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 …
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 …
Saying Goodbye
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2 When I was young, I did not care much about what I was about to say, who might hear them, or if I would offend …
Where Does My Strength Come From?
Some days I wonder. Humility is looking back on my life and realizing God was there all along. God is closer than your next breath. God knows the sound of my cry and has always been there to pick me up when I fall. When I am weak, He is strong. There’s security in knowing the one true God. Psalms 57:1 – “Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” Dianne Petrey
Strength
For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: By waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust shall be your strength. Isaiah 30:15 NAB Strength One warped idea of strength is handling things ourselves and not asking for help. Somehow asking for help is seen as weak. This is ridiculous because as humans we are not self-sufficient. We need others and we definitely need God. What is strength? It is not hiding, not pretending, not relying on ourselves but acknowledging the one who is our strength. Trust makes us strong because then life …
Pre-existing Conditions
But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man. (Luke 21:34) Are You Ready? I remember watching the news one day as additional information regarding SARS-COV2 aka COVID-19 became readily available. The news-anchor mentioned that individuals with “pre-existing conditions” i.e. asthma, hypertension and diabetes were considered to be more at risk to the complications associated with this microscopic virus. As time passed and as we are all collectively seeing, the number of people inflicted with COVID-19 is at …
You Will Not Fall!
God is within her, she will not fall. He will help her at break of dawn. (Psalm 46:5) When a mother eagle builds her nest, she starts with thorns, broken branches, sharp rocks, and a number of other items. Then she lines the nest with a thick padding of wool and feathers. This makes it soft and comfortable for her baby eaglets. By the time the growing eaglets reach flying age, the comfort of the nest make them quite reluctant to leave. That’s when the mother eagle starts stirring up the nest. The mother eagle strategically begins removing …
Understanding the Pain
It all started in 2015 when my life had changed, I was in an automobile accident and at the time I was new in my faith. It was a journey trying to adjust to the constant Chronic pain. I was not reading the Bible consistently like I should have been, I was just going to church on Sundays and Wednesdays and attending prayer meetings every Saturday. Just doing what Jessica wanted to do instead of following what the Lord had said to do. Going to church and not paying attention, not allowing the Word of God to transform and change …
We Have the Victory
I constantly have to remind myself that we have the victory in Christ, despite the daily struggles I face with the pain I have to tell myself I have the victory through Jesus. The God we serve is faithful to carry me through it, and if He can do it for me, He can do it for you. Believe it and receive it, I don’t know what you are facing today but I do know that we have the victory in Christ and we are more than conquers. Do not give up and give in if you …
What Can an Old Woman Like Me Do To Help?
Be faithful to God though others aren’t faithful Scripture: And while Moses was on the mountain receiving the ten commandments, the people tired of waiting and gave their jewelry to Aaron to use in making a gold calf to worship. When Moses came down and saw this; threw tablet down, breaking it into many pieces. Would you and I have remained faithful; when all others were not faithful? I hope I would have been, but haven’t been faced with such a situation. It is difficult to stand alone, but is possible with help of the Holy Spirit. Prayer: Father in heaven, have mercy on this confused …
Are We Hopeful?
As a Christian, our world is transparent, in that people are watching us. They are wondering, “how are they handling this crisis? How are they coping in these uncertain times?” I’ll be the first to admit, this has not been my favorite year so far. But, I’ve not lost hope. How can that be, you might ask? It’s because I know there’s a God that loves me, and cares for my well-being. God has brought me through some dreadful and scary storms and I’ve come out on the other side, stronger in my faith, and more aware of the awesome …
Courage in the Crisis
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1: 9 (ESV) “One man of you puts to flight a thousand, since it is the Lord your God who fights for you, just as He promised you.” Joshua 23: 10 (ESV) “And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed you. All have come to pass for you; …
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