Chapter 1, Time to Consider

It is humbling to read 1 Corinthians 11:8-9 and think about my role and purpose for being on this earth right now. "For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man". I think women have a deep yearning and need to be caretakers of our husbands, family and friends. This is a need and desire God has given us and we should answer this calling by being obedient to the Word of God and to the calling of the Holy Spirit by being the best Help Meets we can be. Sometimes we may not "feel" like being a good Help Meet or think our husbands don't "deserve" our best. We have to always remember that we are doing this for Jesus and practicing for the Kingdom to come. Do our husbands always "deserve" our respect and admiration? Do we as wives always "deserve" our husbands' love and admiration? The answer to both of these questions is an emphatic "no" which is why there needs to be three people in our marriages the husband, the wife and Jesus.

The first suggestion in the book to think of a new habit(s) to be a helper to my husband is an honor and a privilege when I think I am doing this for my husband and ultimately for Jesus. Some new habits I have thought of are: (1)when I am the first one up, bring in the paper for him, (2)clean out the litter box on Saturdays (it's his cat) and (3)make sure his area in the basement is not cluttered up with toys. Not very creative on my part, but I look forward to reading about what each of you will start doing for your husbands.

Heavenly Father, Please work each of these attributes into my character and my daily life.
1. Virtue
Phillipians 4:8 Finally, brethren, what ever things are true, whatever thing are nobles, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things.

2 Peter 1:3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

2 Peter 1:5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,

2. Graciousness
1 Peter 2:3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

Exodus 33:19 the He said, "I will make all My goodness as before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion."

Job 33:24 Then He is gracious to him and says, 'Deliver him from going down to the Pit; I have found a ransom'

Ecclesiastes 10:12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious, But the lips of a fool shall swallow him up;

3. Wisdom (there are many verses pertaining to wisdom, I just picked a few)
Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;

Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 16:16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

4. Prudence
Proverbs 12:16 A fool's wrath is known at once, But a prudent man covers shame.

Proverbs 12:23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.

Proverbs 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit.

5. Goodness
Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

Psalm 27:13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.

Psalm 31:19 Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men!

Romans 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance.

Heavenly Father, I need your help! I cannot be the Help Meet You have created me to be without Your assistance. Please carry this burden for me, gently guide me down the path You have chosen for my husband and me and make the changes that need to be made in me. Help my husband to be patient with me and to see Christ and His Glory through the work You are doing in me. In Your precious son Jesus' name I pray, Amen.