my wings are made of faith

Scratching the Curiosity Itch

Sometimes when I study God's word, I find myself thinking, "Wonder where that place was?" or "Wonder what that looked like?"  When I was a little girl, I was fascinated by the different cultures, art and lifestyles of the people whose stories I was reading in the Bible.  In fact, to understand the stories, I sometimes needed to know more about the background. I spent hours looking at books with the "ancient stuff." That hasn't changed for me down through the years.  I find my curiosity about the places and people who wrote the Bible has never changed.  I love seeing the things that archeologists unearth, and visiting the virtual places where things from the Bible occurred.  I probably will never travel to the Holy Land but I love books and websites which will give me glimpses into that history. Besides, I want to know how it looked then, not now.

Here's a great place to scratch that history curiosity itch: Bible History online ~

http://www.bible-history.com/

It opens on the home page, but I like to navigate it from the sitemap page.  There are lists of subjects and types of info that can be looked at from the site.  Each subject ususally brings up another list, but don't stop there.  Start clicking! Maps, Study tools, Archeology, Images, Art, Geography, Names....the list goes on and on of the links this author has compiled.  In some cases I could not use my back button, so I just went to the search bar on the top of my page and erased back to bible-history.com, then hit refresh (low tech). I ran across a note from the site owner which said that Vista had some problems when navigating his site, but I have and old version of Windows, and Window 7 and had no difficulty other than the back arrow. I especially liked finding a map of early Bible lands in the first century. When you click on a site, a box of associated sites will pop up above the actual listings. Some are adds, usually Bible related. Don't click into the box unless you wish to leave the site. Listings in the box are sometimes links to other resources. 

Below the box will sometimes be only one line which will link you to information, images, and a side bar list of sub categories or additional subjects. Infomation is generally alphabetized and easy to navigate.  If your curiosity sends you seeking, this is a good place to start. If your children need ancient history research tools, this could be helpful to them too.

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (which comes up under the study tools ~ dictionaries and encyclopedias) has a search feature, as did several of the other tools I clicked on. But the site itself did not seem to have a search feature. 

This site is just plain interesting. When I think of how peoples of all the earth down through the centuries have held their books precious, preserved their histories, ancestries, and details of every element of their lives, I pause to thank God that we have access to so much of it.  When they wrote it in stone, they had a sense that someone might read it many years in the future.  But I bet they never guessed there would be a time that anyone, who took a minute to look, might read it from anywhere in the world on a tiny little screen. If you have even a little curiosity for knowing how and where our Bible ancestors lived, check out this site.

On the site map is a subject heading: Bible Backdrops. The sub-heading is "Relevant Historical Insights into Scripture." First on the list is a note on the money changers doing business in front of the temple. (John 2:13-16) I learned something from the short narrative that is written there that I never knew. It makes this story of Jesus come alive, and deepens the blessing. It says: "The large outer court was called 'the Court of the Gentiles' because it was devoted to the foreigners who had come to worship God at the temple and they could proceed no further. It is interesting that Jesus chose to stop at this place to show forth his anger toward the money-changers, ...and this was not the first time he came to the aid of non-Jews." 

Why that is so precious to me to know, is that it is just one more way Jesus showed how he came for the lost of the whole world, and he loved Jews and Gentiles. It goes on to say that the pilgrims who arrived there were met with scorn and contempt, and the money changers took up space where the worshipers would have preferred to stand. Jesus made room for them, and put the purpose they came for back into proper perspective. I can be assured of Christ's love for Gentiles, especially when I know the context of the scripture, and the story behind the story. I am making "Scripture Backdrops" my devotional for a while. It is a refreshing way to look at the Word.

Thank you Lord, for glimpses into the lives of those who lived in Bible times.  And for the insites of people who have loved and studied your Word around the world.  So much is offered to strengthen our faith and expand our understanding of just how much you love us.  I am so glad to see how the things we find continue to show that you are always the same. It blesses me to know more about the people who saw fit to write it down, or carve it in stone, or paint pictures, or build buildings to store it. Bless all who continue to preserve and share the treasures of Bible history. Thank you for touching my heart with something new, that continues to inspire me, after all these years. AMEN

Growing Deeper

When I first became a Christian I wanted to understand more about God’s Word.  I often felt confused and embarrassed because it seemed that other people comprehended so much more than I did about Biblical issues.  Right out of the salvation gate, I felt beaten down and inadequate.  

As the years have passed, I still do not have all of the answers, but there are certain resources that I use to help me when I’m stuck.  The first and most important resource I use is God’s Word itself.  I know this sounds like a strange starting point, but the Bible will never contradict itself.  It is perfectly complete and can be applied to every situation you will ever face.  The Holy Spirit, our helper, is there to help us understand the Bible when we are stuck.

The next resource I often use is the wisdom from other believers.  Like Jesus, I rely on three very close friends who are entrenched in God’s Word.  They not only study, but are strong prayer warriors.  All three of these women have testimonies of the Lord’s works in their lives.  

The last resource is wisdom from trusted authors.  Some of my favorite authors are people that I have taken Bible studies that they’ve written, know personally, or attended conferences where I felt the Holy Spirit relating my spirit to their spoken words.  This list is just my preferences, but a good place to start if you are feeling confused in going deeper with the Lord.

Books and Bible studies that I love include:

Praying God’s Word, Breaking Free, Get Out of That Pit, When Godly People Do Ungodly Things, and Believing God                                                                                         Author: Beth Moore (Living Proof Ministries)

His Imprint, My Expression, Israel My Beloved, and Lord, I Want to Know You                                                                                                  Author: Kay Arthur (Precept Ministries)

Big Girls Don’t Whine and Look At It This Way            Author: Jan Silivious

Experiencing the Love Jesus Knew            Author: Vikki Waters (Growing in Grace Ministries, Chattanooga, TN)

Power of the Praying Woman (Wife, and Mother too), The Prayer that Changes Everything, Praying God’s Will for your Life, and Just Enough Light For the Step I’m On                        Author: Stormie OMartian

I believe that when we are earnestly seeking the Lord, we are where we are supposed to be which is in fellowship with Him.  This doesn’t minimize our consequences or difficulties, but allows God to offer peace along the journey.  In other words, although you may feel inadequate or stuck, you aren’t when you are seeking God.

My Prayer:  God, thank you for your precious fellowship.  We praise you for giving us your perfect Word and other resources to help encourage and enlighten us in our journeys.  I rebuke the lie of inadequacy for believers because we know that we are where we are supposed to be when you have called us according to your purpose.  Holy Spirit, lead and direct us to deeper understanding and fellowship withe the King.  In Jesus name!

 

 

 

 

Bible Study Tools ~ Online!

References and sources, which we refer to in order to present you an accurate depiction of God's Word, formerly were hard copy.  Books like a condordance, expository, and bible dictionary are required to fully understand what we are reading sometimes, especially in the old languages.  But we are so blessed to have access to valuable resources online now, and the most versatile of those we use is, of course, Biblegateway.com/ which is on our sidebar. It allows us to send you to the scriptures instantly, while giving you the opportunity to view those verses in parallel to several translations. It unifies our interpretations and allows us to make comparative references to wording from Old and New Testaments. No verse is good outside of its context, and we value the time you spend reading the story or verses that surround the scriptures we give you.  Often so much more is gained from the whole Biblical story.

This week, I have two new resources I want to share, for your discretionary use, especially if you are a teacher of the word, or a blogger, author, or parent. Also, if something God is giving you blesses you, expanding on it will help it stick. Find and explore these sites to gain the full potential offered on each. I will give you one today and one on Friday. My sincere hope is that these simplify your life rather than adding one more aggravating technology.

~The first is simple to remember: Bible Study Tools at:

http://www.biblestudytools.com/

On this site, it is possible to set up your own personal account, where you can access scripture, highlight verses, take notes, and use a multitude of references such as commentaries, encyclopedias, and dictionaries. There is a library tab that is a resource in itself.  Click on the "Browse the Bible" tab on the right side of the page. How could that be easier or quicker to use? Take a moment and check it out. Notice that there is a speaker icon once you have arrived at your scripture passage - click this for the chapter to be read to you! Listen to the Bible while you wash dishes or fold clothes! We believe knowing how to get the answers when you are on the run is a great oppportunity. I am putting this one on the top of my 2012 new favorites list.  Hope you will too.

Our keyword today: Study.

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15

...and for balance:

The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that wich was written was upright, even words of truth...by these, my son be admonished; of making many books there is no end, and (too) much study is a weariness of the flesh. Ecclesiastes 12: 10 and 12.  LOL

Dear Lord Jesus, even you spent some time among the books in the temple.  You saw fit to preserve a series of books through the centuries which would help us along our way. Please continue to preserve the understanding of those books in our hurried technical world.  I thank you for access to study helps like the ones listed here, and ask you to bless those who prepared them.  Empower our readers who may need quick references in this busy world.  May these offerings truly be useful, and not burdensome. Use them to bless someone today. In your name, AMEN.

 

 

Overcome

 

My heart melted the very first time i heard this song. i remember immediately thanking Him ... for the battles we face are not our own:

He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.—2 Chronicles 20:15

All authority is the Lord's.  The victory is His (it was His before we were even created).

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.—Matthew 28:18

The song says, We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb. By His blood we can overcome:
• Addiction • Fears • Scars • Pain • Depression • Disease • Loss • Loneliness • Perfectionism • Control • Lust • Anger • Anything that you battling can be overcome - not by our own strength, but by His. 

Whatever you are facing, claim victory in the name of Jesus and wait patiently for the Lord to finish the battle on your behalf. 

Jesus, your name is great and awesome and so worthy of all our praise. Thank you for our victories in Your mighty name!

A prayer for a Godly husband

Shortly after the realization that i was getting divorced, i think the biggest emotional hurdle for me was fear. Fear of being in my 30s and single. It wasn't really the fear of being alone, because i have a relationship with the Lord and i have such an amazing group of supportive family and friends. It was the fear of not having a family, not being able to trust someone with my heart again, and fear of the dating game. 

It didn't take long for God to calm my fears because i stayed focused on Him. Fear is a lie, a lie from the enemy saying that God isn't good and that He won't give us the desires of our heart. Now, i just patiently rest in Him.

i came across this Facebook note that a friend posted about a month ago. It's pretty close to the same prayer that i have been praying for months. To the divorced, single, widowed— this prayer is for you. Claim God's promises for a Godly husband in the name of Jesus and wait on the Lord to provide the desire of your heart. (Take some time to click through to the related scriptures)

Prayer for a Godly husband

Lord God, your Word declares that if I delight myself in you—if I enjoy and seek your pleasure above mine—you'll give me the desires of my heart (Psalm 37:4). Desiring a husband is neither evil nor selfish because marriage is honorable (Hebrews 13:4). At the beginning of creation, you proclaimed, "It is not good that man should be alone" and then you created Eve to be a suitable partner for Adam (Genesis 2:18). In the name of Jesus, I ask that you would protect the husband—a suitable partner—you have chosen for me. Because the covenant of marriage is sacred (Mark 10:9), I ask for a man of God. Please give me a husband whose love for me is only outmatched by his love for you; a man who will cherish me and build me up (Proverbs 31:28); a man who will honor me (I Peter 3:7) and our marriage vows; a man who will be a good father and provider; a man whom I will be attracted to physically, emotionally, and spiritually; a man who will love me as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). Keep me from attaching myself to another man out of desperation. I will not settle for a relationship that's second best, convenient, or one that feeds my insecurities. Guard my purity and give me the patience to wait. And when I meet him, confirm to me that he is the one. Release from me the baggage of past relationships, and prepare me for the man You have chosen to be my husband. Free me from any hindrances to a healthy and godly marriage: insecurities, habitual sins, selfishness, and emotional hurts. Dispel my unrealistic expectations that set me up for disappointment. I place my trust in you rather than my partner. In this period of waiting, I will look to you alone to be my companion and best friend. You are the one who redeems my life from the pit, who crowns me with love and compassion, who satisfies my desires with good things (Psalm 103:4-5). I will not be anxious, but as I present my requests to you, flood me with the peace that surpasses all understanding so my heart and my mind are guarded in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6,7). In this request, I commit myself to trust you and do good, to dwell in the land and feed on your faithfulness. I commit my way to you and trust that you will bring it to pass (Psalm 37:35). Amen.
—Evangelist Constance Fleming

 

God is so very, very good.

A Healing Love

Ancestry is important in the scriptures, and the book of Ruth is especially explicit about the fact that Ruth was not an Israelite, but is counted among the ancestors of King David.  She was his great-grandmother.  Ruth’s story isn’t about first love, and the youthful infatuations stemming from hormones and good looks. Hers is a story of recovery from anguished loss of her first love, and choices she made to move toward healing, while not forgetting she was not the only one in pain. When she uttered her famous phrase, “Whither thou goest I will go,” commonly used in weddings, she was making two choices at once.  She chose to show a remarkable kind of love, by giving herself to care for her bereaved mother-in-law, who was old and discouraged now that her sons had died.  And, she chose the God of her deceased husband and his mother to be her God.

Where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God, my God. Ruth 1:16.

The couple today, is of course, Ruth and Boaz. When Boaz first noticed Ruth in his fields, nothing is said about his loving her. A good bit of time passes, while she gleans with his maidens, following the young men who harvested in his fields. The only thing we know of his interest is that he forbids the young men to approach her, and tells the harvesters to leave some extra to be gleaned on purpose.  But his kindness caused her to wonder if Boaz might care for her. When she asked him why he took notice of her, he said he had heard of her dedication to Naomi. Then he said this:

The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. Ruth 2:12

Ruth's testimony preceded her and Boaz saw the hand of God on her life.

I wonder if Boaz had any clue what God was about to do in his life?  Of one thing I am sure. God is a God who turns tragedy and heart ache into greatness.  Ruth chose to serve God, and God paired her with someone who also chose to serve God. So many things could have happened differently in this story.  But Boaz behaved in a respectful manner and gave Ruth a great deal of credit, and honor.  He also wisely gave her time to heal from her loss.  He also brought hope into Naomi’s life and a new reason to live and love, when he allowed that the son he and Ruth brought into the world, be known as Naomi’s grandchild. 

 Chapter 2, verse 15 tells us what Naomi’s neighbors and friends thought about this baby:

And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age, for thy daughter-in-law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.

The elders of the city who witnessed the purchase of the rights to Naomi’s family inheritance, made this comment to Boaz about his decision to marry Ruth, knowing she was a Moabite:

“The Lord make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel, and do thou worthily in Ephratah and be famous in Bethlehem.”  Ruth 4:11

And so it came to be, for Boaz and Ruth are listed among the ancestors of both lines of Jesus’ heritage, in Matthew and in Luke.

Love that arises from pain, and is first founded in our gracious God, will be blessed.  He is the healer of the broken hearted and faithful. He makes great things come from small goodness. He is able to use anyone who will accept him, and yield to his leading. Ruth was able to move on in life because she continued to love, and she chose to serve God.

Lord, bless someone who has had loss, to chose to move on, and continue seeking love. May the example of Ruth and Boaz give courage and inspiration to someone who is needing an unusual solution to having a family and a future to look forward to. Strengthen the hearts of the discouraged and lonely.  Help us all to be more like the encouraging neighbors of Ruth and Boaz. Put the people in our paths who will be as responsible and honorable as Boaz, and help us trust that when we have done the best right thing we are able to do, that You are able to stir the hearts of your people, to provide the support we will need to do your will.  Lord work in the hearts of Christians...open their eyes to the opportunities to be used for something bigger than our understanding. Amen 

A Perfect Beginning

In Genesis Chapter 1, we are introduced to Adam and Eve: the very first human beings created.  I love how Genesis explains Eve,

“But for Adam no suitable helper was found.  So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh.  Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man and he brought her to the man.

The man said, 

‘This is now bone of my bones

and flesh of my flesh;

she shall be called ‘woman,’

for she was taken out of man.”

We all know how the Garden of Eden thing ended, but what a perfect beginning!  A woman who was created by our God with this particular man’s taste and preferences in mind!

The same God that created a woman for Adam: He’s still our God!  He sees our hearts and hears our cries.  Just like Adam and Eve, God has great plans for our lives. 

Jeremiah 29:13 says,

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Our Prayer:  Thank you, Father, that you are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  I trust that your plans for me are good: just like when you created Adam and Eve.  Like Adam and Eve, our love stories are not perfect.  Thank you for your eternal forgiveness and mercy.  In Jesus name!