Godly Wisdom

No one would claim to prefer to live his or her life without wisdom. There is no more perfect wisdom than that bestowed upon us by God. We are told in James 1:5-8 that God will give us wisdom if we ask for it. He reminds us that although He freely gives it to us, we must believe it to be wisdom or it insults God and does us no good.

In, James 3:17, we are told that "the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." God cannot be in the presence of sin. We therefore cannot receive, understand or practice godly wisdom while harboring sin in our lives. Some sins are easily recognizable and very public. Some can be camouflaged quite well, however. Forgiveness is one such sin. To truly forgive requires more than human will. It necessitates supernatural power to which we have access as believers--again only if we ask believing.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 is the answer to living for and with God. Get His wisdom and live His will so you can share the hope you have in HIm (I Peter 3:8-17) and others will believe what you say to be real.

Week 11 The Praise

My being an excellent woman does not really depend on anyone else; it depends on my deciding that I will be God’s woman who fears Him, who derives her worth and security from Christ, and who is then free to serve and love others. p.108
Proverbs 31
Note the characteristics of excellence that the Proverbs 31 woman exemplifies.
Romans 8:28,29 What is our assurance?
I Corinthians 1:4-9 How does this assure us?
Phil 1:6 How does this assure us?
Phil 2:12,13 How does this help us in life?
Make these personal to your life today.
Determine what you need to work on.

The Story of A Tomb

The Story of A Thumb

It is fitting that this story be told on Easter. It seems just like yesterday, that I was asking for prayer because Fred chopped off the end of his thumb. Many times in the last six weeks, the prognosis seemed questionable. There were times as I looked at the injury, that my faith was not believing what my eyes saw. How like God to teach me once again that faith is not sight. God does not do things because we believe. He does things to increase our faith and to be glorified. I stand amazed. Today as I looked at Fred’s thumb, there were no visible signs of stitches. The thumb has reattached and is growing back. As the dead skin scabs and peels off, new skin is growing underneath.

This reminds me of the story of Easter. In fact it could be called the Story of the Tomb. It was then that God showed us that He could take what was dead and give it new life. The blood of my Savior crucified and resurrected gave us opportunity for life with Him for all eternity. That same Savior forced blood from a thumb that was living to a part that was dead and made it alive again. Our family has witnessed God’s power in a miracle that we will never forget. What could have discouraged and depressed us pushed us to be blessed by the Healer and Comforter. My God reigns.

As the thumb heals and the story is told, there will continue to be many more paragraphs and chapters to be written of other God stories in the life of the Gratto family. Blessings to you all and many thanks for your prayers and concern for us.

Week 10 Wisdom

Wisdom is our greatest tool for our quest of excellence.
James 1:2-8 Asking and not believing is offensive to God. Have you ever done this?
I Samuel 17:45 How can this verse help us in life.
Numbers 11:23 What does this mean to you?
Discuss the chart on p. 102-103 and its relevance in your life.
Note what you are willing to do to gain and operate with wisdom.

Week 9 Purity

Discuss a verse or section that had special meaning to you.
God can see what man cannot.
I Samuel 16:4-7 How can you use this principle in your life?
Psalm 51:10-17 How can you get and use a pure heart?
Psalm 139:23,24 Make this your prayer this week.

Week 8 Gentle and Quiet Spirit

This characteristic is not exemplified in the absence of trouble.
Acts 16:22-36 Discuss the attitudes of Paul and Silas and the results.
Acts 7:51-8:3 Contrast this story with the previous one.
Remember this week, we are to display Christ’s character regardless of the outcome or circumstances.

The Cost of Being a Good Samaritan

As you read Luke 10:25-37 you will recognize the story of the good Samaritan. You may be familiar with the principles in the parable that Jesus told. Jesus made it very clear that living in obedience meant we were to love God completely and then love our neighbor completely. This sounds like a fairly simple task. He noted in his story that those who knew the biblical principles for living were the very ones who chose to ignore their "neighbor" in distress while the man from the despised people group lived out what the others preached. I have learned under painful circumstances that we don't get to choose who our neighbor is. I must love and forgive the person God puts in my life at my workplace, my neighborhood and yes, my family. Strive to live out caring for your neighbor for God loves obedience most of all. Saying and doing are very different. Words without actions are empty.

Week 7 Discretion

Discretion involves giving up our rights.
It also involves planning ahead and sacrifice.
II Corinthians 6:3-10 How can you relate to the early Christians in regard to your life?
I Corinthians 8:9-13 How was Jesus an example of this?
I Corinthians 10:11-13 Talk about this assurance. Trust and obey.
Hebrews 4:12-13 Great reminder.

How do you struggle with the principle of discretion?

Week 6 Discipline

Discuss the Oswald Chambers quote on p. 59 in regard to what it means in your life.
Galatians 6:7-10 How can you live these verses?
Phillipians 3:12-14 What does this mean to you?
Colossians 1:9-14 How can you add or prioritize this key ingredient in your life?
Recite Martin Luther’s prayer (p.67) using your name. Make that be your attitude this week.

Week 5 Obedience

Obedience often involves a decision between good and best. The cost of disobedience is far greater than the cost of obedience.
I Samuel 15:1-3 Describe Saul’s assignment.
I Samuel 15:7-9 Describe the result of the battle.
I Samuel 15:17-23 Describe the results of Saul’s disobedience.
John 14:15 To what does God equate obedience?
What area in your life do you need to work on obedience?
Pray for each other. Act in obedience this week.

The Cost Week 4 Surrender All

You cannot submit and surrender if you never listen to what God is trying to tell you.
I Kings 19:9-13 What is required to hear?
Revelation 3:19-22 What else may be involved?
Romans 12:14-21 What can happen to your rights?
II Tim 2:15 and Gal 1:10 will both be required to truly surrender.
Discuss a verse or section that had special meaning to you.

Icing on the Cake or Surgery?

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus. That song reminds me that it is easy to trust HIm when all is well by our standards. Trials are the true test of our faith. James 1 makes that clear. We have to believe God grows us spiritually by His methods. It would be nice if He would just do it like icing on a cake. Pretty us up. However, he usually does it with some surgery which tends to be painful. Isn't it nice to know He is also in the recovery room to comfort us? I am thankful I know Him and that He loves me.

Week 3 Becoming like Christ

“The Scriptures were not given to increase our knowledge, but to change our lives.” D.L. Moody

What do these verses challenge you to do?
James 1:19-27 God’s Word is meant to be lived out. Becoming like Christ will only happen if you live out His commandments.
Hebrews 5:11-14 Baby food or solid food.
Romans 12:1,2 Key to knowing God’s will.

Now do it. Make a commitment to work on becoming more like Christ this week.

Week 2 God’s Character

Discuss a verse or section that had special meaning to you.

Study the following verses to use as you strive to become all God created you to be.
I Cor 2:14-16 Use spiritual eyes to understand.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 Note God’s response to our responsibility.
John 6:60-71 Are you committed?
Matt 19:16-22 What gets in the way of your relationship with Christ?

Make a plan to trust God and adjust your priorities if necessary.

Women of Excellence Week 1 The Goal

As we pursue our goal of exellence, we must first define it.
Discuss Excellence as the world defines it.
Discuss Excellence as God defines it.

Some items for discussion.
Study the following verses to use as you strive to become all God created you to be.
Psalm 139:13-16 Recognize God’s involvement in your creation.
Phil 4:8 What goes in your heart and mind affects you.
I Tim 1:12-17 God is in the redemption business.
James 1:22-27 Act on what you know.
Micah 6:8 Make this your goal.

Pray for each other to be strong and purposeful in striving to become excellent.

Made to Worship

Before the day
Before the light
Before the world revolved around the sun
God on high
Stepped down into time
And wrote the story of His love for everyone

He has filled our hearts with wonder
So that we always remember

You and I were made to worship
You and I are called to love
You and I are forgiven and free
You and I embrace surrender
You and I choose to believe
You and I will see who we were meant to be

This song by Chris Tomlin is beautiful. It reminds me of the fact that God had to step down to reach me. He had no struggle being humble, loving difficult people and forgiving again and again those who stumbled in their belief of Him. We need to remember as this song states that when we embrace surrender and believe our all knowing, powerful and loving God, then we can work toward becoming all He created us to be. Relish His poking, prodding and pushing. He created us to be what He is helping us become.

Every Goal Has a First Step

Use these verses as reminders of the goal and the power source for success in your effort for excellence.

Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

I Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

A Question of Excellence

We have God's Word to benefit us while we are on earth. It is a source of encouragement, hope and wisdom. As medicine can heal our body so can the Bible be a balm to our soul. But just as medicine won't work unless we take it, God's word can't help us unless we take time to read it and apply it. Obedience to God is not always easy but it is always what is best. As we begin the study of Becoming a Woman of Excellence, think of yourself as God sees you not as the world does. Strive to become what He created you to be and get ready for the greatest adventures of your life.