COFFEE WITH GOD 

By Pastor Jerri

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY ~ WOMEN OF THE BIBLE

It is only fitting on Mother’s Day to give a tribute to women. Throughout the Bible, women have played incredible roles. Women are in God's plan, these women had empowering faith and showed astonishing bravery. From Esther’s to Mary’s compliance to the will of God. All these women encourage ladies today. On this Mother’s Day I want to share a few of these less known women to help all ladies realize there is nothing they cannot do with God’s guidance.

Let’s start with Eve, she is well known but not totally understood! When you understand Eve was set in the Garden of Eden with no education, there were no schools, only Adam to help her understand. Adam was also placed in the Garden with no education, just faith in God. Amazingly God schooled them, He walked with them and talked with them. He explained things to them. They messed up. Don’t we all! However, Eve mothered the world. She was our first grandmother from the beginning of time! I believe she was an amazing woman. She survived with no house, no electricity, no bathroom, just nature. And she gave birth to many children with no hospital and no doctor! Genesis 5:4 says they had many sons and daughters. We are not given the exact amount. Only the three sons Cain, Abel and Seth are listed by name.

We all know Hagar, the maid of Sarah. But did you know that Hagar gave God one of His names? Her name for God was El Roy, the meaning is “You are a God of seeing,” Scripture Genesis 16:13. Hagar was a humble servant who obeyed God even though it meant suffering for herself. Sarah was not kind to her after the baby was born.

Jockabed mother of Moses, this poor woman had to give up her son to save his life. What faith it required for her to do this. Exodus 2:2 tells the story. She hid her baby Moses for three months; can you imagine the heartbreak to have to give up your baby? Then out of the very mercy of God, Jockabed got to nurse Moses to weaning PTL.

Then there was Miriam, Moses’s sister, who was so brave she went to Pharaoh’s daughter and set it in motion for Jockabed became Moses nurse. Miriam later in life became a prophetess a voice of guidance and encouragement to the Israelites. Exodus 15:20.

Rahab helped the Israelites escape and she asked for mercy, they told her to tie a scarlet cord, Joshua 2:18, in her window as a sign for the Israelites to spare her household Hebrews 11:31. When the battle of Jericho was over Rahab and her family were saved but her story didn't end there. Rahab became part of God's people and remarkably she became an ancestor of Jesus Christ: Mathew 1:5. Rahab’s life teaches us that our past does not define our future. We serve a merciful God.

The Samaritan woman's encounter with Jesus is one of transformation and unexpected purpose. She came to the well alone at midday to draw water.  She had been married five times and was living with a man who wasn't her husband, but Jesus saw beyond her past. He asked her for water, breaking which was not cultural norms, as Jews and Samaritans typically avoided each other. Their conversation turned profound when Jesus offered her living water saying, "Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst." John 4:14. She was amazed by his knowledge of her life. She recognized him as a prophet and eventually as the Messiah. Leaving her water jar behind, she ran back to her town declaring, "Come see a man who told me everything I ever did, could this be the Messiah?" We see in this story that Jesus cares for all people and He met the needs when people would believe Him! Remember how important it is to BELIEVE Jesus!

The Syrophoenician woman's story is one of bold persistence and unwavering belief a gentile from the region of Ty, she approached Jesus with a desperate plea; her daughter was possessed by an impure spirit, and she begged him to heal the child. Jesus’ initial response seemed harsh at first. He said let the children eat all they want, referring to the Israelites for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs, but the woman was undeterred and with humility and wit she replied, "Lord even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." Mark 7:24-30. Her faith and determination moved Jesus for such a reply as she gave Him. Jesus told her, you may go, the demon has left your daughter. She returned home to find her child healed!

Joanna a faithful supporter of Jesus, Joanna’s story is one of quiet faithfulness and generous support. She was the wife of Chusa, the steward of King Herod's household, a position of influence and wealth. Yet despite her privileged status Joanna chose to follow Jesus supporting his ministry financially and with unwavering loyalty. Luke 8:3 mentions her alongside other women who provided for Jesus and his disciples out of their own means. Joanna’s contributions weren't just financial they reflected her deep belief in Jesus' mission. She was also one of the women who visited the tomb after his crucifixion witnessing the empty grave and the angel's proclamation that Jesus had risen. Joana’s faith is a reminder that following Jesus often requires sacrifice regardless of our status or wealth. God honored Joana’s giving as well as the widows mite! Rich or poor God honors our giving be it a little or a lot.

Then there were the daughters of Zelophehad the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, from the clans of Manasseh the son of Joseph. The names of his daughters were: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. And they stood before Moses and before Eleazar the priest and before the chiefs and all the congregation, at the entrance of the tent of meeting, saying, “Our father died in the wilderness. He was not among the company of those who gathered themselves together against the Lord in the company of Korah but died for his own sin. And he had no sons.  Why should the name of our father be taken away from his clan because he had no son? Give to us a possession among our father's brothers.” Moses brought their case before the Lord. And the Lord said to Moses, “The daughters of Zelophehad are right. You shall give them possessions of the inheritance among their father's brothers and transfer the inheritance of their father to them.  And you shall speak to the people of Israel, saying, ‘If a man dies and has no son, then you shall transfer his inheritance to his daughter. Numbers 27 tells this story of God listening to these ladies and agreeing with them! God is truly no respecter of persons!

Then there is Priscilla, Phoebe, Lois, Eunice, Shiphrah, and Pua. These are just a few of the women who helped the cause of Jesus our Savior! When you study the Bible and stop at each story to get the fullness of what God is saying to us, you will learn deep things about God.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY ladies. As you can see through the history of the Bible women have a huge roll in the ministry for Jesus. What we do for Jesus is important and seen by God! Remember we all have different rolls in life, God gave us each a gift to serve Him, and each gift is important to God for God’s work on this earth. Rich or poor we have something to give God. Jesus honored the poor widow when she gave two mites, that says so much to all people. It is not how much you give God; it is truly what is in your heart that matters. Luke 21:1-4 Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

THE MESSAGE OF SALVATION IS FOR ALL

Romans 10:9-10 ESV because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

I pray everyone who reads this will seek to know God in the deep and wonderful way of Salvation, all who will accept Jesus as their Savior will receive Salvation and your name will be in the BOOK OF LIFE. Remember that accepting Jesus as Savior means repentance and change in your life!

MARANATHA, AMEN

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