Tuesday, June 17, 2008

"Knowing is Growing" Happy Summer !

Welcome to the growing season!
June
Many things are now complete, graduations,
moving up ceremonies, recitals and rites of passages,
all of which point to new beginnings.

Summer
The door or passageway to new things.
Projects that waited all winter.
A garden perhaps that "grew" as idea all winter long.

There is something to how, when you plant a seed, God changes
the nature of that seed so that it becomes a plant.
It is the power of God that surges into that tender young plant,
pushing it upward. Strengthening it till it stands on its own.

I may not be the gardener as many of you might be,
but I love to cook . . .
Growing season is a time for us to redirect our energy.
Let's take time to "grow" ourselves.

Here is a nice way to put a little snap in your lemonade
straight from the garden. I saw this in Martha Stewart.
Blackberry Sage Lemonade
Your "favorite" Lemonade
(just before serving)
add
1/2 cup blackberries
4 "cracked" sage leaves (more if you like)
Pour over ice, serve and enjoy!


2 Peter 3:18a
. . . but grow in the grace and knowledge
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To him be the glory both now and forever.
Amen.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

17: A Woman of Eternal Significance

Proverbs 31

She seeks wool and flax
And willingly works with her hands. vs. 13

She is not afraid of snow for her household
For all her household is clothed with scarlet. vs. 21

Strength and honor are her clothing. vs. 25

She watches over the ways of her household
And does not eat the bread of idleness. vs. 27

A virtuous woman not only cares physically for her home,
but she is also a "watchman" over the emotional and spiritual condition
of her family. vs. 25

She works willingly with her hands, this is mentioned in two ways here
in Proverbs 31. One way is with upturned hands extended in prayer vs. 13
another is as she ministers or serves. vs.20


Confident in the God to whom she prays, the effective woman knows she
has eternal significance.

God's blessing be upon our unity!
Psalm 133:1
Behold! How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

This is the last of this series of Women in Gods Design.
I hope you have been encouraged to seek a closer walk with our heavenly Father.
And find that place were He wants you to serve.
My prayer is that you all will be in the place where His blessings will over flow,
to you and your family.

Thank-you
Lavaida

* The new study for summer 2008 will begin next week.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

16 : Esther - A Woman of Courage

Esther 4:13-16

Through the instruction of Mordecai, Esther realized
that her life had far greater purpose than merely maintaining
her own immediate comfort and status quo.

Mordecai's words pierced her heart; and at a great risk, she
committed herself to follow his advice.

Esther's heart was turned from her own interests to the plans
and purposes of God.

Ultimately, not only did the king receive her, but he offered her
co-rulership with himself. (5:3), and later awarded her his
signet ring. This symbolized a new level of authority in her life.
Her courage resulted in a great deliverance of God's people.

Truly effective women are those who are turned from their
own short-sighted agenda to God's eternal purposes.

May we, by our actions and purpose of heart, not miss any
opportunity, purpose and privilege for being where God has put us.

God's blessing be upon our unity!
Psalm 133:1
Behold! How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

15 : Esther - Myrtle - Never Waning

Esther 4:1

Esther was a Jewish orphan - raised by her cousin Mordecai.
The account contained in this book unfolds as God prepares the
way for Esther and for all who will keep His priorities.

In the presence of recognition, success, wealth, and luxury - an
environment many may covet, but proves to destructive to spiritual
commitment -Esther retained her sense of perspective and integrity.

Esther's Hebrew name was "Hadassah", which means "Myrtle",
the well-known beautiful evergreen shrub. Just like an evergreen,
which never wanes in color, her courage and obedience was the
same never waning, even when she was faced with death!

"Esther" in Persian means "star".
Her beauty, grace and character shone bright and unwavering against the
darkness threatening the Jewish people.

It is noted for our growth to see how quietly she served the living God.
1) Her response to Mordecai's call, to recognize God's providence in her
placement on the throne, was belief that God had put her there. (4:14)

2) Her respect for the power of prayer and fasting was evident as she saw
the reality of the spiritual realm and the Holy Spirit. (v.16).

3) Her unswerving will to lay down her own life for others and her
practical good sense and patience in pursuing the call God placed upon her life.

May it be that we can heed the call God has placed upon our lives and
walk as Esther did, with integrity, beauty and grace, that we too would
shine brightly in the darkness of the world.

God's blessing be upon our unity!
Psalm 133:1
Behold! How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

14 : Abigail - A Woman of Understanding

1 Samuel 25:2-35

Abigail's life was difficult.
Her husband was" harsh and evil in his doings".
Yet Abigail was a "woman of good understanding" (vs. 3).
She was wise and respectful, and obviously kept her heart right before the Lord.

When her husband Nabal played the fool (vs.25), she did not
try to change his behavior, but she did intervene. She went directly to
David and he interceded for the lives of her people.

So struck by her courage and wisdom, David not only spared her people
but with great respect he also heeded her counsel, which had eternal consequences for his own life. (vs 32-35).

Abigail knew and trusted God and His ways.
As a result, God could use her to powerfully influence others - even a king.


This is one of several instances in Scripture where women who where called of God
are used by God in crucial situations.
Abigail shows herself worthy to be a queen.

Understanding, wisdom, respectful, courageous, heart right before the Lord, are these characteristic ones that describe the life we have before our lord?
May it be that we strive toward serving our Lord as Abigail - a powerful influence to those around us.

God's blessing be upon our unity!
Psalm 133:1 Behold! How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity together.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

13: The Woman The Lord Remembered Hannah

1Samuel 1:19
Then they rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord,
and returned and came to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew
his wife and the Lord remembered her.

The Lord remembered does not imply the He has forgotten, but that He
is now going to bring His answer to Hannah's prayer and unfold His purposes.

Barrenness was the ultimate tragedy for a married Hebrew woman.
The inability to perpetuate the name of her husband and secure the
orderly transfer of his estate upon his death ( Gen 15: 1-4 )
often resulted in insecurity and humiliation.

Hannah's prayer ( 1Sam 1:10,11 ) as we saw last time, demonstrated the
proper way to handle situations over which we have no control.
She sought God for something only He could do. ( Ps. 34: 15 )

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."
(James 5:16 ). Hannah's repetition during her prayer, stating
her position as a maidservant, exemplifies her humility and
dependence on God.

Firm in her conviction she worshiped , and the Lord remembered her.
This brought fruitfulness to her womb and removed the social disgrace
associated at that time with infertility.

Full, complete and final . . . when God does His work.

May we know this fervency, conviction and humility which moves us to be remembered by the Lord.

Be blessed this day!
God's blessing be upon our unity!

Psalm 133:1 Behold! how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

12 : A Woman of Surprising Purpose Hannah

Samuel 1:11 Then she made a vow and said," O Lord of hosts
if you will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and
remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your
maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days
of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.

God uses the burden of Hannah's heart to bring a surprisingly larger
solution to a desire of His own heart.
Barrenness was not only Hannah's condition, but Israel's as well, it was a
season of spiritual need and with little prophetic activity, (Samuel 3:1 )
God sought a voice to speak to His people.

Hannah could not have known that her intense intercession for a child was
moving in concert with God bringing her a son, but also bringing forth the
will and blessing of God for a whole nation.

As she entrusted the longings of her heart to God, He moved on her behalf, but also
advanced His larger plan through her a the same time.

Intercession :
reaching God with a urgent request Jer. 27:18
plead on behalf of another Heb. 7:25

With such a great calling, we,through our prayers for our child or even the intercession for other can be used mightily in God's kingdom.
This might inspire us to think on our families, health issues and other concerns that weight heavy on us. Take all your cares to Him, for cares for you.


A little concerned about how to pray or what to say, may our encouragement come from Romans 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

God's blessing be upon our unity!

Psalm 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

11:Tenacity that takes the Throne ( Ruth )

Ruth 1:1- 4-22
Ruth's oft-quoted poem found in these verses is one of commitment not mere emotion.
She is clearly reaching beyond friendship to faith.

1:16 "Entreat me not to leave you,
Or to turn back from following after you;
For wherever you go, I will go;
And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people,
And your God, my God.
1:17 Where you die, I will die
And there will I be buried.
The Lord do so to me, and more also,
If anything but death parts you and me."

No where else in the Bible do we find a lovelier picture of a true and loyal friend.
Ruth's primary virtue is tenacity to purpose.
She was a woman who was steadfast.
Constant in her commitment to her mother-in-law, a commitment which is rooted in an understanding of the living God, of whom she has learned from Naomi.
(Ruth 1: 16,17)
Tireless as she gleans in the fields. (Ruth 2:7,17)
The result of this constancy is seen in her marriage to Boaz and the birth of Obed, who became the father of Jesse, whose son was David the King. (Ruth 4:17)

Moreover, since Jesus was born of the seed of David, we see how Ruth, the alien Moabitess
became part of the lineage of the Messiah. (Luke 3:31, 32)

Ruth's understanding the nature of God (Yahweh) is seen in the poem when she uses the words "the Lord do so".
Ruth's character of showing submission and obedience is needed by all who desire to realize the fullest benefits of Christ's redemptive work towards them.

May we reach beyond the things that may confuse our purpose.
That purpose being our place before God and all that our hands find to do.
(Ecclesiastes 9:10, Romans 12:11, Colossians 3:23).

God's blessings be upon our unity!

Psalm 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

10: Woman essential to Victory

Judges 4: 8,9

And Barak said to her, "If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go!
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.

Barak, a great man of the faith (Heb 11:32), was a great example of a man's acknowledgment of a woman's contribution to a goal.

Because of Deborah's godly and skillful leadership traits, Barak, a commander of Israel's armies, would not go into battle without having her with him. This for him, was like knowing God's mind, for she was a prophetess.
Having her with him in battle was like God's presence and continual direction.
All this Barak wanted even though he knew he would not get full honor for the victory God was to give them. ( Judges 4:9).
Barak's priority was the welfare of the nation of Israel , and he knew their combined efforts would ensure success as each brought their distinctive, God given strengths to the challenge.
Deborah knew her presence was essential to the victory and that her supporting leadership was significant.

Are we as supportive as we can be in situations that call for our presence?
Do we represent strength in challenging situations?
There are many victories to be had as we trust and carry God's word into our lives and challenges we face.
God has, through His word, imparted grace and wisdom to all who ask.

God's blessing be upon our unity!

Psalm 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.



P.S.
New post April 8th.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

09: Multi-Talented Woman Deborah ("Honey Bee")

Judges 4: 4 , 5
Now Deborah, a prophetess the wife of Lapodith was judging Israel at that time.
and she would sit under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the mountain of Ephraim. And the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.


Here is another women who is as her names states Honeybee or bee is the nature of her name.
She answers to her name by her industry, sagacity -shrewd and practical, and great usefulness to the public, sweetness to her friends and sharpness to her enemies.

Deborah the wife of Lapidoth also known as the name of a place, Lapidoth signified lamps which Deborah made wicks for then supplying the Tabenacles.
Known as a woman of illuminations or splendours, extraordinarily knowing and wise.

Deborah the prophetess, one who is intimately acquainted with God, was raised up and given leadership qualities. Those who came to her seeking God for grace would have grace and peace, grace and comfort, and grace and glory.

Deborah the judge, entirely devoted to serving Israel, an officer recognized by the people of Israel as she rendered decisions upon their inquires.
Deborah by God's desin became a celebrated leader of political influence and authority, all the while maintaining the grace and dignity of womanhood.

Deborah had a reputation of arbitrator of justice, counselor, wife, prophetess and deliverer in time of war. The people of Israel witnessed Gods providence as they saw the defeat of Sisera;s superior armed force by Deborah's appointment of Barak of Naphtali.
Deborah depicts the finest possibilities of a gifted God-fearing woman , who trusts the Spirit of God to develop her full capacities as she impacts the world around her.

How are we impacting our world - our families, our church family, and our co-workers?
May God through the Holy Spirit be our strength as we seek to be strong in the grace and dignity of womanhood for we are called to this great office.

God's blessing be upon our unity!

Psalm 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

08:A Godly Quest for Inheritance (Daughters of Zelophehad)

Numbers 27:1-11
Then came the daughters of Zelophehad the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh from the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph; and these were the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah . . .

Zelophedhad, of the tribe of Manasseh had five daughters and no sons.
Their names were
Mahlah meaning "Sickness" or "Disease"
Noah meaning "Rest or " Comfort"
Hoglah meaning "Partridge" or "Boxer"
Milcah meaning "Queen "or "Counsel" and
Tirzah meaning" Pleasantness".
If we accept these women's names as pictures of their abilities, natures or the adversities they had to overcome, as we saw Rebekah's name showed her nature, we see all the qualities necessary for tenacity-tough or strong, tact - doing the proper thing, courage - able to face danger, wisdom - the ability to discern, grace - social aptness or thoughtfulness.

All this was needed as these daughters sought after an inheritance which would not come to them otherwise. These were traits they needed to employ as the came to Moses with their request as they saw the land being divided to the tribes.
They showed wisdom as they trusted God to see that they were not forgotten or denied.

All five daughters manifested a balance between presentation of their request
and cooperation as their request was examined. This balanced showed well as they were compliant to the elders decision in this matter. They were to marry within the tribe
ensuring the inheritance, the land, would remain in the tribe.

God was glorified as these daughters of Zelophehad had God as their Deliverer and Provider.

How easy is it for us to lose sight of our purpose our chief end ?
These character traits should be at hands reach at all times as we encounter daily challenges at home and at work, all that we put our hands to. Remembering the fruits of the Spirit.

God's blessing be upon our unity!

Psalm 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

07: The Blessing of an Unselfish Woman (Rebekah)

Genesis 24:15-67
v.15 And it happened, before he had finished speaking, that behold, Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, came out with her pitcher on her shoulder.
v.16 Now, the young woman was very beautiful to behold, a virgin; no man had known her. And she went down to the well, filled her pitcher and came up.
vs.17 And the servant ran to meet her and said," Please let me drink a little water from your pitcher."
vs.18 So she said, "Drink, my lord." Then she quickly let her pitcher down to her hand, and gave him a drink.
vs. 19 And then she had finished giving him a drink, she said, "I will draw water for your camels also, until they have finished drinking."
vs. 20 Then she quickly emptied her pitcher into the trough, ran back to the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.

Rebekah, the Syrian, was the grand-daughter of Nahor, Abraham's brother(22:23)
Rebekah's name refers to "tying or binding up", implying that her beauty
was so great, it could literally captivate or fascinate, men.

She is introduced as a diligently industrious ,
beautifully sensitive girl.
The beauty here is not only that of the exterior, but of the heart also.
Her willingness and readiness to serve, as she draw water,
makes these character traits evident.
Traits that should be desired by the seeker and the one being sought after.

Little did Rebekah know that those camels she" watered "that day
were carrying untold gifts for her and her family.
Her story is a lesson in how the means by which God's providence
can be found is not always in the expected but can be in the unexpected.

How different would our lives be for us and our families if :
1) Great importance was placed upon being guided by the Holy Spirit
through God's Word.
2) That prayer and worship were always the order of our day.

God's blessing be upon our unity!

Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity together

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

06: Partnership: God's Never-changing Design

Genesis 21:12
But God said to Abraham,"Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman." What ever Sarah has said to you listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called.


Listening to Sarah ( Sarai's ) voice had originally been folly for
Abraham as we saw before in Genesis 16:2.
The same was true for Adam when he listened to Eve.
Now, however, God says in effect "Listen to her for she is speaking My truth".

Sarah had grown and matured since that earlier fateful day.
Her name( or nature) had been changed. This was a symbolic foreshadowing of the New Birth in Christ. ( 2 Corinthians 5:17). God has made clear that His original plan was still in place.
He would fulfill His covenant promise through Abraham and Sarah together.

God's plan for man and woman working together to increase His Kingdom was never in jeopardy. (Genesis 1: 26 - 28).
A woman's effectiveness multiplies when she is confident that she has a
powerful place in the on-going purpose God has for His people. This is seen in raising
God-fearing children and in the respect and care given to her husband.

May we always, even when it is most difficult, to seek to speak as God leads.
There is no magical steps, just wisdom and obedience.
May God alway be the strength we seek as we seek to edify.

Are we seeking His kingdom daily in pray for our family and country?
May our nature change as Sarah's as we mature according to His grace.
God's blessing be upon our unity!

Psalm 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Monday, February 18, 2008

05: The Submission that Bears Fruit (Sarah)

Genesis 16:1
Now Sarai, Abram wife, had borne him no children.
And she had an Egyptian maidservant whose name was Hagar.

Sarah was originally called "Sarai", which means "Princess".
When God changed "Sarai's" name to "Sarah" He named her
The "Princess" or "Queen", linking her in co-rulership with her husband,
Abraham (formerly Abram).
The Father of many nations, and included her in His covenant promise.
(Genesis 17:15,16)
v. 15 Then God said to Abraham, as for Sarai your wife, you shall not
call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.
v. 16 And I will bless her and also give you a son by her;
then I will bless her and she shall be a "mother of nations;
kings of people shall be from her.

Sarah, the beautiful wife of Abraham was barren( Genesis 16:1 ),
a condition considered a curse in the ancient world.
Old testament women saw large families as a sign of blessing.


Sarah - a positive lesson in many ways:
1)having faith that rises above personal limitations. ( Heb 11:11 )
2) a submitted spirit that responds biblically to her husband
without becoming depersonalized. ( 1Peter3:5,6 )

Sarah - an illustration of the dangers of taking God's promises into our own hands:
her suggestion that Abraham take her handmaid as a wife
resulted in the birth of Ishmael a child who occasioned jealousy and
conflict between the two women, eventually between their two sons and
to this day among their offspring.


The results of working outside God's boundaries has a rippling effect in
and on our lives. The working of this can show itself upon many generations.

Faith, even that of a mustard seed, will still allow you to be victorious.
Faith is not defined as perfect character or behavior, but simply believing
what God says. Matthew 4:4

May this knowledge help us as continue faithfully in our Christian walk.

God's blessing be upon our unity!

Psalm 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

04 : Eve-The First Woman-A Redemptive Instrument

Genesis 4:25
And Adam knew his wife again, and
she bore a son and named him Seth,
"For God has appointed another seed
for me instead of Abel, whom Cain killed."

It is a remarkable token of divine grace that God, in His mercy
gave man the first promise of a Deliverer/ Messiah ( Genesis 3:15 ).

He chose to bring this about by the seed of the woman.
While Eve was first to violate the divine regulations governing their life (Gen.2:16, 17 and 3:6 ),
the word of God holds Adam as the disobedient one.
Adam knowingly broke trust with God. ( Rom. 5:12, 17; and Tim 2:14 ).

The one first scarred by sin is selected to be the one first promised to
become an instrument of God's redemptive work.

Seth, the seed given to replace Abel, was the first in the bloodline that would trace to the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The garden , the place where man fell to sin, becomes the place in which God's mercy plants the seed of promise.
Eve's testimony declares that God's grace is sufficient for all things. ( 2 Corinthians 12:9).

God is able to" make all grace abound" toward us. ( 2 Corinthians 9:8 )

Has current situations caused you to be downtrodden?
Do you feel your "call" to work in His kingdom has blurred?

Ladies, may we not be discouraged in what God has called us to do.
He is able to use us mightily in His plan.
Be encourage to seek Him daily.


God's blessing be upon our unity!

Psalm 133:1
Behold , how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Monday, February 4, 2008

03:The Desire of the Woman

Genesis 3:16
To the woman He said:
" I will greatly multiply your sorrow
and your conception;
" In pain you shall bring forth children
and your desire shall be for your husband,
And he shall rule over you."

This expression . . . your desire shall be for your husband, causes us to remember, first
their joint-rule in the garden and secondly, she would, because of sin, desire to dominate her
husband.

If man had not sinned, he would always have ruled with wisdom and love; and if the woman
had not sinned, she would have obeyed with humility and meekness; and then their dominion would have been without grievance.

Mercy is mixed with wrath in this sentence, which was not a curse, to bring her to ruin, but a chastisement to bring her to repentance.
"He shall rule over you, is a divine assignment of the husbands servant-leader role.
This is in no way diminishing to the woman, but rather a redemptive role assigned to the husband as a means toward reinstating their original state.

" Come unto me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and you shall
find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30

It is our our sin and folly which makes our "yoke" heavy.
Be encouraged this day to take upon yourself the rest offered us through Christ our Savior.

God's blessing be upon our unity!

Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Monday, January 28, 2008

02:The Making of Woman - A Helpmate

Genesis 2:23,24
" Now this is bone of my bones
And flesh of my flesh;
She shall be called Woman
Because she was taken out of Man."

Woman, made the sixth day, the day Adam was placed in Paradise.

Man - Adam being first formed, (1Tim 2:13) then
Woman - Eve was made of the man and for the man (1Cor. 11:8).
Being last of creation, man was the best and most excellent of all, with this an honor was placed upon woman (for she was made after Adam and out of Adam) as the glory of man.
This placement in creation for the woman also gives her reason for humility, modesty, silence, submissiveness and reverence, which wives owe their husbands.

Man is the head, she is the crown, a crown to her husband, the crown of visible creation. For she was made from that which existed. All other creation was spoken into existence.
Man was dust refined, woman was dust doubled-refined, twice removed from the earth.

Adam having been made sensible of his want of a helpmate,(Gen. 2:20), lied down in a sweet sleep casting all his cares upon God.
Adam slept while his wife was in the making, leaving no thought that he directed the Spirit of the Lord or had been His counselor. (Isa 40:13).
Cheerfully resigning himself and his affairs to his maker's will and wisdom.

Here is the beauty in what God did to and for Adam.
Taking Adam's rib to create the woman, God presents the woman to Adam, he receives her and then they are joined together - again!

God's gifts to us should be received with a humble thankful acknowledgment of His wisdom in suiting them to us and His favor in bestowing them on us.


If we graciously rest in God, God will graciously work all things for good (Rom 8:28,29).

Have you rested in God to taste of His grace?
Are you thankfully acknowledging God's wisdom upon your life?


May God grant us the grace needed to rest in Him this day.

God's blessing be upon our unity!

Psalm 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in Unity!

Saturday, January 19, 2008

01 : Male & Female - God's image bearers

Genesis 1:26 - 28
And Adam said:
" This 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 mother and be joined to his wife,
and they shall become one flesh.

From the beginning it was God's heart to build a dwelling place for Himself in the Earth.
It is seen in His creation of man and woman - together, the foundation of the house of the Lord.
Through the two of them together He intended to live and reveal Himself in the world.
Through them God intended :
to manifest His character and authority (image)
to express His dominion over the Earth
to display His indisputable power over the works of darkness, subduing His archenemy, Satan.

The first man and woman were a microcosm ( a small-scaled version of a much larger entity)
of the church, signaling that God's glory would be seen in the Earth through the combined expression of male and female.

If we are to be image bearers as scripture encourage, what Godly characteristic will be displayed in your life today?

How will you be seen working in he community, environment and church God has placed you in?

May God be gracious in strengthening our hearts and our hands to do the work He has set us to do.

God's blessing be upon our unity!

Psalm 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethen to dwell together in Unity!