessings and opportunities in the form of physical things, people and events that lead us to our destiny. 

 

 

What is it that is troubling you lately?

 

Our faith requires us to have an openness to God’s word. At times when we are troubled, we must seek the word of God to guide us.

 

Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry;

-Psalm 88:2

 

Life is never easy all the time. As women, we face unique challenges; and to this day, there are still some external forces that try to keep us down. Many have already been empowered, but there are still quite a number of women across the world who have yet to stand up for themselves. Now, which category do you belong to?

 

Whatever challenge you’re facing, know that you have the strength and the smarts to come out smiling in success! You just have to believe in yourself!

 

Do not let others discourage you from what you can accomplish. God is on your side! You can do whatever you set your heart out to do. If there are people trying to tell you otherwise, throw their negative words into the flames and use it to keep your fire within burning! Use their pessimism as your fuel to prove them wrong!

 

Use your time, talents and treasure to prove them wrong! If you think it’s impossible, try to look at the many famous women in history who have achieved great things for mankind. God did not create us to live in doubt and fear; He created us to grab opportunities and make great things happen!

 

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

–2 Timothy 1:7

 

As believers, we share in God’s divine teachings and we practice His commandment of loving thy neighbor. Share this with a fellow woman in your life who needs this encouragement.

 

Who knows, you might just be the key in unlocking her divine potential.

 

Society and popular culture has placed more attention on looks than ever before. There are so many different products and services available for women to enhance their physical beauty. From make-up to cosmetic surgery, women are constantly bombarded with offers on how to improve their appearance.

 

Aside from this, social media is also a big factor in creating physical insecurity among women. The perfectly curated pictures posted on popular social media channels can subtly make women feel envious and inadequate. This is often why women are pressured to focus on their looks instead of other personal qualities.

 

If you were asked, “What is your greatest asset?”—what would you answer? Would you mention a part of your body? Your legs, your eyes, your nose, or your figure? Or will you mention intangible things, such as your kindness, your intellect, or your faith in God?

 

The Bible says:

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”

-Proverbs 31:30

 

What Makes a Truly Attractive Woman?

A truly attractive woman is one that fears the Lord. A woman that fears the Lord can overcome any temptation or trap laid down by the enemy.  Her kindness and obedience to God’s will is more beautiful than any physical attribute.  

 

If you wish to be a truly attractive woman, you must begin enhancing your beauty from within. Your character, your good morals, and your Christian virtues are what will make you stand out from the crowd. Outer beauty is fleeting, but inner beauty lasts and is far more precious and pleasing to the eyes of God.

 

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

–Proverbs 31:10-12

 

 

How would you describe your relationship with your mother?

Each person has his or her own unique relationship with his or her own mother. Every mother-son or mother-daughter dynamic is different; this is true even among siblings raised by the same parents. Do you have a good and healthy relationship with your mother? Or does your relationship with your mother have room for much improvement?

Your relationship with your mother is vital because it shapes your future and how you interface with the world as you grow into adulthood. The mother is the heart of the household and she holds a position of authority and great influence over her child/children. Your relationship with your mother can also greatly influence the kind of mother you are or will become in the future.

 

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

–Proverbs 31:27-28

 

If you are already a mother, find time to reflect on your relationship with your own mother to help you assess your own parenting. Be thankful for your mother’s strengths and learn from her weaknesses. By doing so, you can improve or avoid certain behaviors that are harmful, while you can pick up positive parenting moves that your mother has done in the past.  

 

Motherhood Beyond the Family

Motherhood is not only limited to women who bear children. You are a mother when you care for and look after other people. You are a mother when you take care of pets and other animals. You are a mother when you take care of your community. You are a mother when you nurture the church and lead lost people to God.

Motherhood is in all of us, no matter what age or state we are in. But it is important for us to also look back and honor our own mothers by telling them a heartfelt “thank you” for raising us well.

May all mothers be blessed this month, in Jesus’ name!

 

What makes you happy?

As you begin to walk in the fullness of your purpose, you will come to know that true happiness can only be achieved by doing what you love and being involved in something you believe in!

What is it that you love doing? What are you passionate about? These are the questions you must ask yourself in order to start your journey in finding true happiness.

Many people think that money, success, or fame is the key to happiness. While these may bring a certain level of happiness and excitement, it either loses its luster or it doesn’t last for long. Have you ever wondered why there are many rich and famous people who are battling anxiety and depression? It may be because they are looking for true happiness in all the wrong places.

 

True Happiness: Look in the Right Direction

The first step in finding true happiness is to look within. What is of value to you? Is your faith an important part of your life? Do you aim to follow the ways of man, or do you wish to pursue your divine purpose in God?

God has a great plan for your life. He wants you to thrive with the gifts that He has placed within your hands. He continuous to send you blessings in order for you to be the best you that you can be!

As you set your sights on specific goals and follow through until you achieve them, you will come into the harmonious feeling of self-accomplishment and it will lend you moments of pure joy and ecstasy that can only be attained through the application of your handiwork through faith!

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

–Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV

The lives of God’s believers are destined to be a living testimony of God’s goodness, as He transfers true happiness into your life because of your faith and the work of your hands. Receive true happiness through Christ Jesus!