Jael killed a man and was praised for it by the Israelites.
Deborah, the judge of Israel, praised her for killing Sisera, the general of the enemy army. When Jael killed the general a prophecy was fullfilled that said the battle would be won by a woman.
Seems cruel and un womanly like, but when the occasion arises and a woman has to do the hard job, the job gets done whether it seems harsh or not.
Jael played a huge part in the defeat of the army against Israel. I wonder what prompted her to kill Sisera. Was it just because her ancestors were in-laws of Moses. Did she know the Israelite Lord and want to serve Him?
All kinds of questions.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Deborah Questions
Question 1. Describe what you think conditions might have been like for a family in Israel at this time. Judges 4:1-3
Well I would say it was hard and evil. The people of that time did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. Kinda like life in The United States. People are always doing things they know are wrong and then when something like a natural disaster happens people (mainly people who don't know God) scream out where was God when this happened. God never leaves his throne, but after a while he does give us unto our sin. Several times in history His people have done what was evil in His sight and they have reaped the consequences of their decisions.
2. Judges 4:1-3 How do I think Iwould have reacted to such conditions?
Like the Israelites?
Like Deborah?
I think I would have cried out to the Lord. I am crying out to the Lord. Probably not as much as I should or for the right things, but that is where He comes in and gives me the desires of my heart and makes my will align with His will. But just crying out to the Lord is not enough. We have to listen to His answer and act on His answer, do what He says, not just react like a spoiled child. But we will react to His word instead of acting on His word. And God knows that and just like any other good Father he gives us a second chance to make the right decision. But not after punishment first. The punishment does not have to be supernatural, it could be a natural consequence of a bad decision, but we have to live with it because we chose to take matters into our own hands and not listen to what God told us to do. His way is always perfect. Maybe not the easiest task but always perfect.
3. Judges 4:4-8 What was Barak afraid of?
Barak was probably afraid of fighting and facing those chariots. I know I would be.
Why would having Deborah along alleviate those fears?
Well I would think that since Deborah knew of the plans of the military and what God had told Barak would happen. I think that Barak thought of Deborah as kind of a security blanket. You know have the one that God favors with you and maybe God's favor will be mandatory. Even though God had already told Barak that the Israelites were going to win. What did Barak have to worry about. Honestly nothing. He just had to believe what God told him and act on it. So easy to say and so hard to actually do. I am so thankful that God understands that and He loves me and holds my hand along the way, and when I mess up He just picks me up and sets me down and sends me on my way again. Thank you Jesus for loving me enough to let me make mistakes and learn from them and hopefully move forward and not make those same old mistakes over and over again.
4. Judges 4:4-8 Which of Deborah's characteristics would you most like to have? What would you do if you had that characteristic? What can you do to develop that characteristic?
Deborah was wise. I think I would love to have wisdom. Well for one thing if I had wisdom I probably not make the same stupid mistakes that I make now. I would know exactly what to say and when to say it. ( a problem I have now, talking when I should be quiet). Developing that characteristic comes from God. Developing wisdom first comes from praying to God and asking. But also asking with the right heart set. If I am asking for wisdom so I can have people look at me and say wow how smart is she. then that is the wrong reason to get wisdom. If I am asking for wisdom becuase having wisdom will bring me closer to the Lord. then that is the right reason to ask for it.
5. Judges 4:9-10 How do you think the Israelite men felt about the honor for this victory going to Deborah and Jael?
Well, the men were probably jealous that they were not getting the honor and probably a little perturbed becuase women could not fight in the military so how could they get the honor when they would not even fight. It was probably even more humbling because there were at least 10,000 men going out and one woman was going to get the glory of this victory. I bet there were 10,000 egos that were bruised.
6. Judges 4:9-10 When a woman succeeds today, what are the reactions of the men around her?
The reactions of the men around her will probably vary depending on the relationship between that woman and that man. If the woman beat out the man for the successfull position then the man will probably be kinda bitter and angry that he did not get chosen but she did.
If the man was not turned down for the same position as the woman and is now considered and "equal" with the woman, at least in the business sense then I guess the reaction would be congratulatory.
Then there are always those men that think women should be at home and nothing will make them happy but living in the 1950's. I think now a days that view is a personal one and should be treated as such. If a woman feels called to stay at home then her and her husband should pray about it and agree. If a woman feels like her place is working out side of the home again her and her husband should pray about it and agree.
7. Judges 5:7 What does Deborah call herself in this verse? What does this tell you about Deborah?
Deborah calls herself a mother in Israel. Deborah's first calling was to be a mother. Her other calling was to be a judge in Israel. I think she stepped up to the position as judge because no man would. I say that because I do not think that God would have blessed her in the way that He did if He did not call her to that position.
Deborah was not focused on her success outside of the home. Her main concern was for her children and her family. If she raised good children then her legacy continued. Although we remember her for her job as judge. Which is typical of us. Focus on the worldly accomplishment.
8. Judges 5:7 What lesson for my own life can I gain from this verse.
I need to focus on what God has called me to in this life. I need to be aware of God's calling on my life. I need to not be scared to step up and be successful as long as God is the center of my focus. As long as my focus is on God and how my success can bring Him glory then I will be successful at least in the eyes of God. And that should be all that matters.
Well I would say it was hard and evil. The people of that time did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. Kinda like life in The United States. People are always doing things they know are wrong and then when something like a natural disaster happens people (mainly people who don't know God) scream out where was God when this happened. God never leaves his throne, but after a while he does give us unto our sin. Several times in history His people have done what was evil in His sight and they have reaped the consequences of their decisions.
2. Judges 4:1-3 How do I think Iwould have reacted to such conditions?
Like the Israelites?
Like Deborah?
I think I would have cried out to the Lord. I am crying out to the Lord. Probably not as much as I should or for the right things, but that is where He comes in and gives me the desires of my heart and makes my will align with His will. But just crying out to the Lord is not enough. We have to listen to His answer and act on His answer, do what He says, not just react like a spoiled child. But we will react to His word instead of acting on His word. And God knows that and just like any other good Father he gives us a second chance to make the right decision. But not after punishment first. The punishment does not have to be supernatural, it could be a natural consequence of a bad decision, but we have to live with it because we chose to take matters into our own hands and not listen to what God told us to do. His way is always perfect. Maybe not the easiest task but always perfect.
3. Judges 4:4-8 What was Barak afraid of?
Barak was probably afraid of fighting and facing those chariots. I know I would be.
Why would having Deborah along alleviate those fears?
Well I would think that since Deborah knew of the plans of the military and what God had told Barak would happen. I think that Barak thought of Deborah as kind of a security blanket. You know have the one that God favors with you and maybe God's favor will be mandatory. Even though God had already told Barak that the Israelites were going to win. What did Barak have to worry about. Honestly nothing. He just had to believe what God told him and act on it. So easy to say and so hard to actually do. I am so thankful that God understands that and He loves me and holds my hand along the way, and when I mess up He just picks me up and sets me down and sends me on my way again. Thank you Jesus for loving me enough to let me make mistakes and learn from them and hopefully move forward and not make those same old mistakes over and over again.
4. Judges 4:4-8 Which of Deborah's characteristics would you most like to have? What would you do if you had that characteristic? What can you do to develop that characteristic?
Deborah was wise. I think I would love to have wisdom. Well for one thing if I had wisdom I probably not make the same stupid mistakes that I make now. I would know exactly what to say and when to say it. ( a problem I have now, talking when I should be quiet). Developing that characteristic comes from God. Developing wisdom first comes from praying to God and asking. But also asking with the right heart set. If I am asking for wisdom so I can have people look at me and say wow how smart is she. then that is the wrong reason to get wisdom. If I am asking for wisdom becuase having wisdom will bring me closer to the Lord. then that is the right reason to ask for it.
5. Judges 4:9-10 How do you think the Israelite men felt about the honor for this victory going to Deborah and Jael?
Well, the men were probably jealous that they were not getting the honor and probably a little perturbed becuase women could not fight in the military so how could they get the honor when they would not even fight. It was probably even more humbling because there were at least 10,000 men going out and one woman was going to get the glory of this victory. I bet there were 10,000 egos that were bruised.
6. Judges 4:9-10 When a woman succeeds today, what are the reactions of the men around her?
The reactions of the men around her will probably vary depending on the relationship between that woman and that man. If the woman beat out the man for the successfull position then the man will probably be kinda bitter and angry that he did not get chosen but she did.
If the man was not turned down for the same position as the woman and is now considered and "equal" with the woman, at least in the business sense then I guess the reaction would be congratulatory.
Then there are always those men that think women should be at home and nothing will make them happy but living in the 1950's. I think now a days that view is a personal one and should be treated as such. If a woman feels called to stay at home then her and her husband should pray about it and agree. If a woman feels like her place is working out side of the home again her and her husband should pray about it and agree.
7. Judges 5:7 What does Deborah call herself in this verse? What does this tell you about Deborah?
Deborah calls herself a mother in Israel. Deborah's first calling was to be a mother. Her other calling was to be a judge in Israel. I think she stepped up to the position as judge because no man would. I say that because I do not think that God would have blessed her in the way that He did if He did not call her to that position.
Deborah was not focused on her success outside of the home. Her main concern was for her children and her family. If she raised good children then her legacy continued. Although we remember her for her job as judge. Which is typical of us. Focus on the worldly accomplishment.
8. Judges 5:7 What lesson for my own life can I gain from this verse.
I need to focus on what God has called me to in this life. I need to be aware of God's calling on my life. I need to not be scared to step up and be successful as long as God is the center of my focus. As long as my focus is on God and how my success can bring Him glory then I will be successful at least in the eyes of God. And that should be all that matters.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Deborah 11-18-08
Deborah described herself as a mother in Israel. She had an important job of judge but a mother was what she chose to describe herself as.
How can I be the best mother in the situation that I am in?
Who could I be a mother figure to?
Where can God use this specific blessing in my life?
How can I be the best mother in the situation that I am in?
Who could I be a mother figure to?
Where can God use this specific blessing in my life?
Deborah
Deborah
Her story is found in Judges 4-5
Deborah cam around 200 years after Jericho fell.
Deborah was married had a family, and was a career woman. How exactly did she balance it all. Especially when the culture pretty much had the woman at home taking care of things.
What could I learn from Deborah.
How to be away from the house and family and still be a productive career woman.
God's direction from prayer and reading his word is the key.
Her story is found in Judges 4-5
Deborah cam around 200 years after Jericho fell.
Deborah was married had a family, and was a career woman. How exactly did she balance it all. Especially when the culture pretty much had the woman at home taking care of things.
What could I learn from Deborah.
How to be away from the house and family and still be a productive career woman.
God's direction from prayer and reading his word is the key.
Rahab
This post is way overdue.
I read about Rahab.
I learned that her name meant storm, arrogance, broad and spacious. I found this interesting because she was a prostitute.
Her story is found in Joshua 2:1-21, and 6:17-25
Matthew 1:5
Hebrews 11:31
James 2:25
Rahab lived in Jericho. She saw the Israelites march around the city. She had faith that she and her family would be saved.
Walls are a sign of strength and protection around a city.
God wants to be our wall to protect us from outside invaders. God's wall around us is stronger than any wall that any man could build. God's walls are inpenetrable by the enemy but inviting to a brother or sister in Christ.
Rahab feared the Lord. She, along with everyone else in Jericho, had heard of the feats of God that accompanied the Israelites. She helped out the spies. She asked for favor of God to spare her life and the lives of her family. The spies promised but only if they stayed in the house. So that makes me wonder, when the walls of Jericho fell was Rahab's house the only section that stayed erect.
See always more questions.
I read about Rahab.
I learned that her name meant storm, arrogance, broad and spacious. I found this interesting because she was a prostitute.
Her story is found in Joshua 2:1-21, and 6:17-25
Matthew 1:5
Hebrews 11:31
James 2:25
Rahab lived in Jericho. She saw the Israelites march around the city. She had faith that she and her family would be saved.
Walls are a sign of strength and protection around a city.
God wants to be our wall to protect us from outside invaders. God's wall around us is stronger than any wall that any man could build. God's walls are inpenetrable by the enemy but inviting to a brother or sister in Christ.
Rahab feared the Lord. She, along with everyone else in Jericho, had heard of the feats of God that accompanied the Israelites. She helped out the spies. She asked for favor of God to spare her life and the lives of her family. The spies promised but only if they stayed in the house. So that makes me wonder, when the walls of Jericho fell was Rahab's house the only section that stayed erect.
See always more questions.
Friday, November 14, 2008
My Husband Rocks
My Husband Rocks because He supports me in any decision that I want to do. He is also my voice of reason when an "opportunity" comes up that is not the best decision.
Thanks Honey.
I LOVE YOU MORE TODAY THAN THE DAY BEFORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Honey.
I LOVE YOU MORE TODAY THAN THE DAY BEFORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Miriam Sister of Moses and Aaron
Exodus 2:1-10 Miriam "watched" over her brother. I wonder if the daughter of the Pharoah thought it was weird that there just happened to be a Hebrew girl right there to help. I wonder if Miriam was scared to approach the Pharoah's daughter.
She must have been an independent child.
Exodus 15:20-21 Miriam was the first prophetess listed in the Bible. I wonder what implications that meant. Did God speak to her like He spoke to Moses and Aaron. Did the people listen to her? She must have been a respected leader among the women or the women would not have followed her into the streets playing tambourines and dancing.
She is only listed as Aarons sister, why wansn't Moses listed? Did they not consider Him a brother because he was not raised with them but in the court of the Pharoah?
Numbers 12:1-15 Miriam obviously had a problem because of Moses' wife, the cushite woman, it was so much of an issue it is mentioned twice in the same verse. She also seemed jealous of the relationship Moses had with God. Miriam was talked to by God but Moses had a very nearly face to face meeting with God and lived.
When the Lord called them out and scolded Aaron and Miriam, it was just like a father scolding siblings. Miriam got the brunt end of it. When the cloud of God lifted from the three (Moses, Aaron, and Miriam), Miriam had leprosy. God was punishing her for (I think) her selfishness and pride and spoiledness. Moses and Aaron plead with God to heal her, God "banished" Miriam from camp for seven days. After that she was healed and allowed back in to the camp.
I wonder what went through her mind during that week of solitude. I bet she watched her mouth and her attitude after that.
I thank God that He does not do that to his children now when we start acting like that. There would be a lot of leprous people walking around.
She must have been an independent child.
Exodus 15:20-21 Miriam was the first prophetess listed in the Bible. I wonder what implications that meant. Did God speak to her like He spoke to Moses and Aaron. Did the people listen to her? She must have been a respected leader among the women or the women would not have followed her into the streets playing tambourines and dancing.
She is only listed as Aarons sister, why wansn't Moses listed? Did they not consider Him a brother because he was not raised with them but in the court of the Pharoah?
Numbers 12:1-15 Miriam obviously had a problem because of Moses' wife, the cushite woman, it was so much of an issue it is mentioned twice in the same verse. She also seemed jealous of the relationship Moses had with God. Miriam was talked to by God but Moses had a very nearly face to face meeting with God and lived.
When the Lord called them out and scolded Aaron and Miriam, it was just like a father scolding siblings. Miriam got the brunt end of it. When the cloud of God lifted from the three (Moses, Aaron, and Miriam), Miriam had leprosy. God was punishing her for (I think) her selfishness and pride and spoiledness. Moses and Aaron plead with God to heal her, God "banished" Miriam from camp for seven days. After that she was healed and allowed back in to the camp.
I wonder what went through her mind during that week of solitude. I bet she watched her mouth and her attitude after that.
I thank God that He does not do that to his children now when we start acting like that. There would be a lot of leprous people walking around.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Finding my place
Ok so last week was kinda rough for me. I had been dealing with issues about my place in this family. Long story and something I really do not care to rehash again. So I was doing my devotions last week on the mother's (yes plural) of Moses. Some questions arose. One why am I reading this becasue technically I am not a mom and, unless God changes both Matt and My mind, I never will be a biological mom. I digress. I had a hard time reading this weeks devotion because I felt like it did not apply to me (again long story) so I wonder How Moses felt when he found out that he really had a different mom than the pharoahs daughter.
Then I was reading this morning in church that Jochebed (Moses' biological Mom) was his "nursemaid" for him until he grew up. So how old was he when he grew up.
Did he learn Hebrew and then have to learn Egyptian when he got to Pharoah's court to be taught as a prince.
Every time I read God's word I always have more questions.
Still trying to find my place.
Focusing on being my husbands wife. It is the only constant.
Then I was reading this morning in church that Jochebed (Moses' biological Mom) was his "nursemaid" for him until he grew up. So how old was he when he grew up.
Did he learn Hebrew and then have to learn Egyptian when he got to Pharoah's court to be taught as a prince.
Every time I read God's word I always have more questions.
Still trying to find my place.
Focusing on being my husbands wife. It is the only constant.
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