“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”  Luke 2:8-14 NKJV

At Jesus’ birth, the angels announced good news to the shepherds and told them that it was a message of joy to ALL people – ALL nations! Jesus was born to bring salvation, deliverance, healing, peace and joy to ALL people, from every nation – no one is excluded – anyone who believes in Him will experience this salvation and JOY! Before the Lord does anything, He announces it – He might send angels, but usually He prophesies it through people, who are anointed by the Holy Spirit.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the unborn baby inside her jumped, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she said to Mary, “God has blessed you more than any other woman. And God has blessed the baby you will have. 43 You are the mother of my Lord, and you have come to me! Why has something so good happened to me? 44 When I heard your voice, the baby inside me jumped with joy. 45 Great blessings are yours because you believed what the Lord said to you! You believed this would happen.”  Luke 1:41-45 ERV

Jesus Christ was still a baby in His mother’s womb when John – himself still in his mother’s belly – leaped for joy in His presence. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit – she knew that there was a special baby in her cousin’s womb and she prophesied over Mary.

Then Mary said, 47 “I praise the Lord with all my heart. I am very happy because God is my Savior. 48 I am not important, but he has shown his care for me, his lowly servant. From now until the end of time, people will remember how much God blessed me. 49 Yes, the Powerful One has done great things for me. His name is very holy. 50 He always gives mercy to those who worship him. 51 He reached out his arm and showed his power. He scattered those who are proud and think great things about themselves. 52 He brought down rulers from their thrones and raised up the humble people. 53 He filled the hungry with good things, but he sent the rich away with nothing. 54 God has helped Israel—the people he chose to serve him. He did not forget his promise to give us his mercy. 55 He has done what he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”  
Luke 1:46-55 ERV

Mary was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied herself of the great things God had done and the great things He was about to do!

Then Zechariah, John’s father, was filled with the Holy Spirit and told the people a message from God: 68 “Praise to the Lord God of Israel. He has come to help his people and has given them freedom. 69 He has given us a powerful Savior from the family of his servant David. 70 This is what he promised through his holy prophets long ago. 71 He will save us from our enemies and from the power of all those who hate us. 72 God said he would show mercy to our fathers, and he remembered his holy agreement. 73 This was the promise he made to our father Abraham, 74 a promise to free us from the power of our enemies, so that we could serve him without fear 75 in a way that is holy and right for as long as we live. 76 “Now you, little boy, will be called a prophet of the Most High God. You will go first before the Lord to prepare the way for him. 77 You will make his people understand that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven. 78 “With the loving mercy of our God, a new day from heaven will shine on us. 79 It will bring light to those who live in darkness, in the fear of death. It will guide us into the way that brings peace.”  Luke 1:67-79 ERV

Zechariah did not believe the angel that God would give him and Elizabeth a son called John, so he was unable to utter a word, until John was born and he wrote on a tablet, “His name is John.” Suddenly his tongue was loosed, he was anointed by the Holy Spirit, and he prophesied about the Messiah and about John, who was anointed to go before the Messiah and proclaim His coming.

A man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem. He was a good man who was devoted to God. He was waiting for the time when God would come to help Israel. The Holy Spirit was with him. 26 The Holy Spirit told him that he would not die before he saw the Christ from the Lord. 27 The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. So he was there when Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to do what the Jewish law said they must do. 28 Simeon took the baby in his arms and thanked God: 29 “Now, Lord, you can let me, your servant, die in peace as you said. 30 I have seen with my own eyes how you will save your people. 31 Now all people can see your plan. 32 He is a light to show your way to the other nations. And he will bring honor to your people Israel.”
Luke 2:25-32 ERV

Simeon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, recognized the Messiah when he saw Him and prophesied of the Lord’s salvation to all nations. This was his life’s calling!

In this day and hour, you and I have the privilege to join all these illustrious people – and even the very angels of God – to proclaim God’s goodness and mercy – to proclaim that the Messiah has come to every heart and nation and that His salvation and free favors profusely abound to anyone who will believe and call out to Him in faith!

SEVEN COMMANDS FOR CHRISTIANS

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls. I Peter 1:6-9 NKJV

Since Jesus is coming back soon, that should strongly motivate us to live for Him.

1. Gird up the loins of your mind:

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus  Christ. 1 Peter 1:13 NKJV

Gird up the loins of your mind: strengthen or put protection around your mind; brace up; take courage. You have the mind of Christ!

2. Be sober:

Be sober: Greek: nepho: to live soberly and righteously. Be watchful, mentally alert, disciplined and/or focused. Don’t just muddle through your    life. Deliberately live for God every day.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live  soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. Titus 2:11-12 NKJV

3. Hope to the end for the fullness of grace and salvation that are to be brought at the coming of Christ:

Rest your hope fully on the grace of God, which is being progressively revealed unto you as you grow in His Word.

For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do  not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Romans 8:24-25 NKJV

4. Do not pattern your new life after your former life of sin:

As obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance.  1 Peter1:14 NKJV

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the  prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the  lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

Ephesians 2:1-3  NKJV

You are a new creature and you must live a new life.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of  God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:17-18 NKJV

5. Be holy in all your manner of life:

But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 NKJV

You are to pattern your life after God in all things.

6. Pass the remaining time of your journey here in the fear of God:

And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay  here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition  from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before  the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and  gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:17-21 NKJV

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is  faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may  be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 NKJV

Don’t put any confidence in yourself or your abilities – they will fail you. Do put all your confidence in your Father – He will never fail you. Even  when temptation comes, He has a plan to deliver and protect you, if you will trust and obey Him.

7. See that you love one another with a pure heart fervently:

Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure  heart. 1 Peter 1:22 NKJV

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  35 By this all will know that  you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:34-35 NKJV

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.  13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for  his friends. John 15:12-13 NKJV

God has shown His love for you through Jesus Christ. Love one another sincerely and earnestly, with no ulterior motives.

Faith is persistent

Luke 11:9-10 AMP
So I say to you, Ask and keep on asking and it shall be given you; seek and keep on seeking and you shall find; knock and keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks and keeps on asking receives; and he who seeks and keeps on seeking finds; and to him who knocks and keeps on knocking, the door shall be opened.

John 16:24 AMP
Up to this time you have not asked a [single] thing in My Name [as presenting all that I AM]; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full and complete.

Faith is single-minded

James 1:5-8 AMP
If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. 6 Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind. 7 For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord, 8 [For being as he is] a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, decides].

Faith believes God’s promises

Matthew 21:22 KJV
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Matthew 21:22 AMP
And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive.

Mark 11:24 AMP
For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].

Romans 4:17-21 NIV
As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed — the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were. 18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”  19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead — since he was about a hundred years old — and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.

Faith believes without seeing

2 Corinthians 5:6-7 KJV
Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight).

Hebrews 11:1 KJV
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1 AMP
Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].

Galatians 2:20 KJV
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Hebrews 4:2 NKJV
For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 AMP
And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive (enticing and plausible) words of wisdom, but they were in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit and power [a proof by the Spirit and power of God, operating on me and stirring in the minds of my hearers the most holy emotions and thus persuading them], 5 So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men (human philosophy), but in the power of God.

Faith never quits

Luke 18:1-8 NKJV
Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man.  3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’  4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man,  5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’” 6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said.  7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?  8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

Faith works through love

Galatians 5:6 AMP
For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love.

But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.  Proverbs 4:18 KJV

When we faithfully follow the Word of God, we walk in the light. The more we walk with God, the brighter our path shines and the greater our life reflects His glory and grace.

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.  Isaiah 9:2 KJV

Jesus is the great light that has been seen by the people who walked in the dark. We were all once in the dark. When we truly SEE – and believe in – Jesus, we are supernaturally translated into the Kingdom of His light.

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 9:6-7 NKJV

The government is on Jesus’ shoulders. We are His body – the government is on OUR shoulders. In other words, Jesus is King over all the earth and His will is what will prevail. Our responsibility is to carry the leadership of our nation. We must pray; we must lead; we must set a godly example and not be afraid to speak the full counsel of God inside the church and outside the church and even to leaders, presidents and kings!

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.  2 Corinthians 4:3-7 KJV

Because men are blinded by the devil, they have not yet seen or received this glorious Gospel, but for those of us who believe, this light has shined in our hearts. In Genesis, God said, “Let there be Light” and light came forth out of the darkness without sun or moon or stars! This same great light has shined IN our hearts and this light must shine OUT of us as well – the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

We have this great treasure, of this powerful, glorious light, in earthen vessels. God doesn’t need a perfect, golden vessel to shine through – He can shine even through earthen vessels – if the earthen vessels allow the light to shine. When people see that God is doing His work even through an earthen vessel – He gets all the glory. Your earthen vessel can take no credit for what God does through you. On the other hand, don’t ever allow your earthen vessel to limit you to small thinking, believing and doing. Because HE lives in you, you have His unlimited power and ability available through you. Just let Him shine!

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Isaiah 60:1 KJV

YOU must rise and shine! God is waiting on YOU! The light is in you – stand up and shine!

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.  Matthew 5:13-16 KJV

You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world!  There is nothing worse than salt that has lost its potency – it’s still salt, but good for nothing. Salt stings an open wound, but it is a perfect preserving agent. The world may be offended by the Gospel, but it is the salty Christians who are holding back the tide of the wicked one. Stay salty! Your good works glorify your Father in heaven!

You can’t hide a light on a hill. God has raised you up and it’s too late to hide – so stand up and shine! You can’t hide a light in the darkness. The darker the place, the brighter your light shines – even if it’s a small light – it can be seen a long way off. Don’t hide your light under a jug – let it do its job and shine brightly on whatever “candlestick” or “lampstand” that God has placed you on. Don’t be ashamed of the Gospel – this Gospel saved your life – boldly shine it to those who walk in darkness.

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.  Philippians 2:15 KJV

Live godly, so that your light can brightly shine in the midst of this perverse generation!

And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.  Revelation 21:23

Our future is a future lived in the glorious light of the Lamb of God. Because we have this great hope, we continue to allow God to use us and we work to see HIS plans and purposes fulfilled and not our own. Thank God that we walk in the light and we shine the light and His power and glory are manifested through us in order to touch and change the world!

One of the smashing things about our heavenly Dad is that thru the Scripture, He uncovers what matters to Him. In the parables of the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the “lost” prodigal child, Jesus divulges the heart of God.

People who have missed the saving truth of God, as well as followers who have rambled away from His methods, learn that they matter seriously to Him. Just as the widow scoured the room to find the coin, God pursues us so we might accept His present of religion. Like the shepherd who left those ninety-nine sheep in safety to find the one who had wandered away, our Shepherd has the emphasis of bringing us into relationship with Himself.

And His concern is similar whether we are wandering for the 1st or hundredth time. Just as the prodigal’s dad welcomed his son back and pardoned him, our heavenly Pop guarantees the same to us. Due to the saving work of Jesus Christ, God’s love “keeps no record of wrongs” ( one Corinthians 13:5 ). The prodigal’s pop threw a celebratory party, and Scripture tells us that heaven rejoices when one who was lost has been found ( Luke 15:6, 9-10, 24 ). Does your heart beat as God’s does for the lost? If not, pray for a heart change. One of the glorious things about our heavenly Pop is that through the Scripture, He uncovers what matters to Him.

In the parables of the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the “lost” prodigal kid, Jesus shares the heart of God. Folks who have missed the saving truth of God, as well as supporters who have walked away from His truths, learn that they matter noticeably to Him. Just as the widow scoured the room to find the coin, God pursues us so we would accept His present of deliverance. And His concern has similarities whether we are rambling for the first or hundredth time.

Just as the prodigal’s pa welcomed his boy back and excused him, our heavenly Dad guarantees the same to us. Because of the saving work of Jesus Christ, God’s love “keeps no record of wrongs” ( one Corinthians 13:5 ). The prodigal’s father threw a celebratory party, and Scripture tells us that heaven rejoices when one who was lost has been found ( Luke 15:6, 9-10, twenty-four ). Our loving heavenly Pa craves that each person in His creation be “found.”. Does your heart beat as God’s does for the lost? If not, pray for a heart change.

Is it feasible to grab control of an envious attitude? Yes, it definitely is. Knowing that God wants His kids to be in command of these feelings, let’s inspect some specific things you can do to gain victory. This emotion will always – always – take your eyes off God and fix them on someone else or object. When you place a higher worth on some “thing” than you place on the Lord, you put yourself under judgment.

If He selects to bring some express blessing into someone else’s life, that is His privilege. Your jealousy is just an announcement that you believe you merit that blessing more than the other person. Bring this argument truthfully before the Lord, and ask Him to revive a godly viewpoint to your intellect. Thank God for what he does in that person’s life. However, when you praise God – even if you don’t feel like it – you put yourself in a position to get His blessings by showing that you totally trust His judgment. Ask God to put love in your heart for the other person.

So frequently in Scripture, the word “jealous” is followed by the word “anger.” don’t allow envy to stir up ill will and hate toward somebody else. Ask the Lord to wipe away these unhealthy feelings today.

Is it feasible to get control of an envious attitude? Yes, it is. This emotion will always – always – take your eyes off God and fix them on someone else or object. When you place a higher price on some “thing” than you place on the Lord, you put yourself under judgment.

If He selects to bring some particular blessing into somebody else’s life, that is His privilege. Your envy is simply a statement that you think you merit that blessing more than the other person. Bring this honestly before the Lord, and ask Him to revive a godly viewpoint to your intelligence. Thank God for what he does in that person’s life. However, when you praise God – even if you do not feel like it – you put yourself in a position to get His blessings by showing that you fully trust His judgment. Ask God to set love in your heart for the other person.

So frequently in Scripture, the word “jealous” is followed by the word “anger.” don’t permit envy to stir up sick will and hate toward someone else. Ask the Lord to wipe away these unhealthy feelings today.

If you consistently struggle to pardon folk who have wronged you, you will consider yourself incapable of that sort of forgiveness. Many of us are convinced that forgiveness is just a feeling that may be experienced in the face of conflict. What a poor understanding! True forgiveness isn’t a feeling, but an action.

If you find it difficult to pardon other people, take an active role in the midst by following these suggestions: recognize and confess an unforgiving spirit. No, it isn’t always straightforward to pardon somebody. We are occasionally the targets of enormously harmful offenses. However, we aren’t in charge of folk’s behavior; we are responsible for our own.

God commanded us to be loving, forgiving folks. If we are unforgiving, that is our problem and nobody else’s – we must repent of this sin and ask God to help our unforgiveness. Release the other person.

Make a conscious decision to release the offender in your mind. When you end up reliving the small print of the annoying behavior, force yourself to stop. Pardon the offender forgetfully. When you keep the details fresh in your mind, you trap yourself in a cycle of pain.

Select instead to split the individual from the distressing memory. Pardon with finality. True forgiveness is complete. This implies that you can’t “forgive” somebody and then continually bring the topic up. Pardon them and go on. If you’ve been nursing a grudge against a particular person, ask God for the will to pardon. Then, do it!

A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman — who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls. Proverbs 31:10 AMP

There is a special woman that is a blessing to her husband, her children and others – capable, intelligent, and virtuous. Virtuous means morally excellent; upright. The Greek word for virtuous means: probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army; wealth; virtue; valor; strength. The man is blessed who finds his virtuous woman. She is his most valuable asset.

A virtuous woman is a godly woman, with godly character

He who finds a [true] wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. Proverbs 18:22 AMP

House and riches are the inheritance from fathers, but a wise, understanding, and prudent wife is from the Lord. Proverbs 19:14 AMP

Men, if you want to find and marry a virtuous woman, then you need to acknowledge that you need help from the Lord. Be a man of character yourself, pray and obey. Respect God’s word and follow the Holy Spirit.

A virtuous woman is trustworthy, faithful, content, and not covetous

The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil. 12 She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her. Proverbs 31:11-12 AMP

A virtuous woman is a conscientious worker and leader – in her home and in her business

She seeks out wool and flax and works with willing hands [to develop it]. 14 She is like the merchant ships loaded with foodstuffs; she brings her household’s food from a far [country]. 15 She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food for her household and assigns her maids their tasks. 16 She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.

Proverbs 31:13-16 AMP

A virtuous woman looks to the Lord for her strength and comfort

She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm. 18 She tastes and sees that her gain from work [with and for God] is good; her lamp goes not out, but it burns on continually through the night [of trouble, privation, or sorrow, warning away fear, doubt, and distrust].

Proverbs 31:17-18 AMP

A virtuous woman provides well for her family and also for the poor and needy

She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit]. Proverbs 31:19-20 AMP

A virtuous woman appreciates quality and walks in her covenant blessings

She fears not the snow for her family, for all her household are doubly clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is of linen, pure and fine, and of purple [such as that of which the clothing of the priests and the hallowed cloths of the temple were made]. Proverbs 31:21-22 AMP

A virtuous woman is a great asset to her husband behind the scenes and in public

Her husband is known in the [city’s] gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. Proverbs 31:23 AMP

A virtuous and worthy wife [earnest and strong in character] is a crowning joy to her husband, but she who makes him ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. Proverbs 12:4 AMP

A virtuous woman has good taste and common sense

She makes fine linen garments and leads others to buy them; she delivers to the merchants girdles [or sashes that free one up for service].

Proverbs 31:24 AMP

A virtuous woman is humble, yet confident in her God

Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future [the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it]! Proverbs 31:25 AMP

A virtuous woman loves God’s word and governs her life according to it

She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction]. Proverbs 31:26 AMP

A virtuous woman minds her own business and responsibilities

She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat. Proverbs 31:27 AMP

A virtuous woman is loved and treasured by her family

Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied); and her husband boasts of and praises her, [saying], 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], but you excel them all.

Proverbs 31:28-29 AMP

A virtuous woman has true beauty – beauty of character

Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised! Proverbs 31:30 AMP

A virtuous woman will receive her harvest and reward for her life of love, giving, and service

Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city]! Proverbs 31:31 AMP

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Foundation Scripture: Proverbs 16:1-3  (AMP)

1The plans of the mind and orderly thinking belong to man, but from the Lord comes the [wise] answer of the tongue. 2All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits (the thoughts and intents of the heart). 3Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.

Proverbs 16:9  (AMP)
9A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.

We make plans for our lives and our future, and indeed we should, for we must have goals to aim for and a direction in which to go – if we are wise. We know that if we aim for nothing, we are sure to hit it, so we make our plans, but for all our planning we do not know enough to make perfect decisions every time. We need the wisdom that only God gives.

We make plans – they may be wonderful, well organized, detailed, plans – but without God’s wisdom, there is no guarantee of success. Another, often overlooked aspect of planning is motivation – the attitude of our heart. The attitude of your heart might not seem to be an important issue to you, but it is important to God and crucial to the success of your plans. We think that we are right – everyone thinks that they are right – but only God can be the judge of the motivation of our heart.

So many people want to have God’s forgiveness for their sins, so that they can have peace of mind and a ticket to heaven, but they do not see God’s Word as a standard to live by or the wisdom they need to make their plans succeed. We have our plans, but God has His plans for us, too. We make plans and then ask God to bless them, but if we would ask God for His plans for us – we will find out that they are already blessed.

We should commit and roll all of our plans onto the Lord. In other words, we should run every decision by Him before we begin to act on our plans. With God involved in our plans, we are sure of success. We may not know the future, but we know who holds the future and we hold His hand as He leads us and makes our steps sure. Sure – means that we will not stumble or go in the wrong direction.

Psalms 37:23-31  (NIV)
23If the LORD delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; 24though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. 25I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. 26They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed. 27Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever. 28For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off; 29the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. 30The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just. 31The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip.

When God is welcomed and allowed to be a part of your planning process and the carrying out process, you will find that your way is a lot smoother and more prosperous than before. Angels will go before you to make a way for you. You will have favor wherever you go. How can you fail when God is on your side?

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Foundation Scripture:
Hebrews 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”

According to the Bible, we only live once and only die once. Life after death is a reality. Heaven and hell are very real. These are the two places that people go to when they breathe out their last breath. They’ll either go to one or the other. There’s no other place they will go —and that is a fact.

Heaven is a real place. It’s not what you make it. It’s not your dream —it’s not your fantasy. Heaven was never in the mind of man, but Heaven has always been in the heart of God.

Hell is a real place. It’s not what you make it. Hell was never in the mind of man. Hell was created, not for man, but for the devil and his angels.

You are an eternal being. You and I are living in eternity, right now. Whatever we do in this life will carry over into the next. We’ve only got one life to live and we’ve only got one chance to live it right and to make the right decisions. Whatever we do now is going to count for eternity. The Bible tells us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. In other words, this is not a game!

There’s no chance after you die to get your life right. Many people play around with the things of God. They play around with their salvation ,saying, “Oh, it will be fine. One day I can get it right. Even when I die, God will have mercy on me.” That’s a lie from the pit of hell. I want you to know that God gives every man, this side of the grave, the opportunity to make the decisions and to make the choices on which way he’s going to go and which way he’s going to turn.

These are the eternal facts: You have one opportunity and it’s in this life, this side of the grave. If you die without Jesus Christ, you are lost for all eternity without any chance of redemption. You cannot come back and do it again—”OOPS, I made a mistake.” No reincarnation (coming back to live your life over a second time as another being -animal or human). No purgatory (the “half-way house” where you pay penance for deeds done while you were on the earth, and then at a certain time, God will feel sorry for you and get you out of purgatory and take you on to your reward). No annihilation (the belief that God will just wipe out every trace or memory of you). No ultimate reconciliation (meaning that after a million or a hundred billion years, God suddenly decides that He loves everybody and He even goes and forgives the devil). Do you know that there are people who believe these things?

Hell was not made for man, but for the devil and his angels. Man must go there because sin cannot stand in the presence of God. Man must go there because, in a fallen state, man hates God. Men hate God without the slightest reason for doing so. God loves man without the slightest reason either. There’s every reason why men should love God, and not hate Him. They hate Him without a cause. There’s every reason why God should hate man and not love him. Yet, He loves you so much that “He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16

Make the decision today that you will follow Jesus all the way. Recognize the price that He paid for you at Calvary two thousand years ago -your sins are forgiven. He died that you might live -He rose from the dead for you. All you have to do is to believe that His blood was shed for you and that He died and rose again.  Receive His mercy and trust in Him.