praying effectively: Work on Internal Beauty (1Tim. 2:9-15)

(1 Timothy 2:9-15)  Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, 10 but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. 11 A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13 For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we dress properly, with modesty (2:9)

- that we dress nicely but practically, while not spending a fortune on our looks (2:9)

- that we focus on our internal "beauty", which will be evident externally as we do good works, and live by the beliefs which we claim (2:10)

- that we respectfully receive instructions and put those into practice (2:11)

- that we work on faith, love and obedience (2:15)

- that we practice self-restraint (2:15)

Today's prayer:

 

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your magnificent beauty!  May You put that in our hearts, so that it will shine out, from within.  We know that You are not opposed to dressing nicely, but this should not be our focus, our pursuit, or our worry.

We can see all around us, and in reality TV shows, how many women - and men - in society are trying to fix themselves with "retail therapy" and cosmetic surgery;  but all the while they remain unsatisfied.  Many of these spew out aggressively abusive words, or flatter and manipulate others to get what they want, or gossip in order to make themselves look or feel better....  Help us to see that this "look" is not attractive, and it certainly does not help to build a lifestyle of peace, joy or contentment.

Help us not to be envious over the things that the world values.  May we value what You value.  Guide us in our daily walk to be respectful, faithful, loving and obedient.  Give us Your strength and wisdom to do everything for Your glory.  Amen.