by Linda Hull
|
Share a prayer request, your decision, seek counsel, or join our mailing list. |
"I meditate on all thy works."
|
In This IssueFebruary, 2008, Volume 14.2
"And
let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works"
Hebrews 10:24 Letter From The EditorFinding perfect love... |
Back to Words of Encouragement Home Page
|
"Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient; whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." 1 Peter 2:1-10
|
Letter from the
Editor... Love...that one element we all need to survive and thrive. We are loved most perfectly by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We can know that He will never leave us or forsake us. His love is never manipulative or damaging. It is self-sacrificing and protective. He is longsuffering toward us, willing to bear our burdens and cares. We can trust the love of Jesus. He won't let us down. His love for us never dies.
In this issue, you will find stories of great love that will help you to understand how much Jesus loves you.
IN THIS ISSUE
| Musings: Rooted and Grounded in Love |
| Lazarus: A Miracle of Love |
| Grandmother's Scrapbook |
| Home School Tips: Celebrating Black History |
| Thought Provokers |
| Recipe Corner |
Back to Words of Encouragement Home Page
Copyright © 2008 by Linda G. Hull
Ruth was a young Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, a Hebrew from the tribe of Judah. Ruth was not alone, but abided with her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi, and her widowed sister-in-law, Orpah. Three women alone in their world without sustenance and protection were destined for dire poverty. For in those days, women did not work outside the home, but were subject to their husband or their father for all their provisions. Realizing their circumstances were desperate, Naomi purposed in her heart to return to her people in Judah.
It was unusual and irregular for a Hebrew to intermarry with a Gentile because God had forbidden intermarriage. He did not want His people to pollute themselves with the wicked practices of the Gentile nations. His people were too be separate, in obedience to God's command. Realizing that her daughters-in-law might not be accepted by her people, Naomi exhorted each to return to her father's household. Each young woman was faced with a choice: remain with Naomi or return to her own people. Little did the women realize that their choice would have eternal consequences.
Orpah bade Naomi farewell with tears and sorrow of heart. She chose to return to her father's household where she would probably serve until another marriage could be arranged. While Naomi's household had followed the ways of the Lord God Jehovah, Orpah's family followed the ways of idol worship. Orpah knew that she would probably never see Naomi again.
Ruth was not so easily put off. She wept and clung to Naomi, refusing to part from her. In light of Naomi's continued exhortation to return to her people, Ruth pleaded her case:
"...whiter thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me." Ruth 1:16b-17
These were strong words from the young Moabitess. Her words spoke of a dedication not just to Naomi but to Naomi's god as well. She refused to consider any other choice. Faced with Ruth's determination, Naomi relented.
So the two journeyed the distance to Bethlehem from Moab located east of the Dead Sea. There people remembered Naomi and sympathized with her plight. According to the Law, the poor were allowed to glean grain from the edges of the fields of others.
"And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the Lord your God." Leviticus 19:9-10
Ruth was an industrious woman, who took it upon herself to go to the fields to glean after the reapers a little sustenance for herself and Naomi. As it happened, she found herself in the field of Boaz, a wealthy kinsman of Naomi. Jewish history tells us that Boaz was Naomi's husband's nephew. Boaz, seeing the young woman in his field inquired about her. He discovered her relationship to Naomi and their widowed plight. In his great kindness, he gave instructions to his reapers to leave a surplus behind for Ruth to gather, and invited her to continue through the barley harvest and the wheat harvest. This would ensure their survival and a measure of comfort.
Now the laws of marriage were different for the Hebrews. If a man died without an heir, then it was his brother's duty to marry the widow and give her an heir and to provide care for her. It was also the kinsman's responsibility to redeem land that had belonged to the deceased brother if it had been sold. Leviticus explains it this way:
"If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away some of his possession, and if any of his come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold." Leviticus 25:25
The closest kinsman had the responsibility to do for his relative what he could not do for himself. The kinsman-redeemer played an important role in the life of a widow. In this time, a woman did not own property and did not inherit property. Instead property was kept in trust, reserved for a future husband. Naomi and Ruth needed a redeemer to rescue them from their impoverishment. Naomi knew it was unlikely that at her advanced age she would remarry again and bear a son. Her best hope was with Ruth. The kinsman-redeemer was obligated to fulfill his responsibility to his relative's family, in this case, Naomi's husband, Elimelech.
Do you think Boaz might have considered that he was their kinsman-redeemer? Naomi decided not to take any chances. She instructed Ruth to go to the threshing floor where Boaz was working to winnow the grain from the harvest. After all had their fill of food and drink and had settled for the night, Ruth was to go in and lay down at Boaz's feet. To insure that he would know she was there, she was to uncover his feet. Then when he awoke she was to ask him to cover her with his garment, possibly a shawl.
Now Ruth must have been nervous, but she was also aware of the necessity to obey Naomi in this deed. Naomi surely explained the law of the kinsman-redeemer and that if Boaz covered her, then he was accepting her plea for his protection. Boaz was an honorable man. When he discovered Ruth at his feet and heard her request, he told her that he knew of another relative who was nearer in relationship than himself. This meant that he was powerless to be the kinsman-redeemer for Naomi and Ruth unless the other relative relinquished his right of claim. How Ruth's heart must have sank. Could Naomi have forgotten?
The next day, Ruth explained what had happened during the night. Contrary to what we might expect, Naomi was perfectly calm. She calmed and reassured Ruth, for she knew Boaz and knew that he would not rest until the matter had been resolved that day. She must have smiled to herself when she heard that Boaz had been doing some research.
In these days, business was conducted at the city gate. Boaz waited there for his kinsman. Calling out to him, he told him of Naomi and Ruth, reminding him of his duty of redemption to perform. The man was interested in redeeming the land, but when he heard about Ruth, he was unwilling to marry her. Boaz must have been relieved and silently rejoicing.
"Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbor: and this was a testimony in Israel. Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe. And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people. Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi. Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day." Ruth 4:7-10
From this beautiful marriage between Boaz and Ruth came the lineage of our Lord Jesus. Their son Obed was the grandfather of King David, from whom both Joseph and Mary descended. It is a picture of the kinsman-redeemer we have in Jesus.
Do you need a redeemer today?
Are you in bondage? The Bible tells us that the "wages of sin is death". God's Law requires that a penalty be paid for breaking God's Law; that penalty is death. Jesus died in our place, taking the penalty that our sin requires. The Law revealed our sin, but Jesus redeemed us from it's terrible consequence. We too must humble ourselves as Ruth did and admit our need. If you will accept Jesus as God's Son and the only Savior from the penalty of sin, you can be set free from bondage to God's Law, no longer under its penalty. Jesus covers us with His blood, shed upon a wooden cross of crucifixion. He purchased us for Himself. He forgave us our sin so that we might be restored to God the Father for eternity. He is our Savior, our kinsman-redeemer!
If you are struggling to believe the truth and do not know Jesus as your Savior, then please go to Do you know for sure?
Back to #In This Issue
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23
MUSINGS...
Rooted and Grounded In Love
Jesus Commands...
"If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15
Action Steps...
"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour." Ephesians 5:1-2
"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them..." Matthew 7:12
"Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;" Ephesians 5:25
"Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" Matthew 5:42-44
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
A Prayer...
"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Ephesians 3:17-21
Back to #In This Issue
"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
(Based on John 11)
Our miracle begins when Jesus, who was with his disciples in Jerusalem, receives word that his friend Lazarus is ill. Lazarus lives with his two sisters, Mary and Martha, in the town of Bethany, about two miles away. The Bible tells us that Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters; they were good friends. Certainly, Jesus knew that if the sisters sent word that Lazarus was ill, this was a serious matter. Yet, Jesus tarried for two days before he headed for Bethany. Why? Jesus tells us in John 11:4. He said, “this sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.”
How could this illness be glorifying to God? Many people become ill and even die.
By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead and buried four days. Mary and Martha were devastated and hurt that Jesus had not come in time. Knowing about the many miracles He had done for others, they must have wondered why not Lazarus?
When Martha heard that Jesus was nearing their home, she went out to meet Him. Bold Martha wasted no time in confronting Jesus, asking for a miracle, “Lord if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.”
Trying to comfort her, Jesus said, “thy brother shall rise again.”
Martha replied, “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Unfortunately, Martha thought He meant on judgment day.
Jesus said unto her, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believeth thou this?”
“Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.”
Mary too was distraught and angry that Jesus had not come in time to save Lazarus from death. When Martha told her that the Master was calling for her, she ran out to meet Him to accuse him, for if He had been there, her brother would not have died. Her sorrow touched His heart, and He too wept. Jesus was troubled.
“Where have ye laid him?”
“Lord, come and see.”
Together they and other mourners all went to the tomb where Lazarus had been placed. The small crowd of friends and family must have thought that Jesus too had come to the grave to grieve. Can you imagine the whispers and looks as they questioned among themselves why a man who could restore sight to a blind man could not have saved Lazarus from death? It was evident that they did not understand who Jesus was.
Arriving at the cave, which served as Lazarus’ tomb, Jesus asked that the stone covering the entrance be removed. People were shocked. Trying to fend off more uncomfortable murmurings, Martha explained that Lazarus had been dead long enough to begin to stink. She spoke plainly, surely thinking that Jesus had clearly lost his mind. She saw no useful purpose in removing the stone. It didn’t make any sense.
Jesus replied, “Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe; thou shouldest see the glory of God?”
Their arguments silenced, the stone was removed. Jesus began to pray. Why? He was dependent upon His heavenly Father and wanted to demonstrate His unity with Him in will and deed.
Then He called, “Lazarus, come forth.”
People watched and listened, and wondered.
Then, Lazarus came forth out of the tomb, bound in his grave clothes. What an amazing sight this must have been! Imagine the indescribable joy of Mary and Martha. It was a miracle; a miracle of love!
Only God could have given Jesus power to resurrect the dead.
A miracle for us is possible…
The Bible teaches that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We have all broken God’s laws and commands. Think about the Ten Commandments, God’s Law. If even one is broken, we are deserving of God’s punishment, for the Bible says “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). We deserve death even if we have only broken one Commandment. Like Lazarus, we are condemned to die with no hope of eternal life in Heaven and no hope for forgiveness of our sins. We can’t save ourselves from God’s penalty for breaking His Law. We are doomed.
The people already understood that sin must be atoned for. A satisfaction of the Law must be made. In Bible times, the Jews practiced animal sacrifice. The shedding of an animal’s blood satisfied the penalty of death required by God’s Laws and Commands. The animal bore the burden of the people’s sin. Animal sacrifices had to be made repeatedly.
Another, more permanent means to atone for sin was needed.
God in His love and mercy provided a way through Jesus. Jesus is God’s
Son, sent to die, like the sacrificial lamb, for the sins of the world. Through
His death on the cross, He satisfied the requirements of the Law for all time.
On the third day after His burial, He was resurrected from death and came out of
His grave. He was seen by over 500 people who bare witness to this truth.
By conquering death, He demonstrated that His promise to give us eternal life
with Him was true. Since He took our punishment for sin, He freed us from
the terrible separation we experienced from God.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
Sin causes division and strife. Lazarus was placed in a tomb, separated from all he loved. All are separated from God by sin. Sin envelops us like a tomb. Lazarus’ body had begun to decay. We too suffer the effects of sin on our physical body. Lazarus wore restraining grave clothes. To be free, Lazarus had to be loosed. He could not do it for himself.
As we learned from the Bible, Jesus had the power to heal and He demonstrated that He had power to resurrect the dead. Since He resurrected Lazarus, then there is hope that we too can be resurrected. Life does not end at the grave. Remember Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” (John 11:25-26)
Can you imagine Lazarus refusing to come out of the tomb or refusing to be loosed from his grave clothes? No one refuses the chance to live. Jesus has set us free! Jesus looses us from our sin.
We no longer have to live a life separated from God. We have been redeemed. When we accept Jesus as our Savior from God’s penalty of death, we realize that our earthly bodies will one day die, but our spirit will live for eternity with Him.
Do you need a miracle? If so, call upon Jesus today.
Confess your sin, and admit your need for a Savior. Allow Him to do a
miracle of love in your life. In His mercy and grace, He will
.gif){kind=small}
"Inspired by great-grandmother's scrapbook, compiled before 1918."
O Perfect Love
by Dorothy Frances Gurney
Oh perfect love, all human thought transcending
Lowly we kneel in prayer before thy throne (holy throne)
That theirs may be the love which knows no ending
Whom thou forever more doth join in oneOh perfect love, we seek to ask thy blessing (bless us oh Lord)
From this day forth you'll guide this union here (come and abide)
Come and abide within this new beginning
As we in reverence seek your perfect willOh perfect love (perfect love), all human thought transcending
Lowly we kneel in prayer before thy throne (holy throne)
That theirs may be the love which knows no ending
Whom thou forever more doth join in one
*Public Domain from Utmost Christian Writers at: http://www.utmostchristianwriters.com/pd-poetry/pd-poetry-116.php
About the author: Dorothy Frances Gurney was a Christian poet born October 4, 1858 in England. This poem was written in 1883, and became a wedding favorite.
Back to #In This Issue
"Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord." Proverbs 18:22
HOME SCHOOL TIPS February is Black History Month!
Click on the links below to read the amazing story of these early missionaries, then share their stories with your children. Overcoming the obstacles of limited education, their race, and their gender, they served the Lord with fervor and gladness, making a difference. What an encouragement to each of us and to our children!
Read more about these amazing women and their service of love to others...
Betsey Stockton: First African American Woman Missionary to the Sandwich Islands
Betsey Stockton traveled to the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii) leaving Connecticut in November, 1822, along with thirteen other missionaries. Her duties included assisting the Rev. and Mrs. Charles Stewart and assorted missionary duties. Her primary contribution was establishing a school for English and Hawaiians. Serving for two years, Miss Stockton returned home with the Stewarts where she continued teaching.
Eliza George: Missionary to Liberia
Eliza George had a vision of Africans crying out to hear the Gospel message of Jesus. Listening to God's prompting, she arrived in Liberia in 1914. There she established schools and churches spending her life in service to our Lord. She died at the age of 100 years old, having spent sixty-four years on the foreign mission field.
Amanda Berry Smith: Evangelist
Amanda Berry Smith was the daughter of a slave. Her father purchased his freedom, then work to purchase the freedom of his wife and children. Amanda was a young child when her freedom was purchased. Her autobiography tells the story of her life, focusing on her walk with our Lord and her travels as an independent missionary.
To learn more about homeschooling please contact me!
CHECK OUT THESE HELPFUL RESOURCES>>>
Providing Christian Homeschool Curriculum and online courses for families who want to build a Biblical worldview.
A wonderful free downloadable program for record keeping!
Back to #In This Issue
"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Proverbs 17:17
THOUGHT
PROVOKERS
"Love is an essential element of home. Without this we may have the form of a home, but not its spirit, its beating heart, its true motive power, and its sunshine. The inward stream would be gone, and home would not be the oneness of kindred souls. Home-love is instinctive, and begets all those silken chords, those sweet harmonies, those tender sympathies and endearments which give to the family its magic power."
- Rev. S. Phillips, from The Christian Home
Back to #In This Issue
"And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." I Timothy 6:6
"Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." Matthew 15:10-11
* More recipes can be found at Free Recipes.
Back to #In This Issue
|
2 tablespoons margarine 3 tablespoons warm water 2 tablespoons shortening 5 cups confectioner's sugar red food coloring peppermint flavoring Mix margarine, water, shortening, and sugar together until thoroughly blended. Add food coloring by drops to desired shade. Add flavoring by 1/4 teaspoon to taste. Roll out dough on wax paper. Use small cutters to cut out mints. |
(1).gif){kind=small}
|
1 3 oz. pkg. vanilla pudding 1 16 oz. tub whipped topping 1 16 oz. pound cake 1/2 cup orange juice 1 20 oz. can pineapple chunks, drained 1 11 oz. can Mandarin oranges, drained 1 small jar Maraschino cherries, halved (reserve several for top decoration) Prepare pudding according to box directions. Cut cake into cubes. Place cake cubes on cookie sheet. Sprinkle cake cubes with orange juice, but do not soak the cake cubes. Allow to sit for 30 minutes. In large punch bowl, layer half the cake cubes and spread with half the pudding. Cover with half of the topping, than arrange half the fruit on top. Repeat the layers. Decorate top with whole cherries.
|
"Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith." Proverbs 15:16
The Practice of Hospitality:
Show your kindest hospitality to your own dear husband.
Speak with a pleasant voice when greeting phone visitors.
Treat unexpected home visitors with genuine pleasure.
Be a good listener.
Treat everyone with the utmost kindness and consideration, putting others before yourself.
Back to In This Issue
The Believer's Mission...
.gif){kind=small}
