Hi Friends~


Today is September 16th...and it is the third Friday of the month!  That means it is Michele's turn to share another edition of "Precious Women of God--This Includes YOU!" 


I know you have been looking forward to reading her post...so here it is-Enjoy!


For this month, I had asked Traci if she would give me someone to write about and she picked Mary Magdalene.  Traci was kind enough to send me information from her reference page from her Bible, thanks Traci!  (You are most welcome, my Friend!)

Precious Women of God--This Includes YOU!
Mary Magdalene

Mary of Magdala is described as an early follower of Jesus.  Jesus treated the women with dignity and did not treat them the way the culture treated them.  This in my opinion definitely speaks to what Jesus thinks of His female children. 

When Mary of Magdala first met Jesus He had casted out of her seven demons, it states in Mark 16:9.

When I read this I think it definitely does not matter where you were in your life or what you had done in your life, once you meet Jesus He changes you.  He will change the course of your life, He will deliver on every promise He has made to us in the Word of God.  So for anyone reading this, your past does not matter – there is no sin too great or any situation that can keep you separated from God.  He just wants to bring you into His Kingdom and show you His great love.  All you need to do is ask Him into your heart, thank Him for His love and forgiveness, acknowledge your sins and repent for them and ask Him to lead you and guide you in your life.  It all starts with a prayer and reading God’s word and learning about Him.  Christ wants nothing more than to set you free from any bondage you may be experiencing – it’s just a prayer and a relationship away!  So simple yet so powerful.

At the time of the crucifixion and resurrection Mary is mentioned in the gospels.  She was identified by name as a witness to three key events:  Jesus’ crucifixion, His burial and the discovery of His tomb to be empty.  Mary witnessed all of these events and it was not by mistake that she witnessed them all, it was her great love for Jesus and her understanding that He was God’s son and her obedience to Him. 

I think of what it must have been like to witness these things first hand.  I could only imagine what it would have been like to see my Savior mocked, hit, hurt, taunted arms spread and beaten to death.  The One who came to save me, the One who was Holy and pure the One I follow-- tortured and He did it all for me and for you.  But if Jesus, had to do it for just one of us He would.  What an amazing Love, what an amazing God and Savior.  But to witness it makes me think of her pain and grief she must have felt that day. 

Mary did not just leave the scene either, she stayed for His burial through her own pain she stayed – she followed Him to the end of his earthly days.  Then Mary plans to go to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body with perfume and still showing great love for Him – I can only imagine still what Joy her heart felt to see that Jesus’ tomb was empty.  I am sure she may have been curious as what happened to His body, but could you imagine the absolute pure joy of seeing Him and also being the first to know this miraculous story? She witnessed the whole event first hand and God entrusted this woman to be the first to hear.  Especially during this time in history when women were not considered credible witnesses in legal proceedings and did not have a say in anything. 

In John 20:1-16 the Bible speaks about Mary Magdalene in describing who discovered the tomb to be empty.  Also in Mark 16:9 says that Jesus’ first post-resurrection appearance was to Mary Magdalene alone. 

In Luke 24 the Resurrection is announced to the women at the tomb by “two men in clothes that gleamed like lightening” who suddenly appeared next to them.  I still think of the Joy and the awestruck feeling this could have caused. 

Some comments from the Bible reference guide:

**Those who are obedient grow in understanding.
**Women are vital to Jesus’ ministry.
**Jesus relates to women as He created them – as an equal reflector of God’s image.
**Mary’s faith was not complicated, but it was direct and genuine.  She was more eager to believe and obey than to understand everything. 

If you are involved in a ministry for Christ, I would love to hear about it -  it really would encourage me to hear how you ladies serve Christ.   If you could take a moment and post it in the comment section it would be greatly appreciated.

For every person who sees this blog and reads any of it's posts, know that you are LOVED today by the Great Almighty God.  I had pulled the below Bible Verses for our youth group who are struggling with some things and wanted to remind them about what God wants for them.

Zephaniah 3:17  "The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to Save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."


Psalm 36:5 "Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies."
 
Psalm 36:7  "How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low men find refuge in the shadow of your wings."


Psalm 52:8  "But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever."


Psalm 86:15  "But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness."


Psalm 136:26  "Give thanks to the God of Heaven. His love endures forever."


Isaiah 41:10  "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."


Isaiah 41:13  "For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."


Psalm 56:3-4  "When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?"


1 Corinthians 16:13   "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong."

Blessings,

Michele

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Michele, thank you for writing such an exciting post!  I can "hear" your excitement as I read the sections when you tell our guests of just how much Jesus the Christ loves them!  Thank you for putting so much of yourself in this post...and for sharing so many Scriptures.  As I was reading them I was thinking, "Oh, that is one of my favorites!  Oh, this one is a favorite, too!"  It made me realize that by reading His Word daily, and by using Scripture on cards, and having them posted around my art room.  I really am beginning to memorize some of them!  (A thing I never thought my mind was capable of doing.)  So, if any of you have difficulty memorizing Scripture, and have an area of your own...how about writing out a few Scriptures and posting them around your room?  Or on post-it notes and putting them near the light switch...and when you go to use it..you read it first?  Believe me, it works.  The children, if there are any, will benefit if you say it as you read it, also.  Or, invite them to participate!  We are to store His Word up in our heart.

Before you go, please let me share a prayer from a local church who sent out this prayer in a coupon mailer!  Now, that is taking Him to the people!

"Lord Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross for my sins.  Forgive me for all my sins.  I open the door of my heart to You and receive You now as my Savior and Lord.  Please give me eternal life.  I recognize that the blood You shed on the cross was the full payment for my sins.  I acknowledge You as the risen Savior and Son of God.  Take control of the throne of my life, help me to follow You and obey Your Word.  Amen."

If you believe in your heart, what you just prayed...then please let us know in the comment section...and "Welcome to the Family!" 


And, thank you Joan, for your continued prayers for everyone who visits this blog, and who the Lord may bring...especially when you are having sucha  great amount of pain in your knees.  Prayers for you, also!  If you have 10 minutes a day to pray for others, please let us know, and we will welcome you to our Prayer Team!

Thank you all so much for being here!  Art projects on Monday!  God bless!


He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather

Precious Women of God--This Includes YOU! (Rebekah)

Hi Friends~

As promised, Michele has written a wonderful post about Rebekah!  As I was reading it, it reminded me of how powerless most women really were in those days.  So, as Michele points out so beautifully, women had to find ways to actually make the decisions they want happen.  We have come a long way, Ladies!


Michele found some of her information at this site: http://womeninthebible.net/  as well as adding her own thoughts and questions. This is a longer post than usual...but there was so much to share!  I encourage you to read on!  Thank you Michele for taking the time to put this together!

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For this month’s study I have been reading about Rebekah. When I read her story there were things that struck me as interesting.  The Bible states how she was a virgin, she was picked for Isaac and she agreed to go and move and marry this man she had never met.  This is something that is so interesting about the culture because I would have such a hard time leaving my family to marry someone I had never met.  What faith in God!  I also feel for her because of the relationship between her sons Esau and Jacob.  All a mother wants is for her children to love each other and love the family.  This had to be difficult and this is something that so many of us can struggle with and it has happened nearly since the beginning of time. 

Rebekah was the young woman who became the wife of Isaac, Sarah's son. Her family background is given in Genesis 22:20-23.

“Before he had finished speaking, there was Rebekah, coming out with her water jar on her shoulder. The girl was very fair to look upon, a young girl, whom no man had known. She went down to the spring, filled her jar, and came up.”

It was Rebekah’s initiative that first caught the attention of Eliezer, the servant Abraham sent to find a wife for Isaac.  It was common courtesy to give a drink to a stranger, but it took added character to also fetch water for ten thirsty camels!

Read Genesis 24:1-27.  

Rebekah impressed Abraham's men who had stopped to rest at the well. They offered her valuable gifts, including a gold nose-ring and two gold bracelets, which she accepted.  Rebekah led the men to her home, to introduce them to her family. Her brother Laban spoke as head of the house, inviting them to stay in his household.  A proposal of marriage, on behalf of Isaac, was made. It was accepted by Rebekah and by her family.

 'And they called Rebekah and said to her "Will you go with this man?" She said "I will". So they sent away their sister Rebekah and her nurse along with Abraham's servant and his man, and they blessed Rebekah.'

Rebekah had more say in whom she married than did Isaac,her future husband. Genesis 24:8 suggests that the marriage would not have gone ahead without her consent, but Isaac is expected to marry the woman brought home to him by his father's agents.

As she faced the journey to her new home, she seemed sure of her own judgment, and ready for this daunting new experience.             

When Rebekah and Isaac met, it seems to have been love at first sight. He took her to the tent that had once belonged to his mother Sarah - this tent was to be Rebekah's now.  Rebekah comforted Isaac after his mother's death; the deep bond that Isaac had with Sarah was replaced by his love for Rebekah. 

“Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah.  So she became his wife, and he loved her, and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.”  Genesis 24:67

Read Genesis 24:62-67.

Despite her beauty, and despite Isaac's love for her, Rebekah did not have an easy time of it. She did not conceive for quite some years, and this was considered both a personal misfortune and a sign that she was not favored by God. Eventually however she became pregnant, but even then it was not easy.  She had a difficult pregnancy, since the two babies inside her were constantly moving, so that she had no peace. Like many women before and since, she wondered what she had got herself into.  

So she 'went to enquire of the Lord'. Rebekah was the first woman we hear of who sought God out and asked Him for some explanation of her condition.  God told her that:

'Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples born of you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the elder shall serve the younger.'

Read Genesis 25:19-23  

Rebekah had twin sons, Esau and Jacob.  The struggle in her womb had been a sign that there was to be:

·         a lifelong struggle between Esau and Jacob, and

·         a continuing struggle between their descendants, the Edomites and the Israelites.

'When her time to give birth was at hand, there were twins in her womb. The first came out red, all his body like a hairy mantle, so they named him Esau. Afterward his brother came out, with his hand gripping Esau's heel, so he was named Jacob.'  

Read Genesis 25:24-28  

From the start, Esau was, good at hunting and outdoors activities, confident, careless, unconcerned. He had a good relationship with his father. He married two Hittite (non-Hebrew) women who did not get on well with Rebekah and Isaac (see Genesis 26:34-35). Jacob was quiet, more thoughtful, more interested in learning. He did not particularly enjoy outdoors activities. He depended on his intelligence and his wits rather than on brute strength. 

One day, Esau carelessly gave up his birthright, half of his inheritance, to his younger twin Jacob.  On the death of the father, property was divided in equal shares between the sons, but the eldest son got a double portion. This was called the 'birthright' of the eldest. Thus in a family of two sons, the elder would get two-thirds, the younger  would get one-third. Daughters had already received their inheritance in the form of a dowry.

When Isaac was very old, he realized that it was nearly time for him to die. This meant that he should give his formal Blessing to the son he wanted to succeed him. In ancient Hebrew tribes, the Blessing meant the handing over of legal power to a successor - a more valuable gift than any amount of property. The person who received the Blessing had authority over the whole clan, even over people who were older than himself. If Jacob had the Blessing, he would govern the tribe after Isaac's death.

But Esau was Isaac's favorite son. He had many of the qualities that Isaac lacked: he was hearty, carefree, a good hunter, and physically strong. The question was: would he be the best person to govern the tribe after Jacob's death? Rebekah did not think so. She believed that the quiet, intelligent Jacob would do a better job.  

She therefore colluded with her younger son, and under her direction, Jacob tricked his dying father into giving the Blessing to him.   

'Then Rebekah took the best garments of her elder son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them on her younger son Jacob; and she put the skins of  kids (baby goats) on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck'  

In the modern world, we admire honesty and integrity. The actions of Rebekah and Jacob seem underhanded to us. In ancient times, however, this duo of schemers would have been admired. Trickery and cunning were valued, because the world was dangerous and unpredictable, and people needed every advantage they could get, to survive. Rebekah may have hated what she had to do - but it was necessary, given Esau's impetuous foolishness and the long term effect it would have on the tribe.

Read Genesis 27:1-40  

Rebekah had developed from a beautiful, confident young girl into a far-sighted and shrewd woman. She chose the son she believed was more capable of governing the clan. But some questions must be asked:

·         Did Jacob really trick Isaac into thinking he was Esau? Is it possible that Isaac was aware all along of what was happening?

·         Did Isaac go along with Rebekah's deception because he knew in his heart of hearts that Jacob was better suited for the task of leadership?

'Now Esau hated Jacob because of the Blessing with which his father had blessed him, and Esau said to himself "The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob". But the words of her elder son Esau were told to Rebekah.'

Esau was angry and he had been betrayed by his mother and his brother and lost the inheritance that was due to him, his birthright and the Blessing. He planned to kill Jacob as soon as his father died.

Once again, Rebekah stepped in, helping Jacob to escape. She also maneuvered Isaac into arranging a marriage between Jacob and one of the daughters of Laban, the brother she had left so many years ago in Mesopotamia.  

The story of Rebekah makes it clear that women can feel ambition, love greatly, deceive, and be self-sacrificing. The nature of the person shapes what they are, not their gender. Rebekah was a leader of people and an organizer of the future. It did not matter that she was a woman. She used the abilities she had, in the best way that she could.

The more of these stories that I read-- it really has me thinking, who am I more like?   Do I have some of each of these biblical women in me?  Meaning their traits and how would I have handled some of the situations.  I can honestly say, I understand why Rebekah did what she did and we all make the best choices we can in life.  With each of these realizations, I have become so thankful for the power of Jesus and what gifts He bestowed on the church. Thankful that we don’t live under the same law as in the Old Testament.  Life was so very different as far as the Law – with Jesus I feel the grace and forgiveness and so thankful for His sacrifice for me.  Jesus would have come to earth and endured what He did for just one lost person.  He is there in Heaven on the Right hand of God interceding on our behalf, it makes me so thankful for the friend I have in Jesus.  He is my savior, my Redeemer and my Strength.

God bless you.

Michele G.

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I apologize for the different size fonts and awkward spaces. No matter what I tried I couldn't get them to be in alignment. 

 So, after reading this would you have done what Rebekah did?  Would you have been deceitful to get the better result, in an age when women had no power?  Do you feel that the ends justified the means?  Tell us in our comment section. 

 Leave any comment before Tuesday 8pm, and you may receive the card on the side bar, and postage...if you live in the US.  I'm sorry, I can not send cards out of the country.  We are glad you are all here!  Michele will have another post on a Biblical Woman on the 3rd Friday of September.  You get decide if you are like the woman or not!

Praying that everyone is safe from the hurricane.  Please join us in prayer for each other and people everywhere that need Him.

He IS Able!

Traci S.

Are you like Mary or Martha? "Precious Women of God--This Includes YOU!"

Hi Friends~

I am happy to let you know that I had the most energy today that I have had in about a month. It's still not a lot, but I am sure I am on the mend.  I am very grateful for all of your prayers and thoughts.  Thank you.  I am hoping to return on Monday, and we can do ALL of the Many Card Give Aways one for each post that ,I missed due to my illness, plus the "He IS Able Card of the Week Drawings!"  That will be a lot of cards given away!  Please be sure to leave a comment before Sunday at 8pm.  (A different time this week.  We will have Wednesday's Give Away on Wednesday!)

Today is the 3rd Friday of the month, and that means it is an extra special day here on the He IS Able blog!  As you may know, Michele writes our Bible Study called, "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!"  I am thrilled with what she wrote this week!  It is thought provoking.  It is informative.  It has Scripture in it.  And, it is life applicable! We certainly hope that you enjoy it, and learn something from it at the same time.  We would love to hear your thoughts or realizations in the comment section.

Martha and Mary by Michele

I read this story and what really hit me personally was the difference between Mary and Martha.  It is such a common occurrence.  Have you heard the phrase "Stop and smell the roses"?  It was one of the best pieces of advice that I got before my wedding-- don't get caught up in the tasks, enjoy what you have--enjoy the day and spend time with your guests, eat the food and enjoy.  I know a wedding and the below story are not the same thing, but I have seen people who get wrapped up in the tasks and lose sight of the fun of a day or miss out because of "tasks" or work that needs to be done.  I understand preparation and work and the importance of it, but missing out is something a lot of us do because of what we think needs to be done--life is a gift our Lord and Savior gave--a gift of spending time with Him is so much more important that tasks or laundry and this applies to us today, too!  We need to look at the bigger picture.

Jesus visited the house of Mary and Martha.  Martha prepared food for the guests; Mary sat and listened to Jesus.

"Now as they went on their way, He entered a certain village,

where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.

  She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet

and listened to what He was saying."

Luke 10:38-40

"But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, so she came to Him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself?  Tell her then to help me." Luke 10:40

 But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things.  There is need of only one thing. 

 Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."  Luke 10:41-42

The two women had complementary personalities.  Martha was a doer, a young capable woman who organized and ran a fairly large household.  Mary was a thinker, interested in ideas.  Martha objected to the fact that she had to work while Mary sat and listened.  Jesus said that Mary had made the better choice.

Several points emerge:

• Mary 'sat and listened'.  This was the usual posture of a disciple of any teacher in the ancient world.  But disciples were usually male, so Mary must have been quietly breaking the rule that reserved study for males, not females.
•      Her sister, Martha, was not merely asking for help.  She was demanding that Mary keep to the traditional way of behaving.
•      Jesus was ignoring the traditional role of women, and encouraging Mary to think and learn.  He upheld her right to listen and think about ideas, and to develop her mind.  She should not be limited to the tasks that society laid down for her, but be allowed access to ideas, as Jewish men were.
•      Jesus had previously encouraged the idea of service among His followers, so He did not say that Martha's role of service was unimportant.  This would have gone against His other teachings.  What He did say was that being a disciple, and learning about the ideas He was explaining, was even more important.

There are days that I feel like Martha and days that I find myself being more like Mary.  I think of what it must have been like to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen and learn, and what a blessing that must have been.  God Almighty made each of us women (and men) with special gifts and abilities, the ministry of helping, teaching, sharing the Gospel, evangelists, missions work, financial support we can give, prayer support--no matter what your gifts are remember you are a precious child of God and use your gifts and abilities to help as many people whenever you can.  There is power in prayer, there is power in obedience to God! There is peace that passes understanding that only God can give us.  No matter where you are today--know that you are a Precious Woman of God--This does Include You!

May God bless you and keep you, and trust and wait on the Lord.

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Michele, thank you so much for continuing to write this post for the 3rd Friday of the month!  I can not wait to see who we will be learning and thinking about next month.  I believe that mostly, I am like Martha.  I am a doer.  I need to get things just "so."  There are things to be done, and they should be done right!  I wish that I had a bit more "Mary" in me.  I have very deep thoughts about the world that we live in, and God and His amazing Word and creations, and the people I love, and the people I don't know.  I wish it went deeper still. 

Are you more like Mary or Martha?  Let us know in the comment section.  We would love to hear!  You can also leave prayer requests there...not only will our Prayer Team be praying for you, but our other guests may certainly pray for you also.  You may need to share it more than once, since people don't usually go back and read comments from previous posts.  If you have a confidential request...feel free to email me at TraciStarkweather@gmail.com with your request. I will share it with Joan, our Prayer Team Leader only.  She and I will both lift you up before the Lord.  And, if you have a few minutes that you can give a day or every other day to pray for your Sisters and Brothers-in-Christ who are a guests of this blog also, or about this blog, please let us know via the email or comment section.  Joan will only give you as many requests as you can handle.  Even if it is one request...it will be a help!  Prayers are answered!  He tells us in His Word.  It is true!  Please join us!  I look forward to hearing from you.

"May the Lord bless and keep you.  May He make His face shine down upon you and be gracious to you."  Numbers 6:24-25

He IS Able!

Traci S.

1st Blog-O-Versary! Precious Women of God--This Includes You!

Click here to find out how to win our 1st Blog-O-Versary Blog Candy!

Hi Friends~

I am either in Maryland with lots of family...celebrating my FIL's 89th birthday! Happy Birthday, Dad!

 I hope that Blogger posted this correctly.  This is the 3rd Friday of the month, and that means that we are reaching out to all of the "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!"

Michele sent an explanatory writing by Joyce G. Baldwin.  It is from her Introduction and Commentary in 1984.  And, we are talking about one of all Jewish People's favorite Jewish Female Heroines...Esther!!  I have chosen to share a bit about how we, a Jewish family, growing up, celebrated Purim...the celebration where Esther is the Queen of the land...and saves all of the Jews!  And, I may throw in a couple of comments in purple in Ms. Baldwin's work.

I will start with Ms. Baldwin's commentary: Read the book of Esther 1-10.
Esther was a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin.  The name Esther means 'star.' This is a derivation of the root name of the goddess Ishtar.  Esther was also known as Hadassah which means 'Myrtle'.  Myrtle branches signify peace and thanksgiving.

Esther first appears in book of Esther Chapter 2.  She is an orphaned Jew brought up by her cousin Mordecai. In Chapter 1 of the book of Esther, King Xerxes (Zer-cees) decided to display his abundant wealth for 180 days followed by a seven day feast.  A lavish display of his power.  On the seventh day King Xerses called Queen Vashti (Vosh-tee) out in order to display her beauty to the people.  She refused to come and is eventually banished from the King's presence for life.  A new Queen is sought.

In Chapter 2 Esther is chosen to be Queen.  She goes through the normal 12 months of beauty treatment before meeting the King. (That is quite a facial!) It also records the good deed of Mordecai in saving the Kings life by alerting him of an assassination attempt on his life.  This deed is recorded in the record books and later serves as a blessing for Mordecai in the future.  (It's me, Traci, I just want to let you know that this part is VERY important.  Hang in there...there is great news coming...)

"God never forgets our labour of love."  Hebrews 6:10

In Chapter 3 Haman is honoured by the King and given a high position in the Kingdom.  Haman is annoyed with Mordecai because Mordecai refuses to kneel down to him!  Haman's anger leads him to plot the execution of all the Jews in the Kingdom.  (OK- this is a main plot of this story...Jews do not bow down to people...only God...and they won't write down the word "God" because it can be thrown away or fall on the floor...so they write "G-d" instead.)

In order to prevent the execution of all the Jews, Mordecai calls on Esther to intercede to her husband, the King.  The only problem here is that the King does not know that Esther is a Jew.  Esther has no idea of how the King will respond to this news.  Esther's reluctance to approach the King is met by stern words from Mordecai. 

 In Chapter 4:14 he (Cousin Mordecai) said, "For if you keep silent

 at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews

 from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. 

And who knows whether you have not come to the Kingdom

for such a time as this?"

Esther eventually agrees to appeal to the King.  Prior to this she asks Mordecai to organize a time of fasting for her.  She is well aware that she needs God's favour if she is to succeed.

"Go gather together all the Jews who are in Susa,

and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days,

night or day.  I and my maids will fast as you do. 

 When this is done, I will go to the King,

even though it is against the law. 

 And, if I perish.  I perish."  Esther 4:16

In Chapter 5 Esther approaches the King and invites him and Haman to a banquet.  This is an attempt to get the timing right before she informs the King about Haman's plot to kill the Jews of which she is one.  Esther hid

this fact that she was a Jew from the King on Mordecai's advice.

God's timing is always best.  We need to wait for God's timing in doing things. It is dangerous to jump out before time.

Meanwhile, Haman's hatred for Mordecai is growing.. and on the advice of his friends and wife he has special gallows prepared beside his house on which to hang Mordecai.  In Chapter 6 God moves to save the Jews. (Isn't God always moving on our behalf?) The King can not sleep and asks for the record books to be read aloud to him.  (Did you remember this from above?)The deeds of Mordecai in saving the king in the past are read out.

(This part is GREAT!)  In an extraordinary change of events the King asks Haman what should be done to a man who the King wants to honor?  Haman, in his arrogance, thinks the King is referring to him and advises a lavish display of wealth and honor to be bestowed on the man publicly.  The King orders Haman to do this to Mordecai!  (WOW!  Love it!)  Can you imagine the shock, horror and humiliation Haman must have suffered? 

In chapter 7 Esther reveals to the king that she is a Jew and that Haman has plotted to kill them all.  Haman is hanged on his own gallows!  In the last chapters all the Jews are saved and Haman is dead.  Esther saved the Jews from annailation. 

When Jews today celebrate Purim (Poor-im) a minor holiday in the Jewish calendar, the children are a main focus.  They will dress up as Queen Esther or Queen Vashti, or Haman (not many do that part), or the King, or Mordecai. (Moord-ick-eye)  They will wear them to the Synagogue for Friday night (Sabbath) Services.  Each child will be given a grogger...it is a loud cranky noise maker.  They clap and cheer whenever Esther or Mordecai's names are read from the Torah (The Holy Scrolls..the first 5 books of the Bible.)   They stomp their feet and make loud cranky noise with their groggers when they hear Haman's name.  It is quite fun trying to keep up with the story.  (And, what an ingenious way to keep the children's attention!)  All of the children (and some adults!) walk through the Sanctuary, and everyone claps for them! This is a very special treat! (We usually do not even clap in the Sanctuary.  Only after a presentation...but not in music.  So this is quite the celebration.  Usually, there is a Purim Carnival sometime that week.  It is full of the usual carnival type booths set up and run by the older children.  Purim is celebrated in the spring...it is not at all related to Halloween.

Michele, thank you for sending this informative narrative for us today.  Great job!  And, I hope that all of you enjoyed learning a bit more about Queen Esther and her friends...and enemies!  And, about celebrating Purim!  So much fun!

I will be getting in late Monday.  I will see you on Wednesday to see who will win the "Card of the Week."  Please be sure to leave a comment before 8pm Tuesday to be eligible...and you will want to leave a comment before midnight on the 29th to be eligible for our Blog-O-Versary Candy Give Away!

He IS Able,
Traci S.

"Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" Introducing... Sarah!

Hi Friends~

Happy Friday! I apologize, that part of this post is in large font.  I could not get it to change...even after several tries. Please don't let it take away from your enjoyment of this post.  This is the third Friday of the month, so we have a special blessing for you today!  Precious Women of God--This Includes You! is being shared by Michele as usual today.  She spent a lot of time putting this Bible Study together for today. Introducing...Sarah!

Here it is:

Sarah is one of my favorite women in the Bible.  Her life is a great reminder that God does not require that you be perfect, nor does He promise that your life will be.

Her journey began as God sent a message of destiny to Sarah’s husband, Abraham. They were told to leave all that they knew, and travel to a new land - Canaan.  God promised them that He would give them a child and that, through this seed, all the families of earth shall be blessed.  "The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you."  (Genesis 12:1).

Once they arrived in this strange land, God prophesied that He was going to deliver it to their descendants.  The ones that were to come from this child, a child that had not yet been born.  Well, weeks turned into months and months turned into years. “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you;
I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.  (Genesis 12:2)

And, for over a decade, God promised Sarah a son.  For over a decade, Sarah waited for the manifestation of that promise.  Her promise of motherhood.  But Sarah was barren.

But, years passed and Sarah had still not conceived.  Sarah could provide no heir for her husband. Sarah then decided to take matters into her own hands and she encouraged her husband to have a baby with another woman.  When I read this I feel for Sarah she wanted a baby so badly she didn’t care how it came to pass, But she did not wait for God to finish His plan and she went ahead with her own plan and , now, "a servant born in her house would be his heir" (Genesis 15:2-3).  The shame and bitterness of her barrenness began to engulf her.  

And, as time went on, Sarah began to say within heart, "The Lord has prevented me from having children," (Gen. 16:2).  You know that she said in within her heart, because she had begun to say it to her husband.

Even with all that Sarah did the mistakes that she made God still honored His promise of giving Sarah a child and also in the bigger picture a child that would impact the world and future generations.  I believe Sarah was looking at the smaller picture where it impacted her and we all do that. 

But it is such a great reminder that God has a much bigger purpose in mind for each of us and our future generations.  He will weave together the pieces of your life.  The ability to stop, ask God what we are to do in all situations in our lives and when we spend time reading His Word, praying and waiting on the Lord – He will reveal the things for our own lives and He has the perfect plan the Bible states in Jeremiah 29:11.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Just a little re-cap and some important points retrieved from The Life Application Bible: (NIV)

**Sarah must have regretted the day she decided to push God's timetable ahead.

**What parts of your life are on hold right now? Do you understand that this may be part of God's plan for you? The Bible has more than enough clear direction to keep us busy while we're waiting for some particular part of life to move ahead.

Sarah's Strengths and Accomplishments:

**She was intensely loyal to her own child.

**Sarah became the mother of a nation and an ancestor to Jesus.

**She was a woman of faith, the first woman listed in the Hall of Fame   in Hebrews 11

Sarah's Weaknesses and Mistakes:

**She attempted to work problems out for herself--without consulting God.

**Sarah tried to cover her faults by blaming others.

Lessons from Sarah's life:

**God responds to faith even in the midst of failure.

**God is not bound by what usually happens; He can stretch the limits and cause unheard of events to occur.

Key Verse:

"By faith Abraham, even though he was past age--and Sarah herself was barren--was enabled to become a father because He considered him faithful who had made the promise." Hebrews 11:11

I think I am so moved by this Biblical story because no matter what we do the mistakes we make – God still honors His word – I have said often, God is always faithful, even when I am not.  His Word lasts forever and His promises are true and perfect.  It’s never too late for God to work in you and for you to reach out to Him and have an intimate relationship with Him.  There is nothing that He wants more than a close intimate relationship with you. 

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There will be a special announcement made either Monday, Wednesday or Friday of next week!  Please be sure to check in each day, so that you do not miss out!

Also, we have a poll at the top of the right side of the blog.  Please take a moment and mark your choice.  It will help us make this the blog you want it to be.  And, Wednesday, we will have our weekly random drawing of people who leave any comment before Tuesday 8pm Eastern Time.  We are so glad that you visited today!  God Bless!

He IS Able!

Traci S.

"Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" More about Mary!

Happy Friday Everyone! 

The weekend will start in about 7 hours!  What do you have planned?  Something fun?  Something serious?  We are going to have family visiting and we are spending Saturday at Sea World!  It is going to be so much fun with my 3 grand-sons and their parents!  They are all wonderful!  I'm excited!  I hope you have the time to do something special this weekend, too.

Today is the 3rd Friday of the Month.  It is the day that Michele G. shares a Bible Study that she has been working on.  "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" is a monthly study on different women of the Bible. This month's study is a bit different.  This month, one of the things Michele is hoping for is that we will all spend more time in His Word.  So, there are many Scriptural references...for us to look up! I join her in encouraging you to look them up also.  Are you ready for today's study on a Biblical woman to bring new thoughts and questions to your mind?  Here we go:

A study on Mary – the Mother of Jesus

With Easter fast approaching I thought it would be fitting to look at the life of Mary. Easter for me is such a joyous occasion, how awesome it is to think of what my God sacrificed for me on the cross, the love He showed and His mercy and grace. God had to pick someone very special to Him to fulfill His promise of sending a Messiah – someone who would obey and do it with a joyful heart. In my eyes, this is what Mary did, she obeyed God and did exactly what He asked of her to do. Even though it would cause her some pain along the way – those who would doubt her - those who would say nasty things about her – but she decided that wouldn’t matter – she was going to serve the Lord God Almighty, which is what she did. What a great example of Faith.


Luke chapter 1 and 2 introduces us to the life of Mary. As a young girl she is already full of faith. Notice the angel's words to Zacharias the Priest and his response (Luke 1:13-18). Here we see a priest having problems believing the Word given to him by an angel.


Mary displays no such form of unbelief when addressed by the angel. Her response is one many of us Christians still desire to repeat today. Luke 1:38 Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your Word." And the angel departed from her. (NKJV)


Somehow, Mary, an ordinary village girl, had more faith in God than a Priest. It does not matter what our “title” is here on earth, God moves through people who are open and willing to serve Him. I love that saying "He will do extra ordinary things through ordinary people."


Mary's life is a testimony to the fact that ordinary women can do extra-ordinary things for God! A heart full of faith is a useful vessel in the hands of our God.


Mary was a virgin. She had known no man and kept herself pure. No wonder the favor of God was upon her life (Luke 1:28). A life lived in discipline to God's commands brings His favor. As I think about this topic of discipline there are things I definitely need to work on and change in my own life and improve upon - that is part of our journey and walk with God. Reading His Word, pressing in with prayer and a heart looking to find out more of what He would like from me and you, and how to serve him better. The Bible says to meditate on His Word. When we fill ourselves with the Word of God and the knowledge we receive from the Bible we stand very ready to serve God at all times. He will reveal things to you as you press into Him. The Bible states, "Seek and Ye shall find."


Despite all Mary's virtues she still needed the Holy Spirit to fulfill the will of God.  Nothing can replace the power of the Holy Spirit. God fills vessels that are set apart for Him. No one can say Jesus Christ is Lord except by the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3). Supernatural things can only be done for God when His (Holy Spirit) presence is with us.


My prayer for you would be to take the time to pray for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit today. When God gives you a promise you need to pray it through. Play an active role. Never cease believing God for His promises.

"Dear Jesus, I pray for each person who may be reading this post right now. I pray that they will continue to look for You and seek You. I pray that they take the time to ask You into their heart with a simple prayer stating they acknowledge that You died on the cross for them, repent for their sins and to know that You have a plan for their life, and for them to turn their life over to You.  I pray for them to ask You into their heart.

I pray Lord Jesus that they ask for knowledge through your Holy Spirit and know the more time they spend in prayer and reading your Word the stronger they will be, and the more you will reveal to them.

I thank You Jesus for each person reading this and my prayer and cry out to You is that they know about You, and Your love and sacrifice for us and to know that they can bring anything to You in prayer. When You died on the cross that you thought of each and everyone of us, and You know us by name, and how many hairs are on our heads-- to that degree of how well you know Your children! Your Word states, “No Man Comes to the Father but by Me." (You) what an incredible gift and blessing You have given to us and I thank You for the power You have given to each one of us in Your name, Lord Jesus.

 When we have times of trouble, I pray that each one call out Your name and reach to You and know that You are there for them, and will help all of your children. You Lord Jesus are our refuge and strength, because You live-- we can face tomorrow. I also pray that each person be made aware of the power in Your Holy name and that "through You all things are possible..." – for each and every circumstance and situation You are our Father in Heaven who longs to be the answer to our prayers and longs for a relationship with us an eternal loving relationship. I thank You, Lord Jesus, for every blessing You bestow on each and everyone of us. Thank You Jesus, bless Your Holy name.


In Jesus Name,
Amen"

Thank you Michele for that thoughtful study, and that beautiful prayer.  You are a beautiful Christian woman. 

I hope that all of you will join us on Monday.  I hope that you have been blessed by Michele's words about Mary, and her heartfelt prayer for all of us.
I would be interested in knowing what Biblical Woman you would want to learn more about.  How about naming her in the comment section today?  I'm not promising we will get to those women this year...just curious, and maybe she will be part of our  "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" study.  Thank you so much for being here!  It is such an encouragement to know you have visited!

He IS Able,
Traci S.

"Precious Women of God--This Includes You!"

Hi Friends~

Happy Friday!  I hope all of you have some wonderful plans for this weekend!  I believe I will be able to get my 3 pages done to get caught up with the ABC Scriptural Study led by Patter Cross.  I really want to do this project.  I also would like to complete at least 2 sets of cards to donate to the Card Drive for the American Cancer Society Fundraiser (info on the side) before the end of the weekend.  And, of course my time with the Lord comes first ...and sometimes additionally while I work on cards or scrapbook!  Do you ever do that?  Praise Him while you are playing in your art room?  Sing to Him? 

Today please read about:

• Scriptures: Genesis 2:18, Genesis 2:23
• "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" 
• How our Prayer Team is ready to serve your needs and requests.

Today is a special post.  It is the second post from Michele G.  She writes our Bible Study portion every 3rd Friday of the month.  It is a study on Biblical Women as they relate to us!  It is named "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!"  I read Michele's post, and I found it very interesting!  She thought of different aspects of Eve that I never even gave a thought!  I encourage you to read this and possibly send it on to a friend!

Here it is:

When thinking about women in the Bible, Eve can jump into my mind so quickly and when I think of her I often think “if she only didn’t eat the fruit I could be sitting in Eden right now.” But the truth of it is we would have all done what Eve had done in The Garden. We have all disobeyed God, we are all sinners. Only Christ led a sinless life.



Eve was the first woman on earth, the first wife, and the first mother. She is known as the "Mother of All the Living." I am sure she worked hard on making a good life for her children and her family. Telling them about Eden and teaching them right from wrong just like we do today. Also, just like today, there was some difficulty in the family. She saw her boys fight and watched and I am sure tried to discourage the hatred that grew between them. One son murdered and the other sent away from their home. None of this could have been easy for Eve, but through it all she relied on God.


Eve was Adam’s companion, his helper, the one who would complete him and share equally in his responsibility over creation. She too was made in God's image, displaying a portion of the characteristics of God. Only together could Adam and Eve fulfill God's purpose in the continuation of creation. With Eve, God brought human relationship, friendship and marriage into the world. Together she and Adam would fulfill God’s purpose of populating the earth.


Genesis 2:18--"Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”


Genesis 2:23--“At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’



Eve was tempted by Satan when he got her to doubt God's goodness, by focusing on the one thing she couldn't have. She put in the back of her mind all of the good things God had blessed her with in The Garden. I think this happens to all of us at one time or another.


She didn't have another woman that she could confide in and talk things over with. How did she do it? Undoubtedly she relied on her relationship with God to sustain her through difficult times. She had a direct relationship with her creator.


God wants us to freely choose to follow and obey Him out of love. Nothing we do is hidden from God. Our God who loves us so perfectly sent His only Son to show us how to love and how to live and sent Him to pay for our sins on the cross.


Referenced in the Bible:
Genesis 2:18-4:26; 2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:13
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Wow, Michele! Thank you for the time and effort you put into today's post. You really looked at Eve in a creative way. I can't wait to see what you come up with for the 3rd Friday of next month! Thanks again for everything!
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"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16

How Our Prayer Team Can Serve You!
Yesterday we announced the beginning of the He IS Able Prayer Team. This blog is here to Glorify God, share with each other and encourage each other with our walk with Christ...and to bring non-Believers to Him. We could not do this without prayer! I have been blessed to have friends who have been praying for the blog, and many of you have prayed for my health and we have been praying that we would have discernment as to what our Lord, Jesus Christ would like for us to share, as well as what direction the blog would go in. Thank you for all of your prayers.

One of those changes is when I asked Joan to become our Prayer Team Leader. (I wrote a bit about Joan on Wednesday's post if you would like to get to know more about her.) What is the goal of this Prayer Team? We will be taking prayer requests and needs from you and praying over them until prayer is answered. (And remember, sometimes He tells us "no" because He has something better in life for us.) Please let us know if the situation has changed, and the request should change or be removed.

If you have a prayer request/need that is not confidential, and that you would like some of our other guests to pray over...please put your request in the comment section. Please remember, anyone coming to this blog can see this section.

If you have a prayer request/need that must remain confidential with only the He IS Able Prayer Team knowing about it...please email me your information, and I will send it via email to the other Prayer Team members to pray over. I will only give your email address to Joan. If you do not want your name to be known, or contacted via email about your request...Please tell me in your email.

If you would like to be considered to join our volunteer Prayer Team, please email me or leave a comment including your email addie. We are looking for up to 10 people to join, and it is only as big of a time investment as you want to give! The Prayer Team will lift up the people of this blog, including our guests and their requests, as well as praying for behind the scenes needs. We will pray that we follow our Mission Statement: "Sharing His Love, His Word, and His Gift of Salvation through Cards!" And, they will pray that this outreach will touch people's hearts, and they will pray that Jesus the Christ will be their Lord and Savior. The Prayer Team will not have personal contact with the person requesting prayer...except possibly Joan or myself. (unless you state not to do this with your request.) This is a wonderful way to serve the Lord as well as your Sisters and Brothers in Christ!

Whether you are emailing me to join the Prayer Team, or send a prayer request, or if you would share your Testimony or Why you love the Lord, or if you want to know about donating cards for the "Card of the Week" or anything else concerning this blog please type "He IS Able" on the subject line of the email. I read these first because of their importance.  God Bless!

He IS Able,
Traci Starkweather
(Traci S. on your blog, at SCS or at Christian Paper Crafts!)

Precious Women of God--This Includes You! And, "A" of ABC Scripture Scrapbook!

Happy Friday Everyone!

Today is the very last day to sign up for the Give-Away described on the right column.  Just answer one of those questions in today's comment section before Midnight...Eastern time.  One person's name will be randomly drawn and announced tomorrow!  There have been additional prizes added to this Give-Away! 

Also, because of my illness that will not go away, and is causing me to miss one of my Grandson's birthday party...I was not able to have a winner randomly drawn for the "Card of the Week" this past Wednesday.  The card is gorgeous!  It is made by Grace N. from Th-ink-ing of You!  I extended this drawing until Midnight tonight also!  So, leave any comment (the Give-Away comment counts also) before Midnight Eastern time.

Today, I will be sharing my scrapbook page that I made for Patter Cross's ABC Scriptural Study, as well as a post to her blog explaining the page.  Please be sure to check it out.

And now, with great happiness and joy, I turn this post over to the talented, knowledgeable and all around wonderful woman, Michele G.  This is Michele's first Bible Study post here at The He IS Able blog, though she has been a part of the He IS Able blog from the beginning.  She has helped by sharing, helping me make decisions, donating cards for the "Card of the Week" drawing, praying, running a challenge with prizes...lots of things...  She will be posting the Bible Study the 3rd Friday of each month.  Please mark your calendar for February the 18th for the next segment of:  "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!"

Michele shared:
As I start this study, I really want to take a look at the lives of women in the Bible. I want to be able to show some of their lives and their incredible experiences, their love for the Lord and incredible comparisons between their lives and our own. It has been put on my heart to show just how precious women are to God and how He used and currently uses women for His glory, how He has been able to rely on women in the Bible and how He is able to use us today. Taking time to read His Word, pray and take time to listen, will enable you and empower you to be the woman of God He wants you to be. All we ever have to be is what He created us to be. He has created each of us with special gifts, talents and abilities and when we use those to help others and further his kingdom we are truly blessed.

The first woman of the Bible that I want to review is Miriam. Miriam was the older sister to Moses and sister of Aaron. Exodus Chapters 2 & 15; Numbers Chapters 12 & 20. Her name means ‘one who loves or is loved by Yahweh’. Yahweh means the “self-existent one”. Yahweh is one of the ways the children of Israel referred and do refer to God.

When the new Pharaoh of Egypt declared the death of all the baby boys of Israel in a desperate attempt to curb the growth of the Hebrews, it was his mother who put Moses in the waterproof basket and placed him in the river in the hopes he would find a safer home. When doing this study I found out it was Miriam who was Watching the basket when the daughter of Pharaoh discovered it. Miriam was used by God to watch over Moses and to help fulfill what God had wanted Moses to do.

Miriam was with Moses throughout the nine plagues. She followed Moses out of Egypt. Miriam was a woman of God, she was a prophet herself. (Exodus 15:20.) Miriam was called to do great things. The very same is true in the body of Christ today. Each person has a different role and it is so important to realize that you were made and loved by the the All Mighty God and that you are beautiful and a precious woman of God. The Lord my God whom I serve loves me so much! One of the most important parts of having a close walk with Jesus is prayer. It is in prayer where we humble ourselves before the Lord and it is not only a place for requests but a place for refuge and to gain strength and knowledge. I would encourage you to pray for him to open your eyes to the things he would want you to see, pray for your heart to be open to see with your heart the way God sees with his heart. It can change how you view the world!

Jeremiah 29:13 "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

James 1:5  "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

1 John 3:22 "...and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases Him."

Whether you are currently walking with the Lord or whether you have never walked with Him, this study is for you. God’s love is the most perfect love. His will for you and your life and for the lives of your family are so important to Him. He desires a closer relationship with each one of us. He desires that we do seek Him. Psalm 34:4 "I sought the Lord and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears." If there is something that you are struggling with – please read and re-read this verse and the others that surround it. Look it up in your own Bible. Take some time to see what God says because He will and does keep His Word.

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This scrapbook page is size 8x8.  I have never worked with this size, but I love it!  The idea is that Patter Cross will give us a word that starts with "A" for these two weeks, "B" for the next two weeks...and so on...a new word every other Sunday.  You can use any size paper, make cards or bookmarks, whatever you would like.  It will last for the year...which will bring us through the alphabet.  She then writes such thought provoking entries, and shows us her example as well as the Scriptures that she used on her project to remind her of the word "Anchor." 

 I need to remind myself to "anchor" myself to the Lord, not just when life is stormy, and doesn't seem to be going well.  I need to remember to "anchor" myself to Him when things are going beautifully and all is well.  Hopefully, my scrapbook page shows a storm on the right...and an easy going day on the left.  It does to me...and the book is to help me memorize Scripture, look for Scripture that I don't use all of the time, and to possibly pass this book on to one of my grand-children when it is completely.

This is the only page we have done...and everyone's looks differently.  We get our new word this Sunday from Patter's blog.  You can find her wonderful writing about the word "Anchor" here:  ABC Scripture Scrapbook Study. 

We hope you have enjoyed today's first part of
"Precious Women of God--This Includes You!"  Please remember, that Tomorrow (Saturday at noon) will be the announcement for the "Card of the Week" Drawing and the Winner of the Give-Away to Celebrate Our 6 Months as a Blog!  Please read the side bar to see how quickly and easily it is to enter if you have not done so yet.  We so look forward to seeing you then!  Please remember to welcome Michele to the He IS Able blog. She is such an incredible part of it!  More new changes coming to the blog soon...so keep reading. Thank you so much for being here. 

February-- LOVE is the theme!  I'd love to post what you share as your Favorite Scripture about love and why.  Just email it to me.  It's that easy!
TraciStarkweather@gmail.com 

He IS Able,
Traci S.