Sadducees: Position, Power and Perception.

Sadducees: Position, Power, and Perception

By Heather Collver

Jesus was in Constant conflict with the Sadducees.

The Sadducees were wealthy and held powerful positions, including that of chief priests and high priest, and they held the majority of the 70 seats of the ruling council called the Sanhedrin.

They seemed to be more concerned with politics than religion. They did not relate well to the common man, nor did the common man hold them in high opinion. The common man related better to those who belonged to the party of the Pharisees, therefore the Sadducees went along with their ideas to please the common man. As long as they held their status, they weren't responsible to be held to integrity.

They definitely were not perfect in their doctrinal views. The following is a brief list of beliefs they held that contradict Scripture:

1. They were extremely self-sufficient to the point of denying God's involvement in everyday life.

How often does God get his say in your daily schedule? How involved are you and God?

2. They denied any resurrection of the dead (Matthew 22:23; Mark 12:18-27; Acts 23:8).

Do you believe that Christ resurrected from the dead?

3. They denied any afterlife, holding that the soul perished at death, and therefore denying any penalty or reward after the earthly life.

What do you believe? Do you agree that we will not be held accountable for the things we do, say, or think in this life?

4. They denied the existence of a spiritual world, i.e., angels and demons (Acts 23:8).

Have you ever experienced the existence of the spiritual world? What does the Bible say about Angels and Demons?

Because the Sadducees were more concerned with politics than religion, they were unconcerned with Jesus until they became afraid He might bring unwanted Roman attention. It was at this point that the Sadducees and Pharisees united and conspired to put Christ to death (John 11:48-50; Mark 14:53; 15:1).

They were unconcerned. Yikes!!!! They did not want the Romans to know that they were not taking their positions seriously, that they were conforming to the Pharisaic community in order to keep peace and be popular among the people.

The Sadducees ceased to exist in A.D. 70. Since this party existed because of their political and priestly ties, when Rome destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in A.D. 70, the Sadducees were also destroyed.

It's like a mafia movie or something. The Sadducees were people pleasers who were more concerned about their position in life than their moral integrity. I know people like that. Some of which are very close to me. I am not sure if they even realize that they put so much energy into their status. It is very apparent though, how they try to set themselves apart from those who do not carry a title. Notice that the Sadducees ceased to exist. It's true, at one point or another, we will all cease to exist here on Earth. Do we want to leave a legacy of love or of position, power and perception? It's not an easy question to answer at times. Could we be satisfied with who we are in Christ, striving to serve him our entire lives, with or without the big title that is perceived as a status in THIS world?

Dear Lord,
Help us to be content with our current status here on earth. Whatever we strive for, let it be to glorify you, to transfer more power to your name than to our own. Lord, you are Power, you have the highest position and you KNOW all things. Help us to discern in this life what is right and wrong. Help us to be people of integrity and transparency, so that we leave no room for question in our Christian walk. You are amazing and I pray that we continue to pursue you and recognize you throughout each day. Amen.

Please pray for a devotional member who will have surgery tomorrow. Please also pray for all those who are ill right now.

Power, Day 5 Praise and Worship

Thank you so much for praying for our ministry this week.

We want to let you know that we will be doing the devotional/blog the week of Thanksgiving. On Monday, Tues, and Wed we would love to talk about the blessing God has poured into each of our lives. We need you to do us a huge favor though. We need some help narrowing it down. We have posted a poll on the blog and we need you to tell us "What are you thankful for this year". Just pick one. If you want to elaborate or if you chose "other" please comment on the one of the blog posts so we know what you are most thankful for. Thank you for your help. We are looking forward to seeing the results. (If you get this by email please click on the Women of Worship logo and it will automatically take you to the blog so you can take the poll, it is in the right hand column).

Okay, Today I chose Kutless: Strong Tower for the worship song. In connection to this weeks devotions it is a song that reminds me of the one perfect place to find strength when I have none.



~Praise our Heaven Father for a beautiful afternoon so my sons' and their friends got to hang out and play some ball. For that wonderful Friend who takes on too many things just like I do. (Hey D: I love you; don't work too much.) Praise the Lord for Grandpa Lehnert who's surgery went great; he is now in recovery in Kiezer, Oregon. Please continue to prayer for Tony Ulloa who is now been diagnosed with "Mild Multiple Sclerosis(MS). Please prayer for his Family( Mom: Marie, Dad: Victor, Sisters: Mia, Angel,Iselia,Mirella, Brother:Alex) Tony has an up and coming MRI exam next Friday. Diana

~Praise God for Hayley C. Thank you for the beautiful gift she is to all that know her. Pray for special blessings over her birthday celebration this weekend.

~Pray for safe travels for Joanne A next week.

~Praise God for my husband, Ted. He has been gone on business all week and I miss him completely. He works so hard to care for us and his heart to provide is honorable and beautiful. I am so blessed to have a godly man as head of our family. I am thankful that my girls and I need him here to make us all feel complete. ~Angela

Our continued prayer requests; please take the time to pray through this list of needs.

~Pray for Julz and Sam Y and their marriage.
~Donna O. Peace
~Sam C., health and less stress, provision, self control~Diana B., Marriage, more time for herself and for family to be able to take care of themselves so she can spend more time enjoying life
~Denise P., for her new relationship with Christ. Knowledge.
~Pray for Shannon and Jonathon. Marriage
~Pray for Jay, For financial peace~
~Pray for Kalee and Kimberly, direction and knowledge
~Pray for Matt S. who is at Hume Lake camp for ministry
~Pray for Hayley, Hormone
~Pray for comfort and guidance for Rachael S.
~Pray for strength for Ashley J.
~Pray for Healing: JoAnne A., Healing of cancer. Heather C., Healing of Thyroid, Iron deficiency, lump Dale G., weight issues Lea N., hip Kathy L., past, addictions, sciatic issues, neurologist, Robert C. Sr., severe back pain Ginny R., healing of cancer Addyson D., Iron deficiency
~Kym, for feelings and emotions, living arrangements.
~Kathy L.,restoration
~McKayla L protection and safety. Pray for a situation to be resolved so that Mckayla's safety is not at risk.
~Janell O and her family, provision in their planning phase of an Africa missions trip. Pray also for peace and strength in their marriage. Pray for understanding and discernment.
~Farah R provision and employment opportunities in their family.
~Canvas Fellowship, location opportunities. The children's ministry has outgrown their space.
~Brittany J and her family are in need of Gods guidance and provision.
~Please pray for revival at Canal Fulton Christian Fellowship
~Pray for Jane M. gaining knowledge through life experiences

Power, Day 4

There is only one place to truly know the Power that is in your Identity in Christ. That is in the Word. Take time to learn the promises God has for you.

1 John 5:1-12
Overcoming the World

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son. The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.

Please continue to pray for our ministry, Women of Worship, this week. Remember to send in Praise and Prayer for tomorrows devotional.

Power, Day 3

I have recently found in my life that the greatest place I find Power is in my fellow Christians coming to my side. There are so many ways that they enrich this life of mine. Many celebrate with me in my triumphs. Even more have lifted me up in encouragement. A few friends that I hold even closer, hold me accountable to the things that I value in my life.

There is so much that God has given us, including friendship. I truly believe we were created to be in relationship with each other. Through family, through marriage and friendship we all have bonds with those around us.

For those of you that are discouraged by people and find you are in a constant state of disappointment when it comes to relationships, please find the silver lining. We are all a work in progress, sometimes with a stumble and a trip we make mistakes big and small. Hypocrisy comes with the territory when you are finding your way and struggling with your flesh. Finding strength in a new identity is hard work and sometimes discouraging.

We need each other. We need to have a hand to pick us up off the ground. We need a shoulder to cry on when we are weak. We need fellow believers that call on the Power in our Savior. The real Power shines through when we come together in fellowship and strength. We are all connected to the same vine, in need of the same spiritual food and encouragement. By working together the fruit of God's craftsmanship is sure to be seen.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.
For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.

Power, Day 2

I have a question for you....Do you live with the knowledge that you are on the winning team?

Sometimes, from my own perspective, it seems that we very rarely live life with the mindset that our God has overcome the world. (John 16:33"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." )

There is no doubt that life can leave a sour taste in our mouths. It is tough, and it is getting harder to find people that aren't struggling with something. Finances, marriage, family, children, drugs, alcohol, anger; do I need to say more? As a believer how do you find focus when things are getting out of control? Do you proclaim to love Jesus with all of your heart and all of your mind, speaking His testimony to those around you? Do you show your loved ones, your community that there is power in the Almighty Creator of the Universe? Or, do you react the same as everyone, with self-doubt and pity?

You need to find strength in Our Father, Your neighbors need to know that there is Hope beyond the things that they see in our world. I don't want to get preachy and start giving you a how-to with your life. I do want to challenge you to reevaluate the things you proclaim as power in your life and then take a good look at the things that have power in your life. If words and your actions don't line up, it may be time to makes some changes.

Romans 8:35-39 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will
tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or
sword? Just as it is written, "FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO
DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE
SLAUGHTERED." But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him
who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels,
nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor
height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from
the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Please Continue to pray for our ministry, Women
of Worship, this week

Power, Day 1

Matthew 18:19-20 "Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.
"For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."

Power defined (I picked and chose a few relevant definitions from dictionary.com)

1. ability to do or act; capability of doing or accomplishing something.

3.great or marked ability to do or act; strength; might; force.

7.delegated authority; authority granted to a person or persons in a particular office or capacity

9.a person or thing that possesses or exercises authority or influence.

18.energy, force, or momentum

23.to inspire; spur; sustain

25.to drive or push by applying power

I was thinking about our Friday list of Prayer requests and Praise reports. Wow, what an amazing list. We are truly blessed to have a place to share our needs and our thanksgiving. There is so much to be said for a group of people that will take the time to pray for the needs of others. I hope all of you find power in our Friday devotionals. I know it can seem long and impersonal, but all of us have something amazing to call on when people in our family are in need. We have the power that comes in the name of Jesus.

Heavenly Father~ Your power is the strength I need everyday. I have such an overwhelming need to express the power of your family coming together in Your name. Praise you that you give your grace freely, that we all may choose to live in your guidance and plan. Thank you, Lord, that we may come together and freely worship Your greatness in our lives. Thank you Lord that when we come to you in our times of need that you meet us and find favor in us. Remind us all Lord of you amazing Power not only in our lives as individuals but as a group of believers that proclaim your name above all names.~Amen

Please pray for our ministry, Women of Worship this week.

The O's of God, Day 1

The O's of God

Day 1

Omnipotence- a theological term that refers to the all-encompassing power of God.

Omnipresence- a theological term that refers to the unlimited nature of God or His ability to be everywhere at all times.

Omniscience- a theological term that refers to God's superior knowledge and wisdom. His power to know all things.

Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Job 12:13 "To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.

Dear Lord, I pray today that you will be praised. That eyes will be open to your amazing ways. That hearts will be softened to receive you. Please forgive us for not always remembering all your qualities. Thank you that these qualities are real and that even when we forget it doesn't make them less real. I pray that this week, we will understand you more and be closer to you in all we do, say, think. Thank you.

Please pray for Kathy L. as you go through your week.

Hand or Hands

Hand

Day 1

Hand or Hands

The end of a person's arm that serves as a grasping and handling tool. The hand enables humans to use tools and to act in ways that are impossible for animals.

This is the common definition of the word hand. But when you look further into God's word, you will find that there are several other ways to define the word hand.

The Bible speaks of hands in the physical sense to explain the person's attitude.

Uplifted hands showed praise and petition to God. They also showed violence against another person.
Exodus 3:8 And I have come down to deliver them out of the hand and power of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a land good and large, a land flowing with milk and honey [a land of plenty]--to the place of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite.
1 Samuel 23:17 He said to him, Fear not; the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father knows that too.
Psalm 31:15 My times are in Your hands; deliver me from the hands of my foes and those who pursue me and persecute me. Drooping hands showed weariness.
Isaiah 35:3 Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble and tottering knees. Laying hands on heads showed:

The transferal of power (Genesis 48:17 17 When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on Ephraim's head, it displeased him; and he held up his father's hand to move it to Manasseh's head.)

Hands were also used in symbolism. The "hand of someone or a group was used in scripture several times. Hands do the will of the entire person or the "whole being".
Psalms 24:4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted himself up to falsehood or to what is false, nor sworn deceitfully
Acts 2:23 This Jesus, when delivered up according to the definite and fixed purpose and settled plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and put out of the way [killing Him] by the hands of lawless and wicked men

So why did I choose Hand? I don't know. It was the word that seemed to jump off the page, make my heart beat a little faster, it was the word that God had set a part for this devotional and so I only pray that I will be able to teach you what I learned and what God had in mind for you this week.

Dear Lord, I pray that each of the recipients of this devotional and those who come across it on the Internet, will be touched by this devotional. How funny is it that I used the word touch in a prayer about the word Hand? Anyway, Lord, I am praying for each of us to hear your word, to be able to walk closer with you and to have the knowledge that only comes from you. Lord, I praise you for using me and ask for your Divine touch on all the details of this devotional.

Day 2

Hands

Hand of God defined the great power of God.

Deuteronomy 2:15 15 Moreover the hand of the Lord was against them to exterminate them from the midst of the camp, until they were all gone.

Leviticus 16:21 And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat and confess over him all the iniquities of the Israelites and all their transgressions, all their sins; and he shall put them upon the head of the goat [the sin-bearer], and send him away into the wilderness by the hand of a man [a]who is timely (ready, fit).

God's power in creation

Psalms 8:6 You made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet:

Isaiah 64:8 Yet, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our Potter, and we all are the work of Your hand

God's power in judgement- "his hand is outstretched".

Ruth 1:13 Would you therefore wait till they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters; it is far more bitter for me than for you that the hand of the Lord is gone out against me.

Isaiah 9:12 The Syrians [compelled to fight with their enemies, going] before [on the east] and the Philistines behind [on the west]; and they will devour Israel with open mouth. For all this, [God's] anger is not [then] turned away, but His hand is still stretched out [in judgment].

17 17Therefore the Lord will not rejoice over their young men, neither will He have compassion on their fatherless and widows, for everyone is profane and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly. For all this, [God's] anger is not turned away, but His hand is still stretched out [in judgment].

To extend God's mercy and forgiveness.

Psalm 37:24 Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand in support and upholds him.

In the New Testament Jesus placed his hands on children and the sick when he healed them. Matthew 19:13 Then little children were brought to Jesus, that He might put His hands on them and pray; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 15 And He put His hands upon them, and then went on His way.

Matthew 9:18 While He was talking this way to them, behold, a ruler entered and, kneeling down, worshiped Him, saying, My daughter has just [a]now died; but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will come to life.

In the early church, hands were used to heal and for the reception of the holy spirit.

Acts 9:17

So Ananias left and went into the house. And he laid his hands on Saul and said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, Who appeared to you along the way by which you came here, has sent me that you may recover your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Whenever there was a ceremony where hands were placed on heads, it was accompanied by prayer.

Day 3

The laying on of hands was not a magical or superstitious rite that gave a person special power. It expressed the idea of being set apart by God's people for a special task. Placing hands upon a person by a body of believers in ceremonial fashion symbolized that person's authority or his appointment to a special task.

Do you believe you were set aside for a special task?

Do you believe you have the power to heal others through your hands? Why or why not?

Have you ever been part of a group who has laid hands on someone in prayer for healing in their lives? To receive the holy spirit?

Do you believe we are the extension of God's Hand here on earth?

As Christians, we have the authority to call God's power into a situation, have you ever used that authority?

I had so much information on Hands, that I wanted to offer some more if you want it.

Other references to hands in the Bible

The ordination of church officials.

1 Timothy 5:22 22 Do not be in a hurry in the laying on of hands [giving the sanction of the church too hastily in reinstating expelled offenders or in ordination in questionable cases], nor share or participate in another man's sins; keep yourself pure.

Laying hands on someone would also symbolize blessing and the setting apart of someone. This would take place by laying the right hand on the head. Just as Jesus sits at the right hand of God to symbolize power.

Deuteronomy 34:9 And Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands upon him; so the Israelites listened to him and did as the Lord commanded Moses.

In the ancient world hands were decorated with bracelets and rings.
Genesis 24:22 And when the camels had finished drinking, the man took a gold earring or nose ring of half a shekel in weight, and for her hands two bracelets of ten shekels in weight in gold,
Ezekial 23:42 And the sound of a careless crowd was with her, and with men of the common sort were brought drunkards from the wilderness, who put bracelets upon the hands of both sisters and beautiful crowns upon their heads.

In the Old Testament, hands would be laid on the head of an animal intended for sacrifice. This would symbolize the transferal of sins and guilt to the goat then it would be taken away in to the wilderness.

Leviticus 16:21 And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat and confess over him all the iniquities of the Israelites and all their transgressions, all their sins; and he shall put them upon the head of the goat [the sin-bearer], and send him away into the wilderness by the hand of a man [a]who is timely (ready, fit).

Day 4

A few weeks ago I celebrated my 5 year Baptism anniversary. It is like a second birthday to me. The day I was willing to declare publicly that I was going to serve God and that I was getting rid of my old self to become a new person in Christ. I had been a Christian 7 months and knew that God had a lot of work in molding me into what he created me to be. I have made several mistakes along the way, but looking at where I was and where I am now, it is apparent in my life that God's "hand" has been there since my birth. Even before I became a Christian, he was orchestrating the moment I would come into a relationship with him. The people in my life along the way stretched out their hands and extended the power God had given them. I remember one grand moment in my life, where God became real to me. I used to care about me, my self and I and sometime others. I was one of those people that believed I was the only one in control of my life. The only time I used the word God, was to use it wrongly or to pray to get myself out of trouble. Even though I did not believe in God, I prayed because it was like a band aid, it covered all my bases. When God started making himself real in my life, I was not willing to admit that He was real. I did not want my mind to believe what my heart was starting to say. One day I shared with my mother in law that I didn't think I would be able to believe in God unless he showed himself to me. Well, he did and I am sure that it had something to do with my mother in law and her faithfulness in prayer. Although she was not the one whose hands led me to believe, God knew that I would share that with her and she would be faithful enough to call on the power of God. My neighbor placed her hands on me and my daughter and asked for healing for her ears. A few days later, God revealed to me that he was real and that my heart was telling the truth. God healed my baby and it was because he trusted those who were willing to be an extension of his Hand.

Will you be trusted with the special task of being an extension of God's hand? Pray with me.

Lord, I thank you for "setting us apart" for a special task. Lord, help me to see when there is an opportunity to reveal the power and authority that only you can give to me. Lord, help me to be a witness, not just by the healing I have received, but by the power you have given me to pray for others and place my hands upon them for healing. Will you give us all a boldness of stretching out of our little comfort bubbles and becoming the "hand of God" to those who need your healing. I want to be able to reveal your love and amazing power to the lost and hurting people that I know in my life. I trust lord, just as you can trust me, that you will work in those details and that as long as I am willing to use my hands, you will do the rest. I praise you Lord that I am your child and my heart breaks for those who do not know you. May my actions reflect those of your son Jesus Christ. Amen.

Day 5

Praise Fridays, we want to post your praises for the weekend to give everyone hope. Please forward on a praise for us by Thursday evening.

Ask God to reveal to you moments where you can stretch out your hands and transfer his power to those who need it.

Confess moments where you have ignored God's calling in your life to be an extension of Him.

Praise God for the knowledge you now have for for giving you chances to reveal his power to others.

Pray for God to constantly remind you of his power. Pray for moments that only God can orchestrate. Pray for those who come to mind that you know need healing in their lives. Pray for God to bring others into their lives to reveal his power to them if you are not the one he will use for that special task.

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.

The Woman of Endor

Day 1

Her Character: Compassionate to Saul on the eve of his death, she exercised power by acting as a medium.

Her Sorrow: To have delivered a hopeless message to Israel's king.

Key Scripture: 1 Samuel 28:3-25

That night the woman of Endor had looked into the eyes of the most powerful man in Israel and had seen the terror there. Did the vision shake her? Did she recognize herself in him? Did her encounter with a true prophet cause her to forsake her trade as a medium? We have no idea what became of her. Sadly, her meeting with Saul marks one of the lowest moments in the life of Israel's first king, revealing his disintegration as a man whose future was destroyed by disobedience.

Saul's tragic ending reminds us that the antidote to fear is always trust. Only faith can cure our worst nightmares, and faith is a gift that is either fed by obedience or starved by disobedience. Forsaking our own desire to manipulate and control people and circumstances, we must trust God to use his power on our behalf.

Day 2

Witchcraft

Dear friends, I have to say that when I first started studying this woman of Endor, I wondered how it could relate to me. In God's amazing wisdom and through prayer I have found much reflection in this woman. This weeks devo has helped me question some of the things I put my trust in. I challenge you to do the same. How many of us have placed a fortune from a cookie on our refrigerator because it said exactly what we thought we needed to hear? How many of us take a few minutes a day to read our horoscope's in hopes it will tell us what direction our life will go today? How many times have I sought to know the outcome of a decision before making it? How often have I sought out advice from people to direct my path instead of trusting God and taking it to Him in prayer?

Before I was a follower of Christ I had put my trust in things of the occult. I was studying Wicca and tarot cards. I may have just dabbled in those things but they did have an effect on me. I was searching for answers. Luckily, God got hold of my heart and turned me from the occult. Have you ever sought out a psychic/medium? Had your palm read? Talked to the dead? How does the things you experienced line up with God's word?

I truly believe God can use anything, even the Devil's work, for his good. I believe in prophetic words and God using people we trust to guide us. But I am learning to take each thing that I am looking for guidance in, first to God in prayer, then seek out the advice of others, then I take it to God's word. If it is truly from Him, it will line up with His word.

Now a little more from our book:

Right from the start, God commanded his people not to have anything to do with witchcraft in any form. His words are clear and firm--we might even think harsh: "A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their own heads" Leviticus 20:27

Today, when the interest in spiritism and mediums is once again strong, it is good to consider what may be fueling the fascination. Words like waiting, depending, surrendering, and obeying rankle. We would much rather find ways to control the course of events. Yet the spiritual life is often counter-intuitive. When we embrace the way of faith and trust in God, following him even when the path is unfamiliar or unknown, what seems like it should diminish us actually enlarges us. The story of Saul and the woman of Endor reminds us that there's really nothing new about human behavior. Under the skin we all experience the same desires, temptations, and needs. Then, as now, our happiness lies in faith and trust.

Day 3

1Samuel 28:15-20
15 Samuel said to Saul, "Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?" "I am in great distress," Saul said. "The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has turned away from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do."
16 Samuel said, "Why do you consult me, now that the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy? 17 The LORD has done what he predicted through me. The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David. 18 Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the LORD has done this to you today. 19 The LORD will hand over both Israel and you to the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also hand over the army of Israel to the Philistines."
20 Immediately Saul fell full length on the ground, filled with fear because of Samuel's words. His strength was gone, for he had eaten nothing all that day and night.

How did Saul react when he found out he would die the next day?

How would you react if you truly knew today was your last day alive? What would you do?

1 Samuel 28:21-25
21 When the woman came to Saul and saw that he was greatly shaken, she said, "Look, your maidservant has obeyed you. I took my life in my hands and did what you told me to do. 22 Now please listen to your servant and let me give you some food so you may eat and have the strength to go on your way."
23 He refused and said, "I will not eat." But his men joined the woman in urging him, and he listened to them. He got up from the ground and sat on the couch.
24 The woman had a fattened calf at the house, which she butchered at once. She took some flour, kneaded it and baked bread without yeast. 25 Then she set it before Saul and his men, and they ate. That same night they got up and left.

What does the woman of Endor's reaction to Saul in these verses tell you about her underlying character?

When have you shown kindness to someone you knew for sure was in the wrong? What did you do?

Day 4

In a backhanded sort of way, the woman of Endor reveals for us our need to trust God. As human beings, many of use are like Saul, afraid of the future, estranged from our loved ones and God, willing to go anywhere for help. But God is our only true source of help and comfort. He has promised to guide and direct us and plan our steps. He doesn't promise to reveal the future to us, but he does promise to go with us as we step into it.

Isaiah 30:19-21
Isaiah 35: 3-4; 8-9
Jeremiah 6:16

Heavenly Father, Thank you that you have plans to prosper me and bless me. Thank you that you have given me your word full of your promises. Help me Lord with my faith. I want to learn to trust you. I want to trust that you will guide me, protect me, comfort me and love me because you created me to desire this relationship with you.

Day 5

"Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God." ~Leviticus 19:31

Praise God that he protects us from evil.

Thank God that he doesn't hide himself from those who love and follow him.

Confess any dealings you may have had with the occult: using tarot cards, consulting horoscopes, visiting fortune-tellers, reading occult books.

Ask God to cleanse and free you from any ill effect of your contact with the occult.

Father, forgive me for my involvement in the occult. I want nothing whatever to do with the realm of evil. Draw me out of the darkness and into the light of your presence. Free me from any lingering effects of my involvement and help me to trust you completely for my future.