May, 2015

This month I am sharing some words of wisdom from Dr. John R. Rice for 

Mother's Day:

GREAT WOMEN OF THE BIBLE

"Who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is far above rubies. 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. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands." "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."-Prov. 31:10-13, 26-31.

There are some wonderful things here about a godly woman. First, she is virtuous. "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies." 

WHAT ARE THE VIRTUES OF A GOOD MOTHER?

SHE IS A GOOD HOUSEKEEPER: Notice how carefully our woman of chapter 31 keeps her house, does her sewing, and is up early to prepare food-a good homemaker. 

SHE IS THRIFTY:The Bible says she is very thrifty. She saves money.. God bless good women! One virtue of hers is being a homekeeper, a homemaker.

SHE HAS A KIND TONGUE: "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." Let it speak only with love, grace, thoughtfulness, forgiveness and kindness.  God, give to good women this virtue: "In her tongue is the law of kindness."

HOW WONDERFUL THE INFLUENCE OF A GODLY MOTHER!

There was Hannah who gave birth to Samuel. Old Eli the priest was a good man, but he spoiled his kids. Those boys were wild and unconverted and with no reverence for the offerings. God said, "Éli's sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not" (I Sam. 3:13). They committed adultery with the women who came to the Tabernacle, and God killed those boys for their ways. In the midst of that kind of influence, at the temple where Hannah brought him, Samuel stayed clean and good and a prophet of God; and I think it was because of his mother. Hannah must have kept him till he was weaned. That didn't mean until he quit nursing, but when he got old enough to be away from his mother, maybe at age four or five or six. Then she took him down to the temple, and every year brought him some new garments. Oh, that godly woman made him into a good man those years when she had him and during those visits to see him at the temple. In the middle of a family life, with others around, and in the midst of a wicked priesthood, Samuel still stayed straight. Oh, the influence of a godly mother! 

I wonder why we don't sing "Tell Mother I'll Be There" as often as we used to: When I was but a little child, how well I recollect, How I would grieve my mother with my folly and neglect; And now that she had gone to Heav'n I miss her tender care, O Saviour, tell my mother I'll be there. Tell Mother I'll be there, in answer to her prayer, This message, blessed Saviour, to her bear! Tell Mother I'll be there, Heav'n's joys with her to share; Yes, tell my darling mother I'll be there. 

Oh, the influence of a godly mother!

Have a Happy Mother's Day everyone! - Pastor Bill Ashpole

Prayer Request:
We are bringing the following need to your attention: Bonnie Lou’s sister Phyllis, fell and fractured her right arm and is in the hospital. She is 92 + years of age.  We will be flying from Hawaii to Albert Lea, MN to be at her side.  We ask that you lift her up in prayer.  We also pray for God's provision to help us with all the expenses that go with this trip.  If you feel led by God to help us financially, we would be so very grateful.  Checks can be sent to us at the address shown.