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Devotional - A Godly Wife

by Betty Miller

Proverbs 27:15-16 (CEV)
The steady dripping of rain and the nagging of a wife are one and the same. It's easier to catch the wind or hold olive oil in your hand than to stop a nagging wife.

- These verses from Proverbs tell us that a contentious woman is very hard to deal with; that being the case, it would be wisdom to avoid marrying a woman like that. If a man has a good wife, he is blessed; however, one who is contentious and nags continually, is a curse to him. The dictionary definition of the word "contentious" is "always ready to argue, quarrelsome." A woman who nags all the time and complains all the time, is just like listening to dripping water. We all know listening to the sound of something going "drip, drip, drip, drip, drip" is quite unsettling and gets on your nerves after a time. Nagging wives can cause the same reaction as a dripping sound that does not cease. Verse 16 tells us that a contentious woman, because of her argumentative nature, is also like trying to stop the wind. The other analogy given is like trying to hold on to something when your hands are covered with oil. It would just slip through your fingers. Another Proverb states that it is better to dwell in the wilderness than end up with a contentious and angry woman.

Proverbs 21:19 (CEV)
It's better out in the desert than at home with a nagging, complaining wife. 

- The Bible tells us that those who are contentious will reap what they are sowing by yielding to unrighteousness, indignation and wrath. They will have tribulation and anguish in the earth and could end up in hell. However, we are told those that yield to God and do good works will receive glory, honour and peace.

Romans 2:5-11 (CEV)
But you are stubborn and refuse to turn to God. So you are making things even worse for yourselves on that day when he will show how angry he is and will judge the world with fairness. God will reward each of us for what we have done. He will give eternal life to everyone who has patiently done what is good in the hope of receiving glory, honor, and life that lasts forever. But he will show how angry and furious he can be with every selfish person who rejects the truth and wants to do evil. All who are wicked will be punished with trouble and suffering. It doesn't matter if they are Jews or Gentiles. But all who do right will be rewarded with glory, honor, and peace, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. God doesn't have any favorites! 

- The opposite of a contentious woman is a virtuous woman. The value of a godly woman is spoken of in:

Proverbs 31:10-12 (CEV)
A truly good wife is the most precious treasure a man can find! Her husband depends on her, and she never lets him down. She is good to him every day of her life...

- What husband would not love a woman like that? He may have houses and riches, but money cannot buy a virtuous woman. She truly is a gift from God, as it takes God in her life to be the kind of woman that is lovely and good.

 

Prayer for the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father, I am thankful that when we come to You, we can be set free of any character traits that are not like You. Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I do not allow any angry words to come out of my mouth. Lord, help me not to yield to a contentious attitude nor have an argumentative spirit. May I be a kind and loving person that is a peacemaker. Help me to speak gracious things and to be a good witness in all that I say and do. May I always love and do good to my husband all the days of my life. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

 

 

Visit this devotional on Betty' Miller's website by clicking HERE! 
Click on the left hand side for other Daily Devotionals written by Betty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Friday Fruit - Peace

 

 

Today's Fruit of the Spirit is peace. Aww, peace. It's all any of us really want, even if we don't use that word to describe it. Happiness (the pursuit of which, happened to inspire this blog) is essentially peace, in my opinion. However, no one will ever have true peace without knowing Jesus as their Savior. His peace is beyond our understanding, I myself can attest to that! Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel. -Philippians 4:7

We are living in such a difficult time, and in a very stressed out society. No doubt you are aware of all the most recent turmoil in our nation, not to mention the entire world. How are we supposed to live in peace with all this threat and uncertainty that surrounds us? Where will I find help? It will come from the LORD, who created the heavens and the earth. The LORD is your protector, and he won't go to sleep or let you stumble. -Psalm 121:1-3

Below is the definition of, and Scripture regarding peace. When you read the Scripture ask God to open your eyes to anything He wants you to focus on & work on in the area of peace. Try to be mindful of this fruit all day today, and try to recognize any benefits you gain.

 

 

Definition of peace:

- freedom from disturbance
- quiet and tranquility
- freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions
- harmony in personal relations

 

 

Scripture regarding peace:

2 Thessalonians 3:16
I pray that the Lord, who gives peace, will always bless you with peace. May the Lord be with all of you.

1 Peter 3:11
Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Note: this Scripture was spoken by Jesus

Philippians 4:6
Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God.

Isaiah 26:3
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

1 Peter 5:7
...casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

John 16:33
"I’ve told you this so that my peace will be with you. In the world you’ll have trouble. But cheer up! I have overcome the world.”
Note: this Scripture was spoken by Jesus

1 Peter 3:9-11
Don't be hateful and insult people just because they are hateful and insult you. Instead, treat everyone with kindness. You are God's chosen ones, and he will bless you. The Scriptures say, "Do you really love life?   Do you want to be happy? Then stop saying cruel things and quit telling lies. Give up your evil ways and do right, as you find and follow the road that leads to peace.

 

The fruit of peace makes me happy! 

I pray you are flooded with peace!  Much love,  Torrie

 

 

 

 

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Friday Fruit - Kindness

 

 

Today's Fruit of the Spirit is kindness. This fruit may seem very straight forward and the simplest of all, but we all know there are some people who it is difficult to show kindness towards. However God expects us to show kindness even to those who are unkind. We set an example for them, and plant a seed in their heart. We never know why someone acts the way they do, and perhaps your simple kindness can break the chain that guards their heart! Below is the definition of, and Scripture regarding kindness. When you read the Scripture ask God to open your eyes to anything He wants you to focus on & work on in the area of kindness. Try to be mindful of this fruit all day today, and try to recognize any benefits you gain.

 

Definition of kindness:

- Having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature
- tender and benevolent affection
- indulgent, considerate, or helpful; humane
- mild; gentle
- of a good or benevolent nature or disposition

 

Scripture regarding kindness:

Zechariah 7:10
Be compassionate with each other. Don't take advantage of widows, orphans, visitors, and the poor. Don't plot and scheme against one another—that's evil.

Romans 15:2
Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, "How can I help?"

Luke 6:35
But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel.
*** Note: this Scripture was spoken by Jesus***

Proverbs 11:17
Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.

1 John 3:17
If we have all we need and see one of our own people in need, we must have pity on that person, or else we cannot say we love God.

2 Thessalonians 3:13
But you, friends, must not become tired of doing good.

Galatians 6:10
So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [morally] to all people [not only being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God's family with you, the believers].

Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others' joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others' grief].

1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

 

The fruit of kindness makes me happy! 

 

 

Hoping your kindess is returned to you...Much love, Torrie

 

 

 

 

 

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Friday Fruit - Gentleness

 

 

 

 
Fri-day, Fri-day, Fri-DAY!

Today's Fruit of the Spirit is gentleness. It's always so invigorating to spend time with someone who is gentle in thought, word and deed. I pray that we can be more gentle towards others, especially those people who we'd rather avoid all-together. This can be a special challenge we face, but we can call on the Holy Spirit to enable us! Below is the definition of, and Scripture regarding gentleness. When you read the Scripture ask God to open your eyes to anything He wants you to focus on & work on in the area of gentleness. Try to be mindful of this fruit all day today, and try to recognize any benefits you gain.

 

Definition of gentleness:

- Considerate or kindly in disposition; amiable and tender.
- Not harsh or severe; mild and soft
- Easily managed or handled


Scripture regarding gentleness:

Titus 3:2
To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

2 Timothy 2:24-26
And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

 

 

The fruit of gentleness makes me happy! 

 

 

Have a beautiful weekend!  Much love,  Torrie

 

 

 

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Friday Fruit - Patience

 

 

 

It's Friday...Hooray!

Today's Fruit of the Spirit is Patience. I know so many of us struggle with this fruit...whether it be practicing patience with others, or even with God as you wait for Him to answer your prayers. Below is the definition of patience and Scripture regarding patience. When you read the Scripture ask God to open your eyes to anything He wants you to focus on & work on in the area of patience. Try to be mindful of this fruit all day today, and try to recognize any benefits you gain.

 

Definition of patience:

-   The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting
    angry or upset.
-   tolerant and even-tempered perseverance
-   the capacity for calmly enduring pain, trying situations, etc.
-   Bearing or enduring pain, difficulty, provocation, or annoyance with calmness.

 

Scripture regarding patience:

Hebrews 6:12
Then you would never be lazy. You would be following the example of those who had faith and were patient until God kept his promise to them.

 

Psalm 40:1
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.

Psalm 37:34
Wait passionately for God, don't leave the path. He'll give you your place in the sun while you watch the wicked lose it.

Galatians 6:9
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

James 1:2-4
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

Revelation 3:10
You obeyed my message and endured. So I will protect you from the time of testing that everyone in all the world must go through.

 

The fruit of patience makes me happy!

 

You are precious in His sight. Your God loves you!  Much love, Torrie

 

 

 

 

 

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Friday Fruit - Self Control

 

 

 

 

Happy Friday!

If you recall last Friday I listed the 9 Fruits of the Holy Spirit. So today let's focus on self-control. I chose this fruit of the Holy Spirit because in my opinion it's one of the hardest of the 9...for me anyways LOL!  Posted below is the definition of self-control and Scripture regarding self-control. When you read the Scripture ask God to open your eyes to anything He wants you to focus on & work on in the area of self-control. Try to be mindful of this fruit all day today, and try to recognize any benefits you gain.

 

Definition of self-control:

- the ability to exercise restraint or control over one's feelings, emotions,  
  reactions, etc
- the act of denying yourself; controlling your impulses
- the trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior

Note:
Keep in mind that we are talking about the fruits of the Holy Spirit here, so we don't have to do this in our own power. We ask the Holy Spirit to work through us to bring forth this character or "fruit".

 

Scripture regarding self-control:

Proverbs 16:32 
It is better to be patient than powerful. It is better to win control over yourself than over whole cities.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.

Proverbs 25:28 
A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

Galatians 5:23
Gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

 

The fruit of self-control makes me happy! 


Have a blessed weekend!  Torrie

 

 

 

 

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grace.love.friendship

 

 

 

The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ,
the extravagant love of God,
the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit,
be with all of you.

- 2 Corinthians 13:14 

 

I read this scripture yesterday and found it very exciting, and just so sweet. It's how Paul ended a letter to the people of a church he started in Corinth. Paul was chosen to be an apostle of Jesus, so he knew well the relationship between God and His people. I decided to look up some key words from this scripture describing each head of the Trinity - God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit.

Grace:                - favor or goodwill
                           - a manifestation of favor, especially by a superior
                           - mercy; clemency; pardon

Extravagant:       - going beyond what is deserved or justifiable   
                   - excessively high   
                   - lacking in moderation or restraint

Intimate (adj.):    - belonging to or characterizing one's deepest nature
                           - marked by very close association, contact, or
                             familiarity
                           - marked by a warm friendship developing through long
                             association

 

So with Jesus you have mercy, you've been pardoned & have favor!  God loves you excessively, beyond what you deserve & there is no restraint in His love for you!  The Holy Spirit has a warm friendship with you (even if you've not yet been aware) because of His long association with you! 

So today no matter what challenges you face, no matter what you are lacking (whether it be finances, companionship, peace, etc.), and no matter how someone mistreats you...this is how the Creator of the universe feels about you!  Isn't that just so wonderful you can barely stand it!?  Be confident today, be reassured & try to be aware of this love & His presence in your life.  Then be thankful! 


This grace, love & friendship makes me happy! 

 

Much love,  Torrie

 

 

 

 

                   
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apple dumpling recipe - so easy!

 

 



This recipe is so easy, you guys should try it tonight!  They smell yummy while they're baking and they taste like little apple pies. This is the perfect treat for fall too, don't you think? Treat yourself, your family, a neighbor, or even co-workers...it will bless their day!

I found this recipe on Paula Deen's website (of course...      I love her!) and I'll post a link to the recipe on her page below.  I noticed in the comments several people listed ways to tweak the recipe that sound wonderful and I may try some next time.  Enjoy friends!  ♥

 

 

Apple Dumplings

Ingredients:
2 cans crescent rolls
2 granny smith apples
1 stick butter
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/3 cup splenda (or sugar)
1 (12 oz) diet Mountain Dew

Directions:
Pre heat oven to 350 degrees.  Peel and core apples.  Cut each apple into 8 wedges.  Roll each wedge in a crescent roll.  Place rolls in a 9 x 13 baking dish.  In small saucepan melt butter.  Once melted add splenda (or sugar) and cinnamon.  Mix well.  Spoon over crescent rolls.  Pour diet Mountain Dew over rolls.  Bake for 45 minutes.

Notes from the Paula Deen Test Kitchen:  Splenda is more difficult to mix in butter than sugar.  Mixes better if butter is melted.  In a small mixing bowl,  whisk together melted butter, Splenda and cinnamon. Remove the dumplings to a wire rack after cooking as the liquid still in the baking dish will make the dumplings soggy.  The Apple Dumplings taste like mini apple pies.

 

 

Click HERE to go to Paula Deen's website to view the recipe and comments for these apple dumplings! 

Baking, smelling & eating apple dumplings makes me happy! 

 

 

 

 

(image: my own, clip art: HubPages)

friday fruits of the spirit

 

 

I thought it would be fun to focus on the fruits of the Holy Spirit over the next several Fridays.  I’m posting a link below to a sermon that talks about the Holy Spirit and what His role is in your life.  It’s very interesting and exciting, and I suggest listening to it when you have some quiet time.  For today I just want to list the fruits so you can be aware of them as you shine your light in the world!

 

Basically the fruits of the Holy Spirit are the characteristics we exude when we rely on the Holy Spirit to teach, guide, and equip us to live a godly life.  Below are two different Bible translations of Galatians 5:22-23. These are the two verses in the Bible that list the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

 

Galatians 5:22-23 (Amplified Bible)

²²But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,²³Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].

 

Galatians 5:22-23 (The Message)

^22-23But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

 

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit

•     Love

•     Joy

•     Peace

•     Patience

•     Kindness

•     Goodness

•     Faithfulness

•     Gentleness

•     Self-control

 

Let’s try to read through this scripture and list throughout the day, to remind us of what we have and who we are when we walk in the Holy Spirit.  Below is a link to the sermon I mentioned above.  Just click on the television set below. There is also a link to his sermon outline and his notes that summarize this powerful sermon.  I hope this information blesses you as it has me. Be aware of how it blesses those around you as well! You make an impact every single day…on your spouse, children, friends, and co-workers. How drastically those relationships could change for the better if you are mindful of these 9 fruits when dealing with these relationships! 

 

    Walking in the Holy Spirit
Dr. Charles Stanley
In Touch Ministries

Click HERE for the sermon outline!

 

Click HERE for the sermon notes...
I love these notes! Print them and refer back to them often!

 

 

The fruits of the Holy Spirit make me happy!  

Much love,  Torrie

 

 

 

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i dare you to read this

 

 
Friends let's read this over and over today. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of this scripture, as you face different situations throughout the day. Let's see how much joy this can bring us...not to mention the people who have the pleasure of dealing with us. Our main purpose in life is to be a blessing.

Being a blessing makes me happy! 

 

 

1 Peter 3:8-12
The Message

Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing. 

   Whoever wants to embrace life
      and see the day fill up with good,

   Here's what you do:

      Say nothing evil or hurtful;
   Snub evil and cultivate good;
      run after peace for all you're worth.
   God looks on all this with approval,
      listening and responding well to what he's asked;
   But he turns his back
      on those who do evil things.

 

 

Have a joy filled day!  Much love, Torrie 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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