I recently had a dream that my Daddy was still alive but still had dementia. In this dream there was a man and other people desperately trying to get my Daddy into a particular sinful situation. In my dream I was fighting as hard and as much as I could possibly fight to stop them from their evil influence. And immediately before I woke up I thought about my sons. Once I woke up I felt the Lord say to me, as long and hard as you were fighting in your dream for your Daddy, you must continue to fight …
Esther
As we read the Bible, we see how ordinary men became instruments of God’s plan for his people. The names of these men are remarkably familiar to us: Abraham, Moses, Daniel, Paul, Peter, Joseph. We recognize these men instantly and can recall their faithfulness and heroic deeds. But, what about the women? They are mentioned less often, but one cannot read of the mighty deeds of the men of the Bible without recognizing the considerable contribution of women as well. In all, more than one hundred fifty women are mentioned in the Scriptures. Some are …
Hannah
Women of Strength Hannah 1 Samuel 1:1 -2:21 The story of Samuel, the last Judge of Israel, cannot be told without mentioning his mother, Hannah. She was one of two wives of Elkanah and was childless, which caused Peninnah, Elkanah’s other wife, to ridicule Hannah. This left Hannah bereft and desperate. One day Hannah went with her husband to the temple to pray and offer a sacrifice. Overcome by her grief, she stood up and began to pray to the Lord for a son. She promised God that she would dedicate the child in service to him. She prayed silently, …
Eunice and Lois
The Strength of Women Eunice and Lois In 2 Timothy, Paul writes to his “dear son” 2 Timothy 1;2, I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 2 Timothy 1:5. This short passage is easily overlooked. Eunice and Lois are not mentioned elsewhere, but Timothy, their grandson and son respectively, is a key figure in the New Testament. The strong spiritual influence of these women guided and inspired Timothy and his ministry. The old saying, “The …
Mary and Martha
Women of Strength Mary and Martha Luke 10: 38-42 It is a familiar story. Jesus is at the home of Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary, and Martha. Other guests were present and Jesus was teaching. Martha was in the kitchen preparing several dishes for the special guest, but Mary was sitting near Jesus taking in every word he was saying. Frustrated that her sister wasn’t helping her, Martha complained to Jesus and asked him to make her sister help with the food preparation. Jesus answered Martha, but not in the way she expected. “Martha, Martha, you …
The Women of Easter
Women of Strength The Women of Easter Easter morning. Today, for Christians, that evokes images of an empty cross and empty tomb, lilies, hymns, and new outfits to wear to church. On the actual day when Jesus was raised from the dead, there were other images. Of course, there was the empty tomb, but there the similarities between then and now end. We, in the twenty-first century, have the advantage of time. We know what happened, the rest of the story. We know that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah, the Christ. We have several translations of …
Phoebe, Lydia and Claudia
Women of Strength Phoebe, Lydia, and Claudia As the new religion we now call Christianity spread throughout the Mediterranean region, Gentiles as well as Jews found comfort and meaning in the teachings of Jesus. Thanks to Paul and a few others, new churches were being founded in non-Jewish countries. Home churches were established first. A small group of like-minded people would gather to hear the Good News. As a Christian community grew churches were established, Leaders emerged in these churches and women were included in many church functions. I will highlight only three here, but there were others who paved …
Are your dreams greater than your memories?
I heard someone ask this question, and it stirred something inside me. Do I still possess the dreams I had last year? Ten years ago? We’ll always have our memories to reflect on the good times. But our dreams need to be in constant check. Stop day dreaming and give your plans to God. If your dream falls into God’s Will for your life, then consider yourself blessed. God wants good things for us. And our dreams—when authentic and based on a relationship with Him—actually point to the fulfillment of our vocation. The desires of our hearts are often there …
God’s Curriculum
Not one of us is alike 100%. Even twins have a distinct difference. This is just like God’s plan for each of us. He may be blessing me with time and friends, while He’s blessing others with knowledge and wealth. Try not to compare your life to someone else’s. His plans are sure, true, and faithful. This doesn’t mean that you will never experience problems or trials in life, but you do have an eternal future in Christ spiritually. God’s plan for you is to prosper and grow spiritually in Christ in the very situation you are in …
Faith
There have been seasons in my life when time seemed to stand still. Anxious to see a situation turn around, yet all was quiet from God. But I pressed on. I trusted Him in everything. Things may not have happened in my timing and that’s ok. My God is a God of miracles. I’ve seen it before and I know I’ll see them again. Faith is so important because it is the means by which we have a relationship with God. Having faith in Jesus Christ means relying completely on Him—trusting in His infinite power, intelligence, and love. It includes …
Obedience is a Time to See God at Work
I have been through many trials in my life. Some have been heart wrenching, difficult and stressful. But there was one thing that was constant through all of this, and it was my faith in God. I often didn’t know how He would get me through it, but I knew He would. Obedience to God is confirming that you are in agreement with His plan. It may not be in your timing, but God always delivers His children through every trial, every battle and every heartache in this life. Obedience teaches us trust. Obedience is an act of …
Answered Prayers
We all know there’s no such thing as a ‘genie in a bottle.’ But some often think that they can ask God for anything and He’ll give it to them. We go against the nature of God when we ask for something in His name and it’s not in His will. I’ll admit it’s hard to ask for something and say, “only if it’s your will for me, God.” Knowing good and well, that even if it’s not His will, I want it anyway. God knows our past, present and future. You have to believe that whatever the …