Women’s Ministry & Fellowship (WMF) Dinner Bath Road Baptist Church February 7, 2012 Speaker: Melinda Raymond

 Review our PLANTER of Praise!  Devotional: “N” is for “Noble”  Ending Administration

 Pure Whatever is...

 Pure  Lovely Whatever is...

 Pure  Lovely  Admirable Whatever is...

 Pure  Lovely  Admirable  Noble Whatever is...

 Pure  Lovely  Admirable  Noble  True Whatever is...

 Pure  Lovely  Admirable  Noble  True  Excellent Whatever is...

 Pure  Lovely  Admirable  Noble  True  Excellent  Right Whatever is...

 Pure  Lovely  Admirable  Noble  True  Excellent  Right  Praiseworthy Whatever is...

 Pure  Lovely  Admirable  Noble  True  Excellent  Right  Praiseworthy Whatever is... Think about such things (Phi 4:8).

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil 4:9)

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your Word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decrees....

“With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I mediate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your Word.” (Ps 119:9-16)

“With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I mediate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your Word.” (Ps 119:9-16)  I encourage everyone to participate in the Bath Road Baptist Bible Reading Challenge. Pick up a pamphlet upstairs!

 Last month we had a special presentation from Youth for Christ.  December we left off at “A” is for Admirable.  All power point slide presentations are now on the Bath Road WMF website!!!

 Definitions from Scripture  Biblical Examples of what God describes as noble.  Lessons for us.

 Webster’s Dictionary: Illustrious by rank or birth, of high character, lofty ideals, magnanimous, generous, impressive, splendid, grand in appearance and having exceptional qualities, and/or resistant to corrosion.

 Greek: honourable, venerable, honest, dignified, and worthy of respect.  Not the same word used by Paul for nobility, or well-born.  Instead it refers to behaviour. (4 references in the NT)

 1 Tim 3: 8 &11 and Titus 2:2 refer to desired behavioural conduct for church leaders and members. The term applies to both men and women.  What does it really mean to behave in a noble fashion?

 Read Proverbs 31: The Wife of Noble Character  How does she live?

 She is trustworthy  She works hard  She brings good to her husband  She shops responsibly  She makes the most of her time  She buys & sells property  She invests her income  She provides for her family  She cooks  She makes clothes  She runs her own business

 She gives to the poor  She keeps a beautiful house  She is strong and dignified  She has a positive attitude  She speaks with wisdom  She is never idle  She oversees the affairs of her household (pays bills etc.)  Her husband & children appreciate her  She fears the Lord  Her works earn her public praise

 How many woman here look at Proverbs 31 as a “To Do List”?

 Do NOT make that mistake!!!!  If you try to be this kind of “Martha” (Lk 10:38- 42) you will become worried, upset, exhausted and bitter.

 Mary chose what was better; to sit and listen at the feet of Jesus.  I believe that God uses Proverbs 31 to give us examples of an entire range of activities to which we can nobly apply ourselves.

 If you are good at business, then it is noble to run a business honourably.  If you are a good homemaker, then it is noble to create a beautiful home.  If you are good with children, then it noble to care for them well.  If you are talented at sewing, cooking, art, or any other skill, then it is noble to develop that gift and use it.

General Principals for All:  Fear God and study His Word.  Keep a positive attitude.  Use the gifts you have been given. ie. Don’t be lazy.  Give generously of your time and resources to others.  Be financially responsible.  Be a woman of your word.

 Thank you to all the volunteers who helped with this evening  Special thank you to the guys in the kitchen and upstairs with the kids!!!  Special note about next month’s meeting!

 Tues. March 6,  “T is for True” with local Christian author Sarah Tun!  For a copy of Sarah’s new book please see Melinda! ($18.95 no tax )