Lessons from Deborah

Deborah, Judge of Israel by Lakesia L. Bell

My Walk Monday

Yesterday, I was reading about Deborah in the book of Judges. I got curious as to what others thought about this story. So, I searched and read some blog posts about her.

It was very interesting to see so many different interpretations of the story. One post even said........ Deborah led, but only to promote male leadership. She actually wanted to keep herself in a subordinate role. Deborah's leadership role isn't portrayed as a good thing to be imitated by women later in history. (I'm not saying who said this, because I don't want to cause trouble.)

Hmmm. I didn't get that same message out of this Bible story. I think that God could have promoted male leadership through a man if He wanted to. Instead, God chose this woman to be a prophetess and a judge to the Israelites. Deborah made herself available to God and He used her. It was part of His will. It doesn't matter whether He chooses to use a woman or a man. If He is calling you to step into a Christian leadership role, then you'd better do it.

There is a lot of Christian work to be done, many leadership roles that aren't being filled. Is it possible that God has called Christians to fill these roles and they are not obeying? Why would He leave these important church and ministry positions vacant? I'm thinking that there may be a lot Christians ignoring the calling of the Lord.

Deborah was a good example for us. She yielded herself to God. As Christians, we just need to make ourselves available to Him. We don't need to be perfect, because He can do wonders with us when we are weak and ordinary. When God uses an imperfect nobody, He gets all of the glory for what is done.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Paul tells us - Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

The story of Deborah is found in Judges 4 and 5.


Join Carolyn for the My Walk Monday Meme. Write a post about your walk with the Savior - what you learned in your devotions, what you are struggling with, a new worship song you learned, a prayer request, a new Bible study you started, a praise report … anything that is helping you grow in your relationship with the Lord.

Carry You to Jesus

Then Sings My Soul Saturday Meme

I imagine most of you have already heard about the Chapman's tragedy, but for those who haven't...

Please lift up the Steven Curtis Chapman family in prayer.

They are hurting deeply. Maria, the youngest child in the family, died Wednesday. I can't even imagine the pain they are feeling.

"At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Wednesday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville, transported by Life Flight, but died of her injuries there." (from the official Steven Curtis Chapman site)

It is suggested that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Maria's Miracle Fund at Shaohannah's Hope.

Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth founded The Shaohannah’s Hope Ministry after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. The ministry’s goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world.

We all know that God can bring good out of the bad. We don't see the whole picture, that's where our faith is strengthened.
Let God be glorified despite this tragedy.

You Tube Video: Carry You to Jesus by Steven Curtis Chapman

Thankful Thursday: Christian Women Servants

Today, I'm writing my Thankful Thursday post about Christian women who have dedicated themselves to serving the Lord.

I am thankful for the many Christian women who have followed God's will for their lives. They have used their spiritual gifts and have found true joy in serving Him. These women are inspiring examples for us to follow. Here are four women that I am thankful for:

Susana Wesley

This Christian mother raised 19 children. She developed a personal relationship with each one by scheduling a private time with each one once a week. Two of her children grew up to become famous men of God. John Wesley, her 15th child, was a great preacher and the founder of the Methodist Church. Her 18th child, Charles Wesley, was one of the greatest hymnists of all time. Despite poverty, 2 house fires, and her husband leaving them for a year, she raised her children to trust in God and to serve Him.

Amy Carmichael

The Christian missionary, Amy Carmichael, founded the Dohnavur Fellowship in India in 1901. This orphanage has been a sanctuary for over one thousand children. Many of them were young girls that would have been dedicated to the gods and forced into prostitution to earn money for the priests. This orphanage is still in operation today. Amy Carmichael also wrote thirty-five books - many about missionary work. She served God in India for fifty-five years without furlough.

June Hunt

This woman is a Christian counselor. She helps people through her books and radio shows. June Hunt also has a ministry to train Christians in counseling through materials, classes, and online shows. When you listen to her speak, you can hear her compassion for people who are hurting emotionally. She bases all of her counseling advice on what the Bible says and she points people to God - the Great Physician who can heal any hurt.

Stormie Omartian

This Christian author has written many best selling books teaching us how to pray. The Power of a Praying Wife encourages women to pray daily for their husbands. In this book, Stormie gives examples of what to pray about. Many woman have grown closer to their husbands by praying for them. And many husband's lives have been changed for the better, because their wives have been actively praying.


How about you? Which Christian women have made a positive impression on you? Which ones are you thankful to for their service to the Lord?

Lessons from Rahab

My Walk Monday

Earlier last week, I read about Rahab in the book of Joshua. Israelite spies went into Jericho and they needed a place to hide out. Rahab, a prostitute, agreed to hide the two spies in her house. She even lied about it when the king's men came to her asking where they were.

Rahab helped them because she feared their God.

Joshua 2:9-11 says “I know the Lord has given you this land,” she (Rahab) told them. “We are all afraid of you. Everyone in the land is living in terror. For we have heard how the Lord made a dry path for you through the Red Sea (Sea of Reeds) when you left Egypt. And we know what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan River, whose people you completely destroyed. No wonder our hearts have melted in fear! No one has the courage to fight after hearing such things. For the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below."

In return for helping them, she asked for her life and her family's lives to be spared during the destruction of Jericho. And the Israelites agreed that she and her family would be safe.

My Study Bible said this about Rahab's future:
"References to Rahab elsewhere in the Bible show that she gained a unique place in Jewish history. She and her family alone survived the battle of Jericho. By marrying a man named Salmon (possible a relative of the hero Caleb), she became a direct ancestor of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). The authors of James (2:25) and Hebrews (11:31) hold up Rahab as an example of faith."

Matthew 1:5 "Salmon was the father of Boaz (whose mother was Rahab). Boaz was the father of Obed (whose mother was Ruth). Obed was the father of Jesse."

James 2:25 "Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road."

Hebrews 11:31 "It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies."

I find it quite interesting that right before the destruction of Jericho, a prostitute made a decision that ended up sparing her and her family's lives and resulted in her becoming an ancestor of Jesus. God is wanting all of us to make the right decisions that will honor Him. Even if we are big sinners, He can forgive us and save us through Jesus, and use us to do His work.

This makes me think about how important decisions are. I need to be living in God's will daily, asking Him for wisdom and guidance to make the best decisions.


Join Carolyn for the My Walk Monday Meme. Write a post about your walk with the Savior - what you learned in your devotions, what you are struggling with, a new worship song you learned, a prayer request, a new Bible study you started, a praise report … anything that is helping you grow in your relationship with the Lord.

You're Not Alone

Then Sings My Soul Saturday Meme

I happened to stumble upon this song earlier this week - just when I needed to hear God say to me "You're Not Alone."

You Tube Video: You're Not Alone by Meredith Andrews




You're Not Alone Lyrics:

I search for love
When the night came and it closed in
I was alone
but you found me where I was hiding
and though I'll never ever be the same
It was the sweetest voice that called my name
singing

You're not alone
For I am here
let me wipe away every fear
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest night
and I'm the one that's loved you all your life
All of your life

You cry yourself to sleep
cause the hurt is real
and the pain cuts deep
All hope seems lost
With heartache your closest friend
and everyone else long gone

You've had to face the music on your own
but there is a sweeter song that calls you home
sayin'

You're not alone
For I am here
let me wipe away your every tear
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest nights
And I'm the one that's love you all your life
All your life

Faithful and true... Forever
For my love will carry you....

You're not alone
for I... I am here
let me wipe away every fear... Oh yeah
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through your darkest nights
Your darkest nights
And I'm the one that's loved you all your life
All of your life

Lord, I Have Faith In You

Then Sings My Soul Saturday Meme

This song is awesome - it's the words that I want to say to the Lord. Sometimes I just don't get what's going on in life. Sometimes I wonder when it's going to change or get better. But I keep trusting Him. I want you to know Lord, that no matter what - I Have Faith in You.

You Tube Video: Faith in You by Jami Smith

Contest for Chronicles of the Spanish War Series

Three brave "players" will be selected at random to win their own lost gold:

• Gourmet chocolate coins and
  
• All 3 books in the Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War series

To enter all you have to do is answer the following Meme on your own blog and then leave a comment on Tricia Goyer's blog (the author) saying that you’ve posted your Meme.

Here are my answers to the Meme questions:

1. List three things you would do with a chest full of gold (assuming you got to keep it!)

• pay off all our debts
• help orphans in a Big way
• save and invest
  

Then I'd say to God, "Our debts have been paid and money has been saved - what do you want us to do now, God?

2. List three charities/missions/organizations you support (and why).

• Gospel for Asia Missionaries (It only takes $1800 a year to fully support one.)
• Operation Blessing (They help low income families, disaster victims, and orphans worldwide.)
• Compassion International (They provide Christian training and hope, health care, school, and personal development.)
  

3. List three ways you have volunteered your time/services.

• Our family likes to collect food and give it to Christian food pantries. Last year, we even grew lettuce, beans, and peas to give to a Christian Soup Kitchen.
• I like volunteering at church with our Harvest Party, baking food for church activities, and working with the children.
• I also like to promote evangelism and show people how Easy it is to Evangelize.
  

4. List three things you keep "hidden" when company comes over.

• The upstairs bedrooms.
  
• The inside of my oven. (It isn't a self cleaning one, so it doesn't get cleaned.)
  
• The inside of my frig. (I have a hard time dealing with moldy leftovers. However, it has gotten much better now that the kids eat everything in site and we don't have many leftovers.)
  

5. List the last three things you've lost.

• anything that I write on scratch paper (it just disappears)
• pens and pencils (I usually end up taking phone messages with a crayon.)
  
• my ambition to "get in shape"
  

6. List the last three things you've found.

• misplaced school workbooks and reading books (almost daily)
• that my kids are becoming more fun to converse with now that they are becoming teens
• that I am still addicted to blogging and am having trouble cutting back on it
  

Thankful Thursday

Wind From the Sea by Edward Gordon

Thankful Thursday Meme

I'm going to list all of the wonderful things that I appreciate about today:

• the fresh daffodils on my kitchen table
• fresh air coming in the open windows
• the heater is permanently off until September
  
• ingredients to make cocoa brownies and peanut butter bars
• Internet access to study the book of Joshua, check emails, blog, look up info.
• the girls spent most of the day outside, therefore the house was quiet
• spending time with my son watching science shows on TV
• a phone call from my husband
• hugs and kisses from my little girls
• tiny lettuce plants popping out of the soil today
• being able to just sit in the sun
• doing school work outside on the front porch
• finding corn dogs in the freezer, so I didn't have to cook dinner
  

Everyday, the Lord blesses me with so many neat things.

Ministry Idea - Vacation Bible School

School is almost out for the summer and churches are busy planning Vacation Bible School for the kids.

VBS is an exciting event for churches. They love doing this for the kids and telling new kids about Jesus. Your help is really needed to make Vacation Bible School a successful evangelistic outreach to the community. Here are some things that you can do to help with VBS:

• Invite non-Christian kids to VBS
• Pray that kids will learn about Jesus, make decisions to become Christians, that they will bring their parents to church
  
• Volunteer to help set up, lead groups or activities
  
• Advertise to your community that all kids are invited to VBS

Lessons from Joshua

"Last night, I started a new Bible study with J. Vernon McGee. I'm going to read the book of Joshua for the first time. I've only studied the first chapter, but already I can tell that this book is going to be exciting.

Moses died at the end of Deuteronomy and now God has called Joshua to take over - to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God tells Joshua 3 times, within verses 6 - 9, "be strong and courageous". I'm thinking that Joshua must have been a bit terrified about his new leadership role. But, God called him to do something and God always gives us the ability to do what He's called us to do. We have to trust Him, even when we doubt our own abilities. When God uses us, He works through us. He makes it happen.

This is my favorite part in Chapter 1. God says to Joshua:

“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:6-9

Like Joshua, God wants me to prosper and succeed in my work for Him. But how can I prosper unless I study His instruction book. I need Bible study to become a priority if I want the Lord to use me for His service.


Join Carolyn for the My Walk Monday Meme. Write a post about your walk with the Savior - what you learned in your devotions, what you are struggling with, a new worship song you learned, a prayer request, a new Bible study you started, a praise report … anything that is helping you grow in your relationship with the Lord.

Mother and Child Paintings by Mary Cassatt

I'm going to add a bit of class to my blog today. Mary Cassatt is my favorite artist. I don't know much about art, but I know that I like this impressionist's paintings. I find it interesting that Mary Cassatt never had children of her own.

A Lesson Learned from Mom

The Internet Cafe Saturday Meme

The question for May 10th is:

What is the greatest lesson you learned from your mother or a mom like figure in your life?

One of the greatest lessons that my mom taught me is that there are many roles of a Christian woman. I saw through her example how to do it all. The key to doing it all - is not to do it all at once. In her early adult years, she graduated from college, got married, participated in Christian ministry work, and worked full time. When my sister and I were young, she dedicated much of her time to taking care of us and doing creative things for the home like baking, canning, painting, macramé and other crafts. When we were in grade school, she got involved in our school, worked part time, and led clubs like Blue Birds and 4-H. When we were teens, she went back to work full-time as a teacher and devoted more time to writing and speaking. Through out my childhood, I observed my mom raise us, support my dad, work, serve God, volunteer, encourage others, follow her own interests and hobbies, and spend time with friends. As a Christian woman, my mom had it all. She kept it all well balanced and I don't remember seeing that it ever overwhelmed her. I learned that there are different seasons in a woman's life. It's a wonderful blessing to be a woman and to be able to have so many different opportunities and experiences in my life.

Happy Mother's Day Mom. Thank you for being such a good example to me.

When God Ran

Then Sings My Soul Saturday Meme

I first heard this song back in 1988. I can't believe that I was able to find a You Tube video of Benny Hester singing this 20 year old song. This song was special to me when I was18 years old. I was so touched that God could love me this much. He doesn't leave us. We may ignore Him. But He's standing there with us trying to get our attention, waiting for us - still loving us. (I hope you have a tissue handy.)

When God Ran by Benny Hester

Ministry Idea - Make Disaster Relief Kits

You can help people by making disaster relief kits. These kits provide basic toiletries to people who have lost everything in a natural disaster. They will be distributed by the Christian organization Operation Blessing.

Instructions -

Fill one or more 1-gallon size Ziploc bag(s) with...

1 new wash cloth 1 new hand towel 1 new bar of soap 1 new comb 1 new fingernail clipper 1new pack of dental floss 1 new toothbrush 1 small travel size tube of toothpaste 1 small travel size shampoo 1 small packet of tissue 1 small package of adhesive bandages NOTE: All included items need to be new and unused. Shipping Information: Label the outside of each box – Disaster Relief Kits Have an inventory sheet in each box listing the number of kits enclosed. Send To: Operation Blessing International Disaster Relief Kits 977 Centerville Turnpike Virginia Beach, VA 23463