Consider all of the women we have studied.  Reflect upon what you have learned about their faith in Jesus Christ, and the character of each of them.  Within each of their stories is something special, a piece(s) of the pattern of faith.  They are models that I am proposing you and I consider imitating, or following.  Consider the possibility of what this could mean for our lives.

Take the time right now, to reflect upon each of the Girls of Faith.  Write down something special about each one of them, pertaining to their character and their faith.

Lydia ____________________________________________

Rhoda ___________________________________________

The Canaanite Woman _______________________________

Tabitha __________________________________________

Priscilla __________________________________________

Lois and Eunice ____________________________________ 

Three Woman Who Were Touched by Jesus _______________

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Anna ____________________________________________

The Poor Widow ___________________________________

Mary Magdalene ___________________________________

Mary and Elizabeth _________________________________

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What does faith in Jesus Christ look like?  I believe that our faith in Jesus Christ is alive.  There is no way that we can hide it.  My observation is, even in the lives of those who live in a world of severe persecution for their belief in Christ, is that their faith is not hidden.  It is shared with caution, but it is not hidden.  To believe and have faith in Christ is to be a life that is changed, and continually changing.  Faith can always be shared.  I know that it is being shared all over the world at this very moment.  Faith in Christ is ALIVE!

In Lydia, I see a receiver and a responder. Her light was not hidden under a lampshade.  The Lord opened her heart and she responded.  I Will be a Receiver of The Lord and His Direction.  I Will Respond to The Needs of Others and Speak The Message of Hope.

In Rhoda,  I understand that the humble place of a servant is the place to be.  Consider everything that you do for the Lord, from this platform.  I Will Declare My Faith from The Platform of Humility.

The Canaanite Woman had great faith that changed her life and her circumstances.  She touched the heart of the Lord with her faith.  I Will Be Persistent in Seeking The Lord and Expect That My Circumstances and Life Can Be Changed.

Tabitha was a woman who lived out her faith in manner and deed.  Even after her death, the women she served spoke of her deeds.  My Faith Will Cause Me To Be About The Lord’s Business, and I Will Serve With The Enthusiasm of Tabitha.

Priscilla was a student of the Gospel of Christ, and was equipped with the fullness of the Gospel.  She was a refuge for other believers.  I Will Be a Student of The Gospel, Be a Teacher of The Gospel and A Refuge For Other Believers.

In Lois and Eunice I see great examples of committing faith in Christ unto the next generation. Their sincere faith, living in and through them had great impact on Timothy.  I Will Commit and Pass On My Living Faith Unto The Next Generation.

And, what about those three Women who experienced The Touch Of Jesus?  When Jesus touches us physically, spiritually and emotionally, our lives become extra-ordinary because our faith is strengthened.  My Faith Is Becoming Extra-Ordinary, Because of The Touch of Jesus.

Anna continued in her faith, throughout her life.  She anticipated the promise of God and thrived (flourished, bloomed and blossomed) in His presence.  My Faith Will Persevere, and I Anticipate the Promises of God and I Will Thrive In His Presence.

The Poor Widow was a mighty contributor and gave all that she had to live on.  Lord Give Me a Mighty and Selfless Heart, To Give of All That I Have.  For It Is All Yours, and Not My Own To Keep.

Mary Magdalene was faithful from the moment that her heart met the Lord.  Mary’s faithfulness was one of gratitude for the love of Christ.  Her focus was on the worth she found in Him.  I Will Continue In Faithfulness For the Love and Sake of Jesus Christ, and I Will Find My Worth In Him and Not In My Own Self Esteem.

Mary and Elizabeth were bonded by divine, intended circumstance.  They asked not, how can this be?  They asked, how will this be?  I Will Not Question God’s Direction In and For My Life, But Only To Ask His Guidance For His Direction Of and For My Life.

The Pattern Of Faith, first and foremost begins from WITHIN.  It  is receiving and responding from the platform of humility.  It is sensitive to the touch of Jesus and becomes extraordinary because of His touch.  Faith perseveres and blossoms in the presence of the Lord.  It is because of faith within that we become committed to passing on the faith from one generation to the next.  It is because of faith within that we are prompted to give all that we have, expecting the Lord to continue to supply our needs.  It is because of faith within that we ask how and not why.  And faith is all about how much Christ is worth to us. 

“NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things (we) hope for, being the proof of things (we) do not see and the conviction of their reality (faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses).”  Hebrews 11:1 Amplified Bible Translation

If we read on in Hebrews chapter 11, we see that (as Matthew Henry says) faith always has been the mark of God’s servants, from the beginning of the world.  Faith proves to the mind, the reality of things that cannot be seen by the bodily eye.  Faith was the principle of their (the Holy ones of old) holy obedience, remarkable services, and patient sufferings.  End Quote

It was by faith within (God opened her heart), that Lydia received the Gospel.  Her (outward) response to share the Gospel with her whole family was prompted by her faith within.  It was by faith within that prompted Tabitha to serve with enthusiasm.  It was faith within that prompted the poor widow to give all that she had to live on. It was because of faith within that Anna could continue in  faith throughout her life.

The Pattern Of Faith ~ Consider The Possibility!

Elizabeth, Mary’s relative, a descendant of Aaron and the wife of a priest named Zechariah who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah:  Elizabeth and her husband were upright in the sight of God (Luke 1:5-6).  Elizabeth, like Mary was honored by divine circumstance.  She was the mother of John the Baptist, who would go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17).  Her circumstance, also, was surrounded by specific detail for a purpose.

Read Luke chapters 1 and 2

The Scripture says that the angel who came to Mary said to her, Greetings, you who are highly favored!  The Lord is with you. (Luke 1:28).  I would say that this statement is a testimony to Mary’s character.  She surely was a young woman who had lived her life in faithfulness to her God.  Yet her faith was not without question.  After the angel explained to her that she would give birth to The Son of the Most High (Luke 1:32), she asked the angel, How will this be, since I am a virgin?.  The angel said to Mary, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.  So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.  Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month.  For nothing is impossible with God.  Mary answered the angel by saying, I am the Lord’s servant.  May it be to me as you have said  (Luke 1:34-38).  Wow, what a great testimony to her faith.  Notice Mary’s attitude, in her questioning of this circumstance.  She did not say, this is impossible, how CAN this be?  She simply said, how WILL this be?

Let’s bring Mary and Elizabeth together.  Elizabeth, who had been childless into her old age, is now into her six month.  Elizabeth, who found herself with child in her old age, who knew in her heart that the Lord lavished his favor upon her, was about to be filled with the Holy Spirit by the presence of Mary and her unborn child.

The Scripture says that Mary hurried to the home of Elizabeth.  When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the babe inside of her leaped and she was filled with the Holy Spirit.  Elizabeth blessed Mary and the child within her.  She encouraged Mary, as Mary questioned why she should be so blessed and favored by the Lord.  Elizabeth said, Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished (Luke 1:39-44).  What a wonderful bond the two must have felt in their souls.  It was a bond by divine circumstance, and by the Lord’s favor.

Thoughts and Questions to Ponder: 

As you think about your faith, think about a time that you have questioned the will of God.  Did you ask, how can this be or how will this be?  Certainly, we will not be asked to accept the circumstance of Mary.  This cannot be, it’s already been done.  Has the Lord ever asked you to do something to which you said, Lord I can’t do that?

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Perhaps we should learn to say, Lord, how will I do that?  Or better yet, Lord, help me to do this thing you have asked me to do.

As you continue to think about your faith today, thank the Lord for those in your life you are bonded with by circumstance.  Thank Him for your friends and family, that He has divinely placed in your life.

The Lord is intentional, and divinely purposeful.  May the Lord lavish His favor upon us as we lavish our faith upon Him.

“Fourteen times Mary Magdalene is mentioned by name, in the Bible.  In eight of these passages her name heads the list.  In one her name follows the name of the Mother of Jesus and the other Mary.  In five it appears alone.  These concern the appearance of Christ to her, as narrated by John.”  Quoted from All The Women Of The Bible

Scripture references:  Matthew 27:56,61; 28:1; Mark 15:40-41,47; 16:1-11; Luke 8:1-3; 23:49; 23:55-24:11; John 19:25; 20:1-18.

Most of us know, that this is a woman whose life has been very misunderstood.  It grieves me to hear accusations about her relationship with the Lord.  I read a comment yesterday that said, Mary Magdalene and Mary of Bethany are one and the same.  That’s crazy.  Read the accounts of both of these women, and you will see that they have two very different personalities.  For me, to say that they are the same is like saying Peter and John are the same person.  Painters have portrayed her as a sinful woman.  There are those who have described her as seeing things (that are not there).  Poor Girl of Faith.  I don’t believe she deserves all of that.  She is being ridiculed because of rumors and assumptions.

I will tell you, Mary Magdalene has been difficult for me to write about.  It is because of the rumors and assumptions.  I had a difficult time getting started.  I believe that the Holy Spirit wanted me to feel something deep in my heart for this woman and the way she has been portrayed and treated.  It’s called compassion.  Have you ever looked down upon someone for what they have done, or what has been said they have done?  Have you ever held someones past against them?  Have you ever spread rumors (gossip) about someone, or listened to gossip?  How did this make you feel about the person?  Did  these questions (convictions) take your focus off of your compassion for Mary Magdalene, and more important ~ her faithfulness to Jesus Christ? 

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Now that I have my own attention, and hopefully yours, we’ll move on to one of the most beautiful passages of Scripture you will ever read.  It is found in the book of John, chapter 20 verses 10-18.  It is important to remember that Mary was Faithful From The Moment She Met Jesus.  She remained, when others abandoned Him because of fear.  John’s Gospel says that Mary was alone at the grave of Jesus, other Gospels say that there were other women present.  It really doesn’t matter, because it was Mary Magdalene who saw that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb. 

“…the Disciples went back to their homes, but Mary stood outside the tomb crying.  As she wept, she bent over to look at the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.”  John 20:10-12  NIV

The angels asked Mary why she was crying.  She said, because they have taken my Lord away and I don’t know where they have taken Him.  Here’s the best part.  She turned around and saw a man she thought was a gardener.  The man asked her, why are you crying?  Mary said, if you will tell me where you put my Lord I will get Him.  We all know that this man was not a gardener.  This man was Jesus.  At that moment Jesus said her name.  He said, Mary.  Immediately, Mary recognized Jesus’ voice and she cried out in ‘Aramaic, ‘Rabboni! (which means teacher).  I think I can take care of one of the terrible rumors about Mary right here.  When Jesus called her name, Mary called Jesus ‘Rabboni, nothing more.  Jesus was Mary’s teacher and Savior (period).

Mary stood by and watched Jesus be crucified (John 19:25).  She followed Jesus to His burial place (Matthew 27:61), and she was the first person to witness Christ’s resurrection (John 20:10-18).  I believe that when Jesus appeared to Mary at the tomb, she saw Jesus in all the Father’s Glory.  His appearance must have radiated an unexplainable form of spirituality and eternity.

Mary’s faithfulness is one of gratitude for the Love of Jesus Christ.  If you read the passages of Scripture about this woman, you will find it is not about her.  It is about the reason for her faithfulness.  It is about an illustration of the permanence of faithfulness.  To be faithful is not a momentary act.  It is a spiritual discipline to be continued daily, hour by hour, and moment by moment.

Thoughts to Ponder:  Focus not on the rumors or circumstances of this woman named Mary Magdalene.  Focus on her continuing faithfulness to her Lord.

Questions to Ponder:  As you think about your faith, remember the moment you met Jesus.  Are you continually faithful to Jesus?  Do you have times when it is difficult to be faithful?  Is your faithfulness about you and your circumstances, or is your faithfulness about the reason for your faithfulness (Jesus Christ)?

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“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury.  Many rich people threw in large amounts.  But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.  Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.  They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on.”  NIV

It is easy for us to give out of abundance ~ Is it not?  Jesus watched closely as the crowd of people dropped their coins into the temple treasury.  I imagine Him watching, not to see how much they deposited, but to see into their hearts as they contributed.  One by one they passed, confidently, as they threw their coins into the chest (see 2 Kings 12:9).  As Jesus watched, a poor widow woman passed by.  As she passed, she very quickly and quietly dropped two small coins into the chest.  To everyone else, this woman passed by unnoticed.  But her presence, and heart, did not escape Jesus.  Her faithful, mighty contribution touched Him.  Jesus praises her act to his Disciples as giving more than all the others.  (see also Luke 21:1-4)

I wonder, did she hesitate at all to give what she gave?  Did she question, how will I eat or how will I live?  Was this the first time she gave all that she had, or had she done this many times before?  Was she a little embarrassed or intimidated to place, what others might think, so little an offering?  One thing is for sure, this woman not only gave her money, she gave her need for daily bread, in faith, believing that her own need would be supplied.

In most churches, there is a great emphasis placed on tithing, that 10% we are all supposed to give, that 10% out of the abundance of our wealth.  I believe that if we would all search our souls, that which we give from the abundance of our hearts would far out-give the abundance of our wealth.  There are tremendous numbers of tummys that need to be filled with life sustaining food.  There are tremendous numbers of children who need to be cared for, fostered, and adopted.  There are tremendous numbers of homeless men, woman, children and families who need homes.  There are tremendous numbers of missionaries who need to be cared for spiritually, physically and mentally.  And, there are those who need the Word placed in their hands and in their hearts.  I believe with all my heart that the Lord wants and requires us to invest in people.  There is much work to be done (spiritually, physically, mentally and financially) until the Lord comes to claim us for eternity. 

Thoughts and Questions to Ponder

Think about the faith of  The Poor Widow ~ A Mighty Contributor, who gave all that she had, out of her poverty.  What will you contribute to the tremendous needs of God’s kingdom, in faith, from the abundance of your heart?  

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Jesus watches us to see not how much we give, but from where we give and our motives for giving.  Remember, Jesus is interested in the condition of our hearts in all that we do.  Our faith should create in us hearts to give even when we feel we have none to give financially, materially, of our time or our talents.  There are times when we may feel we are unworthy, not good enough, not talented enough or not wealthy enough to offer anything to the Lord or the work of The Kingdom.  Search your heart on a daily basis.  The Lord will provide for and equip you for every good work that He wants you to do, including giving financially.  Remember, every penny counts in the eyes of Jesus.  Is there something the Lord wants you to do, or is there somewhere to give out of the abundance of your heart?  God and His Scripture equips us for every good work, including giving financially.  He wants us to share what He has given to us  (see 2 Peter 1:3; 2 Timothy 2:21 and 3:16-17)

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“There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.  She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.  She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying.  Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”  NIV

Let’s back up for a moment, to Luke 2 verse 22.  It was time in Jesus’ life, for his parents to take him to Jerusalem and present him to the Lord.  This was in  accordance with the written law of the Lord.  There was a man in Jerusalem, named Simeon, who was righteous and devout.  It had been revealed to him, by the Holy Spirit, that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.   The Spirit had moved Simeon to go to the temple courts.  When he saw Jesus with his parents, he took the child Jesus in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.  For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”  “The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.  Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother.  This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.  And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”  Luke 2:29-35  NIV

Enter, Anna the prophetess:  She had spent many years in the temple.  The Scripture says she never left the temple.  She worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.  I would assume that she and Simeon spoke many times of  the Lord’s Christ, all the while waiting and listening for the Spirit of God to reveal Him.  I would love to have seen Anna’s face as she listened to Simeon and heard the words flow from his mouth.  This woman, who never left the temple, was faithful for many years in her belief in the Lord’s Christ.  She believed fully in the prophecies of Scripture.  I’m sure she prayed many times to live to see the King who would reign in righteousness (Isaiah 32:1), a rod out of the stem of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1), and the ruler of Israel (Micah 5:2).

This day, was the day for Anna.  This was the day she would see Jesus the Christ with her own eyes.  What a delightful expression there must have been on this aged woman’s face.  The Scripture says that at the very moment that Simeon said to Mary, and a sword will pierce your own soul too, Anna approached them giving thanks to God.  And she spoke about the child to ALL WHO WERE LOOKING FORWARD to the redemption of Jerusalem.  How marvelous it must have been for Anna to live to see this day.  She had waited for many years.  She had been intimate with God’s grace for many years.  She had been there to behold the child Jesus and to speak of Him to all who were looking for Him and the redemption He would bring.  I can see in Anna a gentle patient sweetness, and one who is spiritually serene (clear and free from storms or unpleasantness).

Thoughts to Ponder

Think of your faith in terms of being Faithful For Many Years.  Anna seemed to thrive in the temple (the  presence of God).  She spent her life anticipating what had been foretold.  May we spend our lives anticipating what God has promised us.    May we thrive in His presence and be Faithful for Many Years.

Questions to Ponder

Do you spend much time anticipating the promises of God? _____________

To thrive, is to grow well, vigorously and healthily; to flourish, bloom and blossom.  Do you thrive in the presence of God?

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The scene: “Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon (Peter).  Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her.  So He bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her.  She got up at once and began to wait on them.”

I had this thought as I was reading about this woman.  Did she know Jesus, personally, prior to her healing?  If she did, what were her thoughts of Jesus?  I thought, perhaps this woman had some ill thoughts toward Jesus.  After all, her son-in-law had made the decision to follow Jesus.  Because of this, Simon had left home, and left his wife (her daughter) to manage the home duties.  Following Jesus was not just living a daily life for Him, but living a daily life with Him.  There is a thought for us all. 

I love what Matthew and Mark say about this encounter.  Matthew says, “Jesus TOUCHED this woman’s hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on them”.  Mark says, “Jesus went to this woman, TOOK her hand and HELPED her up.  The fever left her and she began to wait on them”.  (see Matthew 8:14-15 and Mark 1: 30-31)

Regardless of what she thought she felt about Jesus, before her encounter, she was thankful afterwards.  After she was healed of her illness, she waited on them.  She ministered to them.  This was an expression of her gratitude for her health and her life.  If she truly believed and followed Jesus before her healing, her faith was surely strengthened after her healing.

Mark 5:25-34  NIV

The scene:  Jesus was in a hurry that day.  He was on His way to respond to a great need.  A man named Jairus had come to Jesus asking for His help.  Jairus’ daughter was dying, and “he pleaded earnestly for Jesus to come and put His hands on her, so that she would be healed and live”. (see Mark 5:23)  Jesus did go with Jairus, but something happened along the way.

There was a woman, who had been sick with bleeding for twelve years.  She had suffered so much.  The doctors could not help her.  She had spent all her money on health care.  Still, her condition was getting worse.  I’m sure she must have been anemic, and cleanliness was of great concern for her.  She had heard about this man named Jesus, and His healing miracles.  So, when she heard He was coming she thought, “If I could only touch His cloak, I will be healed”. (Mark 5:28) 

The Scripture says that Jesus felt power go from Him (when the woman touched Him) and he asked, Who touched me?  He kept looking through the crowd of people around Him, until the woman fell at His feet.  She was afraid and trembling as she told Jesus the truth.  Jesus said to her, Daughter, your faith has healed you.  Go in peace, and be freed from your suffering.  Her faith without doubt had made her whole.  I can only imagine how she felt.  She had not felt that good physically in many years. (see also Matthew 9:20-22 and Luke 8:43-48)  Read the rest of Jairus’ encounter with Jesus in Mark 5:35-43.

Luke 13:10-13  NIV

The Scene:  “On the Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years.  She was bent over and could not straighten up at all.  When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.  Then he put His hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.”

Again, we see a woman who had been suffering for many years.  Her body was crippled, and I’m sure she must have been crippled in spirit also.  Imagine not being able to stand up straight for eighteen years.  The Scripture doesn’t say that this woman purposely came to see Jesus that day in the synagogue.  It just says that she was there.  I believe that she was there for Jesus’ purpose, to bind the grip of an eighteen year affliction, for the Glory of God.  Luke 13:16 says, Satan kept this woman bound.  Those everyday, ordinary people who were present that day, saw A Jesus Miracle.  They had great reason to believe, have their faith strengthened, and rejoice with this woman.  Those who debated with Jesus over healing on the Sabbath, could only see as far as themselves and were humiliated.  “But the people were delighted with all the wonderful things that Jesus was doing.”  (Luke 13:17)

Thoughts to Ponder

Be thankful for those times in your life, that your faith has been strengthened by your circumstances.  Serve the Lord in your thankfulness.  Write down a time that your faith has been strengthened by your circumstance.  _________________________________________________

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Question to Ponder

Is your faith without doubt?

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These three woman were physically touched by Jesus.  I believe that they were spiritually touched by Him also.  You and I are touched by Jesus too.  When we are touched by Him, life becomes extraordinary.  We serve Him and we serve others extraordinarily, because we are touched by Him. 

Luke 13:13 says that after the crippled woman was healed she straightened up and praised God.  

Let’s All Straighten Up And Praise God!  Amen

2 Timothy 1:2-7 ~ Paul’s Encouragement to Timothy To Be Faithful

“To Timothy, my dear son.  Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.  I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.  Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.  I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.  For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline.”  NIV

We are told in Acts chapter 16 verse 1, that young Timothy lived in Lystra, where his mother, Eunice, lived.  Eunice was a Jewess and a believer and his father was a Greek (we do not know whether Timothy’s father was a believer).  We can most certainly say that Lois and Eunice were believers.  We can also say that Timothy’s grandmother Lois lived out her faith daily, because her daughter Eunice lived a life devoted to the Lord.  Paul said, in his letter to Timothy, “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and , I am persuaded, now lives in you also”.

The faith was passed down from generation, to generation.  Two women who, together, were committed to preparing the next generation.

In 2 Timothy chapter 3 verses 14-15, we see more of the character and faithfulness of his mother and grandmother.  We see something very important.  Paul instructs Timothy to, “…continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus”.

It’s quite obvious that Lois and Eunice have been teaching Timothy about God since he was a very small boy.  I can tell you from personal experience, that it is a difficult undertaking to start teaching your children the Holy Scriptures when they are in their teens.  I was not equipped, nor was I a believer, when my children were small.  After I did give my life to Christ, it was no easy undertaking to grow myself up spiritually, let alone my children.  On the other hand, I can tell you from personal experience that nothing is impossible.  My children, and myself are living proof that it is never too late.  God has been truly marvelous.  He has intervened in our lives and broken the chains of family rebellion and sin, so that we might pass on the faith from generation to generation.

Thoughts to Ponder

As a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and friend, I know that I have great influence on those around me.  My life should be lived in accordance with my faith, each day, because I am Preparing The Next Generation.

Question to Ponder

Think about the message you are communicating to those around you.  Will your child’s, or grandchild’s, friend say to them someday, “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother and your mother“?

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Meet Priscilla and her “Hubby” Aquila. 

After Paul left Athens and went to Corinth, he met this couple.  I believe that this was one of the grandest couples in the history of the faithful.  They are mentioned seven times in the New Testament, always together.  They had recently moved from Italy because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome.  They and Paul had two very important things in common.  They were all followers of Jesus Christ and Paul was a tent maker, as were Priscilla and her “Hubby”.  Because of this, Paul stayed and worked with them, and they became friends.

Great Teachers of The Word

Paul stayed in Corinth a year and a half, teaching the Word.  When he left Corinth, Priscilla and Aquila accompanied him to Ephesus, where he left them to carry on the work.  Paul must have seen that this couple was an excellent husband and wife team, well equiped to teach the Word of the Lord.

Later, after Paul left Ephesus, a Jew named Apollos came to Ephesus.  The Scripture says, “Apollos was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.  He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only  the baptism of John.  He began to speak boldly in the synagogue” (Acts 18:24-26). When Priscilla and Aquila heard Apollos, they invited him to their home, taught and equipped him with the fullness of the Gospel and he was used by the Lord in Ephesus. 

They Risked Their Lives For Paul and All The Churches Of The Gentiles ~ Love and Protection For Their Friends

Paul sends his greetings to Priscilla and Aquila in Romans 16:3.  He says, “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus.  They risked their lives for me.  Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them”.    Their affection for Paul and the believers is testified to, in Paul’s greeting to them.

An Open Home

In 1 Corinthians 16:19, Paul includes a message from Priscilla and Aquila in his final greetings.  He says, “Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house”.  Apparently this couple, and their home, was a refuge for the believers, along with their gifts for being wonderful teachers. 

Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned again in 2 Timothy 4:19, by Paul in final greetings.  One of the things I find amazing about Priscilla is that she was not only a homemaker and a tent maker, she found the time to be a thorough student of the Gospel of Christ.  What a woman.  She opened her home, she was a great teacher and (I’m sure) she was a good wife.  She was probably a women like is spoken of in 1 Peter 3 (verses 1-6).  “Her beauty was that of her inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight”.  She would have been a woman of submissive ways, not only unto the Lord but to her husband also.  I believe that her “Hubby” was a faithful and Godly man.  Otherwise, they would not have made such a great team. 

Thought to Ponder

Priscilla’s motto must have been, “Learn well the Gospel of Christ~then pass it on” and “make your home a refuge for the believers”.  

Questions to Ponder

Paul called Priscilla and Aquila his fellow workers in Christ.  What does the phrase fellow workers in Christ mean to you?

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Do you consider yourself a fellow worker in Christ?

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What can you do to become more like Priscilla?

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“There was a disciple, in Joppa, named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas ~ meaning gazelle), who was always doing good and helping the poor”.  Act 9:36 NIV

I have to say, if we only met Tabitha through that one sentence above, we would know much about her character.  She was always doing good and helping the poor!  Wow!  That speaks volumes.  If the meaning of her name, gazelle, means anything, I say Wow again.  Gazelles are known to be swift animals, able to reach speeds of 50 miles per hour for extended periods of time.  She was probably this little ball of fire, overflowing with love and energy, doing good and helping the poor. 

Tabitha lived in the port city of Joppa situated about thirty-four miles northwest of Jerusalem.  It was an important place for Christians during that time because this new faith was spreading from Jerusalem across the Mediterranean.  I can imagine what her house looked like.  Let me show you.

This is a picture of a house in Joppa along the coast. (Don’t look too close at the woman in the picture~she was very tired).  The picture was taken by my “Hubby” on our first trip to Israel.  Joppa was our first stop, even before a good nights sleep.  So you can see, I can truly imagine what Tabitha’s house looked like.  I imagine she could stand on the top of her roof (or upstairs room) and observe the people in need, that she so lovingly served.

Scripture says, “Tabitha became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room.  When the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda (near Joppa) they called for him to come, at once!  When Peter arrived he was taken to the room where Tabitha was.  All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that this woman had made while she was still with them.”  Acts 9:37-39 

This woman must have been greatly loved by the widows.  Did you know that there is a society called The Dorcas Society?  It was established in 1834, for the purpose of administering relief to the poor and to give plain and necessary articles of clothing.

“Then Peter sent all who were there, out of the room.  He got down on his knees and prayed. He turned his head toward Tabitha and said, Get Up, and she opened her eyes (seeing Peter) and Got Up.  Then Peter took her by the hand, helped her to her feet and called the believers and widows and presented her to them alive.  This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.”  Acts 9:40-42 NIV

Thought and Question Ponder

We hear nothing of Tabitha, this woman called Dorcas, again in Scripture.  I would imagine that she went about the Lord’s business with a greater gazelle like speed, than she had before.  Have you ever had anything happen to you that increased your faith so much, that it encouraged you and caused you to be more enthusiastic as you served the Lord?  Write your answer.

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Tabitha surely was a Girl of Faith.  May we be so known, for our giving hearts to those in need.  All of this is to the glory of God!

She was a mother, weary because of the affliction of her daughter, who was suffering terribly from ‘demon-possession (verse 22).  Mark calls this women a Syrophoenician (see Mark 7:24-30), after her country of Phoenicia.  Her culture and language was probably Greek.  It’s interesting that she addresses Jesus as Son of David in verse 22, because it’s almost certain she was now Jewish.

Mark 7:24 tells us that Jesus did not wish to have His presence known, yet He could not keep it secret.  Somehow this woman heard that Jesus was near. She must have been hearing about the wonderful miracles that Jesus was doing.  When she heard He was near, she wasted no time in seeking him out.  She came to Him, crying out, begging Jesus to show her mercy because her daughter was suffering so terribly.

What happens next, is something we haven’t seen before.  Matthew says that Jesus did not answer a word until His disciples urged Him to Send her away (verse 23). Finally Jesus says to this woman, I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. 

A determined mother does not give up so easily.  Does She?  Gee, I don’t like not calling this woman by her name.  Since I don’t know her name, I’m going to give her one.  I looked up names that mean determined.  All I could come up with is Leon (Arabic-means determined).  We can’t call her Leon, so we’ll just have to call her Leona.  Now I feel better.

Matthew 15:25-26 says that Leona came and knelt before Jesus, and Jesus replied with, it’s not right to take children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.  Our Jesus, He certainly has picturesque speech.  If we just read this with our eyes, we might come to the conclusion that Jesus was being rude to this woman.  After all, He did say that He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel and it’s not right to take their bread.  In Mark 7:27 He says, First let the children eat all they want.  I’m not going to reason why Jesus said these things, or question His reasons.

I will say that Leona showed her determination again.  She probably knew she had no claim on the the Messiah.  What Leona said, and asked, next is something only most mothers (parents) would ask for, for their child.  Leona said, Yes Lord, but even the dogs under the table get to eat the crumbs.  She said, (phrased by me), I know what you are lavishing on your people and I would not take the food from them, but isn’t there just a crumb for my daughter?  Matthew 15:27 

Matthew says that Jesus saw this woman’s faith.  Mark says that Leona’s reply touched Jesus.  Whether you  want to say her faith was great or her need was great, is immaterial.  Jesus saw a weary, determined, faithful mother with a need.  Leona chose to have faith and was determined to take her need to Jesus. This choice changed things in Leona’s life.  She found a way, when there seemed to be no way. 

Thought to Ponder

Faith changes things, life.  Faith turns maybe into probably, no into a yes, and unbelief into belief!  In what ways, has your faith changed your life?  Write down your answers.

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Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith!  Your request is granted.  And her daughter was healed from that very hour.”  Matthew 15:28