Along the Journey

Along the Journey

35 days ago I started a new journey with the Lord.  I once again left my comfort zone, my family and friends to start a new job in a new city.  Although I had been on this type of journey before there was something different this time.  As I was talking to my little sister Stephanie, I explained to her that I was happy even though at the time I was sleeping on an air mattress, had very little money, no TV, or radio, I was happy.  Stephanie helped me to realize that I had joy.  Joy is a spiritual state of mind where the cares of the World do not determine your mood.  As I was headed to my new home and looking out the window of the plane, God whispered something to me.  He said Destination Dallas.  I raised my eyebrow as if to say, God, did you forget you are sending me to Irving.  Little did I know that God was telling me the title of my blog spot and providing me a source of encouragement when I did not have the best of days.

I have been posting a scripture to Facebook and Twitter each day and titling them as Revelations, they have been a blessing to me and when the enemy tries to creep in, I can simply revisit the scriptures to find encouragement and strength to stay on the journey.  In case you may have missed a few days here is a sneak peek of the revelations God has given me so far.  In order to get today’s scripture you will need to follow my blog J

Revelation #1 Destined for Dallas: I must depend on my provider (God) and not the methods of provision. God supplies ALL of my needs. Philippians 4:19 #Godhasallineed

Journey While In Dallas (Irving) Beginning Sunday, March 11, 2012

Revelation#2 Destined for Dallas:  God loves me and is faithful to me when I keep His commandments.  Deuteronomy 7:9   God’s thoughts of me and for me are GREATER than my own. God does things that are far beyond what I could ever fathom. Isaiah 55:8 NLT #Godis>

Revelation #3 Destination Dallas:1 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord Jeremiah 29:11 #chauffer

Revelation # 4: Destination Dallas: God exceeds my biggest aspirations. Ephesians 3:20-21.Day 3 and a raise. #DoitbigJesus

Revelation #5: Destination Dallas: I am trusting God and following His path Proverbs3:5-6 #FollowingJesus

Revelation#6 Destination Dallas: Doing what is right may not always seem rewarding. Don't give up, your harvest is near

Revelation#7: Destination Dallas: Learning all that I can from God and putting it into practice. Philippians 4: 9

Revelation#8: Destination Dallas; the transitions in life are not just of God they are for God! God said GO! Matthew 28:19-20.#moveonpurpose

Revelation 9: Destination Dallas: God chose me and prepared the journey just for me, my destiny has been divinely designed. John15-16

Revelation#10:Destination Dallas: Check your thoughts and ways. God's thoughts and ways are unexplainable. Isaiah 55:8 #God'swaynotmyway

Revelation#11: Destination Dallas...:if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.Phil 4:8 #worthwhilethoughts

Revelation#12: Destination Dallas: I cast my cares on the Lord. I remain faithful to God, focused on Him, and favored by Him. 1 Peter 5:7-9

Revelation#13: Destination Dallas: Charting my course after God has already established my steps. Proverbs 16:9 #onestepatatime

Revelation#:14: Destination Dallas: I am blessed with ALL that I have/have not. I choose joy over happiness. Phil 4:12#GotJoy

Revelation#15: Destination Dallas: Working to remain blameless before the Lord. Preparing my Spirit, Soul, and Body. 1 Thes.5:23#getinshape

Revelation#16 Destination Dallas: God is faithful and will and will do All that He says! 1Thess. 5:24 # IserveafaitfulGod

Revelation #17 Destination Dallas: I cannot escape God's love for me, His love is ENORMOUS Ephesians: 4:14-19#cananyoneelselovemelikethat

Revelation#18:Destination Dallas: I press forward; reaching for all that God has for me. Phil 3:12-14#pacingtowardthegoal

Revelation#19: Destination Dallas: I will not only speak of God's goodness, but I will assert God's authority given to me. 1Corinthians 5:20

Revelation#20: Destination Dallas: If you are in a dry season, consider your ways. How is your giving? Haggai 1:7#giveoutofyourneed

Revelation#21: Destination Dallas: I am trusting God who is the author (writer) and finisher (completer)of my faith. Hebrews 12:1-2#ledbyGod

Revelation#22: During this journey I am watching, praying, and thanking God for greater revelation and manifestation of His power. Colossians 4:2

Revelation#23: Destination Dallas: Learning about TRUE love. When perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.1 Corinthians 13:8-13. #love

Revelation #24: Destination Dallas: God is concerned about me and keeps me safe. He has Angels that are in charge of my safety Psalm 91:9-11

Revelation #25: Destination Dallas: Lesson for today; the battle against my enemies are already won! Zechariah 4:1-6#laughingatsatan

Revelation #26 Destination Dallas: I do not boast/brag of myself. It is God who I serve that is to be glorified. 2Corinthians 4:5#bragonGod

Revelation#27: Destination Dallas: Walk in the anointing that God gave you. He anointed you for the Kingdom. Ephesian4:9-13 #livingonpurpose

Revelation #28: Destination Dallas: Jesus gave up His life for me; what am I willing to give up for Him? Matthew 27: 45-50 #itspersonal

Revelation #29: Destination Dallas: The blood still works! Happy Resurrection Sunday! Jesus Lives in and through me. Luke 22:14-19 #Jesus

Revelation# 30: Destination Dallas: Use the giftings God has given you to ignite your purpose in the Kingdom 2 Timothy 1:6 #startstirring

Revelation #31: Destination Dallas: Remembering when difficulties come, joy is what should be desired! Nehemiah 8:10 #baddaybutjesusreigns

Revelation#32: Destination Dallas: Are you making good use of your God-given talent(s)? Use them up for the Kingdom. Matt 25:14-28#usedbyGod

Revelation#33: Destination Dallas: The intentions and actions of others may be to harm me but Jesus has me covered! 1 Chronicles 16:21-23

Revelation # 34: Destination Dallas: Each day is a battle of the spirit and flesh. It's time to dress for battle. Ephesians 5: 10-20#armed4God

Revelation # 35: Destination Dallas: Working to love others as Christ does. I Thessalonians 3: 6-11 #strivingtolovelikeGod

God is truly teaching me to TRUST Him for everything. There have been days on this journey when I truly did not know how I was going to make it.  I did not get sad or frustrated, but simply looked up to God and would say, okay God how are we going to handle this one. God’s answers are yes and amen.  If you are receiving an answer other than that, then look at what you are asking for, you must not need it.

Ah-Ha…Purpose Revealed

But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death.

No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” John 11:14

Introduction

For the past several weeks I have wondered if I have been operating in purpose. I have questioned my call to ministry (licensed for 5 years and ordained for 2) and I have even questioned my existence. The enemy would have me believe that I have missed the mark. The enemy would have me believe that I missed God’s plan for my life, his reason for creating me, and the opportunity to live a victorious life. While all of this was running through my mind, I tried my very best to hear God’s voice and let His voice over power the enemy, but until Saturday, August 6, 2011; the enemy had been winning the battle of the mind game. Now do not get it twisted or confused, I had not given up on life or God, but instead was finding myself in a whirl wind and my life was spinning out of control.

Ah-Hah; Recognizing Purpose

When I woke up Saturday, August 06, 2011; this same pattern began to start replaying itself again. It was at this moment, I began to cry out to God and ask Him, why I am going through the same type of things, sickness and pain, financial struggles and frustration. It seemed that this vicious cycle was here to stay and that I would never find or operate in my divine purpose.  Before going any further, let me take you back about eight months ago when I embarked on my second personal book project.  The book (which is still in progress) is entitled Victorious Affirmations for Women. Because of the book I created and built my on website where I could blog about my victorious experiences. Honestly coming 8 months forward I feel as though my life has been anything but victorious. And again I found myself asking God, do I really know my purpose, am I operating in my purpose through the use of your gifts to me. Because we serve an awesome omnipotent God, He indeed answered. God’s answer came to me, Thursday, August 4, 2011 in bible study as Pastor Sonne began to teach from I Corinthians 12 and she asked everyone, what is your spiritual gift? As she came to me I quickly said teaching.  This indeed is one of my spiritual gifts and it along with preaching God’s word is the only two I faithfully use in God’s Kingdom. As she continued to teach she made a statement, that has resonated with me since Thursday and that statement was, Tiffany, all the sickness and numerous operations is to be used for God’s glory. Honestly, I heard and clearly understood her, but it was not until the morning of August 6, 2011, that the Ah-ha moment made sense.

Ah-Ha…Relating through Purpose

Although it was eight months ago that I started the process of publishing Victorious Affirmations For Women, and it has been over 30 years that I have battled sickness, pain, and numerous operations, it was not until  the morning of August 6, 2011, that I realized my purpose. It as simple as the lead scripture states; But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” Now my name is not Lazarus, but God bought me through all those moments of sickness, surgery and pain so that His glory could be revealed. It has been God’s intention that I tell a dying world…this sickness will not end in death. Being that we serve an awesome God He further confirmed my purpose on Thursday, August 4, 2011, when I went for a surgical consult and the surgeon was reading over my medical history. He said you had ovarian cancer at the age of 3 and I said yes. This was the pre Ah-ha moment to Saturday, August 06, 2011. I have noticed this same reaction from several established and highly ranked medical professionals, but this time I was able to understand…the purpose in it all.To make sure I have not lost you, let’s recap where we are:

Over 31 years ago I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and for 19 years I battled numerous operations and was faced with other sickness, but I still did not understand my purpose. Then over eight months ago I started to work on my personal book project entitled Victorious Affirmations for Women during a time when I felt every emotion except victory. Then this week I was in a surgical consultation when the doctor questioned my ovarian cancer diagnosis at the tender age of three and later that evening Pastor Sonne made the profound statement that all of the sickness and numerous surgeries are to be used for God’s glory!  So here we are… Ah-Ha…Purpose Revealed. It (again) is as simple as the lead scripture states; But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” Now my name is not Lazarus, but God bought me through all those moments of sickness, surgery and pain so that His glory could be revealed. It has been God’s intention that I tell a dying world…this sickness will not end in death. While I had been doing that in the simple way of restating my medical history, my purpose goes far beyond my doctor’s office, my work place, casual conversations, or through the pages of a book. It has to become my lifestyle.  As I start to live out this newly revealed purpose, I have chosen to encourage you that your sickness too, will not end in death. Let me teach hear for a moment.

Ah-Ha…A Teaching Moment in Purpose

The word sickness is defined as a disordered, weakened, or unsound condition (Webster, 2011).  You may have mental sickness, emotional sickness, physical sickness, or even spiritual sickness. No matter what type of sickness, you can rest assured that this sickness will not end in death. No matter what (sickness) you may be facing, God has a healing just for you.  You may be faced with sickness but remember you have a:

1-       Choice in sickness: God created you in His image and His likeness (Genesis 1:27). You have been made by the ultimate Creator, sickness cannot overpower you. You did not choose God, but God chose you (John 15:16). Since God chose you; sickness cannot take you.

2-       Calling in sickness: God has called you to do greater works than He did. (John 5:19-21). Your calling was by God, you were called to glorify God, through a lifestyle of worship, and your calling is to be used to save a dying World by teaching them about Jesus. Sickness may call, but God’s purpose in calling you is higher.

3-       Covering in sickness.  To cover means to enclose or enfold with or as with covering. It also means to protect or provide security. God is your covering in ALL things which includes sickness.  His word in Romans 8:37-39 tells us that we cannot escape his love. God’s love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres, I Corinthians 13:7. It protects (covers) you in sickness.

4-       Celebration in sickness: A celebration is honoring someone through various festivities. You should think of it as an honor that God can trust you with sickness. He can trust that you know His word and believe his promises when He says, that by His stripes you are healed Isaiah 53:5.  When he tells you that this sickness will not end in death, John 11:14.

It is the realization of these four things that will help you to understand that in sickness there is purpose. No matter the type of sickness you are faced with, you have victory over it.   Whatever the sickness is, God desires to use in and bring glory to the Son. Sickness is an enemy and God’s word tells us in Deuteronomy 20:4, For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. These are a few reasons that you can celebrate in sickness.

Ah-ha an Encouragement Moment in Purpose

As I now understand my purpose, I encourage those of you who may not know your purpose to search diligently for it. I encourage those who have found their purpose to begin functioning in and through their purpose. I encourage everyone to live in purpose and on purpose.

Prayer:

Father, I thank you for giving each of us life through your Son, Jesus Christ. I ask that you forgive us of our sins and that you create in us a clean heart and renew in us a right spirit. Help us to hear your word clearly and to put your word to work in our lives. Help us to put our purpose to work in the Kingdom so that you will be glorified. Help us to be about our Father’s business in all that we do and to live a lifestyle of Worship first before you and then before the World.

In Jesus Name! Amen.

© Tiffany R. Easley, Ah-ha…Purpose Revealed, August 6, 2011

You Will Come Forth As Pure Gold

Many times we get saved and believe that our troubles are over. We believe that we will not have to suffer or to endure hardships because there is often times an underlying myth that living a Christian life is easy.  This is far from the truth.  We as Christians face many trials and tribulations, some of which are bought own by our own decisions and some which are simply tactics of the enemy to stop us from our destiny and then other trials have been given to us by God so that He can develop our character and set us up for the biggest blessing we could ever imagine. We often times believe that everything which is uncomfortable comes from the enemy but this thought is wrong too, sometimes discomfort and struggle are workings of the Lord.  In the bible there was Job, who went through IT All, he lost his family, friends, finances and health, but He still reigned over adversity because He trusted God, but he still had to face and endure IT All. He still had to go through the fire. So as we journey through our Christian lives we may find ourselves in “the fire” so to speak with out realizing that the fire we are in is taking us somewhere and though we may go through the fire, we will not get burned, but you will come forth as pure gold.

In Daniel chapter 3, we read about the three Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were thrown into a fiery furnace, because of their disobedience to man and obedience to God.  How many of us can testify to being in the fire and then being in the fire because of our obedience to God. This is a very difficult situation and sometimes we just want out, but today you have to realize that…In the Midst of the Fire you can expect the unexpected.

In the Midst of the Fire you must remember:

Preparation:  Is the action or process of getting something ready for use or service or of getting ready for some occasion test or duty. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendago were being tested, but they were also being used by God to show others that God is our Savior is the only God who can save and deliver. You are being prepared to serve God with all that you are and all that you have, you are in the fire so no matter what the circumstance looks like you can submit yourself totally and completely before him as a living sacrifice, these Hebrew boys were willing to give their life for God’s glory. Romans 12:1, Isaiah 40:1-5. You are being set up to experience our God on a different level your faith is being tested, Daniel 3:16-18

Transformation: To be transformed means to change in character or condition

You will never be the same, when you are stuck between a rock and a hard place you realize God is doing something that will change you forever, your decision to trust God will change the perceptions of others just as King Nebuchadnezzar thoughts were changed, the heat will not touch your external being, but it is something about the fire that works internally to change the spirit man, Daniel 3:28 , Romans12:2

Elevation: To raise in rank or status, exalt, improve morally, intellectually, and culturally. After you have been prepared to go into the fire, and the fire has transformed you, as well as others around you, God will deliver you and elevate you. God gets the glory, once we have gone through, God’s power shines and in turn we are elevated or promoted to where God desires for us to be which is one step closer to our divine destiny.  Daniel 3:28-30, Psalms 66:12

Anytime God places us in the fire, we will not get burned, there was never a record of anyone being in the fire and being consumed. Exodus 3:2

Let us look at Hebrews 11 for a moment:  The fire is a test of faith.  In Hebrews 11, it states that faith is…

Our faith may have gotten us in the fire,

But you can rest assured that our faith will allow us to stand the fire, endure and go through

Our acts of faith will bring us out and release the favor, which will elevate us to a new level.

Remember that in the midst of the fire, you will not get burned, but you will come forth as Pure Gold!

It's Time for the DIVINE!

During my prayer time last week I was led to pray for the divine "of or relating to, or pertaining to God: pleasing" Webster (2005). I was led to pray for:

1- Divine Order
2- Divine Protection
3- Divine Peace and
4- Divine Providence

After praying for these 4 areas, they continued to resonate in my spirit. I asked God to reveal to me what I should learn from these key points and He whispered to me; it is time for the Divine. If we take a look at the definition of Divine again; it is” of or relating to, or pertaining to God: pleasing". I want to stop here and pose a question to you; do you really want to embrace the DIVINE in your life? If you answered yes, that is great, if you answered no, then continue to pray/seek God, and if you answered, I don't know, then you too must continue to pray and seek God. For those of you who answered yes, I ask you again; do you truly want to embrace the DIVINE and allow it to flow/operate in your life?

In order for the Divine to flow in your life you must strive to follow the divine order of God. This one step can be quiet difficult because many times the order of God may seem out of sync with our feelings, senses, and human capabilities. God's order is the only order that we as His children must submit to. Think of the story of Mary and Joseph the parents of Jesus. These two were not married and did not commit any physical act that would warrant Mary becoming pregnant and birthing our Lord, our Savior Jesus. But God's Divine order, made the creation of Jesus happen. Other examples of Divine order were... the creation of the Earth, (Calling of Samuel), and using Pharaoh to free the children of Egypt!  It is evident that God's order is DIVINE. Matthew 6:33 tells us to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and ALL these things shall be added unto you.

Once you welcome the flow of Divine order in your life, you must then allow Divine protection to take it's position in your life.  Being under Divine protection, means that you are covered by the blood of Jesus and nothing can take you out. Have you ever been in a situation where it seemed the only way out of something was to travel through a major struggle that could possibly end in death and looking back on that particular situation you realize the only reason you are still around is because of God’s grace and His divine protection. Think about the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who were thrown into a fiery furnace to die, but lived that is divine protection.  Think about the essence of Psalm 91 which lays out how we are protected by God from the enemy. It is evident that God has each of us under His Divine protection and we much continue to remain in God’s will so that we may be under that protection.

After you have begun to allow divine order and protection to flow in your life then you will have God's Divine peace. Peace is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions. Can you imagine what it is like to have no worries? To be free from concern about the troubles of the World; in God you can enjoy that freedom when you solicit and request that Divine Peace to flow in your life. God’s word states that we should seek peace and pursue it. Do you seek peace daily and pursue it. Many times seeking peace means that you must choose not to argue or dispute even when you know you are right. Seeking peace many times means that you may have to make a decision to separate from the in crowd so that you can be with the Jesus crowd.  The bible also tells us that we must let the peace of God rule our hearts. I wonder what (noun-people, place, or thing) we are letting rule or heart instead of the peace of God. The bible also tells us that the Lord gives strength to His people and blesses them with peace. It is very clear that God desires we have divine peace in our lives.

As we have taken a look at Divine order, Divine protection, and Divine peace; I have saved the final area for last because I believe these three help you to embrace Divine providence. You may wonder what I am speaking about when I speak of Divine providence.  The word providence means God conceived as the power sustaining and guiding human destiny. I define divine providence as being where God wants you to be, doing what God wants you to do, when He tells you to do it. Are you in Divine providence? Let’s take a look at where you are from a few perspectives. While on the job are you in Divine providence? While at home are you in Dive providence? While at church, are you in Divine providence? In each of these places you can be in Divine providence if you are doing what God tells you to do, when He tells you to do it, in the place He has instructed you to do it? Here’s a simple exercise to see if you are in Divine providence.  Is there Divine order operating in this place? Do you have Divine protection in this place? Is there Divine peace in this place? Please note that this could be a physical place, such as a building. It could be a mental/emotional place such as a mind set, it could be a spiritual place of transition within Ministry, or it could be a mental place of maturity and growth. No matter what the place, is it a place of Divine providence?  Divine providence is a place where pain, purpose, and promotion began to function in tangent with one another. This place of Divine providence is the place where you realize that the painful experiences where part of the birthing process to your purpose and your purpose leads to promotion…Kingdom promotion.  A good example of Divine providence is being in a place in your life where you realize God has you and as He has promised His plans are to prosper and not to harm you, to give you a hope with an expected end. You see when you are in Divine providence you understand there is a Divine order that you must follow and when you follow that Divine order you will have Divine protection which will create a Divine peace allowing you to operate in Divine providence. Jesus was in Divine providence when He took the journey to the Cross, was nailed to the cross, died on the cross, was buried and then rose again. Job was in Divine providence when He was being tested by Satan and never cursed God. Moses was in Divine providence when He delivered the children from Egypt. Now I ask you, are you in Divine providence?

Are you ready for the DIVINE to flow in your life? I encourage you to pray concerning these four key areas each day and watch God shift some things on your behalf and for the advancement of the Kingdom. It is time for you to do the will of God, under the anointing of God, while being protected by God, and resting in the peace of God, while operating from a place of Divine providence in God. It is time for the Divine to come alive in you. Embrace the Divine, with a heart, soul, and mind stayed on God and His Kingdom.

©Tiffany R. Easley, It is Time for the Divine, April 29, 2011

God Made Me

Several weeks ago I was attending church service and the choir sang a song by the Mississippi Mass Choir entitled, God Made Me. The first line of the song says, God made me, He made me who I am. This song ministered to me in so many ways and has become part of my motivational collection.  As I think back to the song I immediately think about who God made me and when I think of those attributes I can celebrate being victorious. 

Several years ago I read a book entitled Becoming A Vessel God Can Use, which was written by Donna Patrow and it changed my life. She provided some information that made me realize I am victorious because of my spiritual DNA. Simply stated, God made me who I am. To those of you who are faced with individuals in your life who may not like you, may not understand you, and may want to change you; it is necessary for you to understand God made you just who you are.  Now if you are exhibiting things of the world it may be time for you to be transformed. In saying this I want you to understand that God made you to exhibit Christ likeness and that is what you do not need to change for anyone.

Just who did God make you? Well the word of God says; “what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet” Psalm 8:4-6. So I say to you, if you are made a little lower than the Angels, would you not be victorious?  According to Deuteronomy 28:13 you are the head and not the tail you are from above and not beneath, so again I say would that not make you victorious?  In Luke 10, verses 19-20, the word of God tells us, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. ²⁰Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” So do you see how God made you, He made you VICTORIOUS.
Check out your spiritual DNA which further confirms you are victoriously made.

1.              Child of God: John 1:2, 1John 3:1

2.              Over comer: 1 John 5:4-5

3.              New Creation: 2 Corinthians 5:17

4.              Minister of Reconciliation: 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

5.              Christ Ambassador: 2 Corinthians 5:20

6.              Redeemed: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

7.              Seated with Christ in Heavenly Realms: Ephesians 2:6-7

8.              Priest: 1 Peter 2:5

9.              Foreknown, Predestined, Called, Justified, and Glorified: Romans 8:29-30

10.           Heir of God and Co-heir with Christ: Romans 8:17

Are you ready to embrace your victorious DNA?  Speak the above scriptures over your life and share your story with us.

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Coming Soon: Victorious Affirmations for Women (Inspirational Book of Affirmations)

© Tiffany R. Easley, April 1, 2011    God Made Me Who I Am

I'm Every Woman

“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass themall!”³⁰Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.³¹ Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. Proverbs 31: 29-31 NLT

The month of March is National Women’s Month. As I was meditating on the lead scripture I was taken back to Whitney Houston’s award winning song, I’m Every Woman.  The words to the course of the song say, I’m every woman, it’s all in me, anything you want done baby, I do it naturally! While there is a secular connotation to this song, I began to use my spiritual imagination and realized that this song has a message that can impact  the women of God.  If we look at Proverbs 31 it begins by sharing all that the virtuous woman does and it is evident that she wears many hats. The Proverbs 31 woman is every woman. She is a mother, she is a laborer, she is an encourager, a nurturer, and she is every woman.  The one attribute that I felt exudes from this passage of scripture is balance. The virtuous woman stands above all women because she carries out everything with balance. The term balance is defined as; “something used to produce equilibrium; counterpoise” (Webster.com). The virtuous woman was balanced. She knew that she had many roles but she knew when to step in and step out of each one. She understood what it meant to balance life and did not allow life to balance her.

Proverbs 31 gives the key idea of what it means to be every woman. She not only has balance but she is a woman who balances her worth (value), she balances her wisdom (vision), and the Proverbs 31 woman balances all of this on the basis of her lifestyle of worship (virtue).  The Proverbs 31 woman knows her worth and understands that she is a made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26), she accepts that she is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and that she knows she is from the head and not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13) She understands that she is wise beyond her years.  She understands that to God belongs wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His (Job 12:13).  She accepts the mandate that was given in Proverbs 4:7 which states; the beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost you all you have; get understanding. Although a woman’s worth and wisdom help her maintain balance and allow her the ability to carry out the roles of being every woman, it is her worship that predicates all of these things. In Romans 12:1 the word of God states; I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.  Above everything, if you want to be every woman, you must prefect your lifestyle of worship. God tells you that you must worship Him and serve Him only (Matthew 4:10).   You must worship God with all that you are and all that you have.

The next time you think of the phrase or that song, “I’m Every Woman”, ask yourself are you the Proverbs 31 definition of every woman? Think about the following as you answer that question and please share with us here at Pursuing Victory.

1-       What does your worship look like?

2-       How do you define your worth, by the World’s standards or by the Kingdom’s standards?

3-       Do you seek knowledge or wisdom? Why?

4-       Is life balancing you or are you balancing life?

© Tiffany R. Easley, I’m Every Woman, 01, March 2011.

My Greatest Love

⁴ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud ⁵ or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. ⁶ It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. ⁷ Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 NLT

The month of February is known as the month of love. Many get excited in anticipation of what they will receive from their significant other on February 14^th. During this month florists make their biggest profit due to the over whelming amount of gifts people order as an expression of their love for that special some one.  People are excited with great anticipation of what they will receive from their love. I think back over the past Valentine’s many of which I had so desired to receive a gift from a special someone but didn’t and how that made me feel. I spent the entire day of February 14^th feeling sad and alone, not realizing that I had already found the greatest love of my life and He showers me with tremendous gifts each day.  I realize that I have found the greatest love of my life a long time ago; and just did not understand how He truly loves me. You may be wondering who I am speaking of, the greatest love of my life is God. He gave his only son, Jesus as ransom for my sins. Jesus was hung and died for me. He was beaten and mistreated for me. He gave His life for me. Have you found a love like this? I promise if you continue to read on, you will be blessed. You may be asking yourself, how can being loved by God, measure up to being loved by someone who is tangible. See God loves in such a way that He has set us up to receive the greatest, best, and most fulfilling love in our physical relationships. 

For many years I prayed to God and would tell him exactly what type of man I wanted to fall in love with and have in turn love me. I gave God this laundry list of physical, socio-economical, and educational requirements that the love of my life should have, not realizing and truly understanding that my God does not need a list of attributes for the love of my life; because He is the love of my life and the man He chose for my husband will love me just as God loves me; with the greatest love of all. If you catch this point I am sure you will be blessed. God does not need your list of requirements when it comes to presenting you with the love of your life. The reason that this list is not needed is because God loves you, created you, and knows the most intimate desires of your heart. God has created his love for you in the form of (man) or (woman) so that they can love you with God’s love just as God loves you. Reality Check: If you feel that you have found the greatest love of your life in the form of (woman) or (man), let me ask you this. Does he or she love you in spite of you? Does he or she remain patient with you? Does he or she give way to compromise? Is or she forgiving of your wrongs? Does he or she stick with you through it all? If you answered no to any of these previous questions, then you have not found the greatest love of your life in the form of (man) or (woman). Keep praying and let God bring you into the presence of one another.  As you are waiting and praying for God to present to you your greatest love; keep the following in mind.

1- Your greatest love will have a relationship with God.  One of the greatest commandments given to Israel was; Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ⁶ These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts (Deuteronomy 6:4-6). This is a measuring cup for your love, if your greatest love, does not have a love for God, you must continue to keep praying and wait.

2- Your greatest love will be a reflection of God’s love.   As the opening scripture reads; love is patient, love is kind, love is not jealous, boastful, or proud… Your greatest love is able and willing to bear with you in/through all things. Your greatest love will be gentle when loving you and respectful towards you. Your greatest love will reflect the love of God in the way that he/she loves you.

3- Your greatest love will resolve their relationship with you through their relationship with God.  When you have found your greatest love; that love will manifest the love of God in relation to you.  This love will never give up, it will never loose faith, it will always be hopeful, and it will endure (1 Corinthians 13:7). Your greatest love will resolve to (deal with you successfully).  You will know you have found your greatest love when you are able to recognize their way of loving you is in the same manner that God loves you.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, reflect over the love that you desire, currently are seeking, or may have

lost and ask yourself does that love mirror (look like) or reflect the love of God. It is when you can say that

your current love reflects the love of God, you have found your greatest love.