Today's Passage: Genesis 23, NIV
What ladies can learn: Abraham took care to find a place of respect and value to bury Sarah. Women in the Bible weren't discounted! I don't know if Sarah ever felt underappreciated, but I'm going to guess that she did at some point in her life. What can we learn? Often, people care more about us than we realize.
Highlighted characteristic of God: You might not see God in this passage at first glance. Look again. James 1:17 (NIV) says "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights." I would call Sarah's tomb a good and perfect gift, wouldn't you? Not only that, God worked it out that Abraham received the tomb for free. How awesome is that? Just because we can't see God or hear an audible voice doesn't mean He isn't there.
In two words: God provides.
Highlighted characteristic for us: The Bible tells us that Abraham's witnesses were the Hittites. Now, if you believe that the Bible is the whole truth, then you'd believe that Hittites existed whether or not archeology proved their existence (since the Bible is true, accurate science can be trusted to support the Bible).
There was a time that no one believed Hittites existed. People thought that there was no evidence for the existence of the Hittites. Well, of course, I'm sure you know now that the Hittites have been proven to exist--we even study them in our history books! The Bible is always right, even if people haven't found "proof" for everything in it.
In three words: Trust God's word.
Showing posts with label sarah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sarah. Show all posts
Monday, May 10, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
READY: May 7, 2010
Today's Passage: Genesis 20, NIV
What ladies can learn: Abraham and Sarah do it again! This time, though, when they lie, Sarah has to be sure of the consequences. There can be no doubt in her mind that God, her ultimate authority, is more important than her husband; there can be no doubt in her mind that God does not approve lying. She lies anyway, and what happens? This time, the Bible pins the offense on Sarah more so than the other times she's lied.
When we know that we have a choice to either obey God or to obey authority--but not both--we should always obey God first.
Highlighted characteristic of God: God is forgiving. Even when we make the same mistake twice (or thrice), He's willing to forgive.
In two words: God forgives.
Highlighted characteristic for us: First, a half-truth is a whole lie...second, if authorities tell you to disobey God's clear words, obey God.
In three words: Obey only God.
What ladies can learn: Abraham and Sarah do it again! This time, though, when they lie, Sarah has to be sure of the consequences. There can be no doubt in her mind that God, her ultimate authority, is more important than her husband; there can be no doubt in her mind that God does not approve lying. She lies anyway, and what happens? This time, the Bible pins the offense on Sarah more so than the other times she's lied.
When we know that we have a choice to either obey God or to obey authority--but not both--we should always obey God first.
Highlighted characteristic of God: God is forgiving. Even when we make the same mistake twice (or thrice), He's willing to forgive.
In two words: God forgives.
Highlighted characteristic for us: First, a half-truth is a whole lie...second, if authorities tell you to disobey God's clear words, obey God.
In three words: Obey only God.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
READY: May 6, 2010
Today's Passage: Genesis 18, NIV
What ladies can learn: Notice in this passage the role of Sarah in welcoming the guests. Abraham was able to simply tell her "Make some bread," and she did it. Because she made the bread, Abraham was freed up to cook some meat for the visitors. They worked as a team. Sarah was just as important as Abraham, but Abraham was willing to lead and Sarah was willing to follow. As a result of their acceptance of their Biblical roles, their teamwork was smooth and effortless.
Please don't misunderstand this to mean that men are slavemasters of women--that is most definitely not God's will. 1 Peter 3:1-8 uses Abraham and Sarah as an example of Biblical marriage, but at the same time emphasizes the necessity of gentleness and respect on the part of the husband (those are two qualities of a good leader anyway):
Highlighted characteristic of God: God shows many of His characteristics in this chapter, so we'll examine a few of them. First of all, God is all-powerful: He was able to promise Abraham and Sarah a child, even though they were too old to have children. Second, God is the giver of everything we have. From chairs and tables to shelter, children, and even life--God gives it all. Third, God knows everything! We may see this as obvious; after all, He's God, right? Nevertheless, like Sarah, we sometimes try to trick God into thinking we aren't laughing in unbelief (or we aren't angry with Him, or we aren't disappointed, or we aren't glad about something we shouldn't be glad about). God knows it all. He sees right through our disguise. God's all-knowing nature leads us to another point: God is holy and just, and He punishes bad people. God said that He had heard an outcry about Sodom and Gomorrah; though we can't be positive where this cry had come from, I like to think that it was peoples' prayers for help. As we read more about the character of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, you'll see that these two cities were filled with creeps and criminals--and that the cities' governments weren't protecting the citizens. As a result, God decided to visit the city and to step in on behalf of the people in need.
In two words? Wow, what a tough summary. I'll put it this way: God gives. Why? God gives miracles, God gives us everything we have, God gives knowledge, and God gives justice.
Highlighted characteristic for us: God hears a humble prayer. Notice Abraham's words: "I am nothing but dust and ashes" (verse 27). Abraham knew his place. Abraham knew that God was infinitely higher than him. But Abraham prayed--humbly--and God granted his requests.
Also, sometimes we treat God like a genie who only grants three wishes. We pray, and God answers us. We pray again, and God answers again. We pray again, and God answers again. And then we think, "Wow, God just answered three requests! I've gotta be pushing my limits here. I'll stop asking for awhile." That's exactly what the enemy wants us to think--that we should stop praying. Prayer is powerful. God tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to "pray continually" (and that's the entire verse). God wants us to keep praying to Him. Abraham asked God to change His mind six times! We, too, can approach God with requests (and praises).
In three words: Pray without limit.
What ladies can learn: Notice in this passage the role of Sarah in welcoming the guests. Abraham was able to simply tell her "Make some bread," and she did it. Because she made the bread, Abraham was freed up to cook some meat for the visitors. They worked as a team. Sarah was just as important as Abraham, but Abraham was willing to lead and Sarah was willing to follow. As a result of their acceptance of their Biblical roles, their teamwork was smooth and effortless.
Please don't misunderstand this to mean that men are slavemasters of women--that is most definitely not God's will. 1 Peter 3:1-8 uses Abraham and Sarah as an example of Biblical marriage, but at the same time emphasizes the necessity of gentleness and respect on the part of the husband (those are two qualities of a good leader anyway):
1Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 5For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, 6like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.7Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
Suffering for Doing Good
8Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
Highlighted characteristic of God: God shows many of His characteristics in this chapter, so we'll examine a few of them. First of all, God is all-powerful: He was able to promise Abraham and Sarah a child, even though they were too old to have children. Second, God is the giver of everything we have. From chairs and tables to shelter, children, and even life--God gives it all. Third, God knows everything! We may see this as obvious; after all, He's God, right? Nevertheless, like Sarah, we sometimes try to trick God into thinking we aren't laughing in unbelief (or we aren't angry with Him, or we aren't disappointed, or we aren't glad about something we shouldn't be glad about). God knows it all. He sees right through our disguise. God's all-knowing nature leads us to another point: God is holy and just, and He punishes bad people. God said that He had heard an outcry about Sodom and Gomorrah; though we can't be positive where this cry had come from, I like to think that it was peoples' prayers for help. As we read more about the character of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, you'll see that these two cities were filled with creeps and criminals--and that the cities' governments weren't protecting the citizens. As a result, God decided to visit the city and to step in on behalf of the people in need.
In two words? Wow, what a tough summary. I'll put it this way: God gives. Why? God gives miracles, God gives us everything we have, God gives knowledge, and God gives justice.
Highlighted characteristic for us: God hears a humble prayer. Notice Abraham's words: "I am nothing but dust and ashes" (verse 27). Abraham knew his place. Abraham knew that God was infinitely higher than him. But Abraham prayed--humbly--and God granted his requests.
Also, sometimes we treat God like a genie who only grants three wishes. We pray, and God answers us. We pray again, and God answers again. We pray again, and God answers again. And then we think, "Wow, God just answered three requests! I've gotta be pushing my limits here. I'll stop asking for awhile." That's exactly what the enemy wants us to think--that we should stop praying. Prayer is powerful. God tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to "pray continually" (and that's the entire verse). God wants us to keep praying to Him. Abraham asked God to change His mind six times! We, too, can approach God with requests (and praises).
In three words: Pray without limit.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
READY: April 22, 2010
Today's Passage: Genesis 12, NIV, courtesy of BibleGateway.com
What ladies can learn:
In two words: God leads.
Highlighted characteristic for us: I'm going to re-state my point about honesty: a half-truth is really a whole lie. If we're lying for protection, we're basically telling God, "God, I don't believe You can protect me, so I'm going to lie. I know You said not to, and I know You know everything, but I need to have some extra help right now." God would have protected Abram even if Abram and Sari had told the truth about their marriage, and God can protect us, too. On the other hand, if we're lying because "we want to be nice"...well, I know that when I ask peoples' opinions, I want them to be honest, even if that means the truth is hard to take. If one of your friends is wearing an ugly pair of plaid pants that clash with their shirt, and they smile and ask, "What do you think of my outfit?" you don't have to say "It's so cute! I love it!" or "Man, that's UGLY. Can't you match colors?" You can tell them it's unique, it's their style, it's creative, or other similar things, but don't lie and tell them you love their outfit if you don't. Trust me, they'll thank you in a few years. If you're getting ready with your friend, and they're trying to decide what to wear, that's a better time to say "That shirt doesn't really match" or "Plaid isn't really my thing...you can wear it if you want, but I kinda liked the jeans better."
In three words: Just be honest.
What ladies can learn:
- Submission. When God told Abram "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you," Abram left--and Sari went with Abram. She could have complained. She could have argued. She could have resisted. Maybe she did; it isn't recorded. But if the Bible did record Sari complaining, arguing, and resisting, wouldn't it make Sari look bad? The same goes for our lives. When God leads through a husband or an authority figure--and when we're sure it's God leading--we need to follow.
- Honesty. A half-truth isn't truly a half-truth. A half-truth is a whole-lie, and a lie that could cause a whole lot of trouble.
This passage shows us more than the importance of honesty, however. It shows us an important fact about following: the ultimate "following goal" of each lady's life should be to follow God. Sometimes--many times--husbands, parents, or other authority figures "represent" God's authority. God tells Adam not to eat from the tree, and Adam tells Eve not to eat from the tree. God tells Abram to travel, and Abram tells Sari to travel. That's why it's important to submit to the leaders God has placed in our lives. Nevertheless, sometimes these leaders don't represent God's authority. In this passage, Abram tells Sari to lie. God never told Abram to tell Sari to lie; God never told Abram it would be okay to lie to protect himself; in fact, God commands us to stay away from dishonesty! Therefore, in this case, Abram was not representing God, and Sari would have done better to not follow. Perhaps Sari was not aware that God was anti-dishonesty, or perhaps she assumed God would rather have her follow Abram's guidance. We will never know. But here's the interesting part: even though Sari suffered the consequences of dishonesty along with Abram, Abram was ultimately held responsible for her dishonesty because he was her spiritual leader. This is yet another situation showing the hierarchy of the family.
In two words: God leads.
Highlighted characteristic for us: I'm going to re-state my point about honesty: a half-truth is really a whole lie. If we're lying for protection, we're basically telling God, "God, I don't believe You can protect me, so I'm going to lie. I know You said not to, and I know You know everything, but I need to have some extra help right now." God would have protected Abram even if Abram and Sari had told the truth about their marriage, and God can protect us, too. On the other hand, if we're lying because "we want to be nice"...well, I know that when I ask peoples' opinions, I want them to be honest, even if that means the truth is hard to take. If one of your friends is wearing an ugly pair of plaid pants that clash with their shirt, and they smile and ask, "What do you think of my outfit?" you don't have to say "It's so cute! I love it!" or "Man, that's UGLY. Can't you match colors?" You can tell them it's unique, it's their style, it's creative, or other similar things, but don't lie and tell them you love their outfit if you don't. Trust me, they'll thank you in a few years. If you're getting ready with your friend, and they're trying to decide what to wear, that's a better time to say "That shirt doesn't really match" or "Plaid isn't really my thing...you can wear it if you want, but I kinda liked the jeans better."
In three words: Just be honest.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)