Walking in the Word – Page 13

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”

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.

Podcasts: The Process of Asking for, Receiving and Giving Love and Forgiveness

Take a listen to recordings of LaShawnda Jones discussing her book, The Process of Asking for, Receiving and Giving Love and Forgiveness. The author speaks about the purpose of the book, what she hopes readers get from it. There is also a “When Your Love is Rejected.”

I Came for the Dream…

I’m going to speak to those who have been abused, mistreated or violated in any way because my old way of thinking came from the mindset of a victim – a captive. I was thinking and acting like someone in bondage who was desperately seeking freedom. All I could recognize was that I needed to reclaim what was taken from me. In my simplicity, I sought to redeem myself by casting what is sacred (my body) before swine (any man who is not my husband). However, the only way to keep the sacred holy is to set it apart. The sacred must remain clean and untouched by that which is unholy (anything not sanctioned by God). [follow the link to read the full article]

A Road I Must Travel Alone

I was changing. As we all do. Not only was God reworking me in a major way, I knew it was time for me go to another level. I was ready for a change, however I had no idea how monumentally drastic it would be. In 2005, when I decided to move to New York, I told my family and friends I would not be in contact for at least six months. I thought that was all the time I needed for my personal evolution. My knowledge then only scratched the surface, and it’s not much deeper now. However, after my visit to Riverside Church, I became more accepting of whatever changes were to come in my life.

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.

What if today were your last day on earth?

I pray I have been a decent steward. I hope I have been an obedient servant. At the end of my time here, as my Heavenly Father look upon my life and my conduct in it, I long to hear Him say, “Well done.”

Wife… do you respect me?

It is through the provision of Jesus Christ that mankind can return to God – again and again. God provided Jesus to us as redemption for every aspect of our lives. Jesus is not only the conqueror of death, He is our chief life warrior as well. Equally as important as dying to our nature, is living in His Spirit.

In marriage, this means that through the Christ that has already been provided as a sacrifice and deposit for the hearts of Believers, a man and wife can turn to each other to offer redemption and to be redeemed from each and every fall – each and every stumble, every instance of poor judgment and all their wrongful acts caused by their insecurities. Mercy, grace and forgiveness are all rolled into redemption. Redemption is the active process of reclaiming something of value to the owner – the person the redeemed belongs to.