Month: October 2024

REBEKAH

“Rebekah was very beautiful and old enough to be married, but she was still a virgin. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came up again. ¹⁷ Running over to her, the servant said, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.”¹⁸ “Yes, my lord,” she answered, “have a drink.” And she quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and gave him a drink. ¹⁹ When she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels, too, until they have had enough to drink.” ²⁰ So she quickly emptied her jug into the watering trough and ran back to the well to draw water for all his camels.” Genesis 24:16-20

Abraham recognized the significance of a covenant and wished to bless his son with a Godly wife. A wife who would uphold God’s promises by bearing the promised descendants, while ensuring they would inherit Canaan. To achieve this goal, he entrusted his servant Eliezer with the crucial responsibility of finding the right spouse for Isaac.

If Abraham sought a wife for his son, how much more does Christ desire to provide the perfect bride for His beloved Son, Jesus Christ? We often overlook our worth and purpose because we forget we are the precious GIFT (His bride) for His cherished Son! This realization should transform how we perceive, how we position ourselves, and how we value ourselves as a bride.

For a long time, I wrestled with this idea because I felt He had settled for me rather than truly choosing me as His bride. It echoed in my mind: “I suppose I’ll take her as well.” Why did I feel this way? Because I diminished my value due to my past actions and the challenges I had yet to conquer. I was assessing my worth through my flawed viewpoint rather than believing how Christ viewed me. It’s time for us to stop disqualifying ourselves!!

The Father redeemed us lost sinners through His grace; the Son willingly sacrificed Himself for us; and the Holy Spirit chose to dwell within us. Together, these divine actions prepare us to be a fitting bride. Our mission is to glorify Christ on earth by the reflection in our marriage and His covenant here on earth. One day, Jesus will joyfully present us (His bride) in glory to His Father. WoooHoooo!!!

In this story, Eliezer recognized the importance of the task and remained steadfast in his mission. How would he then identify the ideal bride? Eliezer placed his faith in God’s promises and relied on divine guidance. He dedicated time to prayer, seeking God’s assistance, and remained aware of any signs of God’s intervention. Then he received an answer, “This is my request. I will ask one of them, ‘Please give me a drink from your jug.’ If she says, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’—let her be the one you have selected as Isaac’s wife. This is how I will know that you have shown unfailing love to my master.” (Genesis 24:14)

Genesis chapter 24 serves as a powerful source of inspiration for those seeking God’s guidance in choosing their spouse. Even if you are already married, this message remains relevant, showing the limitless possibilities of what God can accomplish through us! It is essential to yearn for God’s will, engage in prayer, actively seek His direction, and remain receptive to His work in our lives. Isaac and Rebekah symbolize the marriage blessing that flows from within our Savior, Jesus Christ. This highlights the significance of our experience within God’s grand design of a covenantal marriage. Just as the Father sought a bride for His son, the Holy Spirit invites us to enter into a spiritual union with Him (Rom. 7:4). Grasping this idea allows us to bring a beautiful covenant into our earthly marriage.

What kind of bride do you aspire to be? Will you strive to exceed expectations and embrace the destiny that was “…placed within you, before you were placed in your mother’s womb?” (Jer. 1:5) Or will you settle for merely doing the bare minimum? This journey demands a deeper inner character, where our true beauty as a servant shines through! Such beauty is manifested in qualities like a strong relationship with God, devotion, passion, trustworthiness, courage, humility, open-mindedness, faithfulness, virtue, wisdom, fearlessness, generosity, honor, joy, and a woman of prayer.

Suddenly, Rebekah shows up at the well to carry out one of her daily tasks of drawing water from the well. Little did she realize that the stranger she was about to meet would lead her to become the wife of a prosperous man bound by a covenant with God. She would eventually give birth to Jacob, who would father the twelve tribes of Israel! What an incredible gift God has in store for her and each one of us! Are you embracing the inheritance placed within you or are you complacent with doing and receiving the bare minimum?

Quote from Marsden, “Make every occasion a great occasion, for you can never tell when someone may be taking your measure for a larger place.”

Rebekah possessed not only physical beauty but also a remarkable inner beauty. Eliezer recognized her kindness, pleasant demeanor, humility, vitality, and strong work ethic. Consider this: a single thirsty camel can consume up to 40 gallons of water at one time. This meant Rebekah had to exceed expectations, going the extra mile to ensure the camels were well taken care of. She could have easily said, “Sir, here’s some water for you; you can fetch water for your camels because I need to get home,” offering only the bare minimum. Instead, she chose to invest her time and effort by making sure the camels were also quenched. This was no small task, as she had to draw the water manually, one bucket at a time, and place it in the trough.

 When challenges arise in your marriage, how far will you go to support your husband’s dreams, ambitions, or ministry by giving him a drink? After the first, second, or third bucket, does your flesh begin to feel resentful suggesting, “Why am I doing all the work while he is just resting and drinking? What about my dreams, ambitions, and ministry? Doesn’t he see I’m tired and thirsty too?

We often miss a profound truth: when we lift and support those around us, especially our spouse, God is at work fulfilling our innermost desires while guiding us to prioritize others. However, when we become too focused on our own needs and wants, we risk overlooking these divine gifts. Instead of tallying how many times we’ve drawn up a bucket, draw your focus on, offering a prayer of blessing as you pour each drink.

Then scripture takes it further and emphasizes “camels” as plural, suggesting she could have spent the entire day at the well! Eliezer continued by pressing in with his inquiry, “Whose daughter are you? (Gen. 24:23) Are you a child of God? Have you been reborn into Christ’s family?” God requires more than humble servants’ hearts; He also wants to know what kingdom we belong to.

It’s essential to begin to consider the condition of our inner selves. True inner beauty emerges when we invite the Holy Spirit to awaken the qualities of the Holy Spirit Fruit of His Spirit within us:” …love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Gal. 5:22-23) Rebekah’s servant’s heart was evident to Eliezer, confirming that she was indeed the woman God intended her to be for Jacob. Are you that woman? Are you His Bride?

PRAYER:

Isaiah 54:4-5 reassures us, “Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you. You will no longer remember the shame of your youth and the sorrows of widowhood. For your Creator will be your husband, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is his name! He is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the God of all the earth.”

Father, I believe, I am your beloved daughter, in whom, You are well pleased. Thank you, for seeing me how I will be, not according to who I am today. I thank you, Father!! Let this scripture resonate in your heart. Now give God praise and glory! Amen!

ZIPPORAH

On the way to Egypt, at a place where Moses and his family had stopped for the night, the Lord confronted him and was about to kill him. ²⁵ But Moses’ wife, Zipporah, took a flint knife and circumcised her son. She touched his feet^[a] with the foreskin and said, “Now you are a bridegroom of blood to me.” ²⁶ (When she said “a bridegroom of blood,” she was referring to the circumcision.) After that, the Lord left him alone. Exodus 4:24-26

In this passage, God spoke to Moses after his family set out on their mission to “deliver His people from Egypt.” One might wonder why Moses didn’t take a moment to consider his family’s well-being before starting this journey. This scripture serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing “ministry beginning at home” before moving forward. It requires us to pause and pray, “Lord, is there anything in my life or my family’s life that needs attention before we begin our journey?” While this may seem straightforward and obvious, in the excitement of our calling, we often overlook these crucial inquiries.  

When Zipporah said, “Now you are a bridegroom of blood to me,”  this statement grabbed my attention.  If you read this verse in the AMPC Bible it states that “Along the way at a [resting] place, the Lord met [Moses] and sought to kill him [made him acutely and almost fatally ill.] [Now apparently he had failed to circumcise one of his sons, his wife being opposed to it; but seeing his life in such danger] Zipporah took a flint knife and cut off the foreskin of her son and cast it to touch [Moses’] feet, and said, Surely a husband of blood you are to me.!” (vs. 24-25)

In Jewish tradition, a Mohel is the one designated to carry out circumcision, and any other person performing the act is deemed invalid, even if a rabbi is present. So, what made this particular act in the scripture permissible? Was this Zipporah’s punishment for not allowing her husband to lead? Was the blood on her hands a picture of correction? These ideas may seem harsh, but we must understand the influence we carry as a spouse. Do you currently have blood on your hands because you still choose to be disobedient within your marriage? It’s not about who does or doesn’t do what, instead, it’s about obedience! Are you a wife who encourages your spouse to be obedient even if it costs you something?

Let’s consider the role of the wife in this scenario. Her reaction seems to stem from her strong conviction against circumcising their son, which ultimately led to her husband suffering a severe, nearly life-threatening illness as a result of his disobedience. This defiance is significant because he chose to prioritize his wife’s wishes over God’s divine instruction. Zipporah has a background of Midianite heritage. For her, circumcision represented a customary rite marking a young man’s transition into marriage, while the Hebrews viewed it as a vital symbol of their covenant with God. It seems as though Zipporah didn’t fully grasp the significance of Moses’ covenant. Her familiarity with her cultural practices created a gap in their shared household beliefs.

Many couples enter marriage carrying the weight of their traditional backgrounds, rather than circumcising those influences so they can begin creating their unique traditions and ministry within their new marriage covenant. Instead, we bring our respective traditions into the relationship, expecting the husband to harmonize everything seamlessly.

Our families must be in order. Our family dynamics can become chaotic due to our “good intentions.” Instead of allowing our spouse to take the lead, we sometimes rush ahead, which can lead to them stepping back over time, and in turn, they let us take control. As easy as this is for us to do, DON’T! This shows our spouse, kids, and others an independent attitude of,  “I don’t need your father, or I don’t need your mother, I can lead this household on my own.” This will start to unravel our families because it creates an open door of division instead of being a household within a covenant.

The core concern is that God entrusts man with the responsibility for the family’s well-being, as illustrated in this narrative. Regardless of personal decisions, God communicated directly with Moses. If we genuinely support and have faith in our husbands, we should strive to do everything we can to enable them to thrive in the sight of the Lord. This commitment brings joy to our Heavenly Father, as we recognize that our desires are fulfilled when we prioritize our spouse.

A helpmate is not a term that belittles; rather, it reveals a powerful truth. We witness nations falling apart due to disobedience to God’s law. What often goes unnoticed is that the fate of our families and spouse is significantly shaped by our actions-that’s the incredible power and responsibility we hold as wives. Are you a helpmate who guides your family toward triumph, or do you lead them into despair? Our adversary seeks to keep us from grasping this truth because it would transform the understanding of a woman’s role within “ The Marriage Covenant.” In today’s society, so many believe the lie that being a wife requires being submissively ruled by a husband. We are indeed called to submit to our husband, yet we are also called to submit to the authority of Christ, and both of us should line up with the Word of God. This means our position as a wife is determined by how we position our husband first and vice versa.

In this critical moment, Zipporah understood the need to follow God’s command, knowing that her husband would suffer severe repercussions otherwise. She took action by circumcising their son, reinforcing their family’s commitment back to God. This choice left her with blood on her hands, as she had not allowed Moses to take the lead in their home. What choices are you making that are causing you to bear the weight of disobedience? Often, we hastily point fingers at our husbands when things are out of order in our household. I urge you to reflect on the word curses you may have spoken over your spouse and renounce them. This is very important!

Obedience plays a crucial role in every aspect of our lives, especially within our home. The scriptures highlight the rewards that come with obedience: “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the world. You will experience all these blessings if you obey the Lord your God.” (Deut. 28:1-2) Following God’s command opens the door to His blessing, as He honors those who choose to obey Him. When God confronted Moses regarding his failures in upholding the practice of circumcision, may have stemmed from his wife’s influence or his shortcomings in leadership. Whatever the reason, we need to make sure we are not the cause of our husband’s disobedience to the will of the Father.

Communication plays a crucial role in a successful marriage! When a family shares a mission, they collectively grasp their purpose. This unity creates an environment of partnership and trust. Family members recognize that your words serve to correct, uplift, nurture, and guide them along the right path. This approach is essential for establishing harmony, structure, and a clear direction for everyone involved. It’s not just the responsibility of mom and dad; it’s truly “a family on a mission.” Adopting this mindset encourages us to be more deliberate in maintaining order within our home. James 4:17 states, “So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin.” How can we disciple others by leading them to God if our own family doesn’t follow the same commandments? The Lord needed Moses to understand this concept before He sent Moses to set His people free!” How can we guide others toward God if our own family doesn’t adhere to the same principles? The Lord needed Moses to comprehend this idea before sending him to liberate His people! Correction is needed before God can use us to our full potential.

Are you teaching your family how to submit to authority or rebel against authority? If rebellion is in the home or your heart, it will also reflect outside the home! What kind of ministry are you producing -Heaven or hell? What kind of atmosphere do you dwell in -speak life or speak death? Is your household freely under authority? Is your family producing fruit? Are your spouse and children excited to be a part of what you do, or do you pull them around and threaten them to fake it? Ministry outside the home is a wonderful thing when we are reproducing good fruit. This requires, making our family the most important ministry first!

PRAYER:

I encourage you to explore this blog and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit concerning any areas of your life where you feel the need for repentance, forgiveness, or a heart’s desire for genuine submission. This journey may begin with an act of going before the Lord in repentance. Then engage in open conversation with your spouse, children, or others close to you. Take your time and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal where you might have introduced chaos, conflict, or a controlling spirit within yourself and your family. What doors did you allow opened through your words or attitude? Ask for His help in discerning whether your actions align with the kingdom of heaven or the kingdom of darkness. While this may feel overwhelming, it’s essential to ensure that we are not leading ourselves or others astray. When you feel ready, ask the Holy Spirit if there is any blood on your hands due to disobedience, spirit of independence, or rebellion. If there is, renounce it, acknowledge it, bring it to the cross, and invite the Holy Spirit to renew you and fill you in those areas. Be still in prayer and listen closely to His voice. Once you finish praying, express your gratitude because he is a good, good, Father. Amen!

JOCHEDED

About this time, a man and woman from the tribe of Levi got married. ² The woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She saw that he was a special baby and kept him hidden for three months. ³ But when she could no longer hide him, she got a basket made of papyrus reeds and waterproofed it with tar and pitch. She put the baby in the basket and laid it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile River.”  Exodus 2:1-3

A woman of God is filled with Joy at the prospect of welcoming a baby boy, even during a challenging season. In the face of uncertainty, she decided to place her trust in God regarding her son’s future. Trusting God required her to hold her son’s life loosely, which required her to embrace the unknown. She understood God’s timing is flawless, His plans are always timely, and they lead to divine opportunities, no matter the new decree presented.

In times of trial or difficulty, our doubts can open the door for the enemy to plant seeds of uncertainty. It often starts with familiar fears that may stem from our past, present, or even the unknown of our future. Before we know it, we find ourselves overanalyzing situations, forgetting that it was God who first placed His blessing upon us! When we let fear challenge the intentions behind God’s actions, we begin to tighten our hold on control. This behavior creates a stronghold rooted in the “fears of uncertainty.” It’s a moment when negative thought patterns, prideful attitudes, or external influences leave a deep mark on the heart and mind of a believer. This shift happens when we no longer trust God’s perfect plan during challenging moments.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by circumstances beyond your grasp? It’s important to be cautious about the idea of control. When we unknowingly activate this stronghold, we find ourselves gripping tighter, believing we can regain our footing. The more we try to hold on, the more we risk losing our grip entirely.

By choosing to approach situations loosely, we communicate to God, “I trust you, even if it makes no sense through my own understanding.” Isaiah 55:8 states, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”

Think about the day you dedicated your child back to Christ. What significance did that dedication hold? We publicly declare to hold on to our child loosely while “directing your children onto the right path and when they are older, they will not leave it.” (Proverbs 22:6) Jochebed made the profound choice to return her child to God by releasing him, even if it meant her plans were set aside. She hid her son and placed him in a small papyrus basket, setting him adrift in the river. She entrusted God with her son’s future. As she watched him float away, she surrendered him to God’s will, grateful for the blessing of motherhood. She walked away, confident that God would fulfill His promises for both her and her son. While this act may have seemed illogical in the physical realm, it was a spiritual decision that allowed God to work out His purpose for Moses, his family, and the people of Israel. This act served to inspire others around her to the powerful lesson of trusting God.

In the natural, circumstances may seem impossible, but if we stop for a moment, repent of our lack of trust (control), loosen our grip, and concentrate on God, we can begin to see His plan. Psalms 25:4-6 states, “Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long, I put my hope in you.”

I encourage you to pay attention to how you react. Do your emotions reveal your fears rather than the actual challenges you face? The story of Jochebed serves as a powerful example of how to navigate through difficult times. She sets aside her need to control, recognizing that true obedience aligns with God’s will. By releasing our grip, we place our trust in Him, allowing God to act on our behalf. Like Jochebed, we can confidently move forward, knowing God will fulfill His promise! Sometimes the answers to our situation require the courageous act of letting go!”

In which area of your life do you find it challenging to place your trust in God, whether they are significant or minor? What is the root behind you clinging so firmly? Is there an experience or a familiar situation that influences your response? Does your behavior reflect that state of your heart? How do you react when encouraged to release something or someone? What feelings arise in those moments? Are you holding on tightly because it defines who you are, maintains your current situation, or perhaps even relates to a title you hold? None of these factors should hinder us from fulfilling the will of the Father!

Prayer:

We come before you, Father, asking for your forgiveness for the times we’ve read your Word yet overlooked the profound power in each story. Thank you for opening our eyes and ears to the truths found within your teachings. Today, I choose to release everything you have asked me to let go of over the years. Take this time to list them…and give them back to God…We repent for our moments of doubt in your promises and for our desire to maintain control. Forgive us for being disobedient to the Holy Spirit. Align my heart with yours so that I may fulfill your will by placing my trust in you completely. Forgive me for allowing the familiar situation to provoke fear or uncertainty in my responses. Help me to stop questioning your intentions. I ask that you reveal any “open doors” from my past that lead me to cling too tightly to what is at hand. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring these things to your mind and wait….. Then renounce them…. I choose to move forward, knowing that no matter what happens, you are always a good, good, Father. We give you all the glory, honor, and praise, in Jesus’ Name, I let it go!! Amen!