Rahab-- A Prostitute's Story

Rahab --A Prostitute's Story

“Forget the former things…I make all things new!”

Isaiah 43:18-19

 

Rahab was sad. Life was empty. She was just somebody’s pleasure for a one night stand. She was no one’s special girl.

A caring gentle husband…laughing

children…could it happen to me? Oh, I’m just dreaming. Who’d

want a prostitute? I’m ruined… labelled for life.

Rahab roused from her day dreams at the sharp rap on her door.

Who’d be knocking this time of day? Looking through her key hole she spied two strangers. They were not her usual customers. And there was something about them beside their different style of dress. Could they be the Israelites her city of

Jericho was in a panic about?

For days she’d heard stories of a people great and fierce whose God fought their battles—and won! Was Jericho next

But something urged Rahab to open the door to hide these men who came not for her body. Something called faith took over as she shared with these two the fear and dread that had fallen on her city because of their God. “And I know

your God is the God of heaven and earth!”

And that confession changed everything for a prostitute. Her life shifted for eternity when she declared who God is.

At nightfall she let the men down with a scarlet cord with their promise to save her and her family from destruction. “Hang this scarlet cord around your window when we

come into the land. Your family who remain in your house will be saved.”

Rahab watched as the men descended the priceless scarlet cord. And she smiled. My life is about to change. I don’t know how but these men and their God, now my God,

have given me hope.  A new wind is blowing!

Rahab’s miracle story will continue next week.

Dear Lord, Give me a brand new start and I'll follow you forever!

Unlocking Dinah’s Diary

“Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.”

Micah 7:8

“I was so ashamed of my sin. Why I chose to wander away from home and look at what I thought would be fun was just plain selfish—rebellious. I knew the rule. Don’t mix with those who don't love God.But I was just exploring. Just checking out my options…what's the harm? And when Shechem looked my way, and when I knew he was a prince, and

when I considered that such a powerful man set his eyes on me, I just couldn’t say no...just couldn't run.

And in an instant I was damaged goods. 

‘I’ll marry you. I’ll make it right. I’ll talk to your father.’ But it could never work. His words were comforting but I continued with him—giving myself to him.  

My brothers, Levi and Simeon, hated Shechem. So they killed him and all the men in his small village.Such horror...shame too! Then they snatched me out of Shechem's house and I returned home.

I never left again. I stayed close and even went with my family into Egypt when my little brother Joseph became Egypt’s prime minister.

God has given me peace, my friend..a new start too. My name means justice and although my brothers were way out of line God has made me right and brought me back to His people…my people. He didn’t have to do that.  He wanted to. He’s the

only one who could. He loves me—I love Him too!

 Have you been where I was? What God did for me…He can do for you!”

Dear Lord,

You can make me white a snow. I need you, Lord. Thank you for your love.

Dinah's Dare

Dinah's Dare

“Dinah, daughter of Leah and Jacob, went out to visit

some of the Canaanite women.”

Genesis 34:1

Ugh!

Dinah was bored. “Cooking, cleaning, and staying close to mother…ugh! I don’t want this! What normal girl does? I crave adventure, fashion, and friends I

can relate to. And what about boys?”

Dinah took one more look at her tented home, her mother grinding

wheat, and the bleating, smelly goats nearby. And she was gone—in a flash!

What fun! She was popular, the new girl and the boys—stood in

line. But one boy, a prince in the region, took a special liking to Dinah and with sweet words seduced her, and brought her into his home. Angry brothers sought revenge, killed her lover and brought her back.

Dinah wanted to do the popular thing...wanted to fit in. But she made a dangerous choice which brought shame upon her

family...disappointment with herself.

Maybe she thought, “Oh, I just want to have fun, spread my wings and discover who I am. What’s all the fuss? Look at me. I’m flying out the nest!”

Dinah was tricked. She believed Satan's lie. "You'll be so popular. Don't turn down the most wanted boy on campus. Don't be a fool!"  So she followed the crowd.

(Despite her fall, Dinah was returned and made right by God—but more on that good news later.)

Jesus loves you so. He has such good plans for you. He has chosen...YOU!
"But no one will like me. They'll think I'm weird." So what! you're

not just anybody! You're a child of the King. Wear your crown.Be different and shine. Love yourself and say no to Satan's lies.Say yes to Jesus. You'll not be disappointed. He'll never lie to you. He won't sweet talk you.

He went to the cross for you. No one else did that for you. 

Dear Lord,

Cleanse my heart today. Make me ever pure. You've chosen me for greatness. I want to follow You!

Precious Moments coloring book 

The Flashing--Fleeting Smile

Excellence in Kindness—All the Time

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

Proverbs 17:17

I was not on her cool list but once a year she flashed me a smile and called me by name. “Hi, Margie!”

And with that I was supposed—to vote for her. And with such recognition I should be honored by her condescension to my low estate—and

vote for her.

What’s your verdict? Do you think I voted for her and valued her brief moment of kindness? What would be your response? Would you label her—excellent? Perhaps you know someone like this. Now he may be cool on the campus but heaven has a totally different story.

“Child, my value system is not like the things you see in the winner's

circle. My standard of coolness and excellence is not found in popularity contests or Peoples Magazine. My eyes don’t focus on the number of your twitter followers, (I had twelve! Once I had a ton more but they all defriended Me.)  I look on the heart.”

“Well, Lord, what pleases you?”

 “So glad you asked! Here’s some on my list:

·         A friend who loves—all the time

·         One who is friendly with others—all the time

·         One who is humble and loves what is right—all the time

·         One who loves Me—all the time—and all the time—turns to Me when he makes a mistake.

That is excellence and greatness. That’s how I call it. I'm God... I don’t change… I’m always the same!

And I  love YOU—all the time--no matter what!”

Dear Lord,

Please show me how much you love me—all the time. Please Show me how to be a friend—all the time.

The Party

Saturday, July 12, 2014

The Party

                                                         The Party

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death,… for everyone.”

Hebrews 2:9

Fire lit torches blazed the evening sky as marching feet quickly made their way to the guilty party.

Eleven men huddled together as their hearts beat in cold fear. They knew. Jesus had told them. Their Savior—the One who was supposed to destroy the world and set them free from tyranny—was going to die.

They had to stop it. One kissed the Savior’s tear stained cheek in betrayal. One took out his sword and cut off an enemy’s ear.

Ten thousand angels hovered closely, waiting for the command to destroy the enemy.  The command never came.

In the end, when all hope of rescue died—the ones He called friends—fled!   

Jesus Christ was no pathetic, self-pitying Savior. Hear His strength, His power, His confidence as He called His disciples...as He's calling you.

“Don’t you know this is why I came into the world…to lay down my life for the sin of the world? Don’t you know that after three days in the grave, I will rise again? Don’t you know you will live with Me in heaven if you believe…only believe?”

So Jesus Christ died a tortured death on a lonely cross,

for you…for me. With no defense, without so much as a whimper, not even, “But your honor, I didn’t do it. I plead a re-trial.”  

He prayed. He forgave. He cried out. He bled profusely. And then—He died.

Jesus didn’t throw a pity party. But the demons did. Their arch enemy was

dead. The One who slapped the devil in the face in the Garden of Eden was dead, dead, dead!

But on the third day…when Jesus Christ crashed through the gates of hell...what a party!

For You...Have I Got a Plan

Understanding Your Worth and Value

                         For You…Have I Got a Plan!

“He’s coming…He’s coming. Get in order. Stand up tall. Did you brush your teeth? Fix your hair? Now smile, be confident. Today one of you is going to be picked to be the next king of Israel.”

Seven brothers tried to look their very best.

Seven had to impress the prophet Samuel who would choose one of them. Seven were capable, strong, good

looking men. They were really—something! They were the magnificent seven! Who could be better?

Seven knees were knocking as Samuel examined each candidate. But Samuel was puzzled. “Now, certainly, Lord, one of these you have chosen. Look how tall and strong and valiant they are. Surely one of these is to

be king.”

Samuel walked down the line again.

“Samuel, I don’t care… good looking or not.  I don’t see like others do. I’m God. I look at the heart. That’s what important to me. I

have rejected all of these seven magnificent. “

“Jesse, you’re holding out on me. Do you have any other sons?”

“Well… there’s David but he just watches the

sheep. He’s a wimpy kid. Sure you want him?”

“Now—right now! Bring me that boy!”

But God loved David’s heart. God heard David’s cry and helped

him kill a lion and a bear. And God heard David sing songs to Him/ No one else did. So what—God did!

So a young unnoticed David came running and the moment Samuel saw his face he heard these words. “This is he. This is the next king. Anoint him with oil. Now—right now!”

And oil flowed from Samuel’s horn as the magnificent seven stood

watching in silence and unbelief.

Your worth and value is seen by your heavenly Father. Come close

and listen to His heart, His love for you. Ask Him for the plans He has for you. Trust Him with all your heart. He loves you—so. He sees you standing there and says, “I pick that one! I choose YOU!”

"I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb.