What Are the Keys to Being A Woman of Strength?

As the Israelites prepared to enter the land, God commanded Moses to number the people according to their tribe and their family.  According to the numbers, the lands were to be divided.  This was a very precise plan as laid out perfectly by God.  The people were numbered according to the number of males, as had always been custom and as ordered.  Yet, God in His Wisdom was about to display another truth.  He was going to demonstrate what are the keys to being a woman of strength, there amid this census taking.

The Bible may speak a lot about the roles of men; but it never fails to point out women of great faith and strength.  For they are key both in their position as the primary teachers of the children and their ability to guide the men in their lives as women of strength wielding their influence with humility and grace.

I want you to picture this scene for a moment, as we begin to read Numbers 27.  Five women, all the daughters of Zelophehad approached Moses.  That in and of itself was a bold move.  After all, women did not typically approach men of authority.  Theirs was a role of humility and servitude toward their male counterparts.  Even at that, it was the Mother of Moses who boldly defied the authorities so many years earlier.  His sister had played a role inhis protection from death as an infant.  But now we are about to be shown five women and are handed the key to stand out as a woman of strength.  So, let’s read what happens!

Numbers 27:

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7 Thoughts of Wisdom for a Joyous New Year

Yesterday is gone and this moment is a new day.  A new moment filled with Grace, Mercy, Hope and Joy from the Lord.  His thoughts of Wisdom are there to guide each step of the way, if only we take a moment to listen to His still small voice within.  Let me begin with seven thoughts of wisdom for a Joyous New Year.  Then I urge you to with great anticipation begin each day by opening His word, taking time to sit with Him a while and drink in the warmth of His love.

Thoughts of Wisdom

  1. MERCY IS MINE BECAUSE OF GRACE

It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore, will I hope in him (Lamentations 3:22-24).

Whatever is past is just that, past.  Oh, yes, we must come before Him to lay our burdens and our sins at His feet with a heart of true repentance.  Yet, even during those seasons where our desires rip us from His breast, He never lets go of us, if we know Jesus Christ as our Savior.  For as God revealed Himself to Moses, He said, I “will be gracious to whom I will be gracious and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.”

Each morning His mercies are new, though I may have stumbled through the night—He is there because of His faithfulness and He will never let go.  Because of that my heart sings a new love song for Him.  My heart desires to do all that would bring honor to His name; yet, when I fall, He is there to pick me up and start afresh.

Therefore, the thought of wisdom: Never forget! His Mercy is what holds you steady through the storm because of His Mercy which endures forever

  1. THE JOURNEY OF LIFE

Paul wrote to Titus, “Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.  And let our’s also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.” (Titus 3:13-14).  Oh, that we could fully impart wisdom for the journey to those whom we hold dear; but alas they must walk their own journey with all its sorrows, pains and failures.

Yet, this I know! all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?  Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. (Romans 8:28-33).

Thought of Wisdom: All we can do for our loved ones is pray for them as they walk their journey and be there for them if they fall.

  1. Forgetting

As Paul wrote: “this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14).

Yesterday with its pains, failures, guilt and sorrows is gone.  We can take hope from all that we have passed through with God’s strength and wisdom to lift us up.  He takes all the crooked paths and makes a straight way for our lives, using each thread to transform us into the image of His son.

Thought of Wisdom:  Only remember the lessons of God’s Faithfulness and lay aside the pain, the suffering and the guilt of yesterday.

  1. Focus

 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

It is so easy to lose focus.  To be drawn into the chaos around us or chained by fear as we look at the storms, trials, and confusion of this world.  But if we stop to see that which is good, true and just; then focus on whatever small good thing found therein, peace returns to your flailing heart.

Thought of Wisdom: Faith is knowing God is and He is the Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.  He IS (Omnipotent, Sovereign, Just, and Righteous.  He is the True Being, the creator of the Universe and apart from Him nothing has being.  My being can only be found in Him.  Therefore, whatever surrounds me at this moment, He is in control and that is good.  God is my hope.  He is that which is true, honest, virtuous, and lovely—so think on Him.

  1. Remember Nothing Matters As Much As

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 3: 8-12)

Thought of Wisdom :  Nothing in this world matters as much as knowing Him.  So, whatever it takes and no matter how much I lose, He is the prize I seek.

  1. Know Who You Are

Ephesians Chapters 1-3 tell us of our identity in Christ.  In Jesus Christ, I am God’s Beloved, Blessed, Redeemed, Chosen Child; endowed with wisdom and power from on high, seated in His presence in heavenly places, heir of the kingdom, mighty and fearless warrior who has been proclaimed a Saint because of the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.

Thought of Wisdom:  Because of Grace, I already possess all that I need to be overflowing with abiding, steadfast joy.

  1. I Can Do All Things Through Christ

Without Him I can do nothing; but in Him I can do all things.  Victory is mine to claim.  Joy is mine to share as is love.  What an amazing thought.  How was it that He loved me so and chose me to be His own?  So, what about you?

Do you know Him as Savior and Lord?

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link.  There is nothing more important than this; because,  He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Or if you would like to share  your story or thoughts, you can  comment here

Previously:

God is My Refuge-A Poem of Hope

Books Available

If you want to know more about books I have written, click on this link to discover my Book Resources.

Another option is going to Amazon.com. There you can find my books by searching for Effie Darlene Barba.  Or click this link to be taken there

Furthermore  for inspirational photos or home decor click here.

Disclosures

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2019
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

Photo courtesy of  Jaanys

God is My Refuge-A Poem of Hope

God is My Refuge

 

God is my Refuge

Amid this deluge

Of questions unanswered

A heart that is battered

And scarred by this life

Of Trials and strife

 

For in Him I find

A true peace of mind

Where Joy is Abiding

And rest is residing

In His arms of love

I rise high above

 

The clamor of earth

Their counterfeit mirth

The anger and hate

Words that berate

That clash at my heart

To tear it apart

 

And so, I must run

To God’s only son

Where there in His arms

I am safe from all harms

My refuge, my hope

From this slippery slope

 

For He by His Grace

Hath shown me His face

His Glory doth shine

His spirit entwine

With mine on this day

To show me the way.

 

Let me sit here a while

And bask in His smile

For He is my refuge

Amid this deluge

He shelters my heart

 His Love will never depart

Psalm 62:8

Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Deuteronomy  33:27

The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms

2 Samuel 22:3

The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour

Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:11

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Psalm 57:1

Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

Psalm 62:7

In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link.  There is nothing more important than this; because,  He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Or if you would like to share  your story or thoughts, you can  comment here

PREVIOUS POEMS

A Prayer to Heal Our Land

Books Available

If you want to know more about books I have written, click on this link to discover my Book Resources.

Another option is going to Amazon.com. There you can find my books by searching for Effie Darlene Barba.  Or click this link to be taken there

Furthermore  for inspirational photos or home decor click here.

Disclosures

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2019
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

Photo courtesy of simon-matzinger on unsplash

Is Our Greatest Threat the Evil Without or Within?

When the children of Israel moved forward through the Land toward Canaan, they had many victories over those who opposed them.  So, as they neared the land of the Moabites, King Balak feared.  He did not realize that God had already told them not to fight the Moabites as they were kin (descendants of Lot) (Deuteronomy 2:9).  Instead Balak hired a famous pagan sorcerer and psychic to curse the people of God; but the Sovereignty of God did not allow the words to even be spoken against His People.  God fully protected them from the Evil without.  Yet that was not their greatest threat, for it came from within.  The sin prone hearts of many within the Israeli camps desired the Moabite women for sexual pleasure and hence succumbed to the worship of Baal.

Is this not true today within our nation, our churches and our own hearts?  Our greatest threat is from within, rather than the evil without.  God dealt with this as well.  He ordered all involved be beheaded.  The total death count was 24,000.  One was so brazen, he brought a Midianite woman into the camp in front of all the children of Israel.  Phinehas (Aarons grandson) “saw it, rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand. He went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both through, the man of Israel and the woman through her belly.  So, the plague was stayed from the children of Israel” (Numbers 25:7).

Therefore, we see.   God does protect His Own from the evil threats without and within.  Just because they were blessed by God, never meant He turned a blind eye to rebellion and disobedience.  Yet, He stood as judge Himself.  No one could touch them without His express permission.

Balak And the Evil Without

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Victory Claimed by Worship, Faith and No more Grumbling

All the years wandering in the wilderness brought the Israelite nation to this point.  Finally, they had recognized the depth of sin with all their grumbling against God.  The ordeal with the poisonous snakes had brought them to their knees in true repentance.  Until then, they had lived a roller coaster life of brief moments of obedience followed by bitter disobedience.  Yet, after they truly repent, recognizing the poison lay deep within their own self exalting hearts.  The serpents were merely symbolic of that.  Yet, they soon discover that worship, faith and no more grumbling bring Victory—the victory given freely by God’s grace and theirs to claim by faith.

We might want to look and say, “Why did it take them so long?  Couldn’t they just trust God after all He had already done for them? What a foolish bunch?” But what about you and me? Are we different than they? Isn’t their story much like ours, if we are honest?  The moment we begin to claim a tiny victory, we face some hardship and fall once more into bitterness, fear and frustration.  The problem typically we take our eyes off Jesus and look at ourselves.  But as we look to latter verses of Chapter 21 do we not have hope restored as we see no more grumbling. Instead we see, Worship and faith leading to their claiming God’s Victory.

No More Murmuring

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