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 25, 2008
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.
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!
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
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!
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
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!
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!
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