Sep 11th 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)

“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

Jul 31st 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

Jul 17th 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

Jul 10th Just for Ladies by Camille Stahl

Listen to Sunday Morning’s Message at Jersey Shore Baptist Church.

Today’s Passage – Psalm 119 (Click on the references to hear the audio)

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 19 – 20; Psalms 46 – 50; Proverbs 10)

Scripture Memory for July – Hebrews 1

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – 1 John 3:1

A Study of Women in the Bible

This Week – Lot’s Wife

“Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:24-26)

Lot’s wife is not mentioned in the Bible account of Abraham’s family as they journeyed  from Ur of the Chaldees, or as they left Canaan to go down into Egypt. The first mention of her is at Sodom. This could mean that she was from Canaan or perhaps she was from Sodom. Regardless of where she was born, Lot and his wife had two daughters who left Sodom with them, and at least two other daughters who, along with their husbands and possibly children, refused to leave. We do know that in Genesis 18:32, God’s promise to Abraham was not to destroy the city for the sake of 10 righteous. This could have included all of the family of Lot if they were, in fact, all saved. Apparently Lot’s family were not.

Lot’s wife was a privileged woman. She was married to a “righteous man”. Genesis 13:12 says, “Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.”  Just a side note, in the very next chapter of Genesis the Bible says, “And they took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.”  Notice it say in Sodom. Anyway, there was very little chance that Lot’s wife would be able to withstand the evil of Sodom unless she was very strong in the Lord. It reminds me of 1 Corinthians 15:33, which states: “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”

Lot’s wife was warned of the coming danger from God himself. Whether she really believed it or not, she did follow her husband and left. When leaving, she must have heard the cries of the people when fire and brimstone fell from Heaven. Her heart must have broken as she thought of her daughters and possible grandchildren being destroyed. But then she committed the sin. She looked back.

In our day, we have a tendency to minimize and downplay sin and its consequences. The consequence of sin without Christ is death. Lot’s wife suffered the consequence of unbelief.

A Few Lessons That Can Be Applied:

To the Christian Woman: Once you’ve come out of darkness (saved), never look back. Stay far away from the world’s influences. 1 John 2:15 says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Study and obey the word of God. Teach your children to study the Bible, and obey His word. Start as early in their life as you can. When God speaks, listen. I am sure there are many other lessons that we can learn from Lot’s wife.

To the non-Christian Woman: Christ also warns us of the danger before us. He spoke more about Hell than the apostles. Jesus tells us of the judgment day, when the wicked “will go into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life”. (Matthew 25:46) I urge you to call upon the name of the Lord, and be saved.

Our church website www.jerseyshorebaptist.com has a link “The Bible Way to Heaven” where you can read and understand the way to Heaven.

“In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Remember Lot’s wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” (Luke 17:31-33)

Rushing wind blow through this temple. Blowing out the dust within. Come and breathe your breath upon me, I’ve been born again. Holy Spirit, I surrender, take me where you want to go. Plunge me by your living your living water, plant me deep, so I can grow. Jesus, your the One, who set my spirit free. Use me Lord glorify, your Holy name through me. Separate me from this world Lord, sanctify my life for you. Daily change me to your image, help me bear good fruit. Everyday your drawing closer, trials come to test my faith. But when all is said and done Lord, you know, it’s been worth the wait.” (Keith Green)

Thank You and God Bless 1 John 5:13

Jul 3rd Just For Ladies, by Camille Stahl

Here is the message from Sunday Morning. Many could not get out to church due to the storm damage and power outages.

Today’s Passage – Psalms 86 – 89

Second Milers also read – Matthew 5 – 6; Psalms 11 – 15; Proverbs 3

Scripture Memory for July – Hebrews 1

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Micah 6:8

THE STUDY OF WOMEN IN THE BIBLE

Hagar, The Heathen Woman Whom God Loved

Good morning and welcome back. In this weeks lesson, I would like for you to think of Romans 10:13 – “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

“Now Sarai Abram’s wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. And Sarai Abram’s wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife. And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.” (Genesis 16:1-4)

“And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking. Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.” (Genesis 22:9-10)

“And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs. And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept. And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation. And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink. And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.” (Genesis 21:14-20)

Hagar was an Egyptian woman. Growing up she learned to serve many gods, a heathen. Abraham and Sarah bought Hagar as their slave. How sad for Hagar. She was taken from her family, moved to a far country and was commanded to bare a child with another woman’s husband. According to the law, at that time, this practice was allowed. If a baby was born out of this kind of arrangement, the baby was legally considered to be the child of the true wife. What a sad existence for Hagar. No one to love her, not even her child. Hagar did not even have control of her own life as she was a slave. When Hagar conceived, Sarah got angry and beat Hagar. Remember, Sarah was the one who told Abraham to go into Hagar so she could give birth to Abraham’s seed. Fearing for her life and the life of her child, Hagar ran away. Where is the justice. No one loved her and she was all alone, or was she? While in the wilderness, by a spring of water, God called to her and asked her why she was there. After she explained what happened, God did not rebuke her, although He could have. He simply told her to go back and subject herself to Sarah’s authority. A young heathen woman who did not belong to the people of God, the mother of an unborn child, came before God in extreme need, and God was there. Then Hagar obeyed God and turned back . Instead of speaking out for her own rights, she humbled herself before Sarah.

Thirteen years after Sarah’s son Isaac, was born, Hagar found herself, and her son Ishmael, back in the wilderness. When near death, crying out to God, God came again and provided for them both, just as He did for us at the cross.

As Ishmael grew they traveled to Egypt and Hagar brought him back a wife. Her time with Abraham and Sarah, and her two encounters with the Lord, did not completely change her life. Hagar was still a heathen. God knew that Hagar and Ishmael would choose to serve idol gods, God permitted her to be forced to live in a desert place. This changed history, and the sons of Ismael and the sons of Isaac are still fighting today. Yet, in spite of everything, Hagar is proof that Jesus Christ loves everyone. His help to Hagar proves that anyone who cries out to Him, He will answer. Jesus Christ, who was willing to reveal Himself to a heathen woman who reached the end of her rope, even now is available to everyone who seeks Him.

Is there something going on in your life today that is keeping you at the end of your rope? Is your heart heavy with sorrow and to the point of breaking? Do you feel abandoned, unloved? We have a great King who is waiting with a reached out hand. Will you take it? Just cry out to Him.

Psalm 86:7 says, “In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.”

Romans 10:13 say, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved.”

Just as I am, without one plea, And that thy Blood was shed for me. And as Thou bids me, come to thee, oh Lamb of God I come.

Thank You

1 John 5:13 – 14

Jun 26th Just for Ladies by Camille Stahl

Today’s Passage – Psalms 51 – 57

Second Milers also read – Revelation 12 – 15; Psalms 126 – 130; Proverbs 26

Scripture Memory for June – Psalm 139

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 119:105

The Study of Women in the Bible

This week: Sarah

Good morning and welcome once again to Women in the Bible. This week we will be looking at Sarah and how she walked ahead of God.

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Genesis 12:1 – 3)

“After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.” (Genesis 15:1 – 5)

“Now Sarai Abram’s wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. And Sarai Abram’s wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife. And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived:” (Genesis 16:1 – 4)

Abraham and Sarah lived a secure life in Ur, with friends and family . One day God appeared to Abraham and told him to leave his land and go to a place, which He would point out to him. Most women would find it hard to leave their home to face an unknown future, but Sarah got on board and stood behind her husband, obeyed God and went willingly. After moving over 600 miles away, God told Abraham to move again. All the while Sarah was waiting for the promise of God to bear a child.

Abraham and Sarah continued moving around, and because of a famine, they decided to move to Egypt. For the first time Sarah saw Abraham not take counsel from God. She must have really questioned her husband when he asked her to tell the people that she was his sister. Here was a man who walked beside God now running ahead. Sarah honored her husband, and God honored Sarah by protecting her in Egypt. Sarah knew from experience that to live a life of faith she would need to be patient. Faith and patience go together. You can’t buy them, you have to experience them. But Sarah was growing older and now past her days of child bearing. She suggested to Abraham that he take a Hagar as his concubine. Although these things happened frequently back then, it was still wrong because of her lack of faith.

A year after God appeared to them again, Sarah conceived and bore a child. Finally, receiving the promise from God.

Today we have two nations from the loins of Abraham: the Arabs, the descendants of Ishmael; and the Jews, the descendants of Isaac. They are still at war with each other, all because Sarah ran ahead of God.

We too must follow by God’s side; never running ahead or dragging behind. Moving when God moves us, and waiting when He is working. Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” If you ever walked in the woods at night with a flashlight, you know you must walk next to the one holding the light. Too far behind or ahead, and you are in darkness. You might go down the wrong path, stumble, or fall. So let’s take the Saviour’s hand and walk together by His side.

In conclusion, I do not want to leave Sarah on a sour note. Sarah’s life had experienced many sacrifices. Her faith grew after the birth of her son, Isaac. She experienced hardships and disappointments, all without complaint. She was flexible with the changes that were made in her life. By her obedience to Abraham, she allowed him to obey God. In Hebrews 11, she was honored for the faith she had, not without having her failures pointed out.

Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy Blood was shed for me, And that Thou bidst me come to Thee, O Lamb of God I come…

Thank You

1 John 5:13