The Gospel of John 1:17 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17 KJV)

In response to the defiance of the rebellious chosen people of God, the law, which was given through a servant, who was Moses, was made so holy for every man to observe it. It was not meant to make man righteous. It was to make humanity conscious of sin to realize they need a Savior. “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.” (Romans 3:20 NIV). And, all have sinned! (Romans 3:23).

It is said that: 'Truth without grace is mean and grace without truth is meaningless.' Hence, the Word came in the fullness of grace and truth. Grace and truth is the person of Christ Jesus, the only begotten Son of the Father. He is grace and truth manifest in the flesh to fulfill the demands of the law to bring us to light and life. Grace and truth came to put us right with God by faith in Christ Jesus. It is neither religion, nor being a member of an organization, nor denomination, nor going to a building to do rituals of dos and don'ts, none of those can make man righteous. Only by faith in Christ Jesus who is full of grace and truth we are made right with God (Romans 5:1).

Apostle John the beloved testifies, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:1-5 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 1:16 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.” (John 1:16 KJV)

This passage, acclaiming the Word who became flesh - the God of creation, reminds us that out of the fullness of His grace which He has given in the beginning, He came to restore us in grace. He came to restore us all who are fallen from grace, because of Adam's fall. Yes, He is completing His work upon us 'grace upon grace.'

It is His original intent and plan. “God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun.” (Romans 8:29-30 MSG). 

He calls you and I, by name! He accomplished this restoration by imputing in us, through faith in Christ Jesus, His finished work of righteousness on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). Not through our self-effort of righteousness by religion and by trying hard. Those are filthy rags in God's eyes (Isaiah 64:6).

Totally, by His grace through faith in Christ Jesus, He continually transforms us to His image. This is affirmed in Apostle Paul's exhortation, as he reminds: “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” (Colossians 3:9-10 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 1:15 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“John bear witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.” (John 1:15 KJV)

John the Baptist, not to be confused with John the Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ and the disciple whom Jesus loved, was sent by God the Father on a specific mission. He was the fulfillment of what was prophesied: “This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ”” (Matthew 3:3 NIV; Isaiah 40:5)

John the Baptist was the first human witness to introduce the divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. He neither came of his own, nor for his own. He came to usher the glory of Him who is the focal personage of his mission, the same Sovereign Being of our worship the Lord God of creation, the Word who existed in eternity past and future. He is the One who came in the flesh after John the Baptist, though He was appointed before him. He is the person of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Word who existed 'in the beginning' (John 1:1a).

He came to be with us, so that by faith we can be with Him, praise and worship Him together with the heavenly hosts. Yes, He came in the form of a Baby and was born in a manger to a virgin in Bethlehem, whose birth was witnessed by ordinary shepherds and welcomed by heavenly hosts, with the chorus of angels singing. “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”” (Luke 2:13-14 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:

F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 1:14 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 KJV)

In the Charlie Brown Christmas Movie, Linus, responding to Charlie Brown's incessant question about the meaning of Christmas, so beautifully depicted the true meaning of Christmas by reading from Luke 2:8-14. It is written: "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

There is so much to be said about the newborn King. This passage declares that the “Word became Flesh and dwelt among us,” announcing to people everywhere who the King truly is. This is not just good news for a season. This is good news for all people everywhere, for all times.

This is so profound that the Word, the God of all eternity, the Creator of all things seen and unseen (John 1:1-2), took on flesh. Yes, “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.” (John 1:14 MSG).

He came in human form to dwell among us. God Almighty - who is completely holy, infinite, just, loving, sovereign, and omniscient — "took on flesh" and became like us in the person of Christ Jesus. He is the One who is born both God and Man - the Truth and the Life. He came, being the Only One who can supply the demands of the law. He brought in the supply of grace to fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17). He is full of grace and truth.

He came for the very reason that He loved us. He is love! (1 John 4:8;16). He longed for us, and all creation! It is written: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him, all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” (Colossians 1:15-20 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 1:12-13 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13 KJV)

These passages affirm that all who receive Him, the Word and God of all creation who came down to be among us, through faith, receive the right to become children of God. This 'power' comes from the Greek word ‘exousia’, also translated in English as a "right," or “authority”. Spiritual honors are given to all believers, simply based on being part of the family by grace through believing in His name. This also gives power for living. As a child of God, one is provided both privileges and spiritual power in His name. "Faith in the name of God in the flesh" means trust in His person, His sacrifice, and His finished work of salvation. This is available to everyone, who "receives" Him.

This gospel's first mention of being "born" into the Kingdom of God is an important metaphor and revelation. Birth is a natural enduring process of loving care by a mother. It brings a time of transformation to the child. Salvation is exactly the same for God and for us who receive Him by faith. This does not occur by natural occurrence. It is not "of the will of the flesh". This birth is supernatural, entirely by the work of God, and according to His will. Our salvation is not dependent on effort and in our human nature. It is in our spirit transcending to our physical life, solely by grace through faith in Christ Jesus.

This is our transformation process to be a new creation by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. It is written: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 1:11 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” (John 1:11 KJV)

The Word, who is the Life and Light, came to and for all of the people of the world, as Savior. But, firstly He came specifically to the people of Israel. If any nation on earth should have been able to recognize the Messiah, it ought to have been God's chosen people. Israel was given custodianship of God's Words, including many prophecies of the coming Messiah. They had been beaten down by Rome and other powerful invaders. Israel should have been looking for the Promised One, and ready to receive Him. God came to those He had created, for the entire world (John 3:16). Yet, He came as a man directly to Israel. And yet, He was rejected, hated, and eventually killed by those very people (Isaiah 53:3; John 18:35). The one group of people, who should have welcomed Him were the ones who called for His death! This is part of the gospel warning message: that even when people claim to be seeking God's will, they tend to turn away from it in order to go their own way (Romans 3:9–10).

That's part of the Devil's scheme, duping many to think and believe that there are many ways to God and to heaven, even believing there is no need for God. Thinking that they are sovereign by themselves, there is no worse state of mind than that. The same with those who believe in religious doctrines that carries the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, but rejecting the gospel of grace and truth that came through Him (John 1:17).

We must settle on this solid ground of the true gospel of grace by faith: "Christ died for our sins “according to the Scriptures"" (1 Corinthians 15:3). “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”” (Acts 4:12 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 1:10 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.” (John 1:10 KJV)

Reflecting on this passage in our moment in time, this reminds us of the truth that from the very beginning the Word, who is the Light, has always been in the world when time was set in motion at creation. The truth of the matter is, He is God from eternity past and to eternity coming. He is the Creator. The world and everything in it were made by Him. "Nothing was made that was not made by Him" (John 1:3). No myth of evolution and chance can ever refute that reality and truth. When this dimension of time is over and everything seen pass away, only Him the beginning and the last remains; Him who is the Alpha and the Omega; And, Him who is the Word, as He declared: "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away" (Matthew 24:35).

Sadly, many did not know Him and some knew Him, but rejected Him and continue to do so. Hence, everyone is warned, especially those who have not received His Lordship. We and everyone who received Him and are born again, who rest in His grace by faith in Christ Jesus, are reminded to remain strong in faith. We are to stand and acknowledge Him, with total dependence in Him. It is written: “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32-33 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 1:9 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” (John 1:9 KJV)

As revealed in earlier passages, the Word is God's eternal power, the God of all creation. The Word is God Himself, the Creator of all things. The Word is the life and light of all humanity. This light is the One who shines over darkness, which darkness could not overcome. This light, as this text reveal, 'lights every man that comes into the world.' This light is the beginning of all creation before everything else was made whom God declared: "Let there be light and there was light" (Genesis 1:3).

Witnessed by John the Baptist, this is the light the Lord God told to Isaiah that will restore the tribes of Jacob to bring the remnants of Israel that He has kept. And, He will make this light for the Gentiles. That's us all! You and I, as we accept the Lord Jesus Christ by faith in His grace and be born again by the Word of God (1 Peter 1:23). The Light, who is Christ Jesus, came to bring salvation 'to the ends of the earth.' It is written, “he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”” (Isaiah 49:6 NIV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 1:6-8 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.” (John 1:6-8 KJV)

As we reflect on the time period into which John the Baptist arrived, we should recognize that before he arrived, was 400 years of silence from God. God did not speak to the Jewish people. This silence began with a prophecy in Malachi 3:1 and came to fulfillment in the arrival of John the Baptist. He brought forth the message in 'spirit and power' that of Elijah (Luke 1:17).

Sent from God, John the Baptist knew what his mission, and the purpose he was sent for. He was led by the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:2). He was sent to prepare people's heart to believe and receive the coming of the only begotten Son of God, the light who is coming into a darkened world. He was not the light. He was to bear witness to the Light!

As John the Baptist was guided by the Holy Spirit to know his mission, we too with the presence of the same Holy Spirit in us must be sensitive to His promptings. We are to reflect the true Light of Christ Jesus. This Light is in us by His grace through our faith in Him (Galatians 2:20). And we have this comforting promise: “But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 1:4-5 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:4-5 KJV)

Considering this deeply, when God said in the beginning 'let there be light and there was light' (Genesis 1:1), life is more than simply lungs breathing or heart pumping or brain thinking. It is beyond our human intellect to try to explain all the processes that must take place for us to live. It is very overwhelming to consider all that is needed for us to truthfully say we are alive. But, the Lord Jesus knows. And, even better, he is the life. He started life. He created life. He fashioned life. Yes, He is life Himself. Take Jesus, The Word, away and there is no life.

Without Him, humans are mere spooks roaming the face of the planet, like what they portray in movies. In a sense, those are the realities for those who reject the Lord Jesus Christ, when they cast Him out of their daily walk in life. Without Him people walk and grope in the dark. For them, living becomes a trial and error concept. In their line of thinking this is all what it is. There is no beyond. When this is over, that's it. They couldn't comprehend God's eternal design. That's how short- sighted humanity apart from the Word. They bring themselves down to the level of animals and simple organisms that science relegated to being a product of evolution by accident. Sadly, as apostle Paul exhorts: “They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV)

So, in Christ Jesus by faith through His grace, we must get hold of this unchanging truth. “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 1:2-3 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:2-3 KJV)

Having established the truth that the Word is God in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are to recognize further this truth that He is eternity past and eternity future. He was with God when time began at creation. That was when physical things were made manifest from that which is unseen. He is "the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not" (Romans 4:17b NIV). "All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made."

He was the spoken Word from whose image we were made. We and all things originated from Him. It is written: “Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness,”” (Genesis 1:26b NIV). If we did not originate in Christ, it is not real. We are merely a smoke that dissipates in an instant, back to dust and no more. We may be able to touch, see and relate with each other and even posses the things around us. But unless we believe Christ is the origin of it all, it is not real. Without Christ, our life is like a house of cards. It crumbles, scatters and flies out into nothingness because it's not real to begin with.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Word, is the foundation of reality, and apart from Him, nothing exists. Apart from Him there is only death and void. Everything outside of Him is only an illusion, a mere zombie at best. There is no life. He is the life breathe in us (Genesis 2:7). It is written: “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:12 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 1:1 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1 KJV)

Continuing this daily reflections of the holy and written Word of God for the nourishment of our well being, the Gospel of John is a great source of sustenance. With the wisdom we've been endowed with in our long-running daily reflections of the Book of Proverbs, we are now equipped to dig deep and partake the meat of God's holy and written Words. As we transition into the Gospel of John, the Apostle, the Holy Spirit will take us to the revelation how to live in this realm of life that leads us to everlasting life.

This opening passage gives us a very stunning expose' that it all started from the power of God's declared Word. This Gospel of John as a whole reveals the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the power of creation. He is God Almighty. Hence, this first passage of John's gospel establishes the truth that the Word is Jesus and that He is God.

He, the Lord Jesus Christ, who came in the flesh into His creation, was the force that brought into existence the unseen things for us to see the marvelous beauty around us. Yes, that is according to His declaration "in the beginning God" (Genesis 1:1). The Word is the focal point of this passage that our attention is called upon to draw on to. This has so much significance in our life today. He is the same God spoken of in times past who now lives amongst us, in the flesh  Two thousand years ago, and in the Spirit in our hearts today by grace through faith in Him. As it is written: “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).” (Matthew 1:22-23 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 31:31 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Give her of the fruit of her hands; And let her own works praise her in the gates.” (Proverbs 31:31 KJV)

It is worth noting that this woman of sublime ideals, portrayed in this last chapter of the Book of Proverbs, is a maiden whom this king is being cultivated to pursue. She is a lady who is determined to do her roles virtuously in every state and season of her life, as God created her to be. She is a woman of God, walking not in the ways of the world on this side of heaven. She is a woman cognizant of and dependent on the saving grace and Lordship of Jesus Christ.

She is blessed in season and out of season, postured to transition to the union of marriage and to building a family, as described in the passages of this chapter. She is more precious than Jewels (Proverbs 31:10). Hence, she is a woman of great value that reverberates at the gates - the heart of the land. Her values are not of the world, but of great value to the world. Whether the world recognizes it or not, she receives the rewards of her labor. The praises of her works rise at the gates. The family she built and served imperatively bless and praise her. Yet, even as they too fail to honor her, her praises await in the gates of heaven.

When all is said and done, as we now close this reflection with this last passage of the Book of Proverbs, if we received in our hearts the wisdom this book gave us, we are now equipped with the preeminent tools for living. We now possess the knowledge that what really matter is when our Master and Savior convey His words of commendation, like the praises awaiting at the gates for this lofty woman. The fruit of her work, done not by self-effort but by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus, speaks for itself. She will receive, as we do, the same welcome accorded to the faithful servant in the parable that the Lord Jesus told in one of His sermons: “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” (Matthew 25:21 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 31:30 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: But a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30 KJV)

As we now are about to close these reflections of the Book of Proverbs, we continue to take as much inspiration on the tributes to this virtuous woman. King Lemuel's mom tacitly gave these cookie alerts: don't look for charm! It is deceiving. Don't look for physical beauty! It is fleeting.

Yes, physical beauty is inherent in every creation of God to the eyes of the beholder. We are all created beautiful within our being exuding to our outward nature. Thus, we are to nurture the inner we, not the decaying physical outfit, which wrinkles and withers. It is vain! And so, this king's mom warns. She knows!

Rather, she told her son: for a wife, seek she who fears the Lord and whose faith is in Christ Jesus. Her inner beauty is nurtured by grace. She holds on to the counsel of the scriptures, as it is written: “Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” (1 Peter 3:1-4 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 31:29 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Many daughters have done virtuously, But thou excellest them all.” (Proverbs 31:29 KJV)

King Lemuel's mother exclaims her awe of this woman she is spurring her son to seek out. She acknowledged that yes many daughters are virtuous in their unique way, but certainly none possessed such an overarching character. As she pondered earlier in this chapter, indeed she said, “A wife of noble character who can find?” (Proverbs 31:10a NIV).

Well, the truth of the matter is, in the natural world none can be found like her, who excelled all daughters that did virtuously. But, there are of course noble women to find. Looking through the eyes of grace by faith in Christ Jesus, this woman can of course be found in those who rest in grace by faith in Jesus Christ. The person of Ruth exemplified this woman. A pagan Moabite, she took refuge under the wings of the God of Israel. She was the wife of Boaz and the grandmother of King David (Book of Ruth).

She's one of many who excelled them all in God's grace by the power of her declaration of faith. When Naomi urged her to go back home to her pagan family, she chose to cling on with her Mother-in-law. She prevailed to be with Naomi and her God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The same God who send His only begotten Son to restore us by His grace, through faith. It is written: “But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 31:28 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her.” (Proverbs 31:28 KJV)

She hears her children's and her husband's accolades, this passage reveals. Who would not? With all that she does for her family, anyone who does not rise up to bless and praise her must be extremely ungrateful. This woman does her part not expecting acclaims from anyone though, she being a woman of high ideals. It is inherent to mothers whose trust is in the Lord Jesus Christ, by reflex they do the best they can. This one-of-a-kind wife and mother is adorned with virtues, not because of her efforts, but by grace through the accomplished work of Christ Jesus on the cross, in whom she surrendered her being by faith.

Not all children are grateful and appreciative though, and husbands, too. We are all born with the sinful DNA of Adam. The scriptures reveal: “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me” (Psalms 51:5 NIV). Hence, inattentive to the things of God, children (young and old) often realize late in life - looking back not having honored the work their mothers did for them. Every mother, super or ordinary, has done something good. We see that when we reflect on our lives in the right now moment. We did not come to being by a wave of a magic wand. And, no one has popped up yet from the jungle who evolved from ape. We are here carried in the loving comfort of our mother's womb.

Woefully, in our present day and age, the world condemns the unborn children as non-entity - a non-life, that can be dashed in a whim. In the world's evil eyes, every child in the womb is treated like a virus and a healthcare issue. So, being here right now is something to be grateful for the moms who let every person now alive, to live and have the opportunity to see the light of day.

So, to virtuous Moms who may not be perfect in our eyes but made righteous in the eyes of God, we, as her children or her spouse, should "arise up, and call her blessed" ... "praise her!" We are all flawed and imperfect. So, we look at the good in them (as with everyone), not the flaw. And, we must always be in the know, it is only by grace through faith in Christ Jesus we are declared righteous. And, certainly not by religion! It is written: “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 31:27 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness.” (Proverbs 31:27 KJV)

This excellent wife, king Lemuel's mom woos him to seek out, monitors the physical and spiritual pulse of her household. Yet, considering her diverse activities in the roles she plays, tritely, one would be tempted to think of her home in a decadent state. But, this woman is virtuous!

She carefully keeps track the comings and goings in her household...

She is vigilant to the ways of her family...

She observes the conduct of her children...

It shows she is resolute to prevent the world, who doesn't know anything about living, from teaching her children how to live (Ephesians 2:2 MSG). The world's mold or ideology of raising children is an absolute no-no in her household.

She works along with her servants to lead the charge, ensuring everyone earn each keeps. In her house no one is idle. Laziness has no seat at her table. As she does by example, only those who work eat. She is mindful of Apostle Paul's reminder to the Thessalonians: “Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”" (2 Thessalonians 3:10 NLT)

Her house rules rest in grace by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who is the head. As it is written: “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” (Ephesians 4:16 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 31:26 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And in her tongue is the law of kindness.” (Proverbs 31:26 KJV)

As we should already know, having gone through and ingested hundreds of passages of this book of Proverbs, wisdom is knowledge applied. It is the execution of skills and truths, learned from the holy and written Word of God, in our daily living. It is done through total dependence on grace by faith in Christ Jesus, not by self-effort. This passage affirms the reason there was never a sign of complaints from this woman doing tirelessly such multi-tasks in and out of her home. Observing her with our physical perception, hopping from role to role, seems to indicate no relaxation. How she does it all? By wisdom! She entered into rest in grace by faith in Christ Jesus. Scripture says: “For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. For we who have believed enter that rest.” (Hebrews 4:2-3a ESV)

She rests in the wise words of reassurance her mouth mutters for continued self- edification and at the same time uplift all in her household. Her words set the comforting ambience of her home and work places. Her tongue holds instructions of faith and kindness. It bears words of comfort and blessings, not of tension and conflict. She stands on God’s Words, the rock of kindness and love. No wonder her husband and children are blessed by her. 

A wise woman that she is, she abides in these words: “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 31:25 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Strength and honour are her clothing; And she shall rejoice in time to come.” (Proverbs 31:25 KJV)

This passage tells us that this woman of lofty ideals is strong and dignified. These are traits that a woman or man wear for victorious life in this world. But, these traits are not of the world. These traits are not of one's self effort to stand stoic with pride, but by the fruit of the Holy Spirit who is in a person's being through grace by faith is in Christ Jesus. These attributes are borne from within, displayed in a person's demeanor of daily living, as this ideal woman exemplifies. Not because of her, but because of the finished work of Jesus in whom she surrendered her life, in whom we too ought to surrender our lives.

Like this woman, as she shall rejoice, we too are vested with the attire of strength and honor by grace in Christ Jesus. We have the same assurance when we totally rest in faith looking to Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith. And, we too shall rejoice! It is written: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:1-5 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 31:24 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.” (Proverbs 31:24 KJV)

This ideal woman, king Lemuel's mother is coaching him to seek out, is ingenious and industrious, intelligent and diligent. She is an enterprising woman! She is not limited by labels: as a wife, which she is one of no rival; as a mother, of whom she is the most loving known of; as a homemaker, at which she is the best at it, and any other labels assigned to stick on her, none can keep her from turning stones of opportunities. She carries all her roles with zeal, and executes it in exemplary fashion.

She takes the mantle of a businesswoman. She trades fine linens, and she produces what she markets. A skillful weaver that she is, she handles the loom making fine linens for clothes and tapestries, and she fashions girdles for tunics. Well rounded that she is, she takes care and runs the shipping department to ensure her products hit the merchants' shelves on time. She stays away from gossips and focuses on matters that matter for the well-being of her family and home.

She is the kind of person and wife we mirror on as daughters and sons of God by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. She is the woman spoken of in the epistle of Paul to Titus - “Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.” (Titus 2:3-5 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 31:23 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Her husband is known in the gates, When he sitteth among the elders of the land.” (Proverbs 31:23 KJV)

There is a real and true 'trophy wife' after all, as this passage reveals. But of course, not as the world defines, rather as the grace of God holistically qualifies her with Godly virtues. The passages of this last chapter of Proverbs show us who and what kind of woman she is. She stands out by the character she exudes, a daughter of the Most High God by grace through faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26).

Her values add value to the stature of her husband as he sits in a role of leadership at the gate of the city. That's the venue where public business and legal transactions take place. Her husband is counted among prominent leaders—elders, judges, lawyers, businessmen and men of honor as they discuss the city's issues of the day. There, counsels are heard and decisions are made for governance of the land.

She comes as an avatar of influence transcending far beyond the confines of her home. Her aura reaches and touches the mood in the “gates” – the core of community life: politics, business, justice, civil and social order. She is truly the “helpmate” for man God designed her to be. Because of her virtues, her diligence, her wisdom, and her edifying support, her husband is admired and known. As God’s children by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, she is the woman that women and men should mutually emulate in this present day degenerating world. She is the embodiment of God's creative design, as it is written - “Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”” (Genesis 2:18 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 31:22 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; Her clothing is silk and purple.” (Proverbs 31:22 KJV)

She takes care of herself after everyone else have been attended to. She beautifully dresses herself both inwardly, with heavenly virtues, and outwardly, with silk and purple in majestic royalty. Exemplifying her overarching mastery of being a designer, a seamstress, a vine dresser, a connoisseur, a businesswoman, a philanthropist, an artist and all other skills she displayed in the beauty of the attires she wears, physically and spiritually.

She is the picture of a person free from worries, who seeks God, His Kingdom and His righteousness. She rests in His grace by faith in Christ Jesus. This is the person we should be akin to, that Lord Jesus has in mind when He said: “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:27-33 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 31:21 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“She is not afraid of the snow for her household: For all her household are clothed with scarlet.” (Proverbs 31:21 KJV)

This passage tells me - this woman of diligence and virtue, like the ants, is busy in summer preparing for winter. For her, what matters is, not knowing what's coming, but preparing for what's needed for what's coming. Fearless, she's ready for the cold snowy days. She is not content of merely meeting the need, but provide for the need with excellence and style. She's not just covering her family with raw wool sheets to keep them warm, but clothe them in class and royalty quality with scarlet vogue.

This is an alert cookie in our daily surf through life (so to speak) to stay set for the penultimate season coming. We are to be ready in season and out of season. We have to do the drill. This woman's example is a metaphor for the most crucial time soon to come. The onset of seasons is settled. But, we do not know the exact time, though we are aware and expect its coming. The more so the glorious return of the Son of God, Christ Jesus our Lord. Regular dry runs in the changing seasons of this life trains and keeps us awake, so as not to be caught off guard when our Lord comes in glory.

Hence, we are to be prepared and ready with royal spiritual attire, like the ideal wife prepares clothes for winter, to welcome our Lord the King of kings. We must stay in the know, by grace through faith in Christ Jesus we are a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). Learning from the example of this ideal woman, let us be reminded with these words: “Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:42-44 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 31:20 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.” (Proverbs 31:20 KJV)

She is generous, this woman of virtue king Lemuel's mother is fostering. She is strong. She is full of talents. She's indeed trustworthy and rare, edifies her husband, a crafter and apparel designer and seamstress, a merchant and a vine dresser,...and a true giver at heart. This is a woman of every man's dream, she is. Selfless and generous, she looks to the destitute and the needy. She is a woman that can be seen nowhere else but abiding in God's grace. And, she can be found only by a man who looks through the eyes of grace by faith in Christ Jesus.

Her hands work in tandem with her heart. Dependent on grace, not on self-effort, her compassion is expressed in action. She sees the need. She fills it. Her good stewardship over her household is spilled out beyond home on to her circle of influence and proximity. She takes to heart the Words of Christ Jesus: "freely you have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:8b). She responds to calls of service, being steward of God's gift of grace, as it is written: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10-11 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 31:18-19 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: Her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, And her hands hold the distaff.” (Proverbs 31:18-19 KJV)

This virtuous woman knows her wares, King Lemuel's mother persists to educate and prepare her son for the search of the right wife. Such a wife is one who knowingly makes quality products from her labors. She does what she does with fervor. This woman, deserving a royal pursuit, is one whose enthusiasm in her role is the shining light to follow in dark moments of challenges. She is likened to a burning candle in the dark. She is ready and prepared to keep her light glowing through the night.

This woman is a mirror for us to reflect on to exhibit her virtuous character in our life. Using the analogy of weaving - a traditional craft women did in distant pasts to provide fabric for clothing and tapestry, she shows a picture of mastery. Her hands on the spindle and distaff - the tools for spinning wool and flax, are magical to behold.

She is a woman who takes God's Words to heart, seriously. Aware life under the sun is fleeting, she aims to fulfill her role with her spouse, so they both can enjoy all the days of their lives. A virtue we must embrace being children of God by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Apart from Christ Jesus, it is written, these words warn: “Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.” (Ecclesiastes 9:9-10 ESV)

But, in Christ Jesus, as we do our toil under the sun like this woman of virtue, we are assured: "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 31:16-17 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“She considereth a field, and buyeth it: With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, And strengtheneth her arms.” (Proverbs 31:16-17 KJV)

These passages reflect a picture of a woman who does not stay idle. This ideal woman is on the move, a woman of acumen and action. Contrary to the belief that puts women in a weaker category, we are shown here a woman in the right and true paradigm - a person of strength. She is a shrewd enterprising farmer, a vine dresser, who is prayerful and deliberate in considering opportunities placed before her, to buy a field for sowing and reaping.

She is a woman who is not afraid to transform a field into a vineyard by her hands, with the noble goal to harvest fresh fruits for her household. With loins girded in strength and arms bolstered with power and with adrenaline oozing, her effort is not for greed but for the lofty desire to ensure her household will not be in want. She is a woman who considers lessons from the diligence of the ants. She is worthy to emulate, as we rest in the grace of God by faith in Christ Jesus, reflecting upon the promise of His Words. We are to take hold on this declaration of truth, as it is written, “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:

F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 31:15 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth meat to her household, And a portion to her maidens.” (Proverbs 31:15 KJV)

Work ethic is another virtuous habit of this ideal woman, king Lemuel's mom highlights in this passage. This depicts a diligent woman with an agrarian or with a 9 - 5 work schedule. In our present day living, where diverse callings, careers and vocations are made available in various functions and schedules, for sure early rising would not anymore be a normal pattern for many to follow. Late riser now could not anymore be alluded for slothfulness. The essence this passage is pointing to is that this ideal woman is industrious, a hard worker in her role as a wife and matriarch of the family. She prepares timely the food for her family which includes all the staff in her household.

There are advantages in rising early, though. We have that choice to do un-hindered even with the demands of this life's obligations. Beating the sunlight before getting hold of our chores, to have solitude and wait on God, we gain strength and spiritual refreshing (Isaiah 40:31). Free from the chatters and noises of the day, even perhaps the usual complaints of being late for the day's slate, at dawn you can hear God's whisper of assurance from His holy and written Words: 'your day is filled with blessings.'

This habit of this virtuous wife is not strictly about timing. It is about zeal and diligence to care for the needs of her domain of responsibility. The duty to feed them meat both physically and spiritually, always reminded of God's Words, as scriptures say: “He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 8:3 NIV)

And, Lord Jesus reminds us of this: “But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 31:14 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“She is like the merchants' ships; She bringeth her food from afar.” (Proverbs 31:14 KJV)

Viewed through the lens of grace by the finished work of Christ Jesus on the cross, this mother of a king continues to prime her royal son with more qualities of a suitable wife. This ideal woman she painted is a shrewd shopper likened to merchant ships that go seas yonder, even to unexplored lands. Which analogy brings to mind how the new world had been discovered by those explorers who civilized the continents and nations we have today. They set out purposely to seek spices to make good food for their royal patrons. In the process of seeking out good food for their banquet table, they incidentally colonized new worlds and affirmed the earth is round by circumnavigation.

In a way, this woman is some kind of merchant turned explorer. She seeks out for the best and nutritious food for her family. She's not one who spends time, effort and resources hopping from one place to another for a dollar saving on a bargain. She does it to serve the best for her family's needs, not hers. And in the process, she handed us a lesson that the joy of doing your best for others is in serving. That is serving in love by faith in Christ Jesus, as Apostle Paul reminds: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:9-12 NIV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 31:13 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“She seeketh wool, and flax, And worketh willingly with her hands.” (Proverbs 31:13 KJV)

King Lemuel's mom continues to assert, this ideal wife is a hard working woman. She is willing and ready to get her hands calloused. She weaves through the intricacy of the yarns to clothe her family. She seeks for wool to wrap her family in the cold of winter and flax to give them the finest 'cool' linen attire for summer. This woman, on a mission to care for her family, seeks far and wide for not just any available she could grab, but for the best wool and flax she could find. She gives her best for her family!

She makes sure that her home is adorned with beautiful linen curtains and tapestries. Her heart is for quality in simplicity and beauty. She is a woman in action. She is God's answer to man's prayer and the exemplification of Apostle Paul's yearning for all men and women saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. It is written: “I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.” (1 Timothy 2:8-10 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:

F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 31:11-12 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” (Proverbs 31:11-12 NIV)

Here is a picture of an ideal woman this mother of a king is urging her son to seek out for a wife. She is faithful and trustworthy. Her husband is able to focus on his role not having to worry of her comings and goings. She is the wife, a true helper to him, as God designed her to be from the beginning, when He instituted marriage in the garden (Genesis 2:18). She is valuable, being the best half of the union of two persons made into one (Matthew 19:5-6).

Her mission is to make her husband the man that he should and must be - well favored in the fullness of his being - noble and pleasing to God. Not just in a moment or in a season, but for the rest of their lives together. She is the woman behind his success. With such a woman as a wife, what husband would go astray? She is the antithesis of Jezebel who orchestrated the ungodly rule of her husband king Ahab of Israel, turning him to worship her pagan God. This virtuous woman is unlike all other women who brought downfall and shame to their husbands.

This is the woman of lofty ideals by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. When God presented Eve to Adam, she was perfectly clothe in God's grace. She lifted Adam's spirit to full confidence of affection and praise. Before their fall, she bore the embodiment of a truly virtuous woman. It is written: “And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:22-24 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

Proverbs 31:10 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10 KJV)

King Lemuel's mom posed a rhetorical question to affirm her counsel for her son not to waste his virtues and strength on excessive drinking of strong wine and of chasing women. Instead, she urged him to spend his time finding an excellent woman for a wife, "to love and behold 'til death do they part." A woman who is a portrait of moral and spiritual strength is what every man should devote their pursuit to find. Yet indeed, a virtuous woman of great value, full of life and purity, who can find?

This is a woman exactly opposite the world's ideal woman of superficial character. This woman pursues God. Like Ruth in the Old Testament time, who honored the memory of her dead husband by loving and respecting her mother-in-law as she would, even better than her own mother. So, this woman is a rare specie and precious than rubies, indeed - an unjust valuation. She is priceless! She is one of a kind. She is hard to find. She is the kind of woman any mother wants her son to have as a wife.

This woman is a model for all women who trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Like Ruth, whose deep kinship with her mother-in-law, was bonded by her declaration of faith in the God of Naomi. She was a personification of loyalty. She’s an exemplar specimen for women and men to follow. Especially for God’s children by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, her story is a source of strength. She was pressed by Naomi to go home to her pagan family. “But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”” (Ruth 1:16-17 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.