Just for Ladies – by Camille Stahl
Today’s Passage –Zechariah 6 – 9 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – Psalms 6 – 10; Proverbs 2)
Scripture Memory for July – Matthew 5:1 – 16
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Proverbs 3:5 & 6
Read “Are You a Curse Among the Heathen?” from Zecharaiah 8
The Study of Women in the Bible
JEZEBEL, A VERY WICKED WOMAN
“And in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years. And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him. And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.” (1Kings 16:29-31)
“And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread. But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread? And he said unto her, Because I spake unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, Give me thy vineyard for money; or else, if it please thee, I will give thee another vineyard for it: and he answered, I will not give thee my vineyard. And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.” (1Kings 21:4-7)
“And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.” (1Kings 21:23)
After rereading the life of Jezebel, I wondered what kind of childhood she had that would make her so evil. With not much thought, it was from serving pagan gods instead of the One True God. She was a Zidonian princess who married King Ahab of Israel. As leaders of Israel, God’s people, one would think they would be serving God. But Ahab did more to provoke the Lord then all the other kings of Israel before him. King Ahab allowed Jezebel to kill God’s prophets. Not even after knowing about the fire God sent down from heaven, she would not believe in God. In fact, she was so mad that she wanted to kill Elijah, but God protected him.
Later we see Ahab in the corner sucking his thumb sulking because he didn’t get what he wanted, Naboth’s vineyard. This enraged Jezebel even more. She comes to her husbands rescue and takes charge, by falsely accusing Naboth, and having him stoned to death. God then sent Elijah to the Jezebel to inform her of her bleak future. In a battle with Aram, Ahab died, but Jezebel stayed powerful for another 10 years by manipulating her sons Ahaziah and Joram. They were as wicked as their father Ahab. Elijah’s prophecy came to pass when God raised up Jehu to kill off Ahab’s family. With Jehu as the new king, he had her thrown out of her window where she was trampled by horses. When the men went to bury her, there was little to bury.
What a sad ending to a Queen of Israel. How much better her life would have been if she just excepted the God of Israel. I’m sure she heard the profits teachings, but rejected it. Her heart was hard. Her life was filled with anger. She loved to manipulate people. She was an overbearing wife and one who wanted to be in control.
Do you know someone like that? They are all around us. You know that person who when they walk into the room, the hair on your neck stands up. They are as lost as Jezebel was. How do you treat them? Have you tried to share the love of Christ to them? When I sit down to write a blog, I ask the Lord to take a situation from the previous week to use and give me a woman for the example. Believe it or not God gave me Jezebel. Let me explain. This past Saturday my husband and I were selling items at the Galloway Community Yard Sale. I had a negative run-in with a male customer. Later he came back and motioned me to pick up an item we had on the ground. I did, and gave it to him. He then threw it back on the ground and walked away. I was so angry, to my shame, I wanted to spit in his face. I knew he wasn’t saved (reason, I will not share). Now, I am so mad at myself for not giving him a John and Romans booklet with a church track. Why? Pride and prejudice. His blood is on my hands. He was my Jezebel. An unloved typed of person. Christ died for him too. Will you join me in looking for today’s Jezebels and share the “Good News of Salvation”? I blew it more than many times. Now I am sending you a warning so you don’t blow it to.
VOICES – By Harvest
Voices in the cities, Voices in the Streets, Voices in each home across the land. Voices in the churches, saying peace be still, but where are all the voices in my fields. – Millions and millions are dying, millions and millions are crying, millions and millions don’t know who I am. – Children on the highways, children on the run, mothers in the ally ways, their killing off their sons. The world is blinded in darkness, I’ve given them the way, but where are all my voices who’ll lead them out today. – Millions and millions are dying, millions and millions are crying, millions and millions don’t know who I am. Where are the millions who love me, and where are the millions who say they know me, where are the millions who stand and follow me. – Millions of people. Hear them crying. See them dying.
“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1John 5:11-13)
Thank You
Posted in Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
Just for Ladies by Camille Stahl
Today’s Passage –Micah 1 – 4 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – Revelation 7 – 9; Psalms 121 – 125; Proverbs 25)
Scripture Memory for July – Philippians 2:1 – 18
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 61:1 – 3
The Study of Women in the Bible
JOBS WIFE
Then something remarkable took place in heaven. Job was the subject of a conversation between God and satan. God was pleased that Job, a man on earth, loved Him voluntarily. Job was fulfilling the purpose for a which God had created him, fellowship. Then satan, the accuser approaches God. Satan felt that the reason Job was devout was that he was prosperous and suggested that if prosperity was withheld he would turn from God.
One blow after another. Job lost all his wealth. But the greatest catastrophe of all satan destroyed all of Job’s children. Everything Job had built over many years was gone in one blow. The richest man in the entire East was suddenly poor and without children. All that was left to him, besides his home, were four servants and his wife. Satan had done his work thoroughly, but he still hadn’t achieved his purpose.
Satan and God talked again about Job. Let me touch his body to see if his faith will still hold. Satan cursed him with boils. Then came the worse blow of all. His wife turned against him. Job’s help meet turned for the worse. Job needed her more now than ever before. Job’s wife’s reply was “Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.”
We criticize Job’s wife for turning on her husband and wanting to die, but can you feel her pain? Everything she had plus all her children were taken form her. Losing one child is hard enough, but ten all at once. Now don’t misunderstand, she was wrong in what she said, but can you feel for her? She failed to go to the only one who could ease her pain.
Like many, she had been blinded by satan. She failed to understand that trials and troubles come to all. From these trials and troubles comes greater faith if we don’t give in to satan.
When satan throws his fiery arrows of temptation, use your faith like a shield, stopping them. Job proved that no one is tempted more then they can handle and that God does give a way to escape in the midst of every temptation.
In the times we are living in today, it can be very trying. With the prices of everything, and families losing their children to the world, troubles are inescapable.
Will you keep the faith and cry out to God for help or will you curse Him and die? God loves you and and wants to grow your faith. He want to doubly bless you as He did for Job and his wife.
In the critical hour of her life, Job’s wife said no to God. How about you?
Thank You
1 John 5:13
Posted in Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
Just for Ladies – By Camille Stahl
Today’s Passage – Daniel 10 – 12 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – James 1 – 5; Psalms 86 – 90; Proverbs 18)
Scripture Memory for July – Philippians 2:1 – 18
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 34
The Study of Women in the Bible
Hannah, A Woman Who Gave Her Son To God
So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. (I Samuel 1:9-11)
Hannah was in a polygamous marriage. Like Sarah, of Abraham, she was not able to conceive. Penninah, the other wife, mocked Hannah. Sometimes a person is tested to there very roots of being. Hannah must have felt this way, but Hannah had definite access to God. She shed many tears because she felt forsaken by God because she had no children and her husbands other wife kept reminding her of it. She was mocked so much that she did not even eat. She had no where else to go but to God, so she cried out to Him. Hannah presented God with a great petition. She did not insult Him by asking for a small favor. Hannah didn’t pray vaguely. She prayed with a specific request. God I want a son and I will give him back to you for all his life. No razor will touch his head. Soon Hannah received the answer to her prayer, a son named Samuel. After Samuel was weaned, she kept her promise to God. Hannah brought her son to the temple where Eli was and presented Samuel to God. Eli then raised and trained him in the priesthood. Hannah must have had a great impact on Samuel as he became one of Israel’s greatest prophets. She must have felt sorrow at leaving her child, yet she praised and glorified the Lord. Later we learn that Hannah and her husband had five other children.
Truths About Hannah’s Life:
- Hannah was a prayer warrior. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, the Bible says “Pray without ceasing and in Psalms 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. Hannah did both. Our part as a mother and wife, should be to pray for our family. We can get so busy in life that we may not take the time to pray. Remember the devil is seeking to devour us. We need to cover our family with prayers.
- She kept her promise to God. We pray for something, God answers, then we forget our part of the commitment. How often do people pray for a job but then don’t tithe. Or pray for transportation, and then not attend church.
- She gave her son wholly to the Lord. What a great example of giving to the Lord, something that is so greatly cherished. We all ought to dedicate our children to the Lord. Remember the devil is seeking us out. He wants to destroy us.
In today’s world, our government allows women to kill unborn children. They want to tell us how to raise them. If we don’t abide, they threaten to take them away. The family structure is being torn down. As christian ladies, we need to ban together and be pray warriors for our family.
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)
Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (Psalm 37:5)
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16b)
Thank You
1 John 5:13
Posted in Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Just for Ladies – By Camille Stahl
Today is 9/11 – Read “We Still Have Not Forgotten”
Today’s Passage – Ezekiel 38 – 40 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)
(Second Milers also read – 1 Timothy 1 – 3; Psalms 51 – 55; Proverbs 11)
Scripture Memory for July – Philippians 2:1 – 18
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Deuteronomy 32:4
THE STUDY OF WOMEN IN THE BIBLE
The Woman Who Anointed Jesus’ Feet
“And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.” (Luke 7:36-50)
Think with me and imagine the scene. Simon, a Pharisee, was having a dinner party. He asked Jesus to join them. Now the Pharisee’s didn’t believe in Christ, yet He accepted the invitation and ate with them. In walks a woman with a questionable background. Now I don’t know about you, but if I was home and a stranger walked in….., or was she. According to verse 39 Simon knew what this woman was. How did he know who she was and why didn’t anyone asked her to leave when she first came in? Just asking.
This woman, with a bad reputation, heard the preaching of Jesus with conviction. She realized who Jesus was and brought Him what she had. She did not approach Him eye to eye. She felt so unworthy that she humbled herself at His feet and kiss them. Her tears of joy washed the feet of Jesus. Her hair became a towel to dry them. There was no pride found in her. She anointed His feet with oil, owning Him as “The Anointed One”. Finally someone who excepted and truly loved her. The Pharisee’s also heard His preaching and yet there was no humility or conviction. They sat and watched as she touched Jesus thinking, how can He let her touch Him. If He only knew who she was. If she would have touched Simon he may have said “ …Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou…. (Isaiah 65:5)
God’s warnings are all around us. Time is short.
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2Timothy 3:1-7)
Sinners of all kinds will be invited by the Holy Spirit to enter into our churches to receive the “Free Love Gift” of God. Will we be willing to “rub elbows” with ALL types of repented sinners.
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Mat 22:37-39)
I don’t understand how a God so divine,could lower Himself to a life such as mine.
And consider me worth every minute of time,
to rescue a sinner like me.
When I think of my Saviour alone on the cross,
I know without Him that my life would be lost.
If He had not been willing to suffer the cost,
to rescue a sinner like me.
To rescue a sinner like me, LORD,
to rescue a sinner like me.
He abandoned His throne and His kingdom above,
to rescue a sinner like me.
My mind is so limited that I cannot see,
the reason He died and arose just for me.
So unworthy was I, yet He came willingly,
to rescue a sinner like me.
To rescue a sinner as worthless as I,
Yet He gave me a reason to sing.
It’s so hard to believe, that it happened to me,
Hallelujah to Jesus my King!
To rescue a sinner like me, LORD,
to rescue a sinner like me.
He abandoned His throne and His kingdom above,
to rescue a sinner like me.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Thank You
1 John 5:13
Posted in Guest Posts, Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Just for Ladies – by Camille Stahl
Today’s Passage – Jeremiah 51 – 52 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text)
(Second Milers also read – 1 Corinthians 5 – 8; Psalms 136 – 140; Proverbs 28)
Scripture Memory for July – John 3:1 – 21
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 92:1 – 4
The Study of Women in the Bible
This Week – The Widow Of Zarephath, Who Gave Her All.
And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee. So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand. And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth. And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. (1 King 17:8-15)
The great famine that Elijah prophesied, would effect many lives, not just wicked King Ahab. When Elijah became hungry, and the ravens fed him no more, God provided another food source, a widow, who’s name is not mention. She didn’t have a storage shelter filled with food and water, she just had a great need. I always wondered what she thought when Elijah first ask her to give him some of the last of her food. She knew this was the last meal she and her son would eat before their death and yet she gave. God kept his promise and supplied food for Elijah, the widow and her son, and they lived. I wonder why God did not continue to supply Elijah with food through the ravens or some other way. Instead, He sent Elijah to a poor woman. It seemed that she would not be a likely candidate to provide food for anyone, but God graciously allowed this woman to become part of His plan. God reached out to her who had nothing, accomplishing much.
WARNING!! Things are tough now, but be warned, they will get tougher. The prices of everything are going up (except our paychecks). Our country, as a whole, is in a drought. With less rain there will be less food, which drives up prices. There are so many people out of work, but will we give? You say “We have no way to pay the bills”, but the work of the Lord must go on. It takes money to keep the doors open at the church. People are dieing and going to hell every minute.
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. (Malachi 3:8-9)
Fret not. All is not doom and gloom with God. God promises to take care of His children when we obey Him.
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (Malachi 3:10)
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. (Psalms 37:25-26)
God is no respecter of persons. He took care and greatly blessed the widow and her son; He’ll take care of, and bless us.
Prolong your life. If your not tithing, I challenge you to start. To you who are tithing, don’t stop.
GIVE.
Thank You
1 John 5:13
Posted in Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
Just for Ladies – by Camille Stahl
Today’s Passage – Jeremiah 26 – 29 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text)
(Second Milers also read – Acts 22 – 24; Psalms 101 – 105; Proverbs 21)
Scripture Memory for July – John 3:1 – 21
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 48:1 & 2
Read “Count Your Encouragement” by Pastor Paul Chappell
The Study of Women in the Bible
Delilah, The Woman Who Deliberately Betrayed Her Man
“And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver. And Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength lieth, and wherewith thou mightest be bound to afflict thee. And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven green withs that were never dried, then shall I be weak, and be as another man. Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven green withs which had not been dried, and she bound him with them. Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withs, as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known. And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said unto her, If they bind me fast with new ropes that never were occupied, then shall I be weak, and be as another man. Delilah therefore took new ropes, and bound him therewith, and said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And there were liers in wait abiding in the chamber. And he brake them from off his arms like a thread. And Delilah said unto Samson, Hitherto thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: tell me wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said unto her, If thou weavest the seven locks of my head with the web. And she fastened it with the pin, and said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awaked out of his sleep, and went away with the pin of the beam, and with the web. And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth. And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death; That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother’s womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man. And when Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of the Philistines, saying, Come up this once, for he hath shewed me all his heart. Then the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and brought money in their hand. And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him. And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him. But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house. Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven. Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand. And when the people saw him, they praised their god: for they said, Our god hath delivered into our hands our enemy, and the destroyer of our country, which slew many of us. And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison house; and he made them sport: and they set him between the pillars. And Samson said unto the lad that held him by the hand, Suffer me that I may feel the pillars whereupon the house standeth, that I may lean upon them. Now the house was full of men and women; and all the lords of the Philistines were there; and there were upon the roof about three thousand men and women, that beheld while Samson made sport. And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes. And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left. And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life.” (Judges 16:4-30)
Delilah grew up a Philistine who’s culture worshiped idols. She had little respect for her body and threw away her honor. What made her so deceitful? Could it have been the money they offered her? Samson was physically strong, but morally weak. He became involved with Delilah but was not married to her. Together they spelled disaster. Samson’s future, a man of God, now lies in the hand of Delilah, a worshiper of Dagon.
Delilah took her first deceitful strike with flattery. I can hear her saying, where do you get your strength from because your sooooo strong.
“With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;” (Proverbs 7:21-22)
Next she plays the victim . Now sulking like a little girl she says, you lied to me and your making fun at me. Samson was like putty in Delilah’s hands. She was with him long enough that she knew how to push his buttons. Again Samson lied to Delilah. Now she had to use her final weapon to trap Samson.
The feelings of hurt love. For days she sulked and whined and nagged. How can you say you love me when you mocked my three times. You don’t really love me. Finally frustrated, Samson could no longer take it. He gave in. Delilah won. She got what she wanted.
“For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword. Her feet go down to death; …” (Proverbs 5:3-5)
Talk about death, later we find Samson blind between two pillars. He brought down the pagan temple and everyone in it. We don’t know if Delilah was there, but maybe she wanted to take part in insulting Samson.
Looking at Delilah’s life, what can we learn? How not to act:
First be very careful in our conversation with men. The only man a women should flirt with is her husband. Regardless if we ladies or the men are married, be careful in not sounding flirty because we never know what the other is thinking. There are many verses in the Bible that warns men about woman’s lips.
Next is playing the victim. “Well if you didn’t … then I could have…” or “It’s not my fault, you didn’t ….. it’s your fault not mine.” “ You never let me have any money…” It sounds familiar to me, how about you? We know exactly how to push our man’s buttons. We want our own way and sulk until we get it, but to what end? What does your man have to do to keep you happy. We laugh when we say “That cost an arm and a leg” but to Samson, it was his eyes.
Last is nagging. If there is one thing that gets under my skin, it’s a nagging wife.
“A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.” (Proverbs 27:15)
As a young girl I watched as a wife nagged her husband. I saw her put him down time after time. Because of his love for her, he tried to keep her happy by granting her every wish. Where were the kind words? Would she have liked it if he nagged her the same way? How many buttons would it take before he exploded and then granted her wish? How about you? How about me?
“It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.” (Proverbs 21:9)
What will be the end? What kind of death will it come to? God’s Word commands a faithful husband and wife relationship. Any dealings outside of marriage leads to heartbreak. Romance is not a game, but a lifelong commitment. Yours may not come quickly and you may not die, but pain will come when you don’t live God’s way. Ask Delilah if you can find her under the rubble!
Thank You
1 John 5:13
Posted in Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
Just For Ladies – by Camille Stahl
Today’s Passage – Isaiah 37 – 40 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text)
(Second Milers also read – John 7 – 8; Psalms 31 – 35; Proverbs 7)
Scripture Memory for July – John 3:1 – 21
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –Ephesians 4:32
The Study of Women in the Bible
Rahab, A Harlot With Great Faith
“And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot’s house, named Rahab, and lodged there. And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country. And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country. And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were: And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them. But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof. And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate. And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof; And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father’s house, and give me a true token: And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death. And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee. Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall. And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way. And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear. Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father’s household, home unto thee. And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him. And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear. And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.” (Joshua 2:1-21)
“By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.” (Hebrews 11:31)
Good morning and welcome back to the Tuesday Ladies Bible Study. For this study, the Lord has impressed upon me to blog about Rahab. Many times, women feel unworthy to serve the Lord. We have the mindset of ‘how can God love someone like me?’ He does, and Rahab is a great example.
The Bible pulls no punches when it comes to the hard facts about Rahab. She was a harlot: someone who sold her body for money. Some try to sugar-coat this fact by saying she was an innkeeper, which may be true, but she was still a harlot. The spies may have gone to Rahab’s place to stay. She discovered that they were Israelites. She knew about what happened to Egypt at the Red Sea, and heard that God was going to give the Israelites the city of Jericho. It took faith to hide the spies. She trusted their word that she and her household would be saved. One definition of faith is a profound trust in God and His Word. Rahab had this kind of faith. God honored Rahab, along with Sarah: the only two women mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11: the heroes of the faith.
There are two things I would like to look at that we can apply to us today. First is Rahab’s faith. We must be in God’s word daily. I know I always mention about Bible reading, but how can we know His word unless we read it.
“Give us this day our daily bread..”. (Matthew 6:11)
If you are not reading at all, start with a few verses. Read a little, increase a little. A great tool to use is the Bible reading on the blog. Not only do you get to read it, but you get to hear it as well. We must believe and trust in His word. I know this is sometimes easier said then done. My faith and trust was shaky at times during this past year or so, but God repeatedly showed His love to me.
“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)
The second point is that God is no respecter of persons. If Jesus is your Saviour, your past is in the past. He remembers our sin no more.
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalms 103:12)
You’re a Princess because you’re a child of the King. God loves us all equally. Don’t let your past hinder you from serving Him. God can do great things through you if you stay faithful and allow Him to. Rahab’s story continued after Jericho. She found God. She no longer worked as a harlot. She lived among the Jewish people. She married Salmon and had a child. She was the great-grandmother of King David.
“And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; And Jesse begat David the king;… “ (Matthew 1:5-6)
She is in the lineage of Jesus Christ. You say a harlot? Yes.
If you don’t know Jesus as your Saviour, I highly suggest you go to the churches website www.jerseyshorebaptist.com and click on “Why Jesus”. Jesus is waiting for you with His out-stretched arms. He is willing to forgive and love you, just as He did Rahab. God wants to use you too!
For the young abandoned husband, left alone without a reason – For the Pilgrim in the the city where there is no home – For the son without a father, for his solitary mother – I have a message – He sees you – He knows you – He loves you – Every heart that is breaking tonight – Is the heart of a child, that He holds in his sight – And oh how He longs, to hold in His arms – Every heart that is breaking tonight – For the precious fallen daughter, for her devastated father – For the prodigal who’s dying in a strange new way – For the child who’s always hungry – For the Patriot with no country – I have a message – He sees you – He knows you – He loves you – Jesus loves you – Every heart that is breaking tonight – Is the heart of a child, that He holds in his sight – And oh how He longs, to hold in His arms – Every heart that is breaking tonight.
Every Heart That Is Breaking – A song by Twila Paris
Start fresh today and leave the past in the past.
Thank You
1 John 5:13 – 14
Posted in Devotions, Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Just for Ladies – by Camille Stahl
Today’s Passage – Isaiah 5 – 8 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text)
(Second Milers also read – Luke 17 – 18; Psalms 146 – 150; Proverbs 31)
Scripture Memory for July – Hebrews 1
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –Proverbs 27:15
Watch – “Developing a Spiritual Family in the Midst of a Fervent Ministry” by Pastor Chappell
THE STUDY OF WOMEN IN THE BIBLE
Rebekah, From Triumph To Failure
“And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor. And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water. And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham. Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water: And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master. And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder. And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up. And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher. And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink. And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking.” (Genesis 24: 10-19)
“And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it. And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying, Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the LORD before my death. Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee. Go now to the flock, and fetch me from thence two good kids of the goats; and I will make them savoury meat for thy father, such as he loveth: And thou shalt bring it to thy father, that he may eat, and that he may bless thee before his death.” (Genesis 27:5-10)
Rebekah was a hard worker with a kind spirit, excited about doing God’s will. Her day started like most of ours: she got up, got dressed, and went to work; but this day was different. While at work she met a man. She served him by giving him and his camels water. Rebekah was friendly and invited him to meet her family. There was no thought when she said yes to the question “Will you go with this man?” This was a great step of faith. She would leave her family to go into an unfamiliar land to marry someone she never met, but she was willing. She loved and served Isaac. Isaac and Rebekah served the Lord together, and later Esau and Jacob were born. In chapter Genesis 27, the Bible tells us that Rebekah loved Jacob more than Esau. This may have been because Isaac favored Esau. I only had one child, so I don’t fully understand sharing love between two children. However, I’ve seen the results of parents showing favor towards one child. This was Rebekah’s downfall. What was it that turned the heart of Rebekah from a kind spirited servant of God, to a deceiver? The Bible doesn’t say, but we all know who’s behind all evil.
Rebekah’s life is much like the Christian life. We are out and about doing our daily routine, when we meet someone who asks the question “Will you go with this man (Jesus)?” We willingly say yes and accept the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, and begin to serve Him. We work by serving others in church and in the community and are excited about it. We lose the old man and start allowing the “New Spirit” to take control. We do things and go places where we’ve never been before. We invite strangers into our lives to help them find their way to the Lord. But as we get on in our Christian lives, like Rebekah, we allow Satan to creep in. We love the Lord but we really like the way of the world. We are divided. Be careful not to make bad decisions when stepping towards the world. I pray that if you find yourself in Rebekah’s shoes, that you will turn your attention back towards the Lord. Remember, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
“My eyes are dry, my faith is old, my heart is hard, my prayers are cold. And I know how I should be, alive to you and dead to me. But what can be done, for an old heart like mine, to soften it up with oil and wine. The oil is You, Your Spirit of love, please wash me a new, in the wine of your blood.”
A Song By: Keith Green
Thank You 1 John 5:13
Posted in Guest Posts, Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with 2 comments.
Just for Ladies by Camille Stahl
Today’s Passage – Proverbs 28 – 31 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text)
(Second Milers also read – Luke 3 – 4; Psalms 111 – 115; Proverbs 24)
Scripture Memory for July – Hebrews 1
Watch “Growth Points – The Trail of the Blood” by Pastor Chappell
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 89:1
A Study of Women in the Bible
Lydia, A Business Women Who Loved The Lord.
“And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.” (Acts 16:9-15)
“And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.” (Act 16:40)
Lydia was a intelligent, well respected, dedicated and successful, business women. She was in contact with many people and lived in her house with others. As involved with her work as she was, she still found time to serve the Lord. She was not like other women, because many of them served Apollo, but she served the one true God. This busy day she was on her way to a prayer meeting for women only. This prayer meeting was different. They had a guest speaker, Paul the apostle; with Silas, Luke and Timothy.
Lydia loved God, but did not know the Lord Jesus as her Saviour until Paul came to preach that day. Because Lydia’s heart was tender, when she heard the preaching of Paul, she was saved and baptized. She told the people in her home about the saving grace, and they were saved and baptized as well. As busy as she was, she invited the men to stay at her home. What a servant’s heart! But where did she find the time? Paul and Silas came to Lydia’s home again, and Lydia and her household took care of them after they were beaten in prison .
Today woman are busy more then ever, but we must follow Lydia’s example and find the time. Our family and jobs are an important part of our lives, and so is serving the Lord. We can start at the beginning with prayer,Bible reading and attending all the church services. Also, we can serve by telling others about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Lydia served God by serving other ladies at her church. You can easily fill a void in someone’s life by investing some time in them. Ask them how their week went and find out a little something about them. Everyone is looking for a little attention. Support your church’s missionaries. Ask a visiting missionary over or out to dinner. If you are able, have a travelling missionary family stay at your home. Brother Stahl and I use to own a four bedroom home and had missionaries stay with us a few times. If you pray and ask God for help, He will not only help with finding you the time, but He will show you how you can serve.
Lydia had been given much and she used it for the Lord. She is proof of what God can do through a person who makes Him first in their life.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Thank You
1 John 5:13 – 14
Posted in Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Just For Ladies by Camille Stahl
Listen to Sunday Evening’s Message from Psalm 6
Today’s Passage – Proverbs 7 – 9 (Click on the references to listen to the audio)
(Second Milers also read – Mark 5 – 6; Psalms 76 – 80; Proverbs 17)
Scripture Memory for July – Hebrews 1
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 34
Study of Women in the Bible
Miriam, A Strong Leader Who Over-stepped Her Boundaries.
“For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea. And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.” (Exodus 15:19-21)
Miriam’s work for the Lord started at an early age. Her mother depended and trusted her to watch over the basket prepared for baby Moses that was put on the water. It took courage to approach the Princess and ask if she could find someone to nurse the baby. It was because of her wisdom from Almighty God, that she brought the Princess together with the baby’s mother. Miriam was brought up as a slave who served the Living God.
As an adult, Miriam continued with her godly responsibilities. She was in leadership, under Moses, with her brother Aaron. She was unmarried, the first spokeswoman for God, and very dedicated to her work. Her responsibilities must have been unbelievable when the children of Israel left Egypt. It’s hard enough when your moving your own family, but what a task trying to assist in the moving of millions! Miriam must of encouraged the people as they walked between the walls of water. She lead the women in song and dance when they reached the other side. She was a born leader, BUT…
“And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.” (Numbers 12:1-2)
“And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed. And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.” (Numbers 12:9-10)
“And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.” (Numbers 12:15)
…Miriam over-stepped her boundaries. She put herself on the same level as Moses. Aaron and Miriam tried to usurp Moses’ authority. She was given great authority by God, but pride and jealousy stepped in. Through God’s anger, Miriam became a leper. God took her from a leader of women singing and praising God, to crying out “Unclean, unclean. The entire nation stopped their journey as Miriam was put out of the camp for 7 days. The Bible does not say if Miriam repented or if she was returned to her leadership position, however the Bible does say in Numbers 20:1 that she died before the children of Israel entered into the promise land.
Miriam stepped out of her God given boundaries, and it’s very easy to step out of ours. God has given us all positions. It would do us well to remember to stay within our positions. A good leader is a better follower. In the work of God, there will always be someone in authority over you, just as there will always be some under you. If we all stay within our God given positions, we can accomplish God’s work more efficiently. Remember, the most important job God has given all of us is to win souls. “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” (Proverbs 11:30)
“Do you see all the people sinking down. Don’t you care are you going to let them drown? How can you be so num, not to care if they come? You close your eyes and pretend the job’s done. Bless me Lord, you know it’s all I ever hear. No one aches, no one hurts, no one even sheds one tear, but He cries, He weeps, He bleeds, and He cares for your needs, and you just lay back and keep soaking it in. Can’t you see it’s such sin? Cause He brings people to your door, and you turn them away as you smile and say, God bless you, be in peace, and all Heaven just weeps….. Cause Jesus came to your door…. you’ve left Him out in the streets………….. Open up and give yourself away. You see the need, you hear the cries, so how can you delay? God’s calling, and your the one… but like Jonah you run. He’s told you to speak, but you keep holding it in. Can’t you see it’s such sin? The world is sleeping in the dark that the church just can’t fight ’cause it’s asleep in the light. How can you be so DEAD, when you’ve been so well fed? Jesus rose from the dead, and you can’t even get out of bed…”
Song: Asleep in the Light
by Keith Green
Thank You
1 John 5:13 – 14
Posted in Guest Posts, Just for Ladies by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.