Never Too Old “But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year.” Genesis 17:21 Sarai, the wife of Abram, was barren (Genesis 11:30). When God told Abram to go to a land he’d show him, Sarai accompanied him. Over the years, she dutifully submitted to her husband even when he …
Faith-filled Prayers
A Canaanite Woman’s Prayer I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Ephesians 3:16-17 We don’t know her name. She could be called many things—a Syro-Phoenician, a Canaanite, and a Gentile. Jews usually considered Gentiles unclean and …
Mary of Bethany
At the Feet of Her Teacher, Friend, and Lord When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:32 Three biblical events feature Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha, and in each one we find her at …
Woman with the Alabaster Jar
Extravagant Gratitude Jesus said, “The one who is forgiven little, loves little.” Luke 7:47 The risk was great, the ridicule inevitable. But she went to the Pharisee’s feast anyway because the love in her heart couldn’t be contained. She had to see Jesus. In her arms she carried an alabaster jar filled with perfume. She pushed her way through the …
Elizabeth
The Lord Has Done This for Me “Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” Luke 1: 36-37 Barrenness was considered a sign of God’s disapproval. Elizabeth probably felt the shame …
Euodia and Syntyche
Choose to Agree I plead with Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Philippians 4:2 The community of Christians in Philippi was especially dear to the apostle Paul, who established a church in that city on his second missionary trip (Acts 16:6–40). The theme of his letter to the Philippian congregation is living joyfully regardless of …
Lydia
Time to Shift Priorities? “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” Philippians 3:7 Lydia was a savvy businesswoman who had established a relationship with many, if not most, of the wealthiest citizens in Philippi. Her specialty was purple cloth, a high-end fabric that symbolized status in first-century Europe because the dye was …
Priscilla and Aquila
Ready to Help 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. Romans 16:3–4 The apostle Paul arrived in the port city of Corinth around 51 BC. The bustling trade route center, infamous for its immorality, would be the …
Tabitha
Always Doing Good “Now, let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:9-10). Peter and John had been jailed for healing …
Abigail
Wisdom from a Stranger [Abigail] was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was surly and mean in his dealings. 1 Samuel 25:3 God had chosen David as the next king of Israel, but for many years David lived as a fugitive because King Saul wanted to kill him. During those years, David and those loyal to …