Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalm 127: 3, NKJV. Merciful Father, we thank You for being here. as we open Your Word. Please help us to see what You have in store for us ; and help us to be obedient to Your leading. In the holy name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. Today we begin our segment on children in our series on the family. I decided that positioning the devotionals on children between those of mom and dad, was both significant, and symbolic. God gave children to Adam and Eve. It was the...

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:  “ Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31: 28-31, NKJV. Merciful Father, as we come into Your presence, we do it with hearts filled with gratitude. We are listening to hear Your voice, so please speak to us. This we ask in the holy name of Jesus Christ. Amen. For...

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31: 25-27, NIV. Holy Father, today as we enter Your presence, we ask that You come divinely close to us and bless us as we study Your Word, in the matchless name of Jesus Christ. Amen. The traits mentioned in our Scripture today comprise an aspect of womanhood that we do not take enough time to consider:  A woman's strength and dignity, her...

She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet. She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Proverbs 31: 20-22, NKJV. Gracious God, we delight to be in Your presence and to learn from Your Word. So please help us to hear the message that You have for us today. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. The message that these texts bring to my heart, is, I believe, one of utmost importance to all wives...

She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants. Proverbs 31: 16-19, 24, NKJV. Dear God, we are thankful to You for being with us as we open Your Word to study. Please make it plain to us, that every aspect of our lives is important to You. In the holy name of...

She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants. Proverbs 31: 13-15, NKJV. Dear God and Father of humankind, we have come into Your presence to listen to Your voice. Please help us to hear You, and obey You. In the holy name of Jesus Christ we humbly pray. Amen. Today we are going to look at the mother and wife in one of her roles within the home. Notice that I...

Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. . . Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. Proverbs 31: 10-12; 23, NKJV. Heavenly Father and Gracious God, here we are today in Your presence. We would love to hear from You! We need You in our families, and in our lives. Please come close to us and bless us. This we ask in the...

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Philippians 1: 21-24, NIV. Heavenly Father, we are so grateful to come into Your presence. As we meet to study Your Word, please draw divinely close to us, and help...

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Philippians 1: 21-24, NIV. Dear Creator, You who are the Alpha and the Omega, please teach us as we sit in Your presence today. In the holy name of Jesus...

When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I the Son of Man, am?" So they said, "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. . . " Matthew 16:...