Shalom,
Proverbs 31 opens with the admonition to those in positions of authority to stay away from wine and strong drink. Strong drink refers to "intensely alcoholic liquor" according to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance. What does that mean to YOU? You will NOT find that answer anywhere except in close, intimate conversation with the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! The Word of God gives us general guidance, so obey what you DO see. The Spirit of God will give us more specific, personal guidance as we put the Word first place. The rest of this Proverb is usually directed toward women as a gauge for their growth. I prefer this as my gauge, found in Luke 10:42:
42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.
Martha had complained to Jesus that her sister Mary was not helping her wait on people. What was Mary doing? Sitting at the feet of Jesus hearing the Word of God taught by the greatest Teacher ever! THAT is the way to truly become a Proverbs 31 woman (or man)! Philippians 3 (in the Bible Reading Plan for today) also gives one of the best possible ways to grow up in the things of God. Philippians 3:10-11:
10 [For my determined purpose is] that i may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection and that I may so share HIS sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] top His death, [in the hope] 11 That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body].
THAT is the way to become the very best YOU that you can possibly become this side of Heaven! GO FOR IT! you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by knowing HIM! Amen! Here is Hillsong United with "I Live To Know You More":
We begin Malachi today as we get ready to end this year through the Bible! The people had again slipped back from doing the will of God when Nehemiah was gone. Now Malachi, whose name means "My messenger", was sent to speak of the sins of the people and to call them back to the One, True God! Don't allow yourself to be distracted from following hard after God! Keep the flame of your first love for HIM burning brightly in you! Make it your priority to spend time in praise and worship every day for Who He is, and for all He has done! There is no possibility of backsliding when you do that! Amen!
Shalom in Him!
