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 29, 2008
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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