Proverbs 4:25-27 Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot from evil. 

Recently, I spent the day with one of my sisters in Christ. We enjoyed a long conversation over coffee. It was a sweet time of fellowship and personal sharing. We talked about our lives and where we are now in this season. As I poured out my heart to my friend, I shared with her some things I’ve gone through as well as some personal struggles I’m currently dealing with. She was so sweet to listen to me and then she encouraged me in the Lord. She boldly and lovingly told me, “Mae Lee, you need to own your character, your integrity, actions, and reactions.” Such a short statement, yet very profound and powerful. What I most admire about her is that she spoke truth into my life. She didn’t sugar coat anything nor did she water down what needed to be said. And I appreciate her honesty and boldness. Her statement has resonated in my heart for the past several days now and I’ve made the choice to incorporate it into my daily prayers. My prayer is, “Lord, please teach me Your ways and give me Your wisdom on how to own, maintain, build up, and protect my godly character and integrity. Please show me how to respond and behave in a Christlike manner.” The more I reflect on my friend’s statement, the more it ministers to my heart and it inspires me to pray for the Lord to continually transform me into a godly and courageous woman of character.

Psalm 25:4-5 Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day.

Ladies, I encourage you all to pray and allow the Lord to mold and shape you into a godly woman of character. As my friend says, “Own your character, own your integrity, actions, and reactions.” Sometimes we (myself included) are so in tune with other people’s shortcomings that we neglect our own faults. My exhortation to all of us is we should each focus in on our own spiritual walk with the Lord while allowing the Holy Spirit to do a work in our lives, so that our godly characters would be built up in Him. Also, may the Lord refine and transform us individually in the areas of weakness we fall short in, so we can be strong godly women of character and integrity reflecting the heart of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Psalm 41:12 As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, and set me before Your face forever.

We need to get our convictions from our love for God and His Word. Scripture should be the first thing we turn to when pressure comes. Our heart convictions come first, before an action has to be made. Rely on the firm foundation of your faith to keep you strong and grounded.  -Greater Purpose Devotional by David Jeremiah