Pastor Dave Martin ~ Cross Creek Community Church ~ May 9, 2010

Be a Woman of Excellence!

Proverbs 31:10-31

• My wife of 38 years, Cathy I love you and thank you being the mother of our 5 children… family grows!
• Yesterday our family increased by 1 with marriage of Dan and Aly, I gained a beautiful daughter-in-law!
• God calls every woman here this morning to be a “woman of excellence”.
• “Excellence” – the state or quality of excelling.  Distinction, quality.  Be a woman of excellence!

 Billy Graham says his favorite story is of a husband who was not very attentive to his wife. One day he started feeling guilty about that and decided to change. So on his way home from work he bought a box of candy and some flowers to surprise his wife.  He walks up to the door and rings the doorbell. She opens it, and there he stands, candy in one hand, flowers in the other, singing, "I love you truly, truly, Dear." Instantly she starts crying, big old tears just gushing out of her eyes. She sobs, "Oh, Harry! Everything went wrong today. We had a leak in the plumbing. The kids were terrible. The house is a wreck. And now you come home drunk!"

Mother’s Day in the USA started nearly 150 years ago when Anna Jarvis organized a day to raise awareness of poor health conditions in her Appalachian community. She called it "Mother's Work Day." When she died in 1905, her daughter began a campaign to honor her mom. In 1914, Anna, the daughter, saw her hard work pay off when President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Mother’s Day as a national holiday.  And now the second Sunday of May has become the most "dined out" day of the year and telephone calls record their highest volume.  Its estimated $126.90 will be spent on each mother this year… flowers, candy, cards, gifts

• You wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for your mom!  The miracle of birth… growing up…
• No matter your station in life – every woman here this morning can be a woman of excellence!
• God tells us a woman can be wise in building her life or she can be foolish.  We must be wise...

Proverbs 14:1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

•  Either a positive influencer or a negative influencer… good/bad decisions… Godly/ungodly

Four “Traits” of an excellent woman…

A Woman of Excellence...

1.  Lives a Life of Integrity! (vs10-12) Impact

Proverbs 31:10-12 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

• “Noble Character” – Strength, abilities, valuable, excellent – a rare capable quality… who can find? 
• Translations… "Excellent" NASB; "noble character" NIV; "virtuous" KJV – value is far above rubies.
• It’s moral strength, domestic ability and efficiency… morally excellent, above reproach…
• A woman of integrity… reputation that builds over a lifetime… high standards… biblical principles
• “Husband has full confidence” – “brings him good” – she brings & produces positive traits.
• She’s am encourager.  Not a nag, not a constant complainer, not always negative / critical...
• Not a whiner but “level headed”... She is reliable and trustworthy... complementing her spouse.

Proverbs 12:25 An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.

• “Brings good, not harm all the days of her life” – faithful and consistent – she can be counted on… wise

• A woman of excellence smiles a lot.  Her attitude is positive, she’s a builder of lives around her.

Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

• She has fun, enjoying life... people love being around her… she’s like a strong pillar… attractive
• She’s a woman of an excellent consistent lifestyle.  Encourages people… FREE… Impacting others

A Woman of Excellence...

 2.  Shows Diligence in her responsibilities! (vs13-19)

Proverbs 31:13-19 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. ¹⁴She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. ¹⁵She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions  or her servant girls. ¹⁶She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. ¹⁷She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. ¹⁸She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. ¹⁹In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

• “Works with eager hands” – she delights in her work, she is not slothful but diligent in responsibilities.
• She’s committed to what she does, and then she does it well.  She’s productive, energetic in her labor.
• “She gets up while it is still dark” – an early riser to tackle the day ahead.  She plans out her day...

• “Her lamp does not go out at night” – she’s plans, thinks things through, not head strung.  Gets oil...

• She genuinely loves her husband and children, she’s always looking out for others... giving of herself.
• Excellent mother is committed to her family and home – giving them the utmost and top priority.
• She is a diligent partner, a willing worker, a wise shopper and planner – she ministers to her family…
• Woman of excellence stays growing spiritually… because of her personal commitment to Christ.
• It’s been said, your children are the only thing you can take to Heaven with you… she excelled!

"Things My Mother Told Me" – (Los Angeles Times article, 1995)

1. Mind your manners and always write "thank you" notes.

2. Brush or comb your hair.

3. Your appearance matters.

4. Never marry a man in order to change him.

5. Stand up straight and clean your fingernails.

6. Eat everything on your plate and remember the starving children in the world.

7. Speak up, don’t mumble.

8. If you ask for something, you may get it.

9. If you don’t ask, you will not get it.

10. Keep your mouth shut and your ears open.

A Woman of Excellence...

3.     Rests Confident in her Calling! (vs20-25)

Proverbs 31:20-25 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. ²¹When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. ²²She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. ²³Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. ²⁴She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. ²⁵She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

• “Extends her hands to the poor” – She is generous, selfless, giving
• “She has no fear for her family” – she’s prepared and so is her family – temporal & eternal...
• “Her husband is respected” – she maintains her dignity & strength affecting the whole family.
• She’s at rest with herself... she has nothing to prove... She needs to impress no one but the Lord…

• “She can laugh at the days to come” – whatever comes her way, she’s prepared – even for eternity.

• Knowing that she is ultimately working for the Lord... constantly aware of her “higher” calling.

• She’s wise and strong – physically, mentally, spiritually engaged – what an excellent woman!
• She is clothed with strength and dignity... she can laugh at the days to come... she’s prepared and confident… An excellent woman’s highest calling is raising her family... impacting precious lives.

Research conducted by the University of Connecticut and the University of Minnesota has revealed that mothers across the country like being mothers.  Yet they tend to feel under appreciated and less valued by society.   The results of the study show that 81 percent are "very" satisfied with life as a mother. 

• Whether you’re a working mom or a stay at home mom... learn to be content in all circumstances.

Philip. 4:11-12 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹²I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

• Confidence is of great value to the soul... some here may need to examine your position in life.
• Woman of excellence walks in confidence… peace with God and others

A Woman of Excellence... 

4.    Engages in Consistent Teaching! (vs26-29)

Proverbs 31:26-29 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. ²⁷She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. ²⁸Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ²⁹"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

• “She speaks wisdom... faithful instruction...” – Consistently trains her children... actively engaged.
• Woman of excellence is faithful, consistent, determined, she means what she says and follows through.
• True agape love is always balanced with correction and instruction including punishment…
• She is not passive but pro-active in their lives... She watches over her family – she is not idle but busy!
• A mother is the bank where we deposit all our hurts and worries.  She’s there to listen, pray, care, help.

Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Abraham Lincoln – “I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life”.

The impact of a praying mom!

George Washington said, “My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her."

“Consistent teaching”…  My Mother Taught Me About...

RELIGION: When I spilled grape juice on the carpet, she instructed, "You better pray the stain will come out of the carpet."
LOGIC: From her decisive words, "Because I said so, that’s why."
FORESIGHT: "Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident."
IRONY: "Keep laughing, and I’ll give you something to cry about."
STAMINA: "You’ll sit there ’til all that spinach is finished."
WEATHER: "It looks as if a tornado swept through your room."
THE CIRCLE OF LIFE: "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."
BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION: "Stop acting like your father!"
ENVY: "There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don’t have a wonderful Mom like you do!"    
HUMOR: "When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."       

THANKS, MOM! 

Who was greater - Thomas A. Edison or his mother?   When he was a young lad his teacher sent him home with a note which said, 'Your child is dumb. We can't do anything for him.' Mrs. Edison wrote back, 'You do not understand my boy. I will teach him myself'. And she did, with results that are well known. “Faithful instruction is on her tongue”

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”  Progress Magazine, December 23, 1992

The Key to being a Woman of Excellence...

• Her Spiritual Life!

Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

•  
  • The key is her spiritual life, is her intimate connection / Relationship to God through Christ.
  • “Fear of the Lord” is found 11 times in Proverbs... It’s the beginning of wisdom and knowledge.
  • God loves you... gave His Son to die to pay for your sin, trust Christ as your Savior-Lord
  • This is the woman of Excellence... this is the woman who pleases the Lord...
  • Draw closer to the Lord and your life will take on a new hue... allow God to work through you.
  • The key to becoming a woman of excellence is her spiritual Life!  How is yours?

The Fruit of a Woman of Excellence...

• Eternally Changed Lives!

 Proverbs 31:31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

•  
  • A woman of excellence will someday be greatly reward for her effort…  Mark it down...
  • The reward is so great… beyond our comprehension… Affecting precious eternal lives!
  • Fruit that will last… a testimony to your efforts... the value of a changed life.
  • Moms you are not only changing lives now but you’re changing lives for all eternity.
  • Someday you will hear the very words of Jesus – Well done you good and faithful mother!

Thank you moms!  Stay encouraged!  Be a woman of excellence!  Make TODAY a day full of happiness!!

Happy Mothers Day!

Let’s Pray…