Jan 24

From Sarai to Sarah

Biblical Women Comments Off

Genesis 17:15-16

 And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.

God made a covenant with Abram and called him Abraham instead of Abram. The covenant that God established with Abraham was that God will make Abraham a father of many nations. God established His covenant with Abraham and his seed and promised to be a God unto Abraham and his seed. Also God said He will give unto Abraham and his seed the land wherein he is a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession. God said He will be their God. God also asked Abraham to His covenant and that every male child should be circumcised. Yes, the God of Abraham will be our God as well and He desires that our hearts be circumcised. Today He is our God through Jesus Christ. When we commune with God, He exposes any sin in our life and when we rend our hearts we shall be forgiven and made whole. The blood of Jesus cleanses our hearts and sets us free. We cannot free ourselves by our own deeds or by our own goodness but by Jesus Christ God’s only son are we set free. In Romans 2:29 Paul says, “But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” What God desires of us is the circumcision of the heart, in the spirit!

At the same time that God established this covenant with Abraham, He promised to give a son unto Abraham through Sarah. Sarai, Abraham’s wife was called Sarah from that point forward. God promised to bless her and give Abraham a son through Sarah. Sarah was going to be a mother of nations and kings of people shall be born from her. Abraham was an hundred years old while Sarah was ninety. For Abraham and Sarah this looked impossible. But, with God all things are possible!

God is a God of all flesh and everything is possible for Him. Human mind cannot perceive, scientists cannot prove, doctors cannot understand but God is all powerful and can do what our feeble minds cannot figure out. He is the Creator of the Universe, the many galaxies, and many planets, asteroids, stars, meteors, comets within each galaxy are positioned in place and everything functions in its right order because the Creator is in control of these. He who controls the Universe is also in control of our body which is intricately made. No matter what, when God establishes a covenant, He keeps it! If today you are claiming a promise of God and that seems impossible to you, just believe and go forward with the promise of God. He keeps His promises. If you are facing a serious trial, know that He will walk you through your trial and provide His amazing grace by covering you under His protective wings. Psalm 91:4 says, “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” Amen!

Next: Sarah Gave Birth to Isaac

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Jan 19

Huldah, the Wife of Shallum

Biblical Women Comments Off

II Kings 22:12-20

And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king’s, saying, Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us. So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her. And she said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you to me, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read: Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched. But to the king of Judah which sent you to enquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard; Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.

Here we see King Josiah when he realized the great wrath of the Lord that should befall Judah because of how they heard not the words of the Law of Moses repents and receives the Lord’s blessings. This book was only read on special occasions or so it appears. King Josiah however had it read for him and was eager to enquire of the Lord for him, for the people and for all Judah concerning the words of the book. For us today our standard is the Word of God and we should enquire of the Lord at every step of our life. Our prayers will definitely be heard, we will be forgiven and our lands will be healed. The Lord is available to us who seek His face. II Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

King Josiah sent his favored men: Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah to enquire of the Lord and they went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum. Shallum was the keeper of the wardrobe and did not hold a noble position in the kingdom. Huldah lived in Jerusalem and she was married to Shallum. An ordinary woman she was and yet was gifted with the powerful gift of prophecy. Lord bestowed it on her and her gift was recognized in that land and King’s men came to enquire of her. Her words were the words of the Lord God and how gifted was that land and how wonderful it is to see that the people of the land took advantage of this gifted woman. A King who held the highest position in the kingdom sought the Lord and sent messengers to bring back the message of the Lord. How much more should we commune with the Lord, seek His face continually, be in His mighty presence and consult Him in our life’s journey? Also, Huldah put her gift to use and for the benefit of her land; are we using the spiritual gifts that God has given us? We should not consider a spiritual gift bestowed on us as frivolous. James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

Huldah spoke the words of the Lord in truth and in love. She said to the King’s men “Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read: Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.” Huldah said that the Lord shall bring evil upon Judah and upon the inhabitants of Judah for a reason. The people have forsaken the Lord, worshipped other Gods simply going against the Lord’s very first commandment. Do we have any idols in our heart that we have placed before God? Time to introspect and see if we have any placed anything or anybody before God in our lives. If so, let us give the God of glory the first place in our hearts that He alone deserves. Hebrews 10:31 says, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” While there is still time let us repent, turn from our wicked ways and surrender our lives unto our Creator!

Huldah also said to the King’s messengers to take back a wonderful message unto King Josiah. Her message to King Josiah was: “Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place.” The Lord God is full of tender mercies and loving kindness. He sees the heart of the man, the cry of such a heart is heard and His forgiveness is always available unto us. The Lord saw the tender and humble heart of King Josiah. He saw his broken spirit and contrite heart. So, all that the Lord spoke will befall Judah and its inhabitants will not happen in King Josiah’s time. He pardoned the King, the people and the land from such a desolation and curse because of King’s repentance.

Yes, He readily forgives us and accepts us just as we are if we repent of our sins! Godly sorrow works repentance to salvation (II Corinthians 7:10). Though our sins are red as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). What this means is that He will wipe out all our sins with the precious blood of Jesus that was shed for our sakes 2010 years ago. His grace is all encompassing. So, if you are wondering if ever your sin as dark as it may seem to you will ever be forgiven, take heart! Yes, it will be forgiven. Remember where sin abounded, grace did much more abound (Romans 5:20). See how wonderfully God heard Josiah’s sincere cry and blessed him saying that he shall not see any evil and shall go to grave in peace. This is the same kind of blessing He gives to any who repents with a true heart! Let us seek His forgiveness and repent with all our hearts and turn away from any darkness in our lives. Grab His wonderful blessings and enjoy the eternal life!

Next: From Sarai to Sarah

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Jan 18

The Lord at our Right Hand

Living in Christ Comments Off

Psalm 16:7-9

I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

David says “I will bless the Lord, who has given me counsel.” Counsel is given as a result of consultation for advice. We can clearly understand that David sought God’s advice and therefore was given the counsel. David, a King of Israel was God’s anointed one who was a man after God’s own heart. He praised God in a magnificent way and his psalms speak of the relationship he enjoyed with Lord God. When such a high and mighty king sought God’s advice, we at our every step should wait and seek His counsel. He sure will direct our every step (Proverbs 3:5-6).

David says that his reins instruct him in the night. In other words, even while David is resting, he is led by the Lord God. The Lord does the same to us if we, like David set the Lord always before us. Even when we sleep at nights His still small voice speaks unto us, His loving arms will lead us, His tender heart will care for us, His blood covers us and His light shines on us. The Lord is at our right hand and therefore we need not be moved. “He is at our right hand” means He is available to us at all times. It is us humans who fail to look up to Him or seek His counsel. Psalm 121:5 says, “The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.” The Lord is our keeper and He is our shade upon our right hand. Just like shadow goes with us wherever we go, the Lord God goes with us.

Let us rejoice and be glad in the Lord. Rejoice evermore for He is our strong refuge and mighty tower. Just like David’s my flesh shall rest in hope!

Next: Huldah, the Wife of Shallum

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Jan 16

Ravens and Lilies

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Luke 12:24-29

Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

For the past few days, I was directed towards these verses by the Spirit of God. The Lord God who cares for the ravens and lilies, how much more should His care for man and woman be? He created us in His own image. Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them”. Should I or anyone of us fret about anything? Absolutely NOT! I Peter 5:7 says, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” Let us cast all our care upon Him for He cares for us more than we can care for ourselves! He who formed us in the palm of His hands, with His precious fingers and bought us with the highest price on the Cross of Calvary will certainly cherish in His most important creation, YOU and ME. Here I render my heart to you alone and surrender myself wholly to your care, my Jesus. Last night I was immensely blessed by the visit of my cousin’s husband Mr. Enoch Era and he sang a beautiful song in my native language Telugu just on the verses above. Truly His care for us is not to be undermined.

Ravens, the fowls of the air neither sow nor reap, neither have storehouses nor barn but they are fed by God. We are far better than the fowls in God’s eyes. In fact we are given the dominion over this fowls of the air (Genesis 1:26). We cannot even add a cubit to our stature; then why even take a thought for the rest?

Lilies, the flowers of the field, neither toil nor spin but how wonderfully we see them grow. King Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these lilies. The splendor of the lilies was greater than that of King Solomon’s. If God clothes the grass, which is in the field today and withers tomorrow, how much more will He clothe us? Let us keep up our faith and trust the Lord wholeheartedly. Let us not entertain an iota of doubt when it comes to trusting God.

Next: Michal – Part III

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Jan 14

Pray Without Ceasing

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I Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing

These three words kept ringing in me last night so loudly that I woke up today to put the message right away. These are powerful and we are asked to do it. This means we have to keep praying continuously; no pausing; no taking a break; no resting. When we cease, the enemy tries to take its ground against us. Especially if we are living in Christ, walking closely with Him, abiding in Him, loving Him, serving Him, seeking His face and taking a stand against the enemy in the powerful, matchless and mighty name of our Savior, the enemy is waiting to pull us from our first love, our Lord Jesus Christ! Let us realize that the enemy waits on us and longs to see us losing our ground in Christ! This should make us even more vigilant, sober and watchful. I Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour”.

Last night, I was wrestling in prayer and pleading His precious blood on my body for I really didn’t know where exactly I needed the touch of His bleeding hand. All I could cry was I most badly needed His peace and rest from the torment in my body. Yes, I was given that rest and peace a couple hours later. I sought the Lord to use my hour of need to cry out to the many people suffering either in body, from a natural disaster (Ex: earthquake in Haiti), suffering children with various diseases, to the ones in authority so on and so forth. He helped me rise above my body to concentrate on Him and intercede. I was basking in His immense love and at the same time could feel the enemy’s battle to pull me down. But, God has got us and so we need not fear the attacks of the enemy.

These are perilous times and we should not take a moment to wink at the world. The other day, one of my colleagues mentioned “It is time to get mad at the devil”. This came to my mind last night and I was greatly burdened in my heart to intercede on various matters i.e. family, children, relatives, friends, colleagues, people enslaved in sins etc., I Timothy 2:1 says, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men”. The key is “ALL MEN”! Jesus did not love you or me alone, He loved everybody! We are asked to do the same. Love everyone like Jesus did.

Next: Michal – Part II

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Jan 12

Eunice and Lois

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II Timothy 1:5-6

When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

Eunice is Timothy’s mother while Lois is his grandmother. These two women always impress me every time I read about their faith. Lois and Eunice had unfeigned faith. “Unfeigned” means sincere and genuine faith. There is no fake representation in such unfeigned faith. This faith is unshakeable and does not get upset no matter how the circumstances look like. This same unfeigned faith that was in Timothy’s grandmother and mother was in Timothy as well. Paul is speaking that he is calling to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in Timothy. Paul addresses Timothy as his dearly beloved son (I Timothy 1:2, II Timothy 1:2). That tells us that Timothy was much younger to Paul. Paul must have enjoyed the goodness of Timothy’s mother and grandmother and so was able to speak of their faith with such an honor. Paul also says that without ceasing he remembers Timothy in his prayers night and day (II Timothy 1:3). These two were united in their mission to teach no other doctrine but that which is good and godly edifying in faith (I Timothy 1:4).

Paul says “wherefore” which means therefore or for this reason! So for the unfeigned faith in Timothy, Paul is asking Timothy to stir up the gift of God which is in him by putting on of Paul’s hands. Stirring up the gift of God is to put the gift of God into action by igniting it with the Spirit of God. In this case putting on of Paul’s hands symbolizes the bestowing of a spiritual responsibility on Timothy by Paul.

I would like to urge us all to consider the unfeigned faith that existed in Eunice and Lois that was found in Timothy. See this unfeigned faith was a wonderful spiritual quality that was inherited by Timothy from his mother and grandmother. Let us also think about the generations to come through us and let us make efforts to set up good examples to our children and grandchildren. Remember: the little eyes observe, the little ears hear, the little hearts ponder, the little hands do, the little legs walk and in no matter of time they would make an impression on people around them. Let us ask the Lord to help us lead exemplary lives completely dedicated for God’s honor and glory in full reverence unto Him and with unfeigned faith!

Next: Michal – Part I

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Jan 11

Joanna, the wife of Cuza

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Luke 8:3, 24:10

And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.

Cuza was employed as a steward in Herod’s house. He held a responsible position that needed his attention to domestic and finance matters in Herod’s house. Joanna was Cuza’s beloved wife. Luke 8:1 says, “And it came to pass afterward, that he (JESUS) went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him”. So Jesus was in His ministry going through every city and village preaching and showing the good tidings of the Kingdom of God. Psalm 145:13 says, “Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations”. God’s kingdom is forever and His dominion endures throughout all generations. God is the same yesterday, today and forever; so, His Kingdom is an everlasting one; His throne is for ever and ever (Hebrews 1:8)! Jesus was completely engaged in this mighty act of preaching God’s Kingdom to all people. This should be our primary occupation as well! Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Let us make seeking the Kingdom of God as our first and foremost priority.

Along with Jesus and His twelve disciples, there were certain women like Joanna, the wife of Cuza, Mary called Magdalene, Susanna, and many others, which ministered to him (JESUS) of their substance (Luke 8:2-3). What is noteworthy is that these women ministered to Jesus by supporting them out of their own means. They chose to serve the Lord voluntarily from what they had not expecting to get paid for. I think what is commendable is their heart that is service-oriented for they knew very well their service was unto the King of Kings and in His ministry to preach good tidings of the Kingdom of God. Joanna was a woman among such women who submitted their lives for serving the Lord.

In Luke 24 we read about the victory of the resurrected Lord! Luke 24:1 says, “Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.” Among they that came to the sepulcher were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them (Luke 24:10). These women brought spices that they had prepared. They put their hands to work to prepare the spices to embalm the body of their dear Lord Jesus. The spices they brought were definitely sweet smelling and the fragrance speaks their hearts’ very attitude towards the Lord. Now, our sweet spices to the Lord Jesus Christ are our heartfelt sacrifices. My one prayer to Lord God is to teach me how I can praise Him in a new way, a way that brings a chuckle to Him and causes Him to wait for more such praises from me. Joanna and the women chose to bring such a wonderful perfume to the Lord Jesus Christ. Joanna was among the women who took the news of the resurrected Savior unto the apostles although it was not received well.

What I would like to bring to our attention is the importance of serving the Lord with all our hearts, minds, bodies and souls. A heart fully submitted unto the Lord, yields to His desire and His desire for us is that we seek His Kingdom first. Joanna and the women who were with her supported the ministry of Jesus out of their own means. Joanna’s life speaks unto us that she was a Christ-centered woman who was married to a steward who worked in Herod’s house. Their living was not of high nobility but was one with simple humility. With humble hearts filled with reverence unto our Lord, let us love Him and serve Him!

Next: Eunice and Lois

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Jan 10

Virtuous Woman

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Proverbs 31:10-27

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Rubies are precious red stones that are expensive and pretty to look at. Any ornament that is made of rubies gets a look that is extravagant and simply superb. Who can find a virtuous woman? This says that hardly there are any virtuous women here on earth. This stuck a deep pierce in my heart few days before. The price of a virtuous woman is far worthier than rubies. Who would not be blessed to see a virtuous woman, who is far precious than rubies?

The characteristics of a virtuous woman are clearly laid out to lead the women to live such lives. The heart of a virtuous woman’s husband does safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him well all the days of her life. Trust is a pivotal role in a marital relationship. Many marriages fail due to lack of this essential component. This should be two-ways. The virtuous woman does good to her husband all the days of her life and the husband safely trusts her. The trust is established in a beautiful relationship like this.

She seeks wool, and flax, and works willingly with her hands. She works diligently with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she brings her food from afar. Merchants’ ships carry cargo and fleet from one harbor to the other. A virtuous woman brings her food from afar. What this means to me is she considers the best food for her household and picks it up from a distance considering the nutritional benefits as well as the associated price. She rises well before the sunrise and prepares food for her household and leaves a portion for her maidens. So, she makes sure that the meat is available before anyone wakes up and also makes sure everyone gets their share of food including the maidens. She considers a field, and buys it: with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She is good at gardening and farming as well. She girds her loins with strength, and strengthens her arms. Girding up loins means to get ready by tightening the belt. When we tighten our belts, our movement at work becomes light and easy. She strengthens her arms by working vigorously with them; she perceives that her merchandise is good: her candle goes not out by night. She works till late in the night. She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. That is she works with wool and flax. She stretches out her hand to the poor; yea, she reaches forth her hands to the needy. Poor and needy are addressed as well. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”. Just like this virtuous woman, we should also take up the cause of serving the poor and the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. In other words, she is well-prepared for a coming storm. Everyone at home is provided the right equipment needed to protect them from a coming storm for she foresees the need and addresses it well ahead of time. She makes herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her home is well decorated and furnished by her own hands. When the household members enter in such a home they feel the warmth of a beautiful home built by hearts, cared for by loving hands, and surrounded by beautiful furnishings that look appealing to the eye. There is no shortage for anything in a home where the virtuous woman is the mistress. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. She strives to keep the reputation of her husband and he is known well among the elders in the land. She makes fine linen, and sells it; and delivers girdles unto the merchant. In fact, she is her husband’s soulmate and helpmate from home to merchandise.

Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. Strength comes from endurance; endurance builds patience. When strength is a virtue of a woman, we can see what other beautiful traits she already possesses. Honor is to maintain dignity and reputation among the people of her land. I picture Ruth as one virtuous woman. Boaz says to Ruth in Ruth 3:11: “And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.” How wonderful is Ruth’s reputation for all the city of Bethlehem knew of her honor! A virtuous woman opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 4:6-7 speaks of wisdom as: “Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” A virtuous woman is a woman of highest wisdom. She looks well to the ways of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness. She does not eat the bread of idleness nor wastes her resources. Proverbs 18:9 says, “He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.”

Who wants to be this virtuous woman? I think it is high time that we women pray and seek God’s face to help us be virtuous women to serve the Lord, to care for our husbands, to keep our household going in the right direction, not idling our time, keeping God at the center of our hearts, bearing strength and honor as our ornaments and all the above mentioned qualities. Lord, this is the cry of my heart. Help me in my journey to strive to be this virtuous woman merely by your grace and strength. I am sure the Lord will regard our prayers and shower us with His grace and mercy in our desire to be virtuous women.

Next: Joanna, the wife of Cuza

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Jan 09

Anna, a Prophetess, and the Daughter of Phanuel

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Luke 2:36-38

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Anna was a prophetess and the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Aser and she was a widow. She was pretty old of about eighty four years of age. After her marriage, she had lived with her husband for seven years before his death. She chose to live in the temple of the Lord and departed not from there. She served the Lord God with fastings and prayers night and day. She prayed without ceasing as it says in I Thessalonians 5:17. Also she rejoiced in hope, was patient in tribulation with continuing instant in prayer (Romans 12:12). Her hope was in the coming Savior of the World, Jesus Christ; she was patient in her suffering; continued to pray faithfully. She was a young widow and sure many temptations would have come her way if she has chosen to dwell in the world. She chose the best place to live after she became a widow. Psalm 84:10 says, “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” What a woman of faith Anna was!

Isaiah 58:6 speaks of God’s chosen fast: “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” Such was the fasting and prayers that Anna did. For those that looked for redemption in Israel, Anna was a woman with prophetic ability foreseeing the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Was it a gift that she had? No, it was a divine gift bestowed on her by the Lord God who knew her heart. She allowed God to search and know her heart, try and know her every thought (Psalm 139:23).

The effectiveness of a fervent prayer goes a long way in our walk with Christ. James 5 speaks on the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man. It also speaks of the power of an earnest prayer like Elijah’s. Anna chose the feet of the Lord at a very young age and stayed there until she was very old. She chose the courts of the Lord. What are you after? Do you long to be at Jesus’ feet in earnest prayer or do you loiter in the world and long for the things of the world? The feet of Jesus are the best place to be at and pour out your heart there and cry out for the souls that need to repent, for nations to turn from their wicked ways, for the cities that are given to the lust of flesh and power, for the people to be redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb, so precious… Anna gave thanks to the Lord and spoke about the redeemer to all those that sought the redemption through the Savior! She had a beautiful heart of praise and sacrifice. This year one of my earnest prayers to the Lord God is to help me praise Him in a way that my praises are a sweet aroma to His nostrils and a pleasant sound in His ears. I sure know He would teach me how to praise Him.

Next: Virtuous Woman

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Jan 08

Christ in Us

Living in Christ Comments Off

Romans 8:10-11

And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

If Christ is in us, the body is dead because of sin because the sinless God, who is holy and righteous in all ways, resides in us. Hebrews 4:15 clearly states that Christ was without sin although he was touched with the feeling of infirmities like we were. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Christ was tempted like us yet was sin-free. The sinless Christ was and is a complete God who only had and has the power and right to set us free. Our body is dead because of sin due to the Holy Christ in us. What is life in us is the Spirit because of righteousness.

Spirit of God that raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in us. This Spirit of God is God’s empowering presence in us that lifts up a standard against the enemy when he comes in like a flood (Isaiah 59:19). The same Spirit of God moved upon the face of waters (Genesis 1:2) when God created the earth. How can we take the Spirit of God in us lightly? This Spirit that raised up Christ from the dead shall quicken our mortal bodies. Quickening mortal bodies means to kindle our bodies by His Spirit. If we are not experiencing the quickening of His Holy Spirit in our lives, we are missing out on God’s awesome plan for us. His plan and thoughts for us are of peace to give us an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11).

Next: Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel

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