James 1:19-20 (KJV)
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

I was silent for so long and when I discovered my voice I talked and talked and talked but now I must learn to be silent. It is not that I should not speak at all, I must learn to speak ONLY when necessary. There are many times in which I could share my opinion and it may or may not be helpful BUT most of the time my opinion is not necessary. I am trying to learn to be swift to hear and slow, to speak (James 1:19) knowing that God does not need me to share my opinion./ thoughts.

1 Corinthians 14:34 (KJV)
34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

I have been studying the word privately and in through various programs of learning, when I enrolled in an online school I had the option of choosing my learning path, I chose the Diploma program. Upon completion of the unaccredited school I was given of receiving the title Minister or Reverend being written on my diploma, I reluctantly chose Minister. It as during that time that I was given the opportunity to be ordained as a Pastor, fortunately I declined. I have a lot of credentials from various churches and ministry training programs but none explained 1 Corinthians 14:34 the same as what the Spirit of God revealed to me.

After years of reading the Word of God, listening to more traditional expository teaching style ministries and prayer I have been able to unlearn many of the lies educated church leaders have taught: Women, I, should not speak, ever, from a position of authority but as a servant. Biblically speaking women have great influence over people without a title and without the recognition..

I suspect, the reason most women reject the role of Homemaker is because it is a servant’s position, one who is expected to be silent. Homemakers don’t always get recognition.

Mark 9:34-35 (KJV)
34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.
35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

Society today is plagued by the need to be the greatest. Individuals want to have the most power and influence as well as the most money. Jesus asked: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?“ )Mark 8:36 -KJV) Women in their desire to be “equal” to men seek the same type of accolades.
The Bible has many examples of how women used their gift of influence. Esther influenced the King by feeding him and when he asked what did she want she asked and received. Jezebel took charge which resulted in death (1 Kings 16 and 18-21). Naomi used her influence to mentor Ruth. Mary used her influence and Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:1-9). Neither Naomi, Mary or the Samarian woman at the well (John 4:1-30) had a title, titles are not necessary neither is wealth if you are doing what God wants you to do.
I used to be offended by 1 Corinthians 4:14; I no longer have a problem with submission or yielding to a man.(Laugh out loud- I used to be a Democrat!) I have grown in my faith and trust God more than I do my own understanding or man’s ability to harm me (Isaiah 54:17). Before I understood the why, back when I was in that church that allowed me to preach, the Spirit told me not to peruse a title; in addition I have learned that every man is not a man of God and if he is not following Jesus I should not be following him. In the church I am silent unless, like Esther, given the opportunity to speak freely. I have frequent opportunities to speak to those Father God has put in my path for that purpose.

John 8:29-31 (KJV)
29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
1 John 4:17 (KJV)
17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

It is hard to shut-up, at least it is for me but I am learning to trust my prayers. As I write I discover that there is more that can be said on the subject, I yield to Scripture:
James 3:5-10 (KJV)
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

Written by Marsha L Floyd
Thursday, September 12, 2024 11:26:04 AM
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Hand embroidered by me! SOLD!