¹⁰ A wife of noble character who can find?
   She is worth far more than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
   and lacks nothing of value.
¹² She brings him good, not harm,
   all the days of her life.
¹³ She selects wool and flax
   and works with eager hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
   bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night;
   she provides food for her family
   and portions for her female servants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
   out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
   her arms are strong for her tasks.
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
   and her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
   and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
   and extends her hands to the needy.
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
   for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes coverings for her bed;
   she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
   where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
   and supplies the merchants with sashes.
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
   she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
   and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
   and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
   her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
   but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

 The power of God’s presence is enhanced in the presence of His people. It may be a small group of two or three—or a large corporate worship at camp or church where His presence becomes preeminent. The Lord is always with His children, but it becomes more pronounced in an authentic community that celebrates His bountiful blessings.
 
It is not good for men or women to remain alone in unaccountable autonomy without encouragement, comfort, counsel and correction. Unwise are those that seek financial freedom, but leave out a fraternity of other God-fearing friends. Life is richer when other people’s perspectives intersect ours in intimate dialogue. Jesus pronounces His truth, displays His love and extends His comfort through those who convene in Christ’s name.
 
“So when you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present” (1 Corinthians 5:4a).
 
Where do you go to see God at work in the lives of other Jesus followers? Who can you confide in about your marriage, money and parenting challenges? When do you take the time to celebrate the Lord’s faithfulness with just a few trusted confidents? Heads and hearts hear more clearly heaven’s holy purpose through people consecrated to Christ.
 
When you assemble to hear God, keep an open hand and let the Lord define the agenda as the conversation grows. Become emotionally vulnerable as you lay your fears, hopes and dreams at the feet of Jesus in the presence of His modern day disciples. Satan flees in the face of transparent and trusting fellowship among a group of peace giving prayer warriors.
 
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you” (Romans 16:20).
 
Therefore, take the time to invest in intimate conversation with others about the ways of God. Your life is completed by bumping up against the presence of Christ in others who are on this pilgrimage of faith with you. As an immigrant from heaven you gain eternal energy from your family in the faith who pray with you, and who pray for you. Reserve a mountain home, a country cottage or a beach house today and invite two or three faith-hearted friends to communion with you over Christ. Laugh, love, pray and enjoy His enhanced presence.
 
“Sacrifice fellowship offerings there, eating them and rejoicing in the presence of the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 27:7).

 ¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.