Are You Dressed for Success?

The Lord desires that you clothe yourself with a gentle and quiet spirit. He declares this as unfading beauty, the inner beauty of the heart. Focus on this and no one will even notice whether your jewelry shines. You will be radiant with the joy of the Lord an your heart will overflow with grace and peace. -Taken from Daily Wisdom for Women 365-day Devotional Bible KJV

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Provrbs 31:30

As Christians, we should have modesty that starts on the inside.

1 Peter 3:3-4 Says, "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

Websters 1828 Dictionary describes modesty as " Moderation; decency", and "modesty as an act or series of acts, consists in humble, unobtrusive deportment, as opposed to extreme boldness, forwardness, arrogance, presumption, audacity or impudence."

We should be humble. James 4:10 tells us to, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord..."

How can we become humble? Once again, Websters 1828 tells us the definition. "Lowly; modest; meek; submissive; opposed to proud, haughty, arrogant or assuming. In an evangelical sense, having a low opinion of one's self, and a deep sense of unworthiness in the sight of God."

We have to realize we are "as filthy rags" unto the Lord (Isaiah 64:6). Once we see ourselves in this condition, we will become humble. The latter part of James 4:10 tells us once we have become humble "he shall lift you up". We do not have to prove ourselves, God will prove us, if we'll 'stand still' and let Him.

We should be slow to speak. James 1:19 tells us, "...let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:"

I feel like this is one I struggle with these days. It seems I always have something to say. We sometimes just need to listen. We need to slow down, focus on what others are telling us, just listen and remember everything does not have to be our 'us'.

We also need to remember to not be hasty to get angry and spout out things we'll regret later. We need to let God lead and direct our words and actions.

We should be teachable. Proverbs 13:18 says, "Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured."

We need to remember that we 'DO NOT' know everything. We can learn from others around us. This goes back to being humble. Be willing to learn, be willing to listen to instruction and guidance.

1 Peter 5:5 tells us, "Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured."

We should be kind hearted. "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:" 1 Peter 3:8

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Meekness, temperance:..." Galations 5:22-23

Our actions speak louder than our words. Do others see Jesus in us? Do they feel God's love when they are around us? Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

We should be a Lovely Lady!

"She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her." Proverbs 3:15-18

"Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." Proverbs 31:25-26

What are you wearing? Is it pleasing to God? Remember, we're not talking about our clothes!

(This is a devotion I shared with our ladies this month. Feel free to use it, as an encouragement, with other ladies if you'd like. All verses are from the King James Version.)

Looking for other short devotions for ladies? Here are a few more:

What Are You Doing To Turn The World Upside Down?

Ye Shall Have Tribulations...

A Few Things To Focus On

Above All

Are You Praising God, Or Leaving It To The Rocks?

What Are Your Mountains?