4Women ...for women searching relevance in life

The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle near the Ark of God. Suddenly the Lord called out, “Samuel!” “Yes?” Samuel replied. “What is it?” He got up and ran to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” “I didn’t call you,” Eli replied. “Go back to bed.” So he did. 1 Samuel 3:3-5 NLT

“Samuel did not yet know the Lord because he had never had a message from the Lord before.” 1 Samuel 3:7 NLT

God spoke so clearly to Samuel that he thought it was Eli, the priest, calling him.

When Eli realized that it was God calling Samuel, he was able to give Samuel instructions on what to do. He said to Samuel: “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:9 NLT

Samuel was only a boy so there was probably very good reason for him not realizing it was God speaking to him. Also hearing from God was rare at that time and therefore God’s voice was unexpected. 1 Samuel 3:1

The way in which God spoke to Samuel may seem unusual but it was specific to Samuel’s role as a prophet. “The word of the Lord”, God’s message, came to prophets during Old Testament times who then conveyed these words of God to the people.

The word of the Lord is no longer revealed only to prophets. Now God reveals himself and speaks to us through His son, Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:1-2: “Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.”

What is that message that God reveals through Jesus Christ? That our connection with God, broken by sin, can be restored because “he (Jesus Christ) finished the sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 1:3 MSG) that separates us from God. Romans 3:23-25a

God’s message is for everyone in this world. John 3:16. If you’ve heard God’s voice, you will know that He speaks plainly and clearly. But, to those who do not know the Lord, like Samuel, this may not be so. God speaks clearly but they may not hear clearly. Guide those who don’t yet know God’s voice so they can hear him for themselves.

If you are not familiar with or don’t recognize God’s voice, then take the opportunity to listen.

“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

Jesus spoke these comforting words, while hanging on the cross, to the criminal next to him during their crucifixion.

We do not know the crimes of the man crucified with Jesus and it’s hard for us to say whether the cruel death by crucifixion was the justice that he deserved. But this criminal realized that in comparison with Jesus, his punishment was justified. For he realized that Jesus deserved none of what he received. Luke 23:40-41

This criminal spoke differently from others around the cross who taunted Jesus. Luke 23:35-39 His response was belief in Jesus’ innocence, a reverence for God and that this Jesus could do something for him. Luke 23:40-42

Belief is difficult. Paradoxically, the Bible tells us we should accept truths about Jesus like that of a child – simple and open-minded. Mark 10:15

The criminal changed from unbelief Mark 15:32 to belief. His acknowledgment of Jesus was all it took for Jesus to utter these wonderful words: “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Jesus emphasized his promise with: it is true, it is a fact, there is no doubt, be assured, because this is the promise to all who believe... We do not know the full meaning of this ideal place called paradise but we do know that Jesus would be there.

For this man, belief in Jesus was the turning point. New life began. His acknowledgment that Jesus was who he claimed to be was enough to remove the judgment of unbelief John 3:18 and enable him to make a fresh start. Romans 8:1 NLT

This is the truth for all who believe in Jesus Christ.

“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24

Footnote: The Romans reserved crucifixion for criminals who were slaves, rebels, or other despised criminals and enemies. Condemned Roman citizens were usually not crucified. Therefore it was considered a most shameful and disgraceful way to die.

“… be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” Leviticus 19:2

God wanted His people, the people of Israel, to be holy just like Him! This was His mission for them. He graciously saved the Israelites when they cried out to Him from their terrible slavery in Egypt. Exodus 2:23-25 Exodus 12:51 God promised He would be their God and they would be His people. Exodus 6:7 And as His people, He wanted them to be holy. They were to live differently from the other nations around them. Leviticus 20:26 They were to be distinct from the other nations in the way they lived. Leviticus 20:24 And in their distinctness, they would be a light to the other nations, leading people to the one true God, who wants all people to know Him.

In the same way, God wants us to be perfect like Him. Matthew 5:48 God has graciously saved us from the consequences of sin through His own son, Jesus Christ, dying for us. God is our Father and we are His children. John 1:12 And as His children, we are to live like children of God - to be salt and a light to others:

"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16 MSG

“You are to give him the name Jesus.” Luke 1:31

The angel told Mary she was to name her baby Jesus. It was likely a common name during that time. So, there was nothing very remarkable about being called Jesus, although its meaning hints at something out of the ordinary. "Jesus" is the Greek version of the name "Joshua," a Hebrew name that means “the Lord saves”. But, the name Jesus didn’t suggest that this baby was actually THE Lord who saves.

However, the angel did go on to reveal to Mary that this baby would be called the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:32) because he is the Son of the Most High. This baby Jesus, was not only a perfect human being but was also God. John 1:1 and John 1:14 . God born as one of us, a human being. Colossians 2:9 NLT

But for now, at his birth and the beginning of his childhood, he would be called Jesus. Luke 2:21, Luke 2:43 And so Luke tells the story of a helpless little baby, born into a poor common family in the most demeaning and crudest of birth places. There was no honor for the baby who is divine.

For the Son of God became human, not to display his glory and grandeur, but to be humble and subservient. Mark 10:45 And so his less than modest birth and simple name were fitting for his lowly role on earth; to serve us unto death. Isaiah 53:2-5NLT 2 Corinthians 5:21

This Christmas, will you kneel and worship this Jesus?

“A bruised reed he will not break.” Matthew 12:20a

Although we do not use reeds in a significant way today, we can comprehend that a bruised reed is of no value. It is worthless. Therefore… it ought to be broken off. Likewise, the verse goes on to imply that a smoldering wick is worthless and should be snuffed out. Matthew 12:20a

But Jesus’ message contradicts this view. He will not break a bruised reed nor snuff out a smoldering wick. He does not consider anyone as worthless or of no value. John 3:16-17.

Prior to this phrase, His healing of those who are physically bruised shows Jesus’ compassion for bruised people. Matthew 12:13 and Matthew 12:15. Alongside this, those who are bruised by sin are of significance to Jesus. Luke 19:1-7 and John 8:1-11.

Sin bruises. Sin penetrates our whole being and tarnishes us. Romans 5:12 CEV. And sin blocks our relationship with a Holy God. So, sin, in a sense, needs to be broken off so our relationship with God can be renewed. How can this happen? God has given His own Son as a substitute for us. Romans 5:18 CEV, Romans 5:18 MSG It was Jesus Himself who was broken for us. Jesus took our sin upon Himself so that we might be healed and have a right relationship with God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT. Isaiah 53:6-8 NLT

Jesus took on Himself the ultimate suffering for our sin so that we can stand before God as unmarked, not bruised, whole, not broken, people. Romans 6:11

“A bruised reed he will not break.” Can you find comfort and encouragement in this phrase?

What is real love? In the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a reveals true, genuine love.

It is true love that we attempt to give and it is true love that we yearn to receive. But we don’t seem to be able to love flawlessly, if we measure our attempts against the 1 Corinthians 13 description of love. Nor do those who attempt to love us do so with the faultless love of 1 Corinthians 13. Our efforts at love and the love we receive can fall short. It can be frustrating, painful and leave us longing and sad.

Paul, in this letter, stresses the importance of love to the Corinthian church, but this love "prescription” is also a reminder of God’s pure and Holy love.

Read these words from 1 Corinthians 13 again, paraphrased as an expression of God’s love:

God’s love is patient.
God’s love is kind.
God’s love does not envy.
God’s love does not boast.
God’s love is not proud.
God’s love is not rude.
God’s love is not self-seeking.
God’s love is not easily angered.
God’s love keeps no record of wrongs.
God’s love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
God’s love always protects.
God’s love always trusts.
God’s love always hopes.
God’s love always perseveres.
God’s love never fails.

God’s fullest expression of His love is shown through His son, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:8-9 NLT , Romans 5:8-9 MSG , 1 John 4:9-12 MSG

The Psalmist understands God’s pure love: “Your love is a treasure, and everyone finds shelter in the shadow of your wings”. (Psalm 36:7-8 CEV)

Know that God’s love is sufficient for you and then know: “the LORD delights in those who put their hope in His unfailing love”. Psalm 147

Put your hope in His love.

“Loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ.” Jude 1

This is how Jude, the writer, begins his first century letter to a group of Christians during that time.

There is so much reassurance and encouragement in his greeting.

Our reasoning of how God should show His love is to take away the painful things in our lives, to heal our wounds and sickness, to stop the wars, famines and floods in the world. Instead, God shows His love in the way that surpasses our understanding of love and of Him. He shows His love through His Son, Jesus Christ.

We are “kept by Jesus Christ”. In other words, we are saved, spared, protected by Jesus Christ not for this life, but for eternity.

John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”.

Jude continues his encouragement at the end of his letter with another reminder of God’s love and Jesus as our keeper: “Offer praise to God our Savior because of our Lord Jesus Christ! Only God can keep you from falling and make you pure and joyful in his glorious presence.”

One day you can - and will - stand before God without fault – sinless, pure, clean, unsoiled. Jesus Christ, through his death and resurrection, enables that to happen and a God of love is behind the whole plan!

Don’t be confused about God and His love.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalm 34:8

Isn’t there a hint of an invitation in this verse? The author knows something to be good and he is eager for you to try it, to test it and see for yourself. Can you sense the earnestness in this verse?

David, the author, is telling us that God is good. He is giving thanks to God for his goodness and declaring the truth that God is good. Do you know this about God? Perhaps you doubt his goodness.

Earlier in the psalm, David says that he searched for God and called out to him. Psalm 34:4. He describes himself as a “poor man”. He was in no position to manage his own life and the crises he was facing. God, he tells us, delivered him from his fears and saved him from his troubles. Psalm 34:6.

God is good, he tells us, because we can find refuge in God, He hears our cries and will rescue us, we will find peace, we will lack for nothing!

David wishes to share what he has found. So, he invites you to taste…

What happens after the tasting? Will you find God to be good? According to 1 Peter, your tasting will turn into a craving. 1 Peter 2:2-3 says: “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, NOW that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

But this will be the best kind of craving.

Let this summer be a time of tasting and craving.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Jeremiah 31:3

God loves you. In fact, God’s love for you is endless. It spans both past and future. Just as God told Jeremiah: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb” (Jeremiah 1:5), so it is for you. God’s love for you began before you were born. His love for you continues beyond this life on earth.

God really desires for you to know and experience his everlasting love. He intentionally designed you and formed you for eternity. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says: “He has set eternity in the hearts of men”. If God is going to shower you with everlasting love, then you need to be an everlasting being! The eternal God who lovingly formed you, included eternity as part of your life, not so you can fully understand Him - the eternal God - but so you can experience His love for eternity.

In the letter to the Romans, Paul, the writer says: “I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39)

God’s everlasting love is available for you now to enjoy for eternity. Decide today to bask in that eternal love by, as Romans 8:29 says, believing in Christ Jesus. If you already know Christ, then enjoy the experience that lasts – beyond a life-time!

“Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ” Romans 13:14.

Clothes can make a statement about a person. They are an effective way of showing outward expression.

Clothing yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ makes an outward statement to other people about who you are.

Galatians 3:26-27 tells us how to be clothed with Christ. It says: “You are all sons (and daughters) of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."

By believing in Jesus Christ we have received a new life (Romans 6:23). Baptism is an outward symbolism of this (Romans 6:4 MSG). We show we are joined with Christ. We put him on as if we were putting on clothes – new ones too!

God is concerned with the condition of the inner person, our heart and our minds (Jeremiah 17:10). But, it is people who see the outward expression of our beliefs and faith. Therefore, we must seek to be like Jesus Christ and wear him on the outside too.

If you have faith and are united with Christ then you should desire to be like him and desire other people to see him. They see Christ in your behavior, in the way you conduct yourself, in the new way of life that is different from the old life.

Resolve to show off your new clothes. Make that outward statement!

"For the battle is not yours, but God's." 2 Chronicles 20:15 A battle implies a struggle, a fight against an hostile force, whether someone or something. In the instance recorded in 2 Chronicles, the battle is against a physical enemy. But, for us, our battles are not usually of this nature but are broader things, difficult situations with which we struggle; health issues, family matters, problems at work, school or other authorities, or the pressures of daily life. There is nothing in the Bible that tells us our lives will be battle free but it does tell us what to do when faced with battles. Our natural reaction is make the battle "ours", to make it our own. We don't see any other way of winning the fight but to be there on the front line, taking things into our own hands. The people in Chronicles were being invaded by a vast army. 2 Chronicles 20:1-2 They were frightened and discouraged. Thankfully, they did what we should do when faced with opposition, they turned to God, crying out that they didn't know what to do. 2 Chronicles 20:3-13 And God's answer? They do not have to fight! God himself would fight for them. 2 Chronicles 20:17 Their instructions - go and face the opposition, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, but stand firm. Standing firm is probably the hardest thing to do. Fighting back or running away would be easier. But by standing firm they would see the deliverance that God would give them. God would rescue them. They would see his power and strength. In turn, they could have courage and trust in God for the next battle! 1 Corinthians 16:13 tells us "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong." It is by having faith in God, by trusting in Him, that we can "stand firm". 2 corinthians 1:24 We have to turn to God, as did the people of Judah in Chronicles. Go to Him, tell Him your fear and then do the difficult thing, ask Him for guidance and instructions and stand firm in the confidence that you can trust God.

"Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love." Psalm 90:14a

Satisfy is a word that holds so much meaning - contentment, feeling at ease. It's a "put your head back, close your eyes, take a deep breath and breathe out long and slow... 'arhhh' " type of word. Don't we all long to feel satisfied?

For the writer of this Psalm there is urgency in his appeal to God. Urgency for relief from a difficult time, like a long, dark night. (Psalm 90 MSG) The writer yearns to be satisfied. Satisfy means "to meet expectations or desires". This is no half-hearted appeal. It is an appeal for expectations to be met - fully.

The writer's expectation is to receive God's promised unfailing love. Love is part of the very character of God and cannot fluctuate/go in fits and starts dependent on passion or disobedience. It is constant, never changing. "Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands." Deuteronomy 7:9

That covenant of love still applies to us today. This covenant is displayed through Jesus Christ and His death: "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. " John 3:16

Perhaps your night, whether literal or metaphoric, has been long and dark. Therefore, appeal to God that you may be satisfied by His love in your circumstances whatever they may be.

May you know that God constantly and endlessly loves you, that He has adequately provided for you by giving His son so that you might have life, and that you might know satisfaction. The remainder of Psalm 90:14 says "that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."

In medieval and Biblical times a fortress was of ultimate importance in the protection of a people against the assault of invaders and enemies. A natural defensive site, like a steep hill, would be chosen. Foundations would be of stone, defensive walls would be built. Towers gave extra protection.

The Bible mentions many physical fortresses. King David, in the Old Testament, was an experienced battle leader and accustomed to capturing and building fortresses, for example in 2 Samuel 5:6-10. David is also responsible for many of the references to God being a fortress. 2 Samuel 22:2 says

"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer .

Tthere are other words associated with this image of God, particularly used in the Psalms, that emphasis God's role as a fortress - refuge, trust, rock, deliverer, stronghold. Psalm 18:2, Psalm 31:2-3, Psalm 71:3, Psalm 91:2, Psalm 144:2. God is also referred to as a strong tower in Psalm 61:3, Proverbs 18:10.

Today, we do not experience the same type of physical attack that caused the people of medieval and Biblical times to build and depend on physical fortresses for protection. But, we can relate to needing God as a fortress for us because we all need spiritual protection. This is not some supernatural or mythical Narnia-type battle but protection in our day to day life as we experience living in a world that holds both good and evil; the experiences of pain, sadness, arguments, unhappiness, loneliness and illness. These are not part of God's perfectly planned world but part of a world that contains sin. These experiences can make us feel pursued, like giving up or surrendering or even struggling to live. We need somewhere to run, to feel safe and secure. That place is God. We can find refuge in Him our fortress, our rock, our deliverer, our strong tower.

Within physical fortresses next in importance to the defenses was a supply of water. This enabled people hiding within the fortress to withstand long sieges. Without water they would die or be forced to surrender.

Not only does God offer us defense and a tower to hide in, but He is our supply of water - living water. John 4:10-14 CEV says 'Jesus answered, "You don't know what God wants to give you, and you don't know who is asking you for a drink. If you did, you would ask me for the water that gives life."

"Sir," the woman said, "you don't even have a bucket, and the well is deep. Where are you going to get this life-giving water? Our ancestor Jacob dug this well for us, and his family and animals got water from it. Are you greater than Jacob?"

Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again. But no one who drinks the water I give will ever be thirsty again. The water I give is like a flowing fountain that gives eternal life." '

You may be under siege for a long time - the pain, sadness, unhappiness or loneliness may be long but we have a means by which to live and survive.

Remember to run and hide in God your defender and drink His living water so that you can outlive the siege.

Spend a few moments telling God that from this moment you are trusting in His ability and strength to defend you and keep you.

"O LORD, I have come to you for protection; don't let me be put to shame. Rescue me, for you always do what is right.

Bend down and listen to me; rescue me quickly. Be for me a great rock of safety, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.

You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this peril."

Psalm 31:1-3

"The sun cannot compare to the glory of Your love; There is no shadow in Your presence; No mortal man would dare to stand before Your throne, Before the Holy One of heaven."

These words from the song "Offering" give us a glimpse of God's magnificence.

The book of Revelation in the Bible says, in describing the new heaven and new earth and new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-2), that "the city does not need the sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light ". Revelation 21:23

We also read in the Old Testament about God's glory being impressive and fearful. God in His glory often appeared in a thick dark cloud (Exodus 24:15-16, Exodus 40:34-35, 1 Kings 8:10-12); a cloud that filled the place it came to rest. Those in its presence were unable to get close and were forced to move away (2 Chronicles 7:1-2). God's glory appeared as consuming fire. Exodus 24:17 tells us: "To the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain." 2 Chronicles 7:1-3.

God's glory appeared in these physical phenomena and when God moved in to live among the Israelites, the tabernacle and temple of the Old Testament became the place where the glory of God was especially located. God gave the people specific instructions on how they could approach Him in these places..

When God revealed His glory to His people of the Old Testament, He was revered and worshiped (2 Chronicles 7:3). Reverence was given to Him when His glory was revealed.

But, with the birth of Christ, God pitched His glory in the human flesh of Jesus Christ. (John 1:14) God's glory was revealed in the helpless form of a baby. A baby born to a young girl and a humble and poor couple.

It says, in Hebrews 1:3, that "the Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being".

As Christmas approaches, will you acknowledge that ultimate purpose of our Christmas festivities? Will you acknowledge the glory that is God's - His son, Jesus Christ? Romans 15:9,

"To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ." Romans 16:27

"Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever." Psalm 45:6

The Bible speaks about eternity and encourages us to think about things that are eternal (Colossians 3:2 NLT). More than that, God has created us to possess eternity at the very centre of our being. Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us "He has also set eternity in the hearts of men" .

Although eternity exists, because it is unseen, somehow it does not seem for real. Instead, what we see and experience each day is life in a real world. We live in and with reality; juggling commitments, dealing with pain, enjoying ourselves, striving to live a good and meaningful life. Sometimes our striving seems in vain and we question it. We are told in the book of Corinthians that this reality is temporary and will not last (2 Corinthians 4:18). This life is not designed to bring us satisfaction. (2 Corinthians 4:16)

However, those elements of life that are unseen, that are eternal, are just as real and are designed, by God, to give us satisfaction and REAL life. Why? Because, God has set "eternity" in our hearts.

God with his eternal throne offers us everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3 MSG) says "GOD told them, "I've never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!"

God offers us everlasting life through Jesus Christ, His son. Jesus says in John 6:47 "I assure you, anyone who believes in me already has eternal life."(MSG)

God offers us everlasting comfort and safety in His everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27

Isn't it better to trust in something lasting?