PG31 Challenge #7 CHECKPOINT

Today's Verse: Proverbs 31:16

 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. NIV

She picks out a field and buys it. She plants a vineyard from the profits she has earned.GWT

Key Words: Consider, Buy, & Plant

Reflect: 31:16 She Considers - Whether it be fit for her use. The fruit - With the effects of her diligence she is able to buy. Planteth - She improves the land to the best advantage (Wesley Notes)

Today, God is asking us to take a moment to Check our lifestyles. Are we considering before we buy into what is presented before us? This virtuous woman was making an investment. She was handling her business as some might say. She was taking the profits from other ventures like trading and making a real estate transaction along with buying the materials to create a crop for ongoing revenue. Today we would call this residual income. According to the history and culture of the time, she was a woman of means as was her husband; they could afford to purchase the land, but did not make the decision frivolously. They counted up the cost. According to the Hebrew language, this was a purchase or transaction that required men to get involved. Many times the mantra, "I'm every woman, it's all in me" is simply not Biblical. God created male and female, not to compete, but to complete His work with the qualities He placed in us that truly compliment each other. When you leave out men, you leave out a perspective that can enhance, reinforce, and strengthen your God-given mandates.

ProACTION: Pray for a Proverbs 20:6  Man in your life. If there are none, pray that God would send those kind of godly men to provide good counsel. In your journal today, write 31 things you want to have accomplished in the next 10 years, and 3 things you can do now to ensure that it happens. Share that plan with a trusted friend to keep you accountable.

PG31 Challenge #6 WISE COUNSEL

Today's Verse: Proverbs 31:15

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. KJV

She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day's work for her servant girls. NLT

Key Word: Rise, Prepare & Plan

Reflect: There is a balance in your life that God wants to achieve. It can only happen with your cooperation. If you are like me, you may just be getting to bed at 2am. On the reverse, you might be the Woman that wakes at 4am to prepare your day. Whether you are a night owl or an early bird, the key here is that while it is yet night, you are planning for NEXT. Notice the time for preparation is made at the time of provision. This woman of virtue balances the need for sustenance with the need for a strategic plan for her household. She leads, but she also delegates. She has a personal touch for her household, but also has the wisdom to focus her attention and energy on her best and highest use of time. As one writer says, "You can't afford to leave prayer out." When you work 18 hour days, when you have children, spouse, 18 credit hours as a college student while working full time, your day can easily get out of balance. Prayer helps you to put it all into perspective (have you prayed 31 minutes today?).

ProACTION: Take at least 15 minutes today to call on someone at least 10 years older than you. Ask them to share (can be in any format) what they wish they knew at your age that they know now. Record it in your journal, and share with us, one piece of advice.