Parents

Proverbs 10:1
A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish son grief to his mother.

As an adult I don't often consider my mom and dads opinion of what I am up to. I will admit that I am not particularly close to either one. I do often hope that my parents are proud of me and where I am in my life. In some little way I want to know that they are happy when they think of me.

I find this proverb interesting as a parent of two small children. It is so true. In the running of my household I would say that when my children do something "foolish" I get very frustrated and worry about how to teach them a better way. When they do something "wise" it is often my husband that is the one to shower them with praise and find great joy in their accomplishments.

It is rare in our world today to think of the legacy we leave for our parents and the one that is being created in our children. Do you wonder how your parents feel about the decisions you make? Do you make decisions in regards to the grief or joy it may bring them?

Heavenly Father~I thank you for the blessings of your Word. I pray you use me in our new study of Solomons Proverbs. I pray that you find honor in the words and stories we share Lord. I pray for all those who take the time to be a part of this study will find blessing and maybe a little understanding in your word. ~In Your Heavenly Name

Please continue to pray for Heather and I as we connect to find direction and guidance in this devotional.

Please pray for Angela S this week

Grief

Day 1
Grief:

Most of us would define grief as a state of sadness after a death or extreme loss. One of the things that disappoints me the most about the English language is that we use one simple word to define a multitude of feelings and situations.

Here are a few words that describe grief in scripture: pain of body or mind, sorrow, distress, affliction, heavy, groan (inward unexpressed feeling of sorrow).

1 Peter 2:18-25 (Msg)
The Kind of Life He Lived
18-20You who are servants, be good servants to your masters—not just to good masters, but also to bad ones. What counts is that you put up with it for God's sake when you're treated badly for no good reason. There's no particular virtue in accepting punishment that you well deserve. But if you're treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God.
21-25This is the kind of life you've been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step. He never did one thing wrong, Not once said anything amiss.They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you're named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.

Mark 3:1-6
Healing on the Sabbath
1 And He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand. 2 So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. 3 And He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Step forward.” 4 Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent. 5 And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other. 6 Then the Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.

Day 2

Don't let me burst your bubble here, but I want to be honest with you. Being a Christian doesn't mean you are going to be happy all of the time. That doesn't mean you don't have joy in your life or praise and thanksgiving for the salvation that has been given you through grace. I'm not taking that away from you. I'm talking about the idea that we should be walking around in some euphoric state with a big smile on our faces. Being a follower of Christ means to also share in His suffering. I will be honest with you, I am not a big fan of the philosophy that if I am a good enough Christian that only blessings will poor into my life. I feel that teaching such a thing sets up most people for failure in their relationship with Christ.

Scripture says that we are given gifts and we are to use those gifts to further the kindom of God. I also believe that along with your gift God places a desire to love and share the Good News with people. All people. Grief, that is what that heaviness is in your heart. I know many of you have it, I have seen it change your life and the lives of those around you. When something weighs so heavily on you, you have no choice but to step out in faith and act, that is your sorrow. Do you grieve for children, women, addicts, the poor, the sick, the misled? My list could be endless.

It is time to take hold of your grief. No more hiding it. Aknowledge it, pray to God for the strength to step out and be used as His vessels. The fact of the matter is it won't go away, God is calling you. Even though you may not know what to do or how to do it, God knows and He wants you to rely on him for the strength, faith, self-control, patience and multitude of other needs you will have in the process.

Day 3
1Peter 2:21-25 (Msg)
21-25This is the kind of life you've been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step. He never did one thing wrong, Not once said anything amiss.They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you're named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.

Many say that Christ suffered for you. But here scripture says that he suffered so that we may know how, step-by-step. How is this diffrent from what you have been taught, how is it the same? What steps does this scripture refer to?

Matthew 11:28-30
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

This scripture is used often to help Christians through rough times in their lives. Read it again with the idea that this is a step to show us how to suffer. What does it say to you?

Day 4
Promises in Scripture

I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. ~John 16:20

Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope.
My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. ~Psalm 119:49-50

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ~Matthew 5:4

Day 5

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.~Ephesians 4:30

Praise God for the great gift He has given you. Confess your fears of steping out of faith. Admit that you know the heaviness placed on your heart. Ask God to show you the step that needs to be taken to be used as a vessel for His Kingdom.

Heavenly Father, I want to thank you for the sorrow you have placed in my heart. I know you have given me the tools and the desire to help those that you love. I have seen what people can do when they become overwhelmed by their sorrow and step out in faith,Lord. Let me be one of those people that can learn from your word and follow you so that your will may be done in this world. ~ In Your Precious Name.

Mary of Bethany

Day 1

Mary of Bethany

Her name may mean "Bitterness"
Her Character : Mary appears to have been a single woman, totally devoted to Jesus. The gospel portrays her, by way of contrast with her sister, Martha, as a woman of few words. As Jesus neared the time of his triumphal entry into Jerusalem prior to Passover, she performed a gesture of great prophetic significance, one that offended Judas Iscariot. the disciple who betrayed Jesus.
Key Scriptures Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-12:11

John 11:1, 3, 17, 39, 41, 43-44; 12:1-3
1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.... 3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”

17 So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days.

39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”

41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying.[a] And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.

43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”

1 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead,[a] whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.

Day 2

The Passover

All able-bodied and ceremonially clean Jewish med, usually accompanied by their families, were required to attend Passover in Jerusalem. This religious feast took place in Nisan, the first month of the year, April. Passover was the most significant feast celebrated by the Jews. It commemorated their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Each family was commanded to kill an unblemished one-year-old male lamb. He had instructed them to take the blood from the lamb and spread in on both sides and top of the door frame in each household. When the plague came to Egypt, the angel of death entered the houses without blood on the doorpost and killed the firstborn soon in each family. The homes with the blood on the doorway was "passed over".

Jewish families ate the the meat of the lamb for their Passover supper, sharing with the neighbors in the family was too small to finish the lamb alone. The meal included a salad of bitter herbs as well as unleavened, or unrisen, bread. Before Passover, the house was thoroughly searched and cleaned to be sure that no yeast was within the house to spoil the unleavened bread. Psalms 113-118, known as the "Egyptian Hallal" (or Praise) psalms, were sung before and after the meal.

Often during their history, the Jews neglected to celebrate the Passover, as well as many of the other religious feasts God had instituted. The times when the Passover was reinstated are mentioned specifically in the Old Testament, and the ignorance of the people regarding the sacred nature of the feast is apparent. Most often, the restoration of the feast came about because of a religious revival.

The Last Supper Jesus ate with his disciples, on the night that he was betrayed, was the annual Passover meal. Jesus gave specific instructions to several of his disciples for preparing this important meal. While he and his disciples reclined at the table, Jesus revealed that one of the Twelve would betray him and that he would be crucified.

Our Life and Times

With his words, "This is my body" and " This is my blood," Jesus gave new meaning and significance to the Passover lamb. When he was crucified the next day, he himself became our Passover Lamb. Though we may observe the beauty of Passover, for believers, the work is done. Jesus' death on the cross as the ultimate Passover Lamb made the continual sacrifice for sin no longer necessary. Through his body and blood- through his work as our Passover lamb - we gain forgiveness for our sins and life eternal.

Day 3

Mary's Legacy in Scripture

John 11:32-44
Why was Mary crying? How does Jesus react to her grief?

Put yourself in Mary's place in this scene. your brother, who lives with you and supports you, has died and then is raised. No information is given about the reactions of the sisters or the crowd. How do you think they reacted? How would you react?

Have you ever had something that caused you grief suddenly change to joy? A sickness healed? How did you react? Whom did you thank?

John 12:1-8
What do you think caused Mary to make the extravagant gesture described in verse 3?

If you were to take a year's worth of your wages, what would you do with it for Jesus?

What word best describes Judas as he was bothered by the use of expensive perfume?

How sincere are you? Like Mary? Like Judas? Somewhere in between? If Jesus came to your house for dinner, what would you do to express your love for him?

Do you think Mary had any idea that his act of devotion was preparation for Jesus' burial? How do you think she might have reacted to his statement?

Did Jesus' words mean we should ignore the poor and pay attention only to him? If not, what exactly did he mean?

The poor are among us yet today, and so is Jesus, through the Holy Spirit. What can we do to help the poor? What can we do to acknowledge Jesus' presence in our world?

Day 4

Her Legacy of Prayer

"Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me." - Matthew 26:10

Reflect on Matthew 26:6- 13

Praise God for giving us the ability to please him.

Offer thanks for all the beautiful things God has done for you.

Confess any unwillingness to embrace the difficult parts of the gospel as well as the joyful parts.

Ask God to give you a greater hunger to live in his presence and to seek his face.

Day 5

Lift your heart.

Lovers like nothing better than to please their beloved. Mother Teresa of Calcutta was a woman who loved God extravagantly. Famous for her work with the poorest of poor in India and throughout the world, she was always looking for a chance to do " something beautiful for God." How easy is it for us to neglect our Divine Lover by always asking him to do beautiful things for us rather than by developing your own capacity to please and delight him. you don't have to travel to the other side of the world to find opportunities to do something beautiful for God. Look for him in the poorest of the poor in your own community -- those who are emotionally impoverished, isolated, ill. Find a way to bring the light of God's love in to their darkness. Spend time simply praising God for who he is and how he has revealed himself to you. Honor him by giving him something precious in your own life. Even the smallest gesture can become a beautiful gift for God.

Dear Lord, you have done so many beautiful things for me. I am so blessed to have your Holy Spirit in me. I am so little of a person that I don't really feel like I can do all things, but through your Word, you say I can. I want to believe that I am a light in this world. I want to do something really beautiful for you. Please whisper to me today. Teach me what it is that pleases you. I am so grateful for the life Jesus lived so that we have guidance and direction as to what we are to do in this World. Forgive me for always thinking it is you that must show me beautiful things. I want my life to be "poured" out to be a sweet smelling perfume. I love you Lord, thank you for being my friend and savior, my Lord and Maker.

The Widow of Zarephath

Day 1

The Widow of Zarephath
Her Character: A foreigner facing starvation, she showed extraordinary hospitality to one of God’s prophets, providing a safe harbor for him.
Her Sorrow: To suffer extreme poverty, famine, and the loss of a husband and son.
Her Joy: To experience repeated miracles of God’s provision

Key Scriptures: 1Kings 17:8 - 24; Luke 4:25 - 26

8 Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.” 11 And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” 12 So she said, “As the LORD your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” 13 And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. 14 For thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.’” 15 So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the LORD which He spoke by Elijah.

Elijah Revives the Widow’s Son
17 Now it happened after these things that the son of the woman who owned the house became sick. And his sickness was so serious that there was no breath left in him. 18 So she said to Elijah, “What have I to do with you, O man of God? Have you come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to kill my son?” 19 And he said to her, “Give me your son.” So he took him out of her arms and carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed. 20 Then he cried out to the LORD and said, “O LORD my God, have You also brought tragedy on the widow with whom I lodge, by killing her son?” 21 And he stretched himself out on the child three times, and cried out to the LORD and said, “O LORD my God, I pray, let this child’s soul come back to him.” 22 Then the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came back to him, and he revived. 23 And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper room into the house, and gave him to his mother. And Elijah said, “See, your son lives!” 24 Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now by this I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is the truth.”
25 But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; 26 but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow.

Day 2

Widows

The widow of Zerephath lived in a cruel and insensitive Phoenician society, one that treated widows as second-class citizens, ignored them, and allowed them to go hungry. When Elijah came and asked for all she had left, ingredients for bread, it was if he were asking her to take her and her sons lives. It was all they had left to keep them alive. It was the opposite that God had planned. For he provided her with sustenance that lasted until the famine was over. A widow usually would rely on her sons to provide for her or the community if she did not have any sons. God has shown us his great love for widows in his word. Psalm 68:5; 146:9. He commanded the Israelites to treat widows with compassion and provide for them. When the prophets declared the Israelites to be disobedient, they proved it by exposing their lack for care of the widows around them. Isaiah 1:23; 10:1-2; Ezekiel 22:6-7; Malachi 3:5. When someone cared for the widowed, it was worthy of note, Job 29:13.

Paul instructed young widows to remarry, if they were over sixty and had no one else to take care of them, the church was to care for them. 1 Timothy 5:3-16. A simple act done for a widow who is truly in need is shown in Acts 9:36-42.

Today, our churches should also be responsible to care for the widows. Programs like insurance and Social Security can provide financially, but her needs go far beyond that. Emotional support, physical support and friendship are very helpful to those that have lost their life long partners. Offering to have her over for lunch, watching her children, cleaning her house, or just asking how they are doing will always help them to fill in the time they used to have with their partner. Do you know someone in need? Is there a widow in your congregation that you can stretch out your hand and heart to? Give her a call today.

Note: This Saturday night, a friend of ours died of a major heart attack. His wife not only had to loose her lifetime partner, but had to loose him alone, until the family and medics got there to try to revive him. There are hundreds of other ways that women become widows, sometimes we are in awe of how well they are doing and forget to ask if we can help in any way. Other times, we struggle with the right words to say or how we could ever help them get through something we have never experienced ourselves. Truly, God will give you the right words and timing. About 5 years ago our friend was widowed when her husband drown in the bay. I had no idea what to do. Their story was similar to ours, newly married, new baby, new house. I didn’t know how to act around her, what to share, hoping not to reveal my happiness. It takes several years to truly move on from loosing your partner in life. You will have time to do something for a widow, but first, take the time to pray for God to reveal to you what you can do, and then be open to whatever it is that he asks of you. To this day, I know that even the little things I did do, were at least something to fill that huge void, if I had done nothing, who would have?


Dear Lord, please use my words to speak your word to others. I praise you for giving us the opportunity to serve you while taking care of Widows. Father, if it were my will, I would ask that no woman would ever loose her life partner, that they could depart peacefully together from this world, but I know the reality is that we must all come to you when it is our own time. I know those who leave us before we are ready truly get the better end of the deal, but I ask that you comfort those who are grieving, help them to see you through the kindness of others. If today, you could send your angels to comfort each and every Widow, I ask in Jesus name that you do. If we must act on your behalf, help us to be open to your calling. I love you Lord and I ask for protection on all those who are married, Father would you give us all long-lasting relationships that last us into our old age, so that we may not have to experience the pain of being Widows, it is a selfish request, but I pray this from my heart, Amen.

Day 3

1 Kings 17:9 Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.

Why is it surprising that God would send Elijah to a widow for food?
How has god provided for you in surprising ways?

12And she said, As the Lord your God lives, I have not a loaf baked but only a handful of meal in the jar and a little oil in the bottle. See, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and bake it for me and my son, that we may eat it--and die.

The first words the widow speaks to the prophet Elijah are words o searing honesty: Here is what I have left and here is what I’m planning to do. What is she telling Elijah with these words?
In today’s generally abundant society, it is perhaps more difficult than ever to admit that you do not have enough and that you need help. When have you or someone you know had to be as honest as the widow about your needs? What did you learn from being put in this position?


13Elijah said to her, Fear not; go and do as you have said. But make me a little cake of [it] first and bring it to me, and afterward prepare some for yourself and your son.
14For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: The jar of meal shall not waste away or the bottle of oil fail until the day that the Lord sends rain on the earth.

Why do you think the widow went and did what Elijah asked her to do? What did she have to lose?

18And she said to Elijah, What have you against me, O man of God? Have you come to me to call my sin to remembrance and to slay my son?
Where was the widow placing blame for her son’s death? Her sin? Elijah’s presence? God?
20And Elijah cried to the Lord and said, O Lord my God, have You brought further calamity upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by slaying her son?

Now it is Elijah’s turn to be completely honest. Why do you think Elijah was so desperate for the woman’s son to return to life?
Have you ever been as desperate as Elijah? What circumstances in your life caused your desperation? What was God’s answer?

24And the woman said to Elijah, By this I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth.

Now, for a second time, the widow’s son is saved by God through Elijah. What is the widow’s response when her son is returned to her?
Through this foreign woman God reveals his willingness to supply our needs if we will depend on him. Have you ever doubted God’s ability or willingness to give you what you need?

Day4

Her Legacy of Prayer
Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from you mouth is truth.” 1 Kings 17:24

Reflect on 1 Kings 17: 8-24
Praise God for his constant attentiveness
Offer thanks for all the ways God has already provided for you and for the ways he will provide in the future.
Confess any tendency to act as though God really doesn’t care about what’s happening to you.
Ask God to make you a woman who relies on him daily for her physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Dear Lord, I praise you for always caring for me, always knowing what is going on in my life and giving me an ever so soft nudge towards the right direction to complete your will. Thank you for providing for our family and myself and for having a plan to continue to provide for us, even if what you provide is not what we asked for and even if we do not receive what we asked for. I am sorry for forgetting sometimes that you do care about everything in my life, just as those who are close to me and love me do. You are my Father and I ask that you forgive me for not coming to you at all times for things that are happening in my life. Make me and my woman friends rely on you daily for our spiritual, emotional, and physical needs, it is you who knows our life story, help us to seek your guidance. In Jesus name, Amen.

Day 5

Good Morning (early afternoon for some), I hope you are having a wonderful day already. Yesterday was the See Ya Later party for my dear friend Russell. I had never been to a funeral that packed an entire sanctuary to standing room only. But it was only fitting for the person that we were honoring. I know this is a devotional about the women of the Bible. I just can’t help to admit that there are many women in this world who are amazing because of a loving relationship with a male in their lives. It was apparent that he had reflected the love of our God in his lifetime. His wife, daughter and granddaughter were able to stand in praise for the life of this man who cared and loved for so many.

Anyway, the reason I am bringing this up is because as I read the portion of the book I am to share with you today, I was taken aback. I Remembered that there was a time I felt defeated, down, alone. I was struggling through a situation with my mother in July 2005. This amazing friend of mine had read an email prayer request from me. He responded and I saved his email because it was an encouragement in my life. Maybe in honor of him, I can pass his words on to you and you may be forever changed as well. He sent me this single email message:

Hi Heather
Just a short note
I have been holding you and your family in prayer.
The last email stated that you felt defeated
I know that battle wears one out, and to encourage you -- read the following;
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 The Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit, is our Warrior
1 John 4:4 GREATER is HE that is IN YOU, than he that is in the world. KJV
He loves you and knows just what you are going through
The word defeated is not in the Bible OT or NT. We may all become discouraged from time to time but that draws us to the Savior.
NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD.
Love you guys
Russ (russel bony)

I could stop now, but I have to share with you the reading from the book.
Lift your Heart
Whenever we spin anxious scenarios about the future, we waste precious emotional energy. This kind of worrying causes negativity. It becomes a misguided attempt to control the future. Instead of controlling the future (only GOD can do that) we end up being controlled by anxiety. Jesus said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34) Begin to form habits that will help you break the power of worry in your life. Start by thanking God each morning for some small sign of his goodness (like the fact you have another day to live). Think of ways God has taken care of you in the past (a simple email from a friend who knew you needed it). Gratitude will increase your sense of God's presence in your life. It doesn’t hurt to write down these blessings and save those emails that touch you so deeply that you are changed. You never know when you will need to go back to those words of encouragement and you never know when you may be able to share them with others. I didn’t know almost 2 years ago that saving this email would bring me such joy and comfort from the passing of my friend, Russell Bony. I will forever have remembrance of him that I can share with generations to come.

Lord, I know it is easy sometimes for anxiety to snuff out my gratitude. Help me to linger thankfully in your presence rather than simply rushing on to my next desperate request. Use my weakness and need as a showcase for your strength. Never allow myself or any of these women to feel defeated. Amen.

Rizpah

Day 1

Rizpah:"A hot stone or coal"

Rizpah was Saul's concubine. Mother of Armoni and Mephibosheth. Though a woman with few rights and little power, she displayed great courage and loyalty after the death of her sons. Her only sons were executed and their bodies dishonored because of their father's crime.

Rizpah's Joy: The bodies of her sons were finally given an honorable burial.

2 Samuel 21:1-14
The Gibeonites Avenged
1 During the reign of David, there was a famine for three successive years; so David sought the face of the LORD. The LORD said, "It is on account of Saul and his blood-stained house; it is because he put the Gibeonites to death."
2 The king summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not a part of Israel but were survivors of the Amorites; the Israelites had sworn to spare them, but Saul in his zeal for Israel and Judah had tried to annihilate them.) 3 David asked the Gibeonites, "What shall I do for you? How shall I make amends so that you will bless the LORD's inheritance?"

4 The Gibeonites answered him, "We have no right to demand silver or gold from Saul or his family, nor do we have the right to put anyone in Israel to death."
"What do you want me to do for you?" David asked.

5 They answered the king, "As for the man who destroyed us and plotted against us so that we have been decimated and have no place anywhere in Israel, 6 let seven of his male descendants be given to us to be killed and exposed before the LORD at Gibeah of Saul—the Lord 's chosen one."
So the king said, "I will give them to you."

7 The king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul. 8 But the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, the two sons of Aiah's daughter Rizpah, whom she had borne to Saul, together with the five sons of Saul's daughter Merab, [a] whom she had borne to Adriel son of Barzillai the Meholathite. 9 He handed them over to the Gibeonites, who killed and exposed them on a hill before the LORD. All seven of them fell together; they were put to death during the first days of the harvest, just as the barley harvest was beginning.

10 Rizpah daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock. From the beginning of the harvest till the rain poured down from the heavens on the bodies, she did not let the birds of the air touch them by day or the wild animals by night. 11 When David was told what Aiah's daughter Rizpah, Saul's concubine, had done, 12 he went and took the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the citizens of Jabesh Gilead. (They had taken them secretly from the public square at Beth Shan, where the Philistines had hung them after they struck Saul down on Gilboa.) 13 David brought the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from there, and the bones of those who had been killed and exposed were gathered up.

14 They buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in the tomb of Saul's father Kish, at Zela in Benjamin, and did everything the king commanded. After that, God answered prayer in behalf of the land.

Day 2

Rizpah's story is one of God's pictures that reveals only a tiny glimpse of the power we have to make change around us. Imagine her sorrow. She did not loose only one son but two. A mother torn with grief, lays besides the bodies of her dead boys. Still protecting them from the elements and predators that sought to destroy their remains. It may have been months that passed, as she grieved her lose and hoped for the proper burial of her sons.

Rizpah is a story of perseverance. She was patient, but allowed herself to grieve. King David had to take notice and took action. Her courage and loyalty touched his heart.

Rizpah made the people look at the cost of sin. She had few rights and little power. Rizpah gave meaning to her son's deaths and helped a nation deal with the sins of its leader. Her story is tragic but in her strength she may have spared other mothers in Israel similar grief, if only for a while.

Heavenly Father, Courage is not often a word I associate with being a mother. Today Lord, show me the ways in which I can stand up for my children or children within my reach. Help me learn to not only "mother" them but show them how amazing they are. Give me the strength and courage to protect the children from the predators of this world and give You the glory in their lives. May we be an example to those around us. May the scope of your love not only reach inside our family but to those we can touch around us.

Day 3

2 Samuel 21:10
10 Rizpah daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock. From the beginning of the harvest till the rain poured down from the heavens on the bodies, she did not let the birds of the air touch them by day or the wild animals by night.

Have you ever undertaken a task that, had you know what was required, would have seemed beyond your ability or strength? What kept you going? What was the result?

2 Samuel 21:11-14
When David was told what Aiah's daughter Rizpah, Saul's concubine, had done, 12 he went and took the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the citizens of Jabesh Gilead. (They had taken them secretly from the public square at Beth Shan, where the Philistines had hung them after they struck Saul down on Gilboa.) 13 David brought the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from there, and the bones of those who had been killed and exposed were gathered up.
14 They buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in the tomb of Saul's father Kish, at Zela in Benjamin, and did everything the king commanded. After that, God answered prayer in behalf of the land.

When have you had to have some outside circumstance stimulate you to do what was right? What was the outcome? What would have happened had you done nothing?

How is God's love for you like Rizpah's love for her children?

Day 4

Rizpah: consistency, tenacity, faithfulness, courageous, loving

The list of amazing descriptions of this women could go on for a very long while. Because of these beautiful characteristics in Rizpah, King David noticed and did something. You too were given a list of amazing descriptions by your Creator. Can you make a list of just a few. How will you allow God to use these parts of you to start change?

The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight. ~2 Samuel 22:25

For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. ~Psalm 37:28

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassion's never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ~Lamentations 3:21-23

Day 5

Rizpah daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock. From the beginning of the harvest till the rain poured down from the heavens on the bodies, she did not let the birds of the air touch them by day or the wild animals by night. ~2 Samuel 21:10~

Praise God for giving mothers the power to love their children so fiercely.

Give Thanks for the way other women have stood by you in times of difficulty.

Confess any tendency to back off rather than confront important moral issues with love and courage.

Ask God to stretch your love beyond your own family circle so that it becomes a force that shapes the world around you.

Lift your Heart: We cannot save all the motherless children, but we can reach out one at a time. Pray about whether you could become a big sister to a young girl in need. Go out of your way to make a neglected child feel welcome in your home. Speak out against the forces in our culture that devalue human life. Lend your voices to hose that clamor for peace in our world. Do what you can where you can. Let your love be fierce and strong. Don't back off.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the amazing women that have show me protecting, persistent love. I know your own love better because of the way she loved me. Help me to become a spiritual mother to those you bring into my life.

Hannah

Day 1

Hannah
Her name means Graciousness or Favor
This is my daughters name.
Her character - Provoked by another woman’s malice, she refused to respond in kind. Instead, she poured out her hurt and sorrow to God, allowing him to vindicate her.
Her sorrow - To be taunted and misunderstood.
Many times my daughter, Hannah is misunderstood because of speach impairments (pray with me that she will no longer be frustrated in this area)
Her Joy - To proclaim God’s power and goodness, his habit of raising the lowly and humbling the proud.
Oh, boy, do we know it, she sure has a way of proclaiming God's power and goodness! Praise God for children who speak from their innocence, their heart.

Key scriptures - 1 Samuel 1:1 - 2:11; 2:19 - 21.

Dear Lord, help me to learn more this week, to find truth in your word and to seek you every day. Help me to find some time to bask in your love. This is a time of fruitfulness and new life, Spring is starting to birth beautiful, bright, colorful baby blooms and everywhere I look, I see your beauty. As I look upon my Hannah, help me to pray specifically for her and your purpose in her life. May I see her graciousness and Favor as you do. Thank you for my little flowers in my life and those big trees with roots buried deep. May I find a balance between learning from those you have made stronger than me and may I be an example to those who are weaker. Will you guide me in every thing I do, will you cause a rippling effect in my life so that you are seen through my actions.

Just for fun :
I asked my girls what they would think if we shared God with someone new everyday. What if we were able to share a priceless gift everyday so that even strangers will know God and rejoice in Heaven. My daughter said “well he is preparing a feast that we will all share when all those who know Him are finally with Him” Out of surprise, I said “we better talk to more people.”
What are you doing to make sure you will have a feast with everyone you have had the opportunity to share this priceless gift with?

It is spring, why not plant the seeds?, someone else may need to harvest them!

Day 2

Like Sarah and Rachel, Hannah grieved over the children she couldn’t have. But unlike them, she took her anguish directly to God. Misunderstood by both her husband and her priest, she could easily have turned her sorrow on herself or others, becoming bitter, hopeless, or vindictive. But instead of merely pitying herself or responding in kind, she poured out her soul to God. And God graciously answered her prayer.

Is there a situation in your life where the only one that understands is God. Have so many others misunderstood you to the point that you have been brought to your knees. I am the first to admit that I could use heaps more practice and knowledge in the area of communication. I am sure there are times others have thought I was drunk on beer or wine when I was just trying to communicate. How many different ways have you communicated with God? Do you do it throughout the day without ceasing?

Here are just a few examples of how you can communicate with Him, no matter what your circumstance: Request, the obvious way to come to Him. Even unbelievers do this. Many use it to cover all the bases and many use it selfishly, never giving the Glory to God when He does provide. I have seen both sides of this. As a part of an amazing army of believers who come together in belief that God can do all things. I also used to pray in hopes that if there were a God, he would make sure not to disappoint my selfish ways. Boy was that an eye opener when I came to know Him. I don’t always get what I want, Thank God!

Praise, this is a way to worship God. Just about anything can be a praise to God. To praise Him in the good times and bad is an act of obedience that takes faith.

Faith is the most meaningful of all ways to communicate. It is based in the heart. It is the believing what you can’t see, trusting what seems impossible into God’s hands. It’s loving Him unconditionally.

Worship can be done in many forms, it is an act of taking the focus off anything earthly and placing the focus on God alone. Music lyrics are commons ways to do this, poems, fasting, etc.

Confession is a way to show God that you know he knows all and that you want him to be a part of every part of your life. He knows it all anyway. Every healthy relationship has truth, even when it hurts. Consciousness of our own sinfulness. Sometimes we tend to confess to our friends, hairdressers, diaries, but the one that forgives waits for us to drop to our knees and humble ourselves.

Adoration is a way of expressing Gods great love for us. Yes this is done in words and deeds. If you love God you will treat him as your friend, your companion. You will express His love to others, yourself and Him.

Thanksgiving is a way to show gratitude. In everything, give thanks. (Col. 3:17; 1 Thess. 5:18). A prayer during a meal is always nice, but there are hundreds of other things to thank God for.
Dedicated Action is a way to show God to others. If you are in a relationship with God you will know He desires for others to meet your friend and companion, he wants to be shared with others. This is where you are so dedicated that you know you can give your life for others, you will put others before yourself.

Just remember: The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16

Are you aware of what you can do through prayer? God is present and listening. He is waiting. He can change the physical world through healing, parting seas, enlarging borders, preservation and sanctification of body, soul and spirit.

Dear Lord, thank you for leading me on this journey through your Word and how we should come to you for everything in every way we know how to express ourselves. We love you and pray you continue to show us how we should come to you and how we can intercede on your behalf.

Day 3

The more that I read about the women of the Bible, the more I see that I have it pretty good. In Hannah’s days, she was not a shinning star. She had many people counting on her to bear children. She didn’t just have to deal with the pain and emotions of infertility, she had to deal with the public responses. She was an outcast, not part of the group of women who were able to bless their families and husbands with children. I can’t imagine how she came to the Lord, I am sure she had no other place to turn, no one to confide in. But the very fact that she went to Him rather than anyone else, made her story one that has last thousands of years. Not the fact that she had enough faith to ask God for a child, but the fact that she went to Him above all others, recognizing that He had a purpose for her life and only He could do anything about her circumstance.

Read 1Samuel 1

What Response does Hannah’s childlessness cause in Hannah? In Peninnah? In Elkanah?

How have you responded to disappointments or failures in your life?

What impact did the reactions of those around you have on you?

Hannah stood in this very public place and poured out her pain to the Lord. Notice Eli’s reaction. Do you think she was unaware of the reaction others might have, or do you think she just did not care?

What caused the changes in Hannah after verse 18? Is there anything here that would make her sure she would now bear a son? If not, why then was she comforted?

When has God answered your prayers after a time of disappointment or difficulty? When have your prayers gone unanswered? How did God provide in those troublesome times?

How did God answer Hannah’s prayer? What is the significance of the name Samuel?
What was Hannah’s fulfillment of her vow? Why would Hannah’s vow be difficult for you?

Read 1 Samuel 2:18 - 21
18 But Samuel was ministering before the LORD -a boy wearing a linen ephod. 19 Each year his mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice. 20 Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, "May the LORD give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to the LORD." Then they would go home. 21 And the LORD was gracious to Hannah; she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD.

During the time Samuel was growing up, what do you think it was like for Hannah? What were her actions?

How did God reward Hannah for her faithfulness?

Hannah dedicated her son Samuel to the Lord by giving him up to the Lord and to the work in the temple. Are your children dedicated to the Lord? If so, what are you doing to help them grow up in him.

Dear Lord, I know I have dedicated each of my girls to you and as hard as it is to say, I know I could do better showing them how to serve you and worship you. How rewarding it would be to have all three of our girls seek you in their crisis’s. To know you are the only one worth going to for results. May you surround them with others that will encourage a daily walk and praise of you Lord. For them to love you first and foremost. Lord, I cry out to you asking you for protection on my children. Please don’t stop there, please bless those children that are part of the families represented in this devotional. Help each of us, young children or grown, to be prayer warriors for them and to trust them in your hands. Praise you , Lord for you are Almighty.

Day 4 & 5

Her legacy of prayer

In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD. And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life.” - 1 Samuel 1:10 - 11

Reflect on 1 Samuel 2:1 - 10

Praise God that he knows our hearts

Offer thanks for already answering so many of your prayers

Confess your tendency to pour out your heart to everyone but God, making him a last, rather than first, resort.

Ask God to give you the grace to trust his strength.

One way to build your confidence in God is to form a habit of remembrance. it’s so easy to forget everything he’s already done by being preoccupied with what you want him to do right here, right now. But by forgetting his blessings, you form a habit of ingratitude. By frequently thanking God for what he’s done, you build a habit of gratitude, which will also deepen your trust in God’s compassion, mercy, faithfulness, and power. Find a blank notebook or a lovely scrapbook that can become your Remembrance Book be a tangible way to keep God’s faithfulness in the forefront of your heart.

Father, Thank you for all the prayers you have answered in my life. You have answered all types of prayers. Those of desperation, small ones and big ones, evening and morning prayers, soft prayers and loud prayers. You have even caused me to pray for others and I have seen your hand upon them as well. May my own prayers be shaped according to your will and purpose. Work in my life so that I don’t come to you with all my problems, thinking you will solve them all, but rather, help me to come to you for everything, including praise and worship, even when the circumstances are not according to my own will. I love you Lord.

Ruth

Day 1

I am so excited to be back in the word, not that I haven't read the last two weeks, but I love to study and learn new things. This week I am particularily excited because I kind of attach myself to the story of Ruth, more about that later, here is her story.

Ruth

Her name means Friendship.

How cool is that? A name that describes the very core of a woman. Women long for friendship, they seek it and at times they challenge it. It is one word with a thousand emotions.

Her character is generous, loving and strong. She is serene, able to take unusual risks and deal actively with the consequences.

Her sorrow was losing her husband, homeland, and family.

Her joy was to discover firsthand the generous, loyal, and loving nature of God, as he provided her with a husband, a son, and a home to call her own.

Key Scriptures. Click here to read Ruth 2 - 4

Matthew 1:5 Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse,

I am so excited I get to do this devotional on Ruth. She was one of the first women in the Bible that I ever learned about. As a new Christian, her story gave me hope and as a more experienced Christian, her story continues to show me that God is in every circumstance, He wants to orchestrate our lives so that we experience His love and mercy, so we have hope in the midst of any storm. Praise God.

Day 2

Kinsman - Redeemer-
Had Ruth and Naomi gone their own ways, Boaz would have never met nor married Ruth. She was a gem to him. He didn’t realize the rich blessing from God. Their son, Obed became the father of Jesse and grandfather of David. They became the great-grandparents of King David. They are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus of Nazereth, who is, after all, our own great Kinsman - Redeemer. We have been united to Him, healing our sorrows, giving us a future full of hope.

Gleaning -An act of gathering leftovers that harvesters leave behind. It provided enough food for Naomi and herself. It was law that the leftovers be left available to the poor and aliens. Ruth fit both categories as a Moabite and no one to support her. (Leviticus 19:9; 23:22; Deuteronomy 24:19 - 22)This was a “welfare system” set up by Moses. It wasn’t a handout, because the poor still had to work for it. They would have to compete with the other poor and alien that were gleaning behind the harvesters, which made it hard to survive at times. Boaz ordered that the harvesters leave behind grain as Ruth followed, going above and beyond the Law. Because of his character, he became a “friend” to Ruth. Together, they became ancestors of Christ.

Praise God that he is in the small stuff, preparing an abundance of blessings in our future.

Day 3

Ruth 2

1. What is Ruth known for? What reputation goes with her to the field?
2. Describe this what this day’s work must have been like for Ruth.

Ruth 3

1. When Boaz was sleeping at the threshing floor instead of at home, was Ruth’s behavior immoral? What was she asking Boaz by her behavior?

Ruth 4

1. Who do you think was happiest at this wedding? Ruth? Boaz? Naomi? Why? The Wedding takes place in verse 13.
2. What does the outcome of this story tell you about God’s Providence, his divine guidance?
3. How have you experienced God’s Providence and his divine direction in your life?
4. After all of Ruth’s sorrows, what is her situation now?
5. Naomi’s restored joy is described, but nothing is said of Ruth’s. In your own words, describe what sort of joy Ruth must have been experiencing.
6. Think about a time in your life when your joy was restored.

Day 4

Her legacy of Prayer
Ruth 4:14 - 15

14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! 15 And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him.”

Reflect on Ruth 3 -4
Praise God for providing for those that have no one to provide for them.

Offer thanks for the way God has used other women, your mother or mother - in - law, your sisters or daughters, to provide for you.

Confess any tendency to compete with other women

Ask God to help you appriciate your own mother and mother - in - law and to give you a vision for the power of two women, linked by love and faith.

Day 5

Lift your Heart.

It is easy to assume the important women in our lives know how much we cherish them. But Mother’s Day cards and friendship cards, nice as they are to get and give, don’t always do the trick. We also need to verbalize our love sincerely and regularly. Don’t wait until Mother’s Day to treat those important women to tea or a leisurely lunch. Tell them how much they mean to you and how much you care about them. Be specific and make sure to make a mental note of all the good qualities that person possesses. You could make a book for that person decorate it with colorful stickers and stencils, record all the wonderful qualities and package it with scented soap, bath salts and candles, give it as a keepsake for her to treasure and use as a resource when she may need a self-esteem booster.

Father, I thank you for the women who have played such an important role in my life. Please bless each one in a special way today and help me find ways to express to them my love and gratitude.