Good morning Ladies,
It’s Linda J UK up early writing and from the UK
First let me thank all of those who met to fellowship yesterday at noon in the zoom room …. and for those who had contributed in other ways and through prayers and thanksgiving throughout the week. May God bless you in all you do and in your areas of giving of yourselves and faithfulness.
It was so encouraging to hear the good reports that are being shared in terms of increased knowledge and awareness of not only who God is but the confidence in knowing who we are in Christ and the purpose we all have individually and collectively on earth.
It wasn’t Mother’s Day yesterday, but as led by the Holy Spirit we spent some time reviewing the aspects of what constitutes a godly mother. For some people there had been signs of change and growth knowing the importance of foundations, boundaries and patterns and leaving a legacy for our children – we recognized that our children are looking up to us for examples of how to be and although sometimes we just don’t feel like it …or equipped…. we realize that Father hasn’t given us a spirit of fear or timidity, but that he has given us power and authority to rule our own first ,and then broader afield and as we position ourselves in the various spheres across society.
We talked about this present moment ie the Covid crisis and wilderness times and sharing space in confined physical, emotional and spiritual situation. I shared about my previous years ‘shut in /set apart’ in the wilderness , between 2004 and 2010 and before the Lord brought me back home to do the work he had created me to do. Then.. I was parenting from a distance and through many prayers. Now, (and as a result of that experience) I continue to believe that God is in control of this pandemic as he was of my difficult situation then and I can testify to his faithfulness. As women and mothers , he loves us and understands our frame – given that he made us. He knows your name.
It was good to sit under the sunshine and to share truths. What a good Father we have. We referred to Charles Stanley’s teaching on what constitutes a godly mother and I shared it was indeed Dr Stanley who the Lord had placed as one of my spiritual teachers when I was out in the wilderness. He will always provide for us when we are in need.
I promised I would send something out and to those who were absent and therefore here are some of my thoughts gleaned and inspired from Dr Charles own teaching. Please feel free to share giving credit as I have where it is due.
Characteristics of a godly mother – can be seen as Dr Charles sets out in the 3 C’s . These are Conduct, Character, Conversation.
There is something that we see personified in a godly woman , we may not be able to put our finger on it but what we see is something along these lines:
She has a quality that separates her from most
She prays and reads the word of God
She Believes the word of God
She Loves God
A godly mother is one who has learned to trust God in every area of her life
She majors on God’s sufficiency not her personal lack
She is generous towards others
She is always thinking about others and putting their needs above her own
She is always giving a word of encouragement
She is a woman bent on building others up
We see that a godly mother is obedient and that that her obedience to God becomes not only profitable for her (see the story of Ruth) but also profitable for her children and her spouse. She leaves the consequence of every circumstance to God
We went on to talk about sharing space especially during Covid. We understand that a godly mother is pivotal in setting the atmosphere and tone of the home
Is the home free or is it full of tension ?
Is it a welcoming home , or is it a house full of tension or stress?
Is the statement or expression of love there?
It is my view that it is the mother who sets the tone in the home and children pick up both the spoken and unspoken cues.
I share the scripture – a wise woman builds her house but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. Proverbs 14:1
We didn’t discuss these other points below which Dr Stanley raised, but I am putting them here and perhaps we can return to when we next meet . I am going to send to my other sisters also and maybe far and wide.
The characteristics of a godly mother is
One who Forgives
One who is Persistent
One who is Determined
May God continue to bless you and cause his loving face to shine on you. May you continue to grow in grace and in the knowledge of his love towards you. May you set a good tone in your home and parent well. May you be comforted in the prayers prayed and tears shed and live to see the rewards of your very many labours.
Yours in our Father’s Name
Linda J UK
Today writing as Teacher
27/5/2020