FIVE IMPORTANT QUALITIES OF A GODLY MOTHER

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her!” (Prov. 31:26-28 NKJV).

Motherhood is extremely difficult, challenging, and tiring; we must never underestimate their calling. We therefore want to take note of the following qualities of a godly mother:

Unconditional Love - Most mothers naturally love their children in an unconditional way. They still love them even when they get into trouble. There are prisoners who have had their mothers’ faithfully pray, visit, write, and send money, sometimes for decades, and never think about giving up on them. A godly mother loves her child at all times; the love of a child isn’t dependent upon circumstances.

Sacrificial Life - Generally speaking, there is no one in the home who works harder than mothers. A godly mother even has a greater purpose for working hard because she knows that the children are God’s children and not really her children. Like many unsaved mothers, godly mothers sacrifice their time, the sweat of their brow, their sleep, and put the interests of their child ahead of their own.

Compassion and Care - Whenever children get hurt, the natural inclination is for them to run to their mother. They know she will wipe away their tears and respond with compassion and care, fixing their “boo boo.” Children always know mom will give them some tender, loving care. No Band Aid can do what a mother’s kiss can do.

Prayer Warrior - All parents should be praying daily for their children. There are many folks in prison who believe that because of the prayers of their mothers, they are able to survive in a place where many have no hope. Even though some of these men have trusted in Christ, there will never be a day when they won’t need their mother.

Child Counselor - Mothers often have the wisdom to allow a child the freedom to choose their own career, and not pressure them into being something that the mother wants them to be. A godly mother typically allows her child a bit of freedom in seeking what they want to do, even while they are figuring out who they are. A godly mother is one who will seek the best for her child.

A godly mother is not only a gift, but a great blessing to her children. Let’s be thankful for our mothers.

(Adapted from Jack Wellman's Faithful News)

Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone Be The Glory)

Quotation of the Week

“A godly mother will point her children to God by the force of her example as much as by the power of her words!”

Anonymous

Word Study

Mother

In Eph. 6:2 we read, “Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise” (NKJV).

Mother is the Greek word mētēr (μήτηρ =may'-tare). The word was used to refer to mother, matron, and city. In classical Greek mētēr goes beyond the immediate family context. It was also used of animals, of land, and of the origin or source of events. In ancient Greece, motherhood was highly regarded. Mothers of sons that had fallen in battle were honored before a city’s leading citizens. In the Septuagint, mētēr it is almost always use to refer mother, ancestors, people, or city. The Old Testament is replete with notable mothers such as Eve, Sarah, Hannah, Ruth, to name a few. In the New Testament, mētēr is used literally in the sense of the parent. Further, emphasis is placed on what a good mother represents and what her place is in God’s creation. As an example, Ex. 20:12 is reiterated in Matt. 15:4, as well as in Mark 7:10.

Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus

Old Testament Prophecy – It was God’s will that Messiah die for mankind (Isa. 53:10)

New Testament Fulfillment – John 18:11

Did You Know…

In the Bible it states we sin against Jesus (1 Cor. 8:12).

Bible Quiz

Which king was taught sayings by his mother as related in the Book of Proverbs?

**Answer to last week’s Bible Quiz: What will “the man who endures temptation” receive from God? A crown of life (Jam. 1:12)

Names of the Lord Jesus Found in the Bible

“King of Kings”

"These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful!” (Rev. 17:14 NKJV).

1. Meaning – The Lord Jesus is King over all.

2. Insights – The Lord Jesus is King over all kings and rulers. As subjects of His kingdom, we owe Him our complete allegiance.

3. Related Titles – 1. King (Matt. 21:5); King of Israel (John 1:49); King of the Jews (Matt. 2:2); Lord of Lords (Rev. 19:16); Master (Luke 8:24); Prince / Ruler (Dan. 9:25; 1 Tim. 6:15).

Did You Know – Christian History

Christopher Dock was born in 1698 in Germany. He was a Mennonite educator who worked primarily in South-East Pennsylvania.

Dock was drawn to Pennsylvania from Germany by the religious freedom that was granted to Mennonites. He opened a school at Skippack, Pennsylvania in 1718, and taught there and at a second school in Salford for the rest of his life.

Dock’s teaching methods stood in contrast to the norm of the day, and emphasized character building and discussion in lieu of physical punishment. Christopher Sauer I, a printer in Germantown, Pennsylvania was so impressed with Dock’s method that that he urged him to write a book explaining his methods. Dock prepared it around 1750, but for twenty years, refused to allow Saur to publish it. He did not want it released during his lifetime, afraid that it would look like he was trying to build a “monument” to himself.

Originally intended for publication after his death, Dock’s manuscript titled, “School Management,” was published a year before his death in 1770. This was the first known book dealing with education in America. The volume proved very influential and went into a second edition the same year; it was republished as late as 1861 in German, and it continued to be published in English well into the 20th century.

Dock advocated gentleness and encouragement in the teacher-student relationship. He counseled that discipline should grow from love, and he encouraged teachers to be simple, direct, and understanding, rather than harsh and overbearing. He prayed each evening that he might be forgiven for any injustices or neglect he might have committed that day. In that posture he died and was found the next morning in the schoolhouse.

In addition to his book, Dock also wrote a children’s rule book, A Hundred Rules of Conduct for Children, and a number of Mennonite hymns. Dock died in 1771 and his legacy lives on in the Christopher Dock Mennonite High School, which bears his name.

A Little Humor

Mom: The amazing ability to hear a sneeze through 3 closed doors in the middle of the night, three bedrooms away… while Daddy snores next to you.

Thought Provoking Church Sign

“When you close the door to God’s love, sometimes He locks it!”