Author: Mom Morsels

I love to encourage moms to hold on to Jesus tighter !

Proverbs 31: 11-12

~ Mom Morsels
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Sacred Trust

Trust is sacred. It is essential to a good marriage. It takes time to earn, but is easily lost, then takes even longer to earn back. The Proverbs 31 woman understands how important it is to BUILD TRUST with her husband. Let’s take a look at Proverbs 31: 11-12 King James Version:

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.

This passage does not say, “her husband trusts in her.” It says, “The HEART of her husband trusts in her.” Interesting. I think this is emphasizing that as wives, we need to give our husband’s hearts a SAFE PLACE, a place of trust with us. How can we do that?

Proverbs 14:1 New American Standard Bible “The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.” How does a wise woman BUILD her house? One way is with HER WORDS. When we are with our husbands, our words can either encourage and build them up, or discourage and tear them down. When we tear our husbands down with our words, we are tearing down our own house.

Also, have you noticed that some women like to criticize their husbands in front of others? It’s called husband bashing. If this gets back to the husband, how will his heart trust her? There will be no SAFE PLACE for his heart. I don’t participate in this. Is my husband perfect? No, but when I am chatting with friends about my husband, I am very careful to BUILD HIM UP and to speak of his good character. He knows that I do this and it makes him feel SAFE with me; he can TRUST me. He does the same for me.

So how would a husband have “no need of spoil”. Spoil is taking the enemies’ goods in time of war. This is talking about FINANCIAL TRUST. Her husband knows that his wife is not going to Walmart buying clothes instead of groceries. Due to her wise stewardship, they have plenty and her husband does not feel the need for spoil.

And why would a woman do evil to her husband? I think the wording is interesting here. Let’s be honest, when we have been in a heated argument with our husband, has the thought crossed our minds of doing a little “evil” to him? God knows us SO well! The difference with the Proverbs 31 woman, is that she doesn’t do it, because she prays and asks God to give her the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT- His patience, love, and gentleness- instead.

It is worth noting that the first characteristic mentioned about the Proverbs 31 woman is her good relationship with her husband. He can TRUST in her; she is FOR him; she does him GOOD. The marriage is the foundation of the family. BUILD YOUR MARRIAGE and you are building your house, your family. Are you building a safe place for your husband’s heart? Are you building your house? Let’s ask God today to help us build our marriage, our family, our house.

In His love,

Suzanne

Proverbs 31: 10

~ Mom Morsels
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Above Rubies

The Bible is the Bread of Life, and Proverbs 31 : 10-31 is like dessert to me-I love reading, studying, meditating on this passage! I have studied this passage for years and it always encourages and challenges me.

Let’s jump in-Proverbs 31:10 King James Version says:

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

Since the writer King Lemuel (v. 1 as learned from his mother) is asking who can find this woman, it is implied that this kind of woman is a rare find. But since he goes on to describe her, we see that she does indeed exist.

Virtuous, here, does not mean perfect. Please don’t do that to yourself and expect yourself to be a perfect mom- the perfect mom is not only hard to find- she can’t be found- she does not exist- so stop trying to find her in yourself. It’s a fruitless endeavor. Virtuous in the Hebrew not only means virtue, it also means- strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army, valor and comes from a word that means force. So do you get the idea?- she is STRONG, and as we study this verse some more, you will see where her strength comes from.

Price in this verse, means VALUE. She has a HIGH VALUE and you will find as we study that she KNOWS HER VALUE.

That price is FAR ABOVE RUBIES. Interesting that RUBIES are used for the jewels. Rubies are in the top three HARDEST gem stones- this woman again is being described as TOUGH.

Rubies are also RED. I think it is interesting that the virtuous woman is compared to a RED jewel and not any other color. This RED reminds me that Jesus blood is RED and that there is no way I can be the virtuous mother He wants me to be without His sacrifice, His help, His forgiveness, His redemption.

He does not expect me to be a perfect mom, so also I should not expect myself to be a perfect mom. Again, my/your testimony, is not that we are perfect, but that we HELD ONTO HIM AND DID NOT LET GO (Song of Solomon 3:4).

Hang in there- Hang onto to JESUS!

In His Love,

Suzanne

Above Rubies Series-a study of Proverbs 31:10-31

~ Mom Morsels
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Proverbs 31: 10-31

Does Proverbs 31 even apply to us as Christian wives today? We delve into the deeper meaning of this passage in this 11 part study. Come on along and learn with me.

Introduction to Proverbs 31: 10-31

Beautifully Imperfect Proverbs 31 was written by King Lemuel. It was an oracle that his mother taught him, Did you catch that? His MOTHER TAUGHT him what kind of wife he should look for. Moms, you have more influence over your children than you think and many places in scripture,…

Proverbs 31: 10

Above Rubies The Bible is the Bread of Life, and Proverbs 31 : 10-31 is like dessert to me-I love reading, studying, meditating on this passage! I have studied this passage for years and it always encourages and challenges me. Let’s jump in-Proverbs 31:10 King James Version says: Who can…

Proverbs 31: 11-12

Sacred Trust Trust is sacred. It is essential to a good marriage. It takes time to earn, but is easily lost, then takes even longer to earn back. The Proverbs 31 woman understands how important it is to BUILD TRUST with her husband. Let’s take a look at Proverbs 31:…

Proverbs 31: 13-14

In Delight As a mom have you ever thought about how much work you do with your HANDS? There are so many ways you use your hands: change diapers, wash dishes, give hugs, wipe noses, stir pots, put ice on boo-boos, do laundry, work on your computer, and the list…

Proverbs 31: 15,18

Her Gain is Good So often we expect more of our own selves than anyone else. I know I am that way. Perfectionism is not something I would wish on anyone and it can make our lives miserable. It puts pressure on us that is unnecessary. Especially in this “capture…

Proverbs 31: 16, 24

Considering our Work Each of us has different seasons we find ourselves in in our families. Perhaps you are in a season of being a stay at home mom, or maybe you work part-time and are a mom, or maybe you work full-time and are a mom. Whatever season you…

Proverbs 31: 17

Girded with Strength Remember we talked at the beginning of our Above Rubies series about how strong our Proverbs 31 woman is? She is worth more than rubies which are VERY STRONG and she is a WOMAN OF VALOR or STRENGTH. We see more about her strength in Proverbs 31:17…

Proverbs 31: 19, 27

Valuing What We Do Most of what we do as mom’s takes so much skill. Yet many times we underestimate what we do. We read in Proverbs 31: 19 and 27 New American Standard Version: 19 She stretches out her hand to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle.…

Proverbs 31: 20, 25-26

Extending Kindness Continuing our study in Proverbs, we see that the Proverbs 31 woman EXTENDS KINDNESS to her family through her words, to the needy with her outstretched hands, and to herself through knowing her strength and worth. Do you realize that what we SAY is very important and has…

Proverbs 31: 21-22

Well Covered Being prepared for difficult circumstances ahead of time can end up being a big blessing for our families. Let’s not be naive; the Bible says we WILL have difficulties and tribulations, but how can we prepare ahead of time for them? Proverbs 31:21-22 New American Standard Bible says:…

Proverbs 31: 23, 28-31

In the Gates Remember that one of the first characteristics mentioned about the Proverbs 31 woman is that she has a strong marriage. The marriage relationship is important because it is the foundation of the family. Let’s look at Proverbs 31:23 New American Standard Bible (italics mine): Her husband is…

He Came to Serve

~ Mom Morsels
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It all started with a simple prayer. Like any mother, I just wanted the best for my children. One day I prayed, “God help my children be GREAT in your kingdom,” At the time I felt frustrated and thought that I was not teaching my children enough because I was spending most of the time doing laundry, dishes, changing diapers, disciplining.

God led me to the story of the sons to Zebedee and their mother. This story makes me laugh! Let’s look at it: .

Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right, and one on Your left.” But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you are asking for. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to Him, “We are able.” He said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit on My right and on My left, this is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” And hearing this, the ten became indignant with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself, and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.

Matthew 20:20-28 New American Standard Bible

What I love about this story, is the beautiful MOTHER’S HEART we see in this woman. This mother is not asking for anything for herself. She is only asking for her sons. “Nothing for me; just make my sons great and I will be happy.” This is so like a mother! Not thinking of herself, only caring that her children are well taken care of.

Note that the mother asked the question, but Jesus answered the sons. I think He must have known they put her up to this! If not, then the other ten disciples would not have become so “indignant with the two brothers.” They had their mom GO TO BATTLE for them. Now, we mom’s know how to battle for our kids! I am mostly a gentle person, but if you mess with my kids, watch out-I’m a momma bear and I have to have my husband coach me how to calm down and speak wisely.

This question reveals the sons’ hearts; they wanted to be GREAT in His kingdom. This is also what I wanted for my children; for them to be great in His kingdom. I guess my mother’s heart came out too!

Jesus’ answer surprised me! He said that if you want to be GREAT, then you need to be a SERVANT. As mom’s we serve our families A LOT! So this really encouraged me, because this means:

AS I SERVE MY FAMILY, I AM TEACHING MY CHILDREN TO BE GREAT IN HIS KINGDOM.

Be encouraged the next time you serve your family., that you are giving your children an example of how to be GREAT in His kingdom; that you are doing what JESUS came to do, to SERVE others.

In His love,

Suzanne

He Has Set a Table for You

~ Mom Morsels
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How do you react to hard times and bad circumstances? Usually our human nature is to either blame God and turn away from Him or seek His comfort and turn to Him. Do you know that He wants to comfort you IN THE MIDST of your difficulties.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalms 23 New American Standard Bible (Italics mine)

There is so much comfort in this psalm, but let’s concentrate on verse 5.

Prepare in the Hebrew means “in a row, that is, arrange, put in order, ordain, prepare.” If He is arranging, preparing, setting a table for you, this means He has a PURPOSE for you in the trial.

If the table is “in the presence of my enemies”, it means your enemies are nearby. This table is prepared for you, RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF YOUR TRIAL or difficulties. Not before, not after, but right in the middle, just when you need it.

Having this table set before you, implies AN INVITATION. Are you going to sit at the table with Him right in the midst of your trial? Or are you going to refuse to come to the table that He has set for you? It is your choice.

A table represents FELLOWSHIP- He wants to meet with you in your trial. He is offering you HIS PRESENCE in your trial. Will you turn to Him and FELLOWSHIP with Him in your trial? Will you cling to Him in your trial?

Table implies NOURISHMENT. We eat at the table. In the midst of your trial, God has something NOURISHING for you to eat or partake of. Will you come to Him and partake of it?

At the table, He ANOINTS your head with oil. Oil is used to sanctify (Exodus 30:29). Sanctify means “to set apart to a sacred purpose.” (merriam-webster.com). Could it be that God is using this trial to mold and shape you for His sacred purpose?

At the table, your cup OVERFLOWS. What is your cup overflowing with? His presence! Psalm 16: 5 NASB “The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup.” The Lord Himself meets you at the table with His fellowship, His presence. Many people testify that during a trial, they met the Lord in a much deeper way than they ever had before.

While I write this, I am currently in the midst of a trial, but I plan to MEET HIM AT THE TABLE, to eat of what He has prepared for me as my GOOD SHEPHERD, to let Him pour FRESH OIL over me, to let Him fill my cup WITH HIS PRESENCE. You can also make the choice to MEET HIM AT THE TABLE IN THE MIDST OF YOUR ENEMIES, and He promises that if you do, your cup will OVERFLOW.

In His Love,

Suzanne

He Leads Gently

~ Mom Morsels
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Confession…I am not the best at leading myself. I tend to be hard on myself, talk to myself harshly, and expect a lot of myself.

But Jesus is GENTLE, so much gentler with me than I am with myself. That’s why I find the following verse so comforting:

He shall feed His flock like a shepherd; He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Isaiah 40: 11 King James Version

So the Hebrew word here for “those that are with young” means “to suckle, give milk, ewe great with young.” Looks like this includes pregnant moms, nursing moms, really all mom’s at some point have been “with young”!

So if Jesus is leading us GENTLY, why do we lead ourselves so harshly? Why are we so hard on ourselves?

Lead in Hebrew means: to protect, sustain, carry, feed, guide, lead. Yes, He is gentle with us- He gives us ALL we need as mom’s and helps us, if we just learn to lean on Him and let Him lead us. Let’s look more closely at how He LEADS us:

PROTECT-He protects us from others, from ourselves. Psalm 46:1 New American Standard Bible “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

SUSTAIN-Psalms 68:9 NASB “O God, you cause abundant showers to fall on your chosen people. When they are tired, You sustain them,” Yes, we get tired as moms; yes, we need Him to sustain us.

CARRY-Isaiah 40:11 NASB says that He will “carry them in His bosom.” This means He carries us close to His heart.

FEED-He feeds us with His Word. Matthew 4:4 NASB “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God,” Take one verse and meditate on it, let Him feed you from it.

GUIDE-Isaiah 58:11 NASB “And the Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorches places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.” As mom’s we all have times where we feel “scorched” and “bone tired”, but His Word will water us and make us a spring of water bringing new life to our situation.

LEAD- Psalms 23:2 NASB “He leads me beside still waters,” What mother does not need some stillness.

He is the GOOD SHEPHERD. So let’s commit today to LET HIM LEAD US GENTLY as He promised.

In His Love,

Suzanne