The Hand Of Mother
Pro. 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
INTRO: Mothers are so special. They are so special indeed. I know we all cannot have the best in the world, but most feel as if they do. The Lord has made mothers special for us. Today's message will be different. It is meant to be. I want to look at the special touch mothers have in our lives, how they affect everyday life and our future.
There are good examples of mothers in God's Word.
Hannah, she wanted a child so bad, yet she kept her promise and gave him unto the Lord.
Moses' mother, she hid and protected him, then taught him the ways of his people and God.
I will not use them today, but instead look at our mothers.
Let's start…
First let us look at…
Life's start
Mothers needed - we need to listen up scientists
Natural desire given by God
Blessed "dream" if you would
They give physical protection
They give nourishment during pregnancy - (SHOW PICKLE JAR) - even if it is a bit weird.
They make conscious sacrifices from the beginning; they begin sharing from the start - share story about Paul Thompson's mother and apples
So we can see that from the get go, mothers are important to an infant's life.
Next I want to look at…
Life's care -
Food - guess who is involved with feeding our babies - Mom, even if Dad is the one who catches or brings it home
Clothing - (SHOW KNITTING) - use scarf - "now bundle up, you don't want to catch cold! Wear your raincoat, etc. - that's their job!"
Everyday cleaning and care (BABY POWDER AND OIL; WASH BOARD AND IRON) the work never stops
In sickness - it is mom that can never get sick herself, it is her that doctors the scrapes (BANDAIDS), nurses back to health the little ones - (SHOW SOUP)
In health - it is often mom that plays the games with the kids when they are well - Dad? Oh he is around working somewhere.
Mothers are also very involved with…
Life's lessons
Simple lessons - dressing, eating, even potty training, etc.
Stories told at bedtime
Schooling started - three Rs or the ABCs
Chores - to help make them productive
Hard working skills to help them excel
Love - every child needs a good dose of this, who else better that to apply it to their lives.
And last, they give them…
Life's direction
Example shown - (USE MIRROR)
Example taught - (BIBLE)
Example encouraged by these two aspects (shown and taught)
Example bestowed
Mothers have the opportunity to shape their children's lives very much.
They can present to them the Lord's ways, and bestow upon them a great opportunity to know the Lord.
This brings me to my last point, simply, mothers are our…
Life's friend
Love
Caring
Acceptance
Encouragement
Help
Did I forget LOVE????
Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - 051103am