Tag Archives: faithwriters

Bible Studies, Devotionals, Women

Why Women?

Pam Ford Davis

The Lord God frequently does what we least expect! If we try to put His activity in a box He is sure to burst it open! Resurrection morning would not be scripted by any of the disciples.

Before complete daylight a close knit group of faithful women began a mission of love, for their departed Lord and friend. They reverently approached His tomb, laden with spices to anoint His body. They likely discussed the problem of getting in to perform their task. The large stone sealing His tomb created a barrier they needed to overcome.

The sight of His open tomb caught them by surprise. This development never crossed their minds, still numb with grief. The stone lay off to the side, giving complete access to the burial place given by a wealthy Council member, yet a follower of Jesus. The kindness of Joseph of Arimathea did not go un-noticed.

The women humbly entered the opening and nearly fainted in the discovery that Jesus no longer occupied the grave! Where is He?

Suddenly in their midst they encountered two men in clothing radiant as a bolt of lightning! The natural reaction of fright gripped the women and they fell to the ground in awe. Maybe this was all a dream! The men then spoke to the women with a penetrating question, “Why do you seek the living One among the dead (Luke 24:5b NAS)?” Before they had time to answer, the message continued, “He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again (Luke 24:6-7 NAS).”

Yes, now they remembered Jesus telling them! It just did not seem possible; they saw Him die! Three days passed by and His lifeless body was sealed inside the tomb!

This was amazing! The morning skies now showed the glow of dawn and their hearts once cold moments before, now pulsed with reborn hope and joy!

Next we come face to face with culture, tradition and prejudice prevalent in the days of Jesus life and ministry. Women did not normally hold a place of authority or great influence. They lived in the shadows and did not expect many changes in their acceptance. In spite of the odds they were given the announcement of Jesus resurrection! Matthew said, “And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy and ran to report it to his disciples (Matthew 28:8 NAS).”

Do you read between the lines of scripture? If you do, side step briefly and catch sight of these frail women, lifting their skirts, and breathlessly running to tell the men, found cowering in fear!

That is not all; next they see Jesus face to face! It is true, ladies He is alive! Now, dropping to the ground and grasping His ankles revealed pure love, worship, and a desire to never be out of His sight again! In tender compassion The Son of Man, born of woman, talked to the select group, “Do not be afraid; go and take word to my brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they shall see me (Matthew 28: 10 NAS)”

Don’t lose track of the women’s prized privileges. They were the first to see the open tomb, first to hear an announcement of His resurrection, first to behold Jesus alive, and now first appointed messengers to carry the gospel, the good news of Jesus conquering death!

Did the disciples wrap them in arms of love and share their joy? “And these words appeared to them as nonsense, and they would not believe them (Luke 24: 11 NAS).” The men soon saw Him themselves through eyes of faith and rejoicing!

Jesus birth announcement came by a heavenly angelic assembly to simple shepherds, outcasts in society. The Easter story targeted women, in their lowly state. Jesus return will need no go betweens. Trumpets will sound and He will appear in the heavens! Every day is Easter! HE’S ALIVE!

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Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Devotionals

The Lamb

Pam Ford Davis

The household pet quickly becomes a central part of the family in many homes, bringing pleasure to young and old. A faithful dog or cat is at your side giving unconditional love. Watching them romp and play brings laughter and joy. Those with a dash of mischief create problems mixed with interest.

Our son, Lee once owned a loyal dog named Kenwood. His Husky and German shepherd mix blended the strengths of both breeds. He was a “one man dog!” In a couple of occasions the housing arrangements made it difficult for having pets. So, we became guardians of Kenwood; but he roamed often, discovering the location of his master. He may not have been a blood hound; but he had the nose of a tracker! Kenwood loved yard sales. Well, his version was more of the variety we see in gardening season, signs posted reading, “Pick Yourself.” He went in yards and picked up anything our son might want, dragging home tools of assorted shapes and sizes, to surprise his master. Lee shares a story about once hearing a strange sound in the distance; getting closer he observed Kenwood dragging a shovel on the pavement! I guess he was a “kleptodogiac!” Another characteristic he displayed to Lee revealed his loving heart. If Lee experienced stress, Kenwood laid his head across Lee’s legs and showed he cared.

Did you know the lamb sacrificed each year at Passover, by the Israelites, often lived as the family pet? (Exodus 12:1-6). The busy family saw him grow, standing firmly on once wobbly legs. They witnessed his growing appetite and stubborn independence. The lamb depended on them for everything; his care and protection rested in their hands. When the Passover observance approached each member of the family eyed the lamb feverishly. They knew he must die; imagine their sorrow!

How could God ask for such a sacrifice? We must remember the reason for the Passover feast and worship. When God’s people were slaves in Egypt He said to Pharaoh, “Let My people go!” He refused God’s demands; and plague after plague fell upon the nation in God’s judgment. The final curse came in the form of the death of the first born in every Egyptian family, and even the first born to animals of the land. The cries of sorrow rang out across the country. God’s people were instructed to kill their lambs, taking blood from the dead carcass and to apply it to the doorframes of their homes, where the roasted lamb sacrifices would be eaten. (Exodus 12:6-9).

Why were they commanded to smear blood on their homes? “And the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; and when I see the blood I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt,
(Exodus12:13 NAS).”

Their sacrificed lambs took the place of their firstborn. God provided a way for their deliverance. He provides for our salvation. He sent His firstborn Son, His only begotten Son, to become the Lamb of God, (John 1:36). He laid down His life on the altar of Calvary to become God’s perfect sacrifice, “but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:19 NAS).”

What does God ask in return? He desires us to live for Him, becoming living sacrifices (Romans12: 1-2). It is our reasonable response to His sacrificial love!

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Skinned Knuckles

Pam Ford Davis

Have you ever skinned your knuckles when involved in a building project? It is painful and may even leave scars as a reminder of a difficult job. Nobody wants to be a sissy, but skinned knuckles are hard to ignore.

Prayer is hard work. It is easy to mouth platitudes; cries for help and guidance take time, discipline and determination. We must never give up. God in his word instructs us to ask, search, and knock. “Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you (Acts 7:7 HCS).”

Sherlock Holmes asked murder suspects many questions. He searched for clues and knocked on doors of opportunity in solving unsolved crimes. His persistence matched his ability to unravel a mystery. Did he knock until he skinned his knuckles?

“Father, forgive me for whimpering when I skin my knuckles from repeatedly rapping on the door of prayer. Your will and timing is perfect. Give me perception to see a crack in the door and your hand upon the handle. It will swing wide open in the fullness of time.”

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Cosmic Capers

Pam Ford Davis

Boys of all ages have super-heroes, and make believe they can save the world from villains. We need someone we can look to for protection and safety. Today’s toddlers wearing costumes, capes and masks may one day dress in military uniforms and dedicate their lives to selfless service.

We are in a battle if we realize it or not. Cosmic capers are raging in our midst! “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of the dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:12-13a NIV).” Be prepared and ready for action; you have supernatural powers!

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Devotionals

Happy as a Lark

Pam Ford Davis

Spring is “busting out all over!” Tender green leaves adorn the branches of sturdy trees. Colors of bright pink, purple and snow white catch your eye on trees in bloom. A routine drive becomes a delight. Decorative shrubs brighten front yards and daffodils stand up at attention! In our area in the Deep South men and women with gardening plans are breaking ground and making their first trips of the season to the feed and seed stores. Another sure sign is the sound of birds announcing to the world the arrival of spring. Their notes ring clear with praise and joy to their Maker. Yes, they must be happy as a lark!

“Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they lift up their voice among the branches( Psalm 104:12 NAS).” “Where the birds build their nests, And the stork, whose home is the fir trees (Psalm 104:17 NAS ).” Are you heading out to play in the dirt? Get your green thumb in gear and whistle while you work; you may hear an echo from the tree tops!

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Who Cares?

 

Pam Ford Davis

Two words divide and unite. Our existence rests in our decision when confronted with “the cross.” Personal reactions vary from ignoring, considering, accepting or rebelling. The choice cannot be made by others on our behalf; we must discern truth, face the consequences and seek honest answers.

Who cares? “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1Corinthians 1:18 NKJ).” How can the instrument of death lead to transformed lives? The power of God rests behind every hammered nail. God cares; He urges others to care for those who view the message of the cross as foolishness.

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Zilch, Nada!

Pam Ford Davis

It is so easy to limit God; we put him in a box and hinder his power and influence in our circumstances and problems. Our lips confess that all is possible through him, but our faith is small and our confidence in his intervention diminishes as troubles mount. We believe he can do all things, heal the sick, restore marriages, provide deliverance from debt and so much more. We believe he can…, but do we believe he will? We have not, because we ask not. (James 4:2b)

Is anything too difficult for God, beyond his power and influence? Zilch, nada! “Alas, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too hard or too wonderful for You – (Jeremiah 32:17 Amplified Bible).” Nothing is impossible; he can do far and above my wildest dreams and desires. (Ephesians 3:20) “Lord, forgive me for my stunted faith; I desire to grow in my trust in You day by day.”

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Power Source

I have noticed when something repeatedly happens in a short period, God is trying to get my attention. Sometimes several pastors and teachers use the same scripture passage, or a theme pops up in songs or devotionals. I accept it as a special delivery surprise gift.

Pam Ford Davis

The other day two people discovered the same problem. They were unconnected from a power source. The first routinely ironed a tablecloth, while talking with others in the room and chuckled when she realized she had failed to turn on the iron at the outlet. All of her efforts were in vain. She created laughter, but did not remove wrinkles.

Soon after, attempts to charge a dead car battery resulted in disappointment when the shade tree mechanic discovered the long extension cord was only half way in, after tracing it back to the carport. Believing he allowed ample time for a good charge, he learned he had accomplished nothing. He smiled and started the process again.

It is easy to see the spiritual lesson. If I am unconnected from the Holy Spirit, my power source, I am unable to do the job. I may be going through the motions, like pushing the iron back and forth, but there is no heat to smooth out problems.

I may even be trying to recharge my energy with an outward source, such as Bible reading, but apart from God, I would be unable to access the dynamic strength within His word. I need His power! “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8 HCS).”

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Snow Angels

Children are thrilled with the sight of falling snow. Creating snow angels is a simple way to leave their mark in the fresh fallen white snow.  Snow angels come in assoted sizes, depending on who does the rapid arm flipping creations.  Are they real angels or merely a winter mirage?  New snow accumulation resembles mounds of glistening diamonds caught by the rays of the sun. Adjusting your eyes to sun beams falling on white snow may be a challenge. Your eyes blink repeatedly and your head begins to throb.  

Pam Ford Davis

The snow in the Bible represents purity, holiness, and cleansing. Words were penned by King David, “a man after God’s own heart,” seeking forgiveness for adultery with Bathsheba and arranging for the murder of her husband ( Psalms 51:7). God said through Isaiah that our sins like flaming crimson will become white as snow ( Isaiah 1:18). Jesus following His resurrection was clothed in robes as white as snow (Matthew 28:3). In the Revelation of Jesus we learn of His head and hair described as white as snow (Revelation 1:14). Maybe each snow angel is much the same as God leaving a calling card as a free sample of what He has planned for us. Just imagine His finished product!

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Come and Adore Him!

Pam Ford Davis

Come! The invitation is given. Come and adore Him! “O come, all ye faithful.” Will we accept the invitation this Christmas? The days are quickly slipping away. Busy schedules and filled calendars crowd out the Christ child. Will we turn our minds and hearts toward Bethlehem? Can God our host count on us to heed His personal invitation?

He rewards those who in personal faith answer His call. “O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant.” True abiding faith in Jesus results in joy and a triumphant life. We are often down, but we are not defeated.

“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed- (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NKJ)” Jesus offers victory; we come to Him in humble worship and adoration. “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place (2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJ).”

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