Women in the Bible: DEBORAH

“Some have tried to understand God’s selection of Deborah by reasoning that he could not find any man suitable for the job, so he was forced to use Deborah.

While this reasoning may serve to keep male egos intact, it ignores the testimony of Scripture. God is able to use whoever he wants. He does not appoint leaders by using human criteria.

When Samuel considered Eliab a suitable successor to King Saul, God corrected Samuel’s limited perception: “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).”

Women in the Bible: JESUS & WOMEN

Jesus and Women Grace Communion International, http://www.gci.org/jesus/women In first-century Palestine, the way Jesus treated women was considered revolutionary. When she became a teenager, her father made the arrangements. This was the custom of the times. Mary would be married to a carpenter, Joseph, the son of Heli. From birth, Mary’s role in life was set,ContinueContinue reading “Women in the Bible: JESUS & WOMEN”

Women Who Spoke the Word of God

Women Who Spoke the Word of God by Michael Morrison, from Grace Communion International, http://www.gci.org/church/ministry/women Women have an increasing role in the work of the church. Women not only lead women in “women’s ministries,” but also lead men and women in music, prayer, teaching and speaking. Some people wonder why women should be allowed toContinueContinue reading “Women Who Spoke the Word of God”

Excerpt: What does it mean to “repent”?

In our contemporary language we “apologize” or say we’re “sorry” for causing offense. However, neither being sorry (feeling regret, sorrow, grief or sadness) or offering an apology (expressing regret, remorse or sorrow for having insulted, failed, injured, or wronged another) is the same as repenting (to feel such sorrow for sin or fault as to be disposed to change one’s life for the better). So what does it mean to “repent”? Follow the link to read the full article.

Excerpt: The Psalm 51 Example: Repent and Live

The first thing David uttered after hearing Nathan’s story was that such a man deserved to die. Spiritually, he had died because God was not with him in His sin. This is such a glaring example of what happens to interpersonal relationships when there’s a huge offense separating the two parties. Each party is able to see the other person’s transgression so clearly and barely have awareness of their own. Until the person who caused offense steps up to say, “I am the one at fault, what can I do to make amends” the relationship will remain fractured and the parties will remain separated. Repentance leads to life – when you repent in your interpersonal relationships you breathe life into them.

Valley of Dry Bones: Can they live again?

, “Son of man, these bones represent the people of Israel. They are saying, ‘We have become old, dry bones—all hope is gone. Our nation is finished.’ Therefore, prophesy to them and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I will open your graves of exile and cause you to rise again. Then I will bring you back to the land of Israel. When this happens, O my people, you will know that I am the LORD. I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live again and return home to your own land. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken, and I have done what I said.”

“Beloved, your life matters to me.”

Appreciation – such a life-giving disposition. I would fly a thousand miles and back again for anyone who could so appreciate a hug. Validation – what a life-affirming response. I will be more intentional about letting loved ones know how much they matter to me.

Who Is This Jesus?

The Attributes of Christ
A. Creator—The Son of God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things (Col. 1:15-17).
B. Sovereign—He rules over the universe at all times (Ps. 103:19).
C. Omniscient—The Lord knows all things—past, present, and future.
D. Omnipotent—Christ demonstrated His divine power by performing miracles and raising the dead.
E. Omnipresent—Though Jesus took a human form, today the Holy Spirit is ever-present throughout His creation.
F. Merciful—Jesus is our Great High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses and offers mercy (Heb. 4:15-16).
G. Lamb of God—Christ was the perfect sacrifice for our sins. His blood brought us forgiveness and continues to cleanse us.
H. Both God and Man—The Son took on human flesh while still retaining His deity.

Husband… do you love me?

I didn’t understand love because I had no understanding of God. As I have grown to know God, my understanding of love has increased. My increased understanding of love has led me to a better expectation of my husband’s character and behavior towards me. God has also developed my discernment, which greatly improves my ability to see the difference between what is truly Christ-like and what is only a mask of Christ-likeness.

Song & Verse: Give Us Clean Hands

Psalm 24 (NLT) A psalm of David. The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths. Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?ContinueContinue reading “Song & Verse: Give Us Clean Hands”