Book Talk Thursday

Today we will continue reviewing Chapter 4: "Womanly Dominion In The Old Testament". I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this :)

This week's woman of dominion is The Excellent Wife of Proverbs. Next week we will begin "Womanly Dominion In The New Testament".

Chanski describes the excellent wife of Proverbs 31 as "the Bible's chief poster-girl for womanly dominion" (page 81). Let's take a look at the highlights he gives:

1- She is a subduing woman.
"She rises also while it is still night...Her lamp does not go out at night" (Proverbs 31:15a,18b).
"She is like the merchant ships; she brings her food from afar...She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard" (Proverbs 31:14,16).
"She opens her mouth in wisdom" (Proverbs 31:26a).
In these verses we see that she subdues her daily schedule, the forces of the marketplace and her tongue.

2- She is a ruling woman.
"She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness...She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet" (Proverbs 31:27,21b).
"Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future" (Proverbs 31:25).
"...a woman who fears the Lord" (Proverbs 31:30b).
She rules her household, she rules with foresight over her long term annual calendar, and she rules over her own sinful heart as she fears the Lord (Chanski, page 81).

3- She is a multiplying woman.
"Her children rise up and bless her" (Proverbs 31:28a). This is "the product [literally, fruit] of her hands" (Proverbs 31:31a)- not the bitter fruit of obviously neglected children, but the sweet fruit of conscientiously cultivated children. They've been clothed, not only outwardly with scarlet, but inwardly with wisdom: "The teaching of kindness is on her tongue" (Proverbs 31:26b" (Chanski, page 81).

4- She is a helpmeeting woman.
"Her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain" (Proverbs 31:11).
"She does him good and not evil all the days of her life" (Proverbs 31:12).
"Her clothing is fine linen and purple" (Proverbs 31:22b).
"Her efforts to please him do not go unnoticed: "Her husband also, and he praises her" (Proverbs 31:28b) (Chanski, page 81).

Don't you just love the Proverbs 31 woman?!

Book Talk Thursday

Today we will continue reviewing Chapter 4: "Womanly Dominion In The Old Testament". I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this :)

This week's woman of dominion is Abigail. Next week we will take a look at The Excellent Wife of Proverbs.

In Samuel 25, we find Abigail, the wife of Nabal. Abigail had an intelligent mind (verse 3), a beautiful appearance (verse 3), a servant's heart (verse 41) and a dominion attitude (verses 18-24). Nabal was a rich but evil and harsh man. Abigail really saves the day for her husband. Chanski writes, "David's mighty men had acted as security guards protecting Nabal's flocks from harm, but Nabal insultingly scorned David's diplomatic request for compensation. David was furious. He ordered four hundred of his warriors to strap on their swords and follow him down the mountainside to slaughter every male in Nabal's household. That's when Abigail got the word that David was offended and was on the war path." (page 75-76)

As we read in Samuel 25:18-24, Abigail acted quickly. When she heard that David and his men were on their way she didn't hide and retreat in fear. She came up with a plan. "Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread and two jugs of wine and five sheep already prepared and five measures of roasted grain and a hundred cluster of raisins and two hundred cakes of figs and loaded them on donkeys" verse 18. She went on her way with her men before her and as she was going down the mountain she saw David approaching. "When Abigail saw David, she hurried and dismounted from her donkey, and fell on her face before David, and bowed herself to the ground. And she fell at his feet and said "On me alone, my lord, be the blame. And please let your maidservant speak to you, and listen to the words of your maidservant" (verse 23-24).

What was the result? David said to Abigail, "Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me, and blessed be your discernment, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodshed, and from avenging myself by my own hand" (I Samuel 25:32-33). Later David ends up proposing to Abigail after Nabal's death.

Chanski summarizes the characteristics of Abigail as a woman who knew how to tell time (she knew when to act) and knew how to remain sweet. He then uses real life examples of how we can be like Abigail in asserting our womanly dominion. He also addresses the question of how a woman can be assertive without being unsubmissive. He reminds us of the sin of "sharp-tongued argumentativeness" and encourages us with the example of Abigail's "bold assertiveness with humble sweetness".
"Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman." Proverbs 21:9

Book Talk Thursday

Today we will continue reviewing Chapter 4: "Womanly Dominion In The Old Testament". I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this :)

This week's woman of dominion is Ruth. Next week we will take a look at Abigail.

"So Naomi returned, and with her Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, who returned from the land of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest." Ruth 1:22

Ruth being a Moabite, was considered a social outcast in the Israelite town of Bethlehem. On top of that she was a widow. But Ruth didn't let her circumstances lead to a terrible existance for her and her mother-in-law. Instead she took action. She went out to glean the grain left behind by the harvesters. In Ruth 1:16 we read "Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God". Ruth was trusting her new Lord and stepping forward in faith.

"Ruth's mother-in-law, in seeking out provision for the future, counseled Ruth to make a bold attempt at securing the wealthy and dashing Boaz as her husband: "Wash yourself therefore, and anoint yourself and put on your best clothes, and go down to the threshing floor...(Ruth 3:3)(Chanski, page 72).

Ruth did just that and was rewarded by becoming the wife of Boaz. She eventually became the great grandmother of King David (Ruth 4:17-22)

Chanski writes, "Realize also that Ruth's discreet and deliberate "hankie dropping" overture is a far cry from the bawdy and brassy female "stalking" that takes place in our day. High school and college girls "hit on" boys in the hallways and parking lots, constantly telephone males seeking their attention, forwardly "ask out" young men on dates, and physically force their suductively attired bodies into male laps. This is an unfortunate perversion of the lovely "weaker vessel", and a sad forecast of manly passivity in marriages." (page 73).

"We must be men and women of dominion, boldly making decisions on the basis of our duty, obligation, and opportunity, not on the basis of our fears and insecurities" (Chanksi, page 74).

Book Talk Thursday

Today we will continue reviewing Chapter 4: "Womanly Dominion In The Old Testament". I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this :)

This week's woman of dominion is Deborah. Next week we will take a look at Ruth.

"During the period of the Judges, Israel was in a backslidden state. "In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6). Personal preferences and feelings ruled. God's Word and Law were trampled" (Chanski, page 69). Israel was under the rod of God's discipline.
"Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him,
For the reward of his hands shall be given him.
As for My people, children are their oppressors,
And women rule over them.
O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err,
And destroy the way of your paths.” Isaiah 3:11-12

"Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time." Judges 4:4

Chanski points out that Deborah judging Israel was part of God's chastisement.
"Quite clearly, her divine appointment as a female leader was a divine rebuke to male dereliction" (Chanski, page 70). Deborah tries to get Barack to lead 10,000 men to defeat the Canaanites at Mt. Tabor. He responds:
"Then Barak said to her, 'If you go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go." Judges 4:8
Thomas Scott comments, "He was culpably afraid and not honoring God as he ought to have done." Chanski writes "Shame on you, Barak! Act like a man!" (page 70).
Deborah responds:
"So she said, “I will surely go with you; nevertheless there will be no glory for you in the journey you are taking, for the LORD will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh." Judges 4:9
Chanski responds, "That's right! Another woman named Jael was enlisted to the shame of the faint-hearted Barak, to finish off the Canaanite commander Sisera, by driving a tent peg through his temple and into the ground (Judges 4:21).
This section is summarized with a charge to us women: "At times, when men are passive and inattentive, their women need to step up and become aggressive and decisive" (Chanski, page 70).

Book Talk Thursday

Today we will continue reviewing Chapter 4: "Womanly Dominion In The Old Testament". I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this :)

This week's women of dominion are five sisters; Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. They were daughters of Zelophehad from the tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 27:1-4). He had no sons and died in the wilderness. In the culture of their time land was kept in the family by passing it on to sons for generations. This would leave Zelophehad's daughters without any land or assets. Did they just sit back and complain about their situation? No, they took action. "They fashioned a compelling legal argument, marched unitedly through the tent city and "stood before Moses and before Eleazar the priest and before the leaders of all the congregation, at the doorway of the tent of meeting" (Numbers 27:2) Reading between the lines, a flabbergasted hush came over the crowd. They then spoke with the utmost dignity, respect, and eloquence" (Chanski, page 67). Moses was impressed with their assertiveness and brought their case before the Lord (Numbers 27:5). We read in Numbers 27:6-8 that the ladies won their case and inherited the land!

Chanski sums it up by writing, "Surely "a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God (1 Peter 3:4b) does not mean that a woman is obligated to act like a passive doormat who is willing to trampled upon by unjust circumstances. The Lord loves to see women of dominion courageously step forward in the name of truth and justice."

Next week we will take a look at Deborah.

Book Talk Thursday

Today we will begin reviewing Chapter 4: "Womanly Dominion In The Old Testament". I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this :)

The chapter begins with Elizabeth Bunyan. Sound familar? She was the second wife of John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim's Progress. Bunyan's first wife had died when he was 30 leaving him with four small children. A year later he married Elizabeth. While she was pregnant he was arrested and put in prison for refusing to not preach. During this trial she miscarried. While her husband was in prison, she went to the authorities and pleaded with them to release her husband. She didn't sit back. She was a woman of dominion who boldly subdued and ruled, even in this stressful, difficult situation.

Mr. Chanski writes about six women of dominion in the Old Testament. This week we will take a look at the first, Sarah.

Sarah is described in the book of Genesis as a very beautiful woman. Sarah is given as an example for us women in 1 Peter 3:3-6:
"Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror."
Sarah was a woman who faced her fears head on. In Genesis 12:5 Sarah's husband, Abraham was called by God to uproot and move from their home in Ur to the land of Canaan. She courageously went. "Here is the tonic for the devastated high school-aged daughter whose father's job transfer to another state will painfully uproot her from precious friends and activities. Providence brings to women all manner of causes for fear and trembling" (Chanski, page 65).

Sarah also dealt with bearing a child, Isaac, at the age of 90! She longed for a child for many years and at this old age God gave her a son. "Imagine that, dear forty-something reader, who may find yourself unexpectedly pregnant!" (Chanski, page 65)
"Then upon birthing this specially loved boy and nurturing him toward manhood, providence conspired to brutally snatch him from Sarah's embrace. God called father Abraham to sacrifice their son on Mount Moriah (Genesis 22:1-8)" (Chanski, page 65).
Chanski describes what loving mothers go through as "fearful heart piercings". He writes "Godly mothering isn't for cowards!" It is much more than having a meek and quiet spirit.

Next week we will take a look at Zelophehad's Daughters.

Book Talk Thursday

Today we will be reviewing another part of -Chapter 3: "Womanly Dominion Deceitfully Assaulted". I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this :)

I am continuing in chapter three this week. Satan wants us to leave our dominion mindset and take on a victimization mindset. Isn't that common in our society today? So many fall into the victim mantality. Mr. Chanski goes on to list four contemporary lies. Last week we reviewed the first. Today we will be reviewing the third.

3. You’re a Marital Victim
Mark Chanski writes, "Let's consider another hiss. "I know God's called you to be a helper suitable to your mate, but with that creep of a husband, He's got to be kidding!"
Before he gets into our responsiblity as wives, he gives a sample of what he writes in "Manly Dominion" to the husbands. And he doesn't go easy on them either!

It is a temptation for the woman to blame her husband. It is easier to point the finger at someone else than to take responsibility for our own actions. Jesus gives us the example in John 21:21-22 as to what we are to do:
"Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”
Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

The author goes on to point out how selfless the Proverbs 31 woman is. She goes about serving others and what does she get in return? Her husband praises her and her children rise up and bless her (31:28).

Nancy Leigh DeMoss responds by writing that the way the Proverbs 31 woman received all these benefits was by choosing the pathway of servanthood. She put God first and then meeting the needs of her family second.

The topic of husbands helping with the housework is addressed as well. I hesitate to approach this topic since it is a sticky one. There is nothing wrong with a husband helping his wife with the housework, cooking, laundry, etc. However, when we as women expect our husband to serve us by helping with these things and we are resentful when they don't, there is a problem. I have seen women boss their husbands around and demand that they help with these things. We must remember that Eve was created to be Adam's helpmate and we are our husband's helpers. Mr. Chanski summarizes by writing "Stop blaming your man, and start helping him!" What is your favorite way to help your husband?

Linking up with The Chatty Mommy today. Won't you join me?

Book Talk Thursday

Today we will be reviewing another part of -Chapter 3: "Womanly Dominion Deceitfully Assaulted". I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this :)

I am continuing in chapter three this week. Satan wants us to leave our dominion mindset and take on a victimization mindset. Isn't that common in our society today? So many fall into the victim mantality. Mr. Chanski goes on to list four contemporary lies. Last week we reviewed the first. Today we will be reviewing the second.

2. You’re a Circumstantial Victim
“Here is another hiss: “I know God has called you to rule the spheres of your life, but your difficult circumstances have made it impossible for you to succeed. That’s why you can’t do it” Chanski, page 50.

Mr. Chanski again quotes from Nancy Leigh DeMoss’ mailbox. Some of the examples given were the woman who didn’t know how to be a good mother because her mother never modeled it to her, the woman who can’t trust because she comes from an abusive childhood and the woman who can’t confront issues because her family always stuffed everything inside and pretended nothing was wrong. The author states that “I can’ help it” is why family and church relationships are in shambles. He goes on to illustrate several more examples of how this lie is played out in women’s lives. One example is the woman who struggles keeping commitments and constantly doing devotions because her parents never forced her to discipline herself. Another is a woman who blames her messy home on the fact that her house is small and congested. Oh, and this one is a good one…”My church is so cliquey. That’s why I shy away from social activities and harbor bitterness toward so many women there” Chanski, page 51. Just this week I heard a similar comment. It reminded me of Proverbs 18:1 "A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire..."

The world tells us that coming from an abusive or broken home means a shattered future. God’s Word tells us differently.

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18

Mr. Chanski reminds us that women of dominion trample the serpent under their feet. “You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.” Psalm 91:13
Won’t you trample with me?

Book Talk Thursday

Today we will be reviewing part of -Chapter 3: "Womanly Dominion Deceitfully Assaulted". I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this :)

Mr. Chanski starts the chapter out by stating "No one likes to be duped". He gives the example of George Bailey from the classic Christmas movie, "It's a Wonderful Life". He compares women of dominion to George Bailey. We have been appointed to undertake a wonderful life mission, and God has called us to take on grand projects which will nobly touch lives in earth shaking ways (Chanski, page 47).

Women are also having "you are being duped" whispered in their ear by the enemy. "The enemy daily lights up slender cigarettes and tells ladies how it is far more fulfilling to lasso the moon their way, than to subdue and rule God's way" (Chanski, page 47). Since the beginning when Eve was in the Garden of Eden, Satan has not left women alone to serve God. His attacks on the women are by way of subtle suggestions. Mr. Chanski goes on to discuss the possiblities of why this is and then gives us the warning. "The Liar takes a special pleasure in whispering into your pretty ears. You are darling targets for his dart-like wiles" (Chanski, page 48).

Satan wants us to leave our dominion mindset and take on a victimization mindset. Isn't that common in our society today? So many fall into the victim mantality. Mr. Chanski goes on to list four contemporary lies. Today we will be reviewing the first.

1. You're a Genetic Victim
Here is a common hiss: "I know God has called you to subdue and rule your life responsibilities, but you've been dealt a bad genetic hand, so you just can't do it." Chanski includes some quotes from Nancy Leigh DeMoss' Lies Women Believe (the book I previously reviewed here). They have to do with believing that you will be just like your parents; you can't help it, and blaming it on your hormones.
Chanski discusses the homemaker whose home is a wreck because she is not a multitasker. He smashes that one with the truth found in Ecclesiastes 10:18 "Through indolence the rafters sag, and through slackness the house leaks."
What about the woman who is signifiacantly overweight yet blames it on her bad metabolism which she inherited? The wife who pleads she doesn't have the same drive for physical intimacy as her husband? The mother who claims she can't help that she loses her temper certain times of the month? The lady with a "high-octane" less than sweet and tender personality who believes she is exempt from "a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God" (1 Peter 3:4)? These are some of the ways in which we believe the lies and excuses as to why we can't "win it" in the battles against the world, the flesh and the Devil. We fail to act as women of dominion.

There is so much more to this chapter but in order to subdue and rule my home I must wait until next week :) I hope you will join me then as we look at the second lie.
Can you see yourself in any of the lies we looked at this week? If so, don't believe them. Refuse to live in those lies. Walk in God's Truth!

Book Talk Thursday

Today we will be reviewing chapter one. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this :)

The two fundamental positions discussed by Chanski are:
1- Play your postition!
2- Win it!

The author uses the example of a soccer coach and then compares it to our role as women. As women we are to play our position and win it, meaning don't let up; keep at it!

The dominion mandate given in Genesis 1:28 charges us to subdue and rule. This will be a major point that will be focused on in this book.

We as women must tell ourselves "Win It" to the glory of God. We must resolve to put forth maximum effort to rule and subdue our daily challenges. What are some of the challenges that women face on a daily basis?

As we seek to be in our God-assigned posts as women, we hear shouts telling us to leave those posts. Some that I hear are:
"Put yourself first. If you don't love yourself, no one will." This can be a stumbling block when you are seeking to put others first and show your love through serving. There are many others. What are some that you hear?

What does "playing your position" mean to you?

Won't you join me in linking up with The Chatty Mommy?