Book 2 - Day 12 Tamar, King David's Daughter

Heartache is about to strike the house of King David.  A man after God’s own heart, David is not immune to the repercussions of sin.  For David’s sons, the sins of the father have not gone unnoticed.  After striking Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband, in battle, the Lord has brought this murderous sin to David’s attention.  Full of repentance and grief, David writes one of the most beautiful Psalms in the Bible, Psalm 51, “Wash me clean and I will be whiter than snow.”

 David’s heart may have been repentant, but if the lessons of God’s wrath and judgment are not taught to the children, the same sinful, repetitious patterns may continue.  A good example is Adam, Eve and Cain.  Adam and Eve were subject to the punish and just judgment of God, but why would they not express these convictions and repentant hearts to their son Cain? He was a prideful, arrogant and a jealous boy.  Cain was disrespectful for we can see his flippant attitude when responding to the Lord’s question, “Where is your brother Abel?” Cain responds, “I don’t know. Am I my brother’s keeper or guardian?”(Genesis 3:9)

 Witnessing his father’s actions of “taking what he wants”, Amnon, David’s eldest son burns for his half sister Tamar.  So consumed with his desire and total lack of self-control, Tamar torments his thoughts daily and is noticed by a “good friend” Jonadab.  “Why are you, the king’s son, so miserable every morning? Won’t you tell me?”

 Amnon replied, “I’m in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.” (2 Samuel 13:4).  Amnon is confused.  Love and infatuation or lust are two completely different emotions for after Amnon rapes Tamar, he casts her aside as is filled with hatred (2 Samuel 13:15). Under the pretense of illness, Amnon requests her presence to make him “feel better”. The servant and sweet sister she was, “took dough, kneaded it, made cakes in his presence, and baked them.” The Lord gives this young man time to think about what he is going to do.  This preparation and baking take time, but instead of a conviction growing in Amnon’s heart, he feels sin crouching at his door.  Lust, sexual arousal and desire mixed to form a deadly reaction. 

God spoke to Cain about his own heart filled with jealousy, hatred and revenge, “If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must master it.” (Genesis 4:7).  With the acceptance of Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are filled with the Holy Spirit.  The Apostle Paul writes to the Galatians the fruit, actions, guidance and counsel we have with the Holy Spirit as “our master”, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  If we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:22-25).

 Many women have the pain, shame, humiliation and embarrassment of rape.  God’s reaction and command for rape is undeniable, “If the man encounters the engaged woman in the open country, and he seizes and rapes her, only the man who raped her must die.” (Deuteronomy 22:25).  God does not cast the victim aside. Our Lord also does not allow the rapist to walk free and unpunished.  Your question may be, “Why does God allow this to happen?”

            In my first One a Day book, I write about the “Afflicted, Battered and Bruised.” This is an excerpt from that chapter, “There are numerous biblical accounts of women who were afflicted, used, enslaved, hurt, rebuked, mistreated and raped. I’ve read these accounts and thought to myself, “Why Lord? I do not understand.” I have family members and friends who were either raped, molested by trusted adults, abused sexually, physically assaulted by boyfriends, verbally abused, neglected and rejected by husbands.  I’ve listened, cried, loved and prayed for those closest to me.  The hurt is real, so painful there are no words to describe or are spoken.  Just tears, just anguish, just pain from a broken heart and spirit.

            “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” I wonder if the woman raped from dusk till dawn had ever heard that verse. I wonder if the little girl given to men for their depraved pleasure has heard of the Living God’s promise. Has the molested, beaten and neglected know that Jesus Christ loves them and will never leave them? You may ask where is God? Where does the healing begin? Why is this happening to me?

            My sweet sister in Christ, whose heart is so tender, so broken, I understand the very mention of memories, a look, touch, smell can send a quick flinch or chill, and the healing for unanswered questions or forgiveness seems unattainable or out of reach.  But, there is hope in Jesus Christ.  I pray you do not believe for one second the selfish, depraved and sinful mind of man is the portrait of God.  I pray you do not believe the evil in the world is an exact replica of God.  That is a lie. If one’s pain can bring ten, hundreds, thousands or even millions to a life of healing, a relationship with Christ and Heaven’s door open for them, then what the enemy uses for harm, God uses for good.

 The woman raped to death in the book of Judges 19 is an example of the same rape existing today in sex trafficking and brothels around the world.  Where in the mind does one man think he can take another and use them for his sick pleasure, taking the innocent from a small child, manipulating them into sexual abuse and beating them into submission and fear?  The enemy has tried to destroy the heart and spirit of a woman since the Garden of Eden.  Eve, innocent and manipulated, Satan will stop at nothing to destroy what God’s deems as beautiful.  Why has the devil set out on a destructive rampage to kill, destroy and shame women since the beginning? Why would he hate us so much?

            Woman was the final creation of God.  I once heard John and Stacey Elderidge explain it as woman was created not as an afterthought, but as a final crowning of God’s masterpiece.  I believe she is beautiful, giving life to God’s children and able to give man such pleasure.  She is warm, soft, enticing and has a heart to love.  Satan was considered the most beautiful angel, but when God made woman, He trumped this prideful angel with a soft curves, a gentle spirit, a miraculous life giving womb and the desire of her husband.  Satan does not hold a candle to a woman of God; her beauty has surpassed his and the devil will hold at nothing to destroy this innocent and beauty God created and formed in the womb. 

            To hold the memories, to hate, to let your life succumb to bitterness, and cursing God allows the enemy to stick the final dagger in for his victory and succession in your life and family’s.  But there is One who understands your pain.  One who suffered the hurt of rejection, abuse, beating and suffocation for all mankind.  He was rejected by His people; He was bruised for our transgressions, whipped for all to see (Isaiah 53).  He suffered as no other person has ever suffered.  Christ came down, in the form of a man, and suffered to understand our pain, hurt, tears and shame.  He knows how you feel. 

            Jesus suffered the cat of nine tails ripping apart His flesh, but uttered no word. He was beaten and mocked for another’s pleasure.  He was rejected, cursed, and hung an excruciating death on the cross, not for man’s pleasure, but to save man’s soul.  He understands physical pain.  Christ understands your rejection, abandonment, and asked the same question, “My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). Jesus experienced something no one else has ever, total separation from God.  Christ, selflessly, suffered.  The Living God, where no other religion can claim, came down to this sinful earth, and walked to understand how you feel.  Suffered to understand the human heart, pain and hurt Satan attempts to destroy us with.  Yes, Jesus of Nazareth knows how you feel.”

            The Lord gave me those words to write for the women who have experienced such hardship, humility, shame and discard.  Our came to the “in-valids”, the socially discarded, the ones who need a doctor to love them, care for them and restore them.  God is our vindicator, our restoration, our reviver and our everything.  Allow him to restore what has been broken.  Allow him to repair the pain and shame you have experienced at the hands of someone else.  Allow him to court and woo you gently taking the pain and suffering, memories and nightmares, using those tears for good. 

            Amnon did not get away with Tamar’s rape.  Sadly, David’s lack of punishment, his lack of teaching and training his children and reminding them of God’s judgment brings more heartache.  Absalom, filled with rage and hatred toward his brother, avenges Tamar’s honor and kills Amnon.  This reminds me of stories I have heard or watched on the news of someone’s daughter raped and the father, filled with hatred revenge, kills the rapist. Now, he himself is in jail, leaving the family with a harmed daughter and no father.  We can not take justice into our own hands. 

            Woman, we need to lay this at the alter.  We need to cast our care upon the cross and believe, hope and pray.  Pray for the restoration of our minds and spirit.  Pray for the forgiveness only the Lord can give and pray for the soul of the rapist used by Satan to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10).

Let us Pray and CONFESS the Word of God:

Father,

            I come to you in Jesus name and give my heart to you.  I am hurt and broken.  I feel no one understands; I feel isolated and alone.  I feel I am in a dark pit of anger and bitterness (Psalm 40).  I want out! I know you make all things clean (John 15:3).  I know you give beauty for ashes, to bind up the broken hearted, proclaim freedom for the captives, release form darkness, the oil of gladness instead of mourning (Isaiah 61:1-3).  I know you can turn what the enemy has tried to destroy and use it for good (Genesis 50:20)   I believe my testimony, the test that I have walked and suffered through, will glorify you.  I pray for the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).  I pray I can diminish and you increase with the portion you have given me to enhance your kingdom (John 27-30).  I pray I know you and the power of your resurrection.  I know many have doubted including John the Baptist when locked and thrown in prison for fulfilling your plan, asking “Are you the Messiah?” (Luke 7:20).  If I have been a Christian and this tragedy has happened to me, I pray I never curse you and fall into the trap of walking away from my faith (Job 2:9-10)

            I pray I am filled with the fruits of the spirit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Galatians 5:22-23).  I pray I am diligent in studying your word, memorizing scripture for when the enemy comes to steal kill and destroy, I use the Word of God, get behind me Satan, for you are concerned with the things of this world and I am concerned with the things from above (John 10:10, Matthew 16:23) Help me to bless those who have hurt me.  Forgive those who used me, and love those who have rejected me (Ephesians 4:19, 5:1).  Forgive them Lord for they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:34).  As it is written, I believe I have all spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:3), and I believe I am an adopted daughter of Christ (Ephesians 1:5-6).  A princess of the Most High, clean and restored, loved and revered as a woman of God.

            I pray I am unashamed of the Gospel and plant this seed for you (Ephesians 6:19).  I pray I can help bring healing to those who have suffered as I have suffered.  May I be a blessing in the church, using my gifts and talents for your glory (Ephesians 3:20-21).  I pray you increase my faith and I abound more and more in love.  I pray to be a prisoner of Christ and ambassador in chains for you (Ephesians 6:20). I know whether I am abasing or abounding, you have given me all strength for all situations (Philippians 4:11-13). 

            Thank you for dying on the cross.  Thank you for knowing exactly how I feel, my hurt, my shame, my pain and my suffering.  Thank you for giving me an example to follow.  Thank you for your precious love that has carried me through painful memories, fearful dreams or nightmares, heal my heart, renew my mind in Christ Jesus (Romans 12:2).  I am a new creature in Christ; the old had passed away including my past.  I press on toward the goal and prize awaiting me (Philippians 3:13-14).  I will continue to prepare my heart and mind for action (1 Peter 1:13).  I pray to encourage others along through my own healing process. If I backslide, push me forward.  If I fall down again in sadness, why me and painful memories, life me up to stand firm with the Gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15), preparing my mind daily with the Armor of the Lord.

            Thank you for turning evil into good and I am confident the plan and purpose you have for me will be completed in the end (Philippians 1:6).  I believe my life has purpose, a plan set for me, not for evil, but good (Jeremiah 1:5).  I believe this is my season, a time I can never get back, help me to use this time wisely, growing daily in the Lord with spiritual meat, lacking no good thing (James 1:4).  If I am faced with my past, if I am faced with the very ones who painful hurt me, help me to love them as you love them.  Show me this mystery, filled with the Holy Spirit to love them as Christ loved the church (Colossians 1:27). 

            Praise be to God the Father of Jesus Christ.  Praise be to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  Thank you for your Word and the women in the bible I can learn from.  In the name of Jesus of Nazareth I pray, Amen.

Book 2 - Day 11 Jezebel

Romans 1:18-25 sets the foundation and gives us insight in to the mind of a depraved and evil woman. “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.  For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God of images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. 

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their heart to sexual impurity for the degrading of the bodies with one another.  They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator- who is forever praised. Amen.” (Romans 1:18-25).

Mentioned in the Old Testament, Jezebel is one of the most evil women to walk this Earth.  Evil has a face.  Its primary purpose is to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10). The woman killed, destroyed and stole from the Lord and his people.  Her pathetic and sad end may not be remembered as much as her murderous rampages.  But let us not forget, God has a plan.

Jezebel killed the Lord’s prophets, disgraced the Temple and built idols to Baal for worship and praise (1 Kings 16:31-33).  She was ruthless, cunning and manipulative.  Once when her husband Ahab threw himself into a temper-tantrum for the inability to purchase a vineyard from Naboth, sweet Jezebel threw a party.  She invited all the town’s people, gave Naboth the sit of honor, the prominent position at the table, then had two murderous men, “scoundrels”,  falsely accuse Naboth, stone him to death so Ahab could plant his vegetables in the vineyard (1 Kings 21).  Her depravity knew no bounds. 

I think what surprises me the most about these type f people is the complete disregard for human life, but also the audacity to think there is no accountability.  The prideful mindset that believes you can do anything you desire, including murder, to achieve fulfillment and never have to answer for the destruction in your wake is nothing short of mind boggling. There is no reasoning with these people.  There is no conversation that can turn the tide from evil to good.  Only the very breathe of God can do that.

We live in a world where men and woman, maybe not to the scale of Jezebel, but have the “Jezebel Spirit”.  These people stop at nothing to achieve their desires: slander, gossip, manipulate, use, abuse, threat and accuse others whom are innocent, but unfortunately hinder success. We all know of someone who has cheated, lied and manipulated their way to the top.  We’ve read of individuals who have “sold their soul” for fame and fortune, forsaking all others including their own dignity, living shameful lives broadcasted for all to see.  There are some who follow these depraved minds, willing to go down in flames with them, but there are also a remnant who will stand up for righteousness.  God told Elijah, “Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel – all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him.” (1 Kings 19:18).

Evil will never win.  For a time or a season it may appear to gain the upper hand, but God will use all evil situations and turn them to good.  This Jezebel spirit was also mentioned in the book of Revelation.  To the church of Thyatire, Jesus of Nazareth accuses them of tolerating an ungodly woman, “Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificedl to idols.  I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.  So I will cast her on a bed of suffering and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of their ways.  I will strike her children dead.  Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.  Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatire, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned the Satan’s so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you): Only hold on to what you have until I come.” (Revelation 2:20-25).

My prayer is you are in a Christian church alive to the Holy Spirit, the reading of God’s Word and Truth.  Many are sheep in wolves clothing, tickling the ears of the congregation when what we actually need is meat, not milk! I do want to address one more issue before we pray.  If a wicked person repents, has that broken, contrite spirit God will not turn away, we as Christians should never turn them away either.  Let us never forget the Apostle Paul.

“I persecuted the followers of the Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, as also the high priest and all the Council can testify.  I even obtained letters from them to their brothers in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.” (Acts 22:4-5)  This is the same Paul who wrote 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8, “Love is patient, and love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the Truth.  It always protects, always trust, always hopes, and always perseveres.  Love never fails.”

Yes, this is the same Paul, but with Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  Evil can be turned to Good.  What the enemy attempts and tries to destroy, God can use it for good (Genesis 50:20). I am thankful for Ananias’s obedience to the Lord, running to Paul and giving him a Word from the Lord (Acts 9:17-19).  I am thankful for Barnabas’s encouragement to Paul and standing beside him in truth (Acts 10:27).  Our arms should never too short to those who come to our church from living in the “World”.

 

Let us pray to the Living God and CONFESS the Word;

Father,

            The Bible says you will never reject a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart the Lord will not despise (Psalm 51:15).  Lord, I repent of my sins.  I admit I am a sinner, living in the world and following its desires and cravings (Ephesians 2:3).  I desire to know Truth, come to Christ, so I confess with my mouth and heart you are Lord (Romans 10:9).  I desire to change.  I desire to know you and the power of your resurrection.  Forgive me of my sins, as I start a new life, for I am a new creature in Christ, the old has passed and the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17). 

            I want to know this love written for in 1 Corinthians 13.  I desire to have a love that is patient and kind.  I never want to be rude, self-seeking, easily angered, holding on to bitterness, frustration and disappointment.  Your love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the Truth.  This love protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres and I desire this love. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

            Help me to open my arms to those who need Truth, those who are coming in to the church from the “world” and those who are repenting of their sins.  For I know and remember, we’ve all followed the ways of the world, were dead in our transgressions and sins (Ephesians 2:1)..  Help me to love them and see these new Christians the way you do, their gifts and talents and encouraging them along the way.

            I pray to be a living, breathing epistle for you and your kingdom.  Teach me your paths, show me your truths and guide me into all righteousness for your names sake (Psalm 25). I know you understand all temptations and I submit in all humility the capability of falling, backsliding or sinning.  But as David prayed when you exposed the sin in his heart, “Wash me clean and I will be whiter than snow, let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice!” (Psalm 51: 7-9). Thank you for your forgiveness and mercy.  In the name of Jesus of Nazareth I pray, Amen.

Book 2 - Day 10 Hagar

Webster’s Dictionary describes haughty as, “having or showing the insulting attitude of people who think that they are better, smarter, or more important than other people.” In Hagar’s story, a slave develops a haughty attitude.  Taken against her will from Egypt, used for someone else’s gain and her body not her own, this slave girl becomes pregnant with a patriarch’s son.

Hagar was a slave.  Assuming not by choice and maybe taken from Egypt when Pharaoh gave goods and bounty to Abraham, Hagar was no longer master of her own destiny.  She was property of another, used by a family and then outcast for her obedience.  Slave to Sarai, a maybe highly respected by the matriarch, Hagar is given to Abraham to conceive a child.  Sarai knew God’s plan for a child, a nation born unto them, but it had yet to transpire.  Hurrying the Lord along, she requests her husband to sleep with her handmaid.

Low and behold, a baby is conceived.  The slave, this prisoner, this woman used was able to accomplish something her mistress was not, pregnancy.  All the years held in captivity, submitting to orders, yielding to another person’s life and their desires finally has taken a turn.  God has blessed this slave with a child, while the mistress of the house has none. 

The bible has several scriptures regarding a “haughty” attitude, but I think Proverbs captures the haughty spirit well; Proverbs 16:18 describing best, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 6:16-19 reads, “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissensions among brothers.”

Hagar was about to experience a fall, though, she had not been the first to “vex” her mistress.  Remember Hannah and Penninah? Penninah mercilessly vexed and mistreated Hannah for she had Elkanah’s love, while Penninah no love, but his children.  Rachel experienced the empty womb, while her sister enjoyed ten sons, but no love from Jacob.  Hagar did not have Abraham’s heart either, for when Sarai accused him of causing these problems, his reply was, “Do with her whatever you think best.” (Genesis 16:6).

Sarai may have cast Hagar out of camp, but God does not.  She may be mistreated, unloved, and her own behavior inexcusable, but we have a God with a plan.  Woman, we have a Savior who will love us unconditionally, gently teach us and guide us into Truths.  Hagar was thrown out by an angry, frustrated and broken hand, but God brought her back with a gentle, loving and purposeful hand.  “Go back to your mistress and submit to her.  I will so increase your descendants that they will be to numerous to count. You are now with child and you will have a son.  You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of you misery.  He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s had against him, and he will live in hostility towards all his brothers.” (Genesis 16:9-12).  The Lord saw Hagar’s misery, knew the root cause of the haughty attitude, gentle spoke to her and commanded she submit.  Our God brought this broken woman back to the very hand that threw her out and Hagar was accepted back in for a time.

I love our Christian faith.  We have a God who looks at the root cause of our problems, judges fairly and gently teaches us Truth.  Remember the daughters of Zelophehad? “They approached the test entrance to the Tent of meeting and stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders and the whole assembly, and said, “Our father died in the desert.  He was not among Korah’s followers, who banded together against the Lord, but he died for his own sin and left no sons. Why should our father’s name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s relatives.” (Numbers 27:1-4)

The Lord answers Moses who brought their case before him, “What Zelophehad’s daughters are saying is right.  You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father’s relatives and turn their father’s inheritance over to them.” (Numbers 27:5-7). Woman, we serve a God who will stand up for you, give you Truth and take your case! We have to know Christ is our High Priest allowing us to come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).  The Word of God is sharper than any double-edge sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:12-13).

            Believing in the Lord, Hagar willingly goes, submits and gives birth to her son.  She experienced something her mistress had not, communion with God.  God is willing to forgive a repentant heart.  He desires a broken, contrite heart; a broken spirit God will not despise (Psalm 51:16). At times we are going to experience haughty attitudes from others, but that by no means gives us the green light to mistreat them.  Actually, it gives Christians the opportunity to bless! (Matthew 5:11-12). 

            No matter the situation, we are to love those who are lost.  No matter the situation, we are to love those who mistreat us.  No matter the situation we are to bring our requests before the Lord, let him judge righteously.  No matter the situation, we are to do unto others as we would have them do unto us (Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31). Having a haughty attitude is unacceptable to God.  We are to treat all as equal, for God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34, James 2:1-13).

 I pray this blesses you today and encourages you to think about your own behavior.  My prayer every morning is for the Lord to bring people in my path to bless, pray and encourage.  I pray the Lord teach me the Word, guide me in all Truths and confide in me as a friend.  I do not want to miss an opportunity to encourage and bless another of my sisters in Christ who needs to know she has a purpose, a plan and the Lord loves her.  I never want the Lord to reveal I had a “haughty” spirit to those around me, but instead a humble spirit to be used as vessel for his kingdom.

Let us pray and CONFESS the Word of the Living God;

Adonai,

            Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.  Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love for they are from of old.  Remember not the sins of my youth, my haughty and rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord.

            Good and upright is the Lord, there for I know you instruct the sinners in your ways, you guide the humble in what is right and teaches us your way.  All your ways are loving and faithful, never hard, harsh and pressing.  For the sake of your name, forgive my iniquity, my selfish attitude, my waywardness and rudeness, for I know you are full of mercy and gracious to forgive (Psalm 25).

            Thank you Lord for being no respecter of persons and teaching me to love all of your children the way you do (Acts 10:34, James 2:1-13).  Thank you I can bless those who hurt, reject mock and persecute me for I will find great joy in only you (Matthew 5:11-12).  I pray to never look down on your daughters who are around me.  I pray to have a gentle, humble spirit, giving rest to those who I comfort, encourage and love (Matthew 11:28). 

            I praise you for your goodness, I praise you for your death on the cross and the Salvation found only Jesus Christ.  Thank you I can bring all my requests to you, boldly coming to the throne of grace knowing you will judge fairly and righteously (Hebrews 4:12-16).  Help me submit to your will and not my own.  In the name of Jesus of Nazareth I pray, Amen!

Book 2 - Day 9 Chloe

Do you know who you are in Christ? Do you know you were called by God through his will? You have a plan and a purpose, have been enriched in every way, in all your speaking and in all your knowledge because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.  Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed! You are chosen by God to be a Christian in this time and in this season, your purpose to be fulfilled in this age.  Chloe had a purpose.  This purpose, from a very obscure woman’s household, included a letter to Paul of Tarsus.  This letter sent inspiration and encouragement to the Corinthians.

            The Apostle Paul wrote the majority of The New Testament, the Lord using this man’s gift of interpretation, communication skills, determination, perseverance, faith, and knowledge of Scripture to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  In his opening words to those who so desperately needed to hear the Word of God, Paul knows exactly who he is, “an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God”.  This could read for us today, Nicole, an encourager to women in Christ Jesus by the will of God.  Just as Paul knew he was called by God, I am encouraged by his words today.  Woman, if you are a Christian, then you are called by God to be used for his glory.

            In his opening words, Paul encourages his listeners with bestowing the grace and peace to them that only Christ can bring.  I love that.  Today, you do not hear these words, “Nicole, grace and peace to you from the Lord Jesus Christ.” How I would relish in these spoken words if used by Christians greeting each other this way.  Paul’s heart is for the Gospel, to remind and fan the flame in the Christian community we have been enriched in every way; in all speaking and all knowledge and we lack no spiritual gift as we eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. Powerful words, for imagine if the pastor of every Christian church walked up to the pulpit, blessed the people and reminded them, “you are enriched in all your speaking and all your knowledge through Jesus Christ who gives you strength”.  Amen!

            Now, getting to the reason this letter is written.  “My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.” (1 Corinthians 1:11).  This woman’s name is mentioned once in Scripture, but has much influence on the Apostle.   From one sentence we can read between the bold print and attempt to gain insight into an obscure woman.  There are several assumptions we can make: Paul trusted this household led by Chloe, the letter was to inform not gossip, slander or defame the church members and the sense of urgency could be understood completely.  Paul was summoned by Chloe’s house to address sexual immorality, divisions, lawsuits, marriage, food sacrificed to idols, feasts, the Lord’s supper, proper worship and freedom in the church. 

            These letters to the Christians in Greece can be compared to our churches today.  We have divisions, ramped sexual immorality, lawsuits, marriage problems, etc.  These words are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago.  Why? Human nature has never changed.  Our flesh desires what it wants and our minds tend to follow.  Our advances in technology, many still amaze me today, have increased our knowledge becoming indispensable, but also have enhanced depravity.  The internet can be used in productive ways, but also can encourage destructive paths.  These Spirit inspired letters from Paul speak just as loudly to our culture as it did then.  God’s intuitive promises, his creativity knowing man’s spiritual need for wisdom, giving Paul the pertinent words that would last centuries is nothing short than a miracle.  Remember God knows man’s heart, he also knows what man needs to spiritual survive and thrive.

            I am thankful for the letter sent by Chloe’s household.  The love these people had for the church to flourish, for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be spread and knowing Paul would encourage the church is inspiring to me.  Many Christians today, including women, have the tendency to gossip and “talk” about the House of God and all of its problems through bible study, prayer groups and fellowship.  If the Holy Spirit has prompted you to “stop the madness”, enough with the chatter, but pray for the Gospel to Spread, pray the overseers are focused on the Word, encourage those in leadership you appreciate all they do.  The church does not need our gossip, backstabbing mouths; the church needs prayer!

            1 Corinthians 1:26-29 holds some of the most inspiring words for my spirit.  As a mother and wife, I have stayed home for most of my children’s lives.  I have studied the Word, prayed, worshipped, believed, hoped and wrote everything the Lord has put in my heart.  On the outside, the physically eyes could not see anything happening, but in the spiritual I was fighting a spiritual battle for my family believing I could do something great for the Lord. “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble men.  But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.  He chose the lowly things of this world and the despise things and the things that are not to nullify the things that are so that no one may boast before him.”

            Many have looked upon me as just a housewife and mother, but that is not what God sees.  He sees a daughter of the Most High, a woman after his own heart, a persistent mother who continues to ask, seek and knock for those entrusted to her. God sees what I can be, not what I am or was.  I definitely was not wise, nor influential and born of noble birth, but God saw me as his child, enriched in every way, in all my speaking and in all my knowledge, not lacking any spiritual gift as I eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.  I am thankful for the eyes of God, which is why I believe Christ said this so often, “If you have eyes to see and hears to hear let him listen.”  Ask for those spiritual eyes and spiritual hears to see and listen for what God is doing through you. 

The bible does not say who Chloe or her household were.  It does not say they were influential, wealthy or born of noble birth, for God will use anyone who has a willing heart to obey him.  The Apostle Paul received the letter and acted immediately.  I am sure he was grateful for this household’s desire for the Gospel to spread, for the love of Christ and their trust in him to write a letter encouraging believers, churches and Christian communities for thousands of years. 

Let us pray and CONFESS the Word of the Living God;

Father,

            We come to you as daughters and servants of the Most High.  I desire to serve you with all my heart, mind and soul, so I pray the words of my mouth and meditations of my heart are pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14).  I want to be a woman such as Chloe.  I want the love for the church, the spreading of the Gospel, and Truth to be present in my actions, words and attitudes. 

            I desire a pure heart, for the bible says out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34).  May my words be full of the Holy Spirit, seasoned with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and self-control (Galatians 5:22). I know it is difficult to tame the tongue, but I also know I can praise your name with my heart and have your wisdom to guide my mouth and lips to promote instruction (James 3:7-8, Proverbs 16:23).

            I know the greatest praise of all is the confession with my mouth that Jesus is Lord and if I believe with all my heart God raised him from the dead, I have eternal salvation (Romans 10:9).  May I be as Chloe, unashamed of the Gospel, ready to pick up my cross and carry it for the plan and purpose you have ordained for me (Romans 1:16, Matthew 10:38, Romans 8:28). I pray to encourage and lift up the body of Christ, always in prayer and thanksgiving.  I thank you this day for I can come to my Lord boldly, request your strength to do all things and live for something bigger than myself (Hebrews 4:16, Philippians 4:13).  In the name of Jesus of Nazareth I pray, Amen.

Book 2 - Day 8 Job's Wife

In a moment, it was all gone.  Her family, her children, her wealth, her life as she had known it was over.  Struggling to process it all, she still had moments of shock and awe as if dreaming.  The pain in her heart was unbearable; falling to her knees, head to the floor, her arms cradling her waist as if to give some sort of comfort, Job’s wife had to remind herself to breathe.  She gasped for her air as her mouth wailed, her eyes wet with salted tears and her mind unable to forget the moment she heard the news.  It was as if a constant noise rang in her head, unable to turn it off.

            The sorrow was beginning to turn into anger.  Why did this happen? As if attempting to reason the unreasonable, she rocked back and forth sobbing. And now, as if taking her children and everything she owned was not enough, the Lord brought pain and disease to Job.  Her eyes looked upon her husband while he mourned.  Hardly recognizable, sitting in ash, crying out to God and suffering indescribable pain, his wife steadied herself slowly to stand.  Staggering over to her once vibrant husband, tears unable to stop flowing and wondering why he isn’t angrier, she hastily cried out, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!” Unable to look at his wife, Job replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”

            Watching her husband turn his attention back to the pain raking his body, she could not help but think of his words.  In a momentary lapse of sanity, she had lost all sense of truth and focus.  The pain of loosing ten children and family, the loss of her existence as a mother; remember each child’s birth, first steps and family meals was too much to bear.  All gone in one instance, her heart was overwhelmed with sorrow.  Job’s wife could not stop crying and the fear of loosing her husband was devastating.  The words came out of her, this welling up of fear, sadness and loss rushed out of her heart in words she did not mean. 

            I can not imagine what Job’s wife was feeling.  I can only recreate the feelings in what my mind may have transpired, but these inadequate words can by no means do justice to this woman’s pain.  At times, we may focus on her harsh words and think she wanted her husband to die as if throwing her fist in the air and cursing God herself, but I do not think that is the case.  Job looks at his wife and asks a question, “Why are you talking like a foolish woman?” I attempt to digest this sentence and gain insight into the character of a woman we know nothing about. 

The bible reveals Job was a blameless, God fearing, sacrificial man (Job 1:1-5). So proud our Father is of Job, the Lord brings him to the attention of Lucifer. This righteous, blameless man asks his wife why she sounds like a foolish woman as if Job is surprised at her outburst.  This indicates to me she is very emotional, in a state of incomprehensible understanding and saying words uncharacteristic of her.  I think anyone who takes a moment to think about the situation she was in, the great duress she was feeling, the fear of loosing her husband and something worse coming unto each of them, the words do not seem so harsh. 

            Her words mimic our words today.  “I can’t do this anymore Lord!” “I can’t handle anymore trials Jesus!” Her words are the words spoken by so many who cry out to the Lord, “Why is this happening to me?”  “Have I not been faithful?” “Have I not prayed, given, loved and ministered enough?” “Why have you done this God?”

I can take a portion of Job’s wife’s struggle and apply it to my own life. Tommy and I experienced a tremendous test when the housing market crashed in late 2007.  I remember feeling helpless, frustrated and alone.  I was pregnant with my youngest son Matthew and I remember vividly when the For Sale sign was staked into our front yard.  I held on to my bed and repeated the words of the Lord, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” “I know my redeemer lives!”

Tommy and I made several impromptu business transactions including a number of rental properties and a million dollar home we truthfully could not afford.  Never could we have for seen what was about to come our way, but neither did we pray and ask the Lord for his opinion.  Tommy is a realtor and an appraiser.  He has been in the housing business for twelve years here in south Florida.  Never had we seen anything like the collapse, foreclosures, bankruptcies and fraud during those few years we struggled.  All of our money, hope and “savings” were in properties, fixer-uppers and rentals.  We lost everything.  We just could not afford to keep up all the properties, including our own home, when the housing market hit for no one was buying, selling and seeking appraisals. 

Our situation was bleak.  We foreclosed on our house, short-saled or foreclosed on other rental properties, filed bankruptcy and basically had to start over from scratch.  I had never been through anything like those years in my life.  The struggle to stay positive, pray and find scripture was a challenging task.  Tommy and I never grew apart, nor did our marriage struggle.  I never would have looked at him and said, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9).  A marriage is a bond and with that bond comes the good and the bad.  Just as Job responded to his wife, “You are talking like a foolish woman.  Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” Strength from only the Lord came out of Job, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” (Job 1:21).

There will be trials and tribulations you will go through.  The purpose of trials is to test your faith which develops perseverance.  “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4).   When abundance is full, prosperous and exceedingly grand, we do not complain as Job’s wife did not.  We can give counsel to others, as I am sure Job’s wife witnessed her husband’s counsel to others who were on bad times (Job 4:3).  I am sure she listened as he instructed the children and offered sacrifices for them (Job 1:5).  She witnessed an honorable man who did not look at other women (Job 31:1) and was a respected, blameless man who the Lord looked on with favor (Job 1:8).  She was living a wonderful life, until, calamity.         

Her disparity, anger, frustration and sadness are understandable.  Her loss of children, family business and seeing her husband covered in painful boils probably has just thrown her over the edge, but the circumstances do not give her the authority to command her husband to curse God so he will die.  Job’s godly character shines through, reminding her that God is Almighty, he will do what he desires and we should accept the good and the bad.

The Lord blessed Job’s wife again.  Notice God never rebukes her as he did Job’s three friends.  Our merciful God understands the heart and can see into the recesses of the mind and innermost man that we as people can not.  God knows what Job’s wife was thinking and feeling while under this duress.  He never rebukes her once, but instead, blesses her.  This tells me, her heart did not mean what she said for listen to what the Lord tells Job and his friends, “I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. So now take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves.  My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly.” (Job 42:7-8).  The Scripture never reveals God’s rebuke of Job’s wife, but instead blesses her with more children, who by the way, were more beautiful than any where in the land (Job 42:15).  This family lived a long, prosperous life with double portions than the former. 

We may sit under great duress or think it is great duress.  God desires you to communicate, pray and talk with him.  The Lord will give you counsel and insight regarding your situation, but I pray you are full of strength as Job believing God gives good and bad, he gives and takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord! Amen!

Let us pray and CONFESS the Word of the Living God:

Father,

            We come to you as daughters and servants of the Most High.  I am overwhelmed.  My heart seeks your face and your gentle healing touch.  My trials seem too great for me.  I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). I do not attempt to understand your ways for they are higher than mine, but I do ask, seek and knock for your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). 

            I know these trials bring out perseverance and perseverance must complete its work so I lack no good thing (James 1:2-4). Help me to praise your name, to give you glory, to worship with hands lifted in thanksgiving and deepen my prayer life.  I know this season is to grow stronger in the Lord and you will use this for your harvest and kingdom.  May I be a blessing to others, encouraging and loving to those in need. 

            Help me to keep my eyes lifted to things upon seated at the right hand of the Father (Colossians 2:3) and proclaim I know my redeemer lives (Job 19:25).  I desire to lay my requests early in the morning (Psalm 5:3) and to know you are a shield around me and lift my up head to cry out to you waiting in expectation (Psalm 3:3, Psalm 5:3). Help me proclaim this day and forever more the Lord gives and the Lord takes, Blessed Be the Name of the Lord! (Job 1:21). In the name of Jesus of Nazareth I pray, Amen.

Book 2 - Day 7 The Woman at the Well

 
The hot sun scorched the ground she walked. With the water jug held in the crook of her arm, the woman strides forward wishing for a cool breeze.  She will endure the heat at midday, for it was far better to undergo the heat than the vicious talk of the others.  Avoiding the malicious mouths during the cool of the evening, the Samaritan woman walks along to fetch her water, neither realizing nor imagining her life to change this very day.

“..and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.  When a Samaritan woman can to draw water, Jesus said to her, ‘Will you give me a drink?’

The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’

Jesus answered, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.’

‘Sir, you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater that our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?’

Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.  Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’

The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and gave to keep coming here to draw water.’

He told her, ‘Go, call your husband and come back.’

‘I have no husband,’ she replied.

Jesus said to her, ‘You are right when you say you have no husband.  The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said quite true.’

‘Sir, I can see that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.’

Jesus declared, ‘Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.  You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.  God is spirit and his worshipers must worship in spirit and truth.’

The woman said, ‘I know the Messiah is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.’

Then Jesus declared, ‘I who speak to you am he.’” (John 4:6-26)

            This is one of my favorite bible passages of Christ and a woman.  Although tired from ministering, healing and preaching Christ sees a woman approach that is in desperate need of a Savior.  He can see her heart.  Jesus can see her pain of rejection, neglect and outcast.  After five husbands and now living with a sixth man, she is unapproachable by the more “respectable” women in her town.  This Samaritan woman’s heart seeks love, understanding, change and life.  Unexpectantly, yet purposefully, our God places his Son at this very spot to save an “in-valid”, an outcast, a broken hearted woman healed. 

            When we live in the “world” and seek after its love, its definition of security, fulfillment or desires, we remain empty and thirsty.  We thirst for someone to understand us.  We thirst for someone to love us.  We thirst for someone to encourage, support and unconditionally stand beside us.  Woman, I promise you, the world will never meet those expectations; only Jesus can fill those voids, heal those wounds and filter those desires and motives. 

            When Christ told this woman he would give us living water which would bring forth a spring of water welling up to eternal life, there is great joy.  This mystery called by the Apostle Paul is divine power.  This water is refreshing for when Peter stood up on the day of Pentecost, filled with this divine power he exclaimed, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that you sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you.” (Acts 3:19)

            This Samaritan woman sought that living water, that love.  After five husbands, the marriage vows must have seemed insignificant, her reputation tarnished; she walked alone and carried a broken heart.  As Jesus sat at this well tired and drained, his own heart knew the purpose for which he was sent.  He could see what she needed, he could see into the heart of the matter and directly called her out.  In world where people try to please, tiptoe around an issue and misguide others to think everything is fine, our Jesus is direct and does not care about our delicate, misguided, easily offended sensibilities.  If you want healing, if you want living water, if you want times of refreshment, get to the root and the heart of your problem. 

“Go, call your husband and come back.” Jesus told her.  Unafraid to call her out on her “extra curricular activities”, Christ spoke to the root of her problems, her heart, her wounds and her spirit depraved beliefs.  Only he could give her living water, healing and refreshment for her soul.

The bible says, “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony.  ‘He told me everything I ever did.’ So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers.’

They said to the woman, ‘We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.’” (John 4:39-42).

 “On her testimony, many believed.”(John 4:39).  “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” (Isaiah 52:7) What is your testimony?  Once coming in contact with Jesus, once knowing her depravity and what she truly needed, once accepting him into her heart, the Samaritan woman could not help but proclaim the Good News.  Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World. 

 Are you full of living water? Have you brought the Good News about Jesus to your family, friends or neighbors? Our Lord loves you and always has time for you.  Pray to him, talk to him as the Samaritan woman; it is a beautiful act of worship to sit, open your heart to the Messiah and give you the living water for refreshment.  Your time with the Lord is never by chance, accident or random, but purposeful, encouraging and direct. 

Let us pray and CONFESS the Word of the Living God;

Abba Father,

            How beautiful are the feet that bring Good News! (Isaiah 52:7)  How beautiful is our Savior who never tires, never grows weary, and always delights in spending time with his children.  I know he seeks the one lost sheep for he is the Good Shepherd (John 10).  Father, if I have strayed from your will, if I have not gone deep enough or have not fully drank of the living water, fill me this day with your Holy Spirit, for I desire times of refreshment (Acts 3:19). 

            I pray to have those feet that bring the Gospel to those around me.  I desire to know Truth within myself and accept Christ in all areas of my life.  I know Jesus can heal my wounds of neglect, fear, un-love, un-acceptance, rejection and un-forgiveness.  I desire to be a living, breathing epistle for I know many can believe in your saving power from my testimony (John 4:39).

            Heal the inner recesses of my heart.  Wash me clean and I will be whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7).  I crave meat, not milk as I memorize and read the Word of God.  Forgive me Lord, for I have sinned.  Thank you for your direct honesty, thank you for the Cross and the precious blood of Christ.  Thank you I can talk and communicate with you anytime I desire; for my spirit knows you will always make time for me.  In the name of Jesus of Nazareth I pray, Amen.