The Jerusalem Donkey

10 Apr 2022 Uncategorized , , , , ,

Last summer we took our 13-year-old grandson, Heston, on a trip to Kentucky. We stayed on a horse farm, in an old train depot turned VRBO. Each time we drove up and parked our car, there was a fenced area right beside us where two donkeys lived.

Every day when we went outside, they greeted us and we enjoyed giving them carrots and leftovers! One day, I pulled out my art supplies, which I always have handy, sat at the kitchen table with Heston, and we both sketched our versions of the donkey. 

 I love his vision and his sketch in black watercolor. I did a color version. 

And oh, by the way, it was a great trip!!

 

As we are celebrating Palm Sunday, those donkey sketches came to my mind. As I think about that special Donkey that Jesus rode, I did a little research about them. 

The donkey is a sign of meekness. Stubbornness, loyalty, and both stupidity and intelligence are common words to describe them. Donkeys were portrayed in Biblical works as symbols of service, suffering, peace, and humility. Jesus led his followers into the city of Jerusalem riding on the back of a small, common donkey on Palm Sunday.

The “Jerusalem Donkey” term comes from a legend. After he brought Jesus into Jerusalem, the donkey was troubled because he knew what Jesus was about to go through with his trial, suffering, and death on the cross. 

He so loved his gentle master that he later followed him to Calvary. Grief-stricken by the sight of Jesus on the cross, the donkey turned away but couldn’t leave. God saw this and caused the shadow of the cross to fall across the little donkey’s back and he has carried the sign of the cross ever since as a symbol of God’s love. 

All kinds of donkeys, regardless of the breed, have a cross marking on their backs. Although it may be obscure, shave a donkey down and you’ll definitely see it.

The Legend of the Donkey's Cross - Courageous Christian Father

The triumphal entry – Jesus’ famous ride on this lowly animal reveals much about Christ’s character and purpose.  A king would have ridden a horse when he was bent on war and ridden a donkey to symbolize his arrival in peace. Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem would have thus symbolized his entry as the Prince of Peace, not as a war-waging king. It fulfilled a prophecy spoken 500 years before referred to by Matthew as he recalled Zechariah 9:9. “Exult greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout for joy, O daughter Jerusalem! Behold: your king is coming to you, a just savior is he, Humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

The cross on a donkey can serve as a reminder of both Jesus’ sacrifice and the caring role the animal played in the events leading up to his death.

Here is a FREE coloring sheet for your kiddos as you talk with them about the donkey that carried our Lord and savior into town all those years ago. 

The Art of Encouragement

12 Feb 2022 scripture cards , , , , ,

As this new year began, like everyone else, I was trying to think of a word that could be mine for the year.  After thinking about it, I kept going back to a phrase instead, “Art of encouragement”. These would become my words for 2022.

Why Art of Encouragement?

“Encouragement” – the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope. 

For this year, as I think about new projects, I want to filter any ideas through these words. How can my art be used to be an encouragement to others? How can I create resources that help you encourage those in your life who need encouragement? These are the questions rolling through every idea and every dream this year.

I am excited to be collaborating with Lindsey McGehee on the first collection of 2022: “Contagious Attitudes” series. We have created scripture cards that feature affirmation words to go with original illustrations, in a unique abstract way with a soft color palette. The back of the card features a scripture that highlights the affirmation words used. We hope that this set will be a unique and intentional way to encourage you and help you encourage others in this season.

We also have created some really cool abstract journals to match. Three of the original designs from the scripture cards are used on the front of these journals  They are 8.5×6” and are filled with 50 blank pages, front and back, to start journaling all of your hopes and dreams. A great way to encourage with these is to buy a three-pack, keep one and give two away to friends.

Why Contagious Attitudes? 

Contagious- “to spread from one person to another by direct or indirect contact. An emotion, a feeling, likely to spread and affect others”

Your attitude is how your approach everything in life. Attitudes are truly contagious. A good attitude can help set a positive tone for the rest of the day. We have a choice each morning, regarding the attitude we will embrace that day. Attitudes are outward displays of what is in our hearts. “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” Phil. 2:5 

So, with art and encouragement at the forefront of our hearts this year, it is our hope and prayer that this collection will not only boost confidence but will be an encouragement as they are reminders of God’s love for you.

Remember you can change the outcome of your day by merely changing your attitude!

Love,

A little more about the collaboration with Lindsey: 

When my brother and wife had their first child, we drove to Atlanta to meet her. Our first conversation was shortly after her birth as I got to hold her for the first time. We had many days playing over the years, blueberry picking adventures, and even days of arting together.

 

The years passed and I have had the privilege of watching her grow up into a fine young lady,

She is married now and has a big girl job as a graphic designer but has graciously given me some of her lunchtimes to collaborate on this project of ours. She is a dreamer and a doer and has an amazing future ahead of her. 

So, thank you, Lindsey, for seeing my visions and for dreaming with me!

 

 

October Breast Cancer Awareness

14 Oct 2021 Uncategorized , , , ,

October Breast Cancer awareness

October is the designated month and time to honor breast cancer survivors. It is the month to remember those who have lost their battle with Breast Cancer. It is the month to support the progress being made to defeat breast cancer.

In keeping with this theme,  I was thinking of a good way to get involved this year. This verse came to my mind as  I picked up my pen and paper to start putting down my thoughts.  ” Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

 I began to sketch my vision on paper, one face at a time.  I would like to invite you to help me finish the painting.  

If you know a breast cancer survivor, simply write down her name on my   Instagram or  Facebook or comment here on the blog.  If you have a friend or family member that you have lost with breast cancer, write down her name. If you know of someone living with breast cancer right now or is going through treatment, write down her name.  As names are gathered, each one will be prayed for and then added to the Joshua 1:9  painting.  Once all of the names have been collected and the painting is finished at the end of the month, I will share it once more, finished.  At that point, it will be donated to a local Oncologist`s office in honor of my sweet friend in her 4th year, battling breast cancer. 

My desire is that this painting process will inspire, bring HOPE and encouragement to those who are struggling in their own journey of cancer. 

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.”

In the painting, I have lots of faces in the background that will be faded as it is near completion but still seen. They represent the 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the US, including women still being treated as well as those who have completed treatment. They also are in memory of the 685,000 worldwide who have lost their battle against this disease. this year.  The girl in the front represents nearly 281,550 new cases of breast cancer that will be diagnosed this year.


The beginning, from thought to paper
Watercolor and details are added and I begin to add names.

 

Progress…

Look us up on facebook  and instagram and add the names of those special ladies.  Let’s fill the painting with names of brave women who have a connection with breast cancer.  Tag a friend, to let them know they are being prayed for and will be a part of the bigger picture here that we are creating together.

It is a privilege to be able to be a very small part of bringing awareness to Breast Cancer this month, to honor ladies, and also to remember ladies who have fought a good fight. This is for them all.

Check out our note cards and prints that are available 

Thank you in advance for your help. Spread the word and check back next week to see the update and progress of the Joshua 1:9 Girls

Have a great new week,

Love,

 

 

 

Modern day warriors

12 Jun 2021 Uncategorized

As I  researched and wrote down stories of strong women in the Bible during my recent Lent devotions,  I wanted those women to cause us to reflect on women around us with these same characteristics. It has been so fun for me to think of these modern-day warriors and to share just a snippet of their story with you.

HUMILITY – When I think of someone who reflects the character essence of “humility”,  I think of my sweet friend, Kristi. She is quiet and not one to draw any attention to herself, but she has a story of healing and humility.

She is a survivor of breast cancer, followed by years of desiring to have a second child, all woven together through her story of adoption.

As I listened to her give her testimony in my  Community Bible Study several years ago, I could see how God was using her and His gift of humility to her, for Him.

Her story continues as He did indeed add that second baby to her family. Today, her daughters are 19 and 14 and are both a huge part of her story and God`s faithfulness to her.

FAITH –  When I think of someone who reflects the character essence of “faith”, I think of my sweet friend, Megan, and her story of faith.

She was diagnosed with cervical cancer while she was pregnant with her precious baby boy. She fought hard to keep him safe and showed tremendous faith along her journey.

She just recently wrote this on the day of Houston`s baptism at church.

“From the depths of despair when we were told to abort my baby, then, that he would be preterm and not survive to the miracle of Houston`s full-term birth and now, 8 years later, his new birth in Christ God writes beautiful stories”. Megan

 

BRAVERY –  When I think of someone who reflects the character essence of “bravery”,  I think of my sweet friend, Julie, and her daughter, Julianne. Julie was diagnosed with aggressive leukemia, CML, May 2016.

After many months of tests and treatments, and an extended stay at MD Anderson, the search began for the perfect match for Julie to have a stem cell transplant. When Julianne found out that she was a match for her mother, she bravely volunteered to donate her stem cells to give Julie the opportunity to become a CML survivor.

On September 6, 2016, Julianne`s stem cells were harvested to infuse to Julie. Julie`s bravery was exhibited daily as she walked her cancer battle.

Today, she always points her story toward the Lord, praising Him that she is a  CML survivor.

 

STRENGTH – When I think of someone who reflects the character essence of “strength”, I think of my sweet friend, Greta. March 19, 2009, when her daughter was in 3rd grade and her twins were in kindergarten, in an instant, she lost her husband, Chris, in the middle of the night.

All of a sudden she was left being a widow and a single mother. Through the years that followed, she showed such strength as she took on this new role and was mother and daddy to her three children. She claims any strength seen in her story is testimony to God hearing her cry out in her weakness, physical, emotional, spiritual, all of her weaknesses.

Today, her children are growing up and starting to leave home, one by one. She has displayed much strength and courage over the years and praises Him for His faithfulness. She shines so brightly for Him in her story of courage and strength.

 

PATIENCE – When I think of someone who reflects the character essence of “patience”, I think of my sweet friend, Rita.

She and her husband had a busy life with their three children when they felt called to be foster parents. Rita said it was a family decision because it was a life-changing decision for each of them. They were all on board and they made steps to make their dream a reality.

First a precious little girl, then came a sweet little boy. After a period of time, the family fell in love with and adopted both of these children.

Rita started full-time mothering for these two little ones. Many medical visits and help with daily needs, all along keeping up with homework, sports, graduations, and college decisions for the older ones.

I have loved watching how God has woven His story through hers and has showered her with an abundance of patience for her to do life with her husband and these 5 precious children.

 

COURAGE – When I think of someone in my life who reflects “courage”, I think of my sweet friend, Emily. In February 2017, she got the call that would change her life. “it`s cancer. Breast cancer”, the voice on the phone said.

She is now in this battle for the second time in three years.

Radiation, surgeries, chemo, nausea, loss of appetite are all scars from this battle called cancer.

She shows exceptional courage as she bravely fights this battle and walks this hard journey, always pointing others to the Lord through her story.  She walks with grace, never complaining.  “Trusting is all part of His perfect timing,” she says.

This year is especially hard and exciting at the same time. Hard, as she suffers the side effects of the latest treatment.  It is exciting as her daughter just graduated from Belmont and they have just celebrated the marriage of her son, Jason, and Lauren last month. 

 

HOPE – When I think of someone who reflects the character of “hope”, my sweet friend, Morgan, comes to my mind. When the unimaginable happened and her twin girl went to their heavenly home, just 17 months apart, I watched as Morgan chose to live each day with the hope she has in the Lord. The hope that she will see her girls again one day, and the hope that their earthly bodies are now healed with our Lord in heaven and get are in no pain.

In the midst of her grief, she so beautifully writes her thoughts and reflections, raw and vulnerable, for others to see and to be encouraged by. Her story is full of HOPE as she shares His story woven together through hers.

This Mother`s Day is the first for Morgan with both of her girls gone. The sun rose as it does every day and life goes on for most of us, But for Morgan, her life has changed forever and this day is anything but ordinary. It is hard. The HOPE that she has in our Lord, allowed her to speak out in her grief, to encourage others who are at a hard place too. Check out http://www.instagram.com/seedsandleaven  and be inspired by this precious mother as she allows her circumstances to point others to Him through her story and her prayer. 

“Breathe it in because He loves you and because He is going to mess this up in spite of how it feels. He knows what He is doing, at all times, in all things, no matter what” Morgan Cheek

 

I hope you will continue to pray for each of these ladies with me. They have had hard seasons on their life journeys and in the midst of the hard, they gave Him the glory and continue to do so. 

How thankful we are to know the end to each of our stories

“When we all get to heaven what a day of rejoicing that will be when we all see Jesus, we`ll sing and shout the victory!”

I love you girls!!

Love, Jane

Faces of Grace: Mary

2 Apr 2021 Faces of Grace 2021, inspirational, janelazenbyart, The Faces of Grace , , , , ,

The Essence of Mary

Mary was a young teen living in the town of Nazareth, in the hills of Galilee. She came from an impoverished but honorable family. Her family was descendants of Israel’s King David. She was trained in the Scriptures and knew that God had promised to send the Messiah, who would rescue the people of Israel and become their king.

Every Jewish girl dreamed of being the mother of the Messiah. Mary loved God and wanted to serve him with all of her heart, but she was just a young girl from a humble family, with no great expectations that her life was going to be any different from her mother’s or from that of the other women in her town.

As was the custom for young girls to be betrothed when they reached puberty, Mary was betrothed to Joseph. They were to be married within the year. She was spending that year in her home, learning how to be a good Jewish wife and mother.

Joseph was a carpenter, hard-working and responsible. He was a kind man, and the more Mary got to know him the more she appreciated his sensitivity and gentleness toward her. Life would be good with Joseph. She was glad that her parents had made such a perfect match for her. They were soon to embark on a life-changing journey.

The angel, Gabriel, came to Mary’s home to proclaim  “You will have a son, and His name will be Jesus, He will be the Son of God, the One who was promised so long ago. His kingdom will never end”.

“How will this be since I am a virgin?” she whispered, trying to comprehend the words she had just heard. The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you, therefore, the child to be born will be holy…”

She trusted God and was obedient and submissive to His plans. She was the perfect, yet unlikely choice, which makes her story even more remarkable.  “And Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’” Luke 1:38

Mary knew that an unmarried woman with a child would suffer disgrace, be considered an outcast and could even be condemned to death by stoning.

By saying “YES” to God, she put her future and her life in God’s hands.

Gabriel also shared the news with Mary that her cousin, Elizabeth,  who was old and barren and seemingly forgotten by God,  was also with child.  “For nothing will be impossible with God”. Luke 1:37

When Gabriel departed, Mary hurried to gather her things and set out for Judah to visit Elizabeth. It took several days to travel to her destination. Upon arriving at Elizabeth’s house, Mary called out to her in great anticipation. When they saw each other, the baby in Elizabeth’s belly jumped and she knew something amazing was happening.

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three more months, possibly until Elizabeth’s baby, later known as John the  Baptist, was born. Mary returned home as she was nearing the time of her son’s birth.

When Mary arrived home, she knew that she would have to speak to Joseph and explain to him what had happened. Would he believe her?

When Joseph heard the news, he did have a difficult time believing her. He was shocked because Mary had seemed to be so pure and so faithful. He was terribly hurt. He knew that he couldn’t marry her now. The law said that she should be publicly judged and the penalty was to be stoned to death.  He couldn’t do that to Mary. He still cared for her. He would arrange to sign the papers for divorce privately. He went to bed that night with a very heavy heart.

That night an angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph in a dream and told him that the child conceived in Mary’s virgin womb was by the Holy Spirit and his name would be Jesus.

The next day,  he took Mary home as his wife, under his protection, they waited for the birth of her child.

Mary was nearing the time of her pregnancy when news came to Nazareth about a new decree. Caesar had decreed that everyone was required to return to the town of their birthplace to be counted for the census. Joseph and Mary were descended from King David and were required to travel to Bethlehem, which was about 90 miles away.

Upon their arrival in Bethlehem, Joseph could find no comfortable place for rest.  Mary was exhausted and in the first stages of labor. Finally, Joseph was able to find a cave where animals were kept and there on a bed of straw, Mary gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in an animal feeding trough filled with clean straw.

An angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds proclaiming that a Savior was born. They came in wonder and awe to worship Him.

“Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19

 She was truly blessed that she had known the presence of God in her life.

She is an example of youthful purity and a godly mother. She was indeed a woman of great faith.

Why was she chosen to be the mother of Jesus Christ? Not because she deserved it, but because God bestowed His grace to her. She was given the privilege of being the birth mother of God’s son.

The Hope of Humility- today

Mary provides us with a striking example of a teenage girl who was given a difficult, yet extraordinary assignment from God.

She is admired for her bravery and loved for her devotion to God. She surrendered her life and reputation to His purpose.

She was intentional and mature. She was just a normal teenager who loved God.

Mary must have been filled with bewilderment, wonder, and amazement after her encounter with Gabriel. She was probably anxious about questions that she would be getting from family: friends and neighbors, as well as what she would say to Joseph.

God so sweetly provided Mary with someone in her life who could understand the miracle that was occurring in her life. Elizabeth and Mary were separated by age but were united by the hand of God. He chose them from their ordinary lives, to do the seemingly impossible.

They sought each other out as confidants, to encounter wisdom to reflect upon,  and to understand God’s actions. What a comfort they must have been to each other.

Are you moved to do the same with trusted friends?

Do you truly believe that nothing is impossible with God?

Just as He used a young Mary, God still uses young women in incredible ways today! He uses them despite their age—or perhaps even precisely because of it—to glorify Christ and spread the gospel message.

Reflections

I love what Sophie Hudson said about the meeting between Elizabeth and Mary in her book, “Giddy up Eunice”,  “When the Holy Spirit in one woman recognizes and responds to the Holy Spirit in another woman, safe places become sacred places”.

Are there older women in your life that you can relate to,  be encouraged by, or be blessed by, as Mary was by Elizabeth?

When the Holy Spirit gives you compassion for someone, it doesn’t matter the age difference, just be obedient to His prompting.  “Be still, and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10

Suppose there is knocking on your door and an angel is there. He knows your name and has great news for you. Would you accept as Mary did, or would you be too busy to hear?

Are you ready for what God may ask of you?

1 John 3: 18  “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

Further thoughts for Easter-  It’s all about the cross

The Cross -the power of God. There is power in the blood.

“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.” 1 Corinthians 1:18

What Jesus endured at the cross for us and what it did for us

  1. The whip: 39 lashes, gives our freedom in our bodies “He Himself bore our sins” in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness, but His wounds, you have been healed.”  1 Peter 2:24  
  2. The thorns: a crown of thorns pushed into His head, gives us Freedom in our minds. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
  3. The nails: that held him to the cross, give us freedom of our hands. He paid for everything we ever did and He never mentions it again. Our sins are forgiven and forgotten. “For I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:12
  4. The spear: gives us freedom in our hearts. He was crushed for our iniquities. The goal of the crucifixion is ultimately suffocation. If the bodies are nailed just right onto the cross, the lungs are not able to breathe and ultimately suffocation occurs after the leg bones are broken. Jesus had no bones broken and He did not suffocate–The Roman soldier thrust a spear through Jesus’ side and at that moment, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit…it is finished.”

This isn’t the end of the story. Three days later….He arose from the grave.

The Resurrection of Christ changes everything. The death of Jesus is one thing but the fact that Christ was raised from the dead is the power of Christianity.

The resurrection of Christ confirms Who Jesus is. He was not merely a martyred teacher. The fact that He conquered death confirms that He is our promised Messiah. The Person and work of Christ are confirmed by His rising from the tomb.

The resurrection is essential. Should we remove the Resurrection, the Christian message would completely unravel. We exist because of Jesus’ resurrection. We died with Christ We were raised with Christ. Sin has no power over a dead person  Now, we walk in freedom from sin.

Do you have a heaviness that is weighing you down? Leave it at the cross and choose to live in freedom with Him. Chose faith over fear.

By His wounds, we are healed.

Prayer

Good works cannot save you. Faith in Jesus alone can save you.

“For by grace you are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

If you do not have a personal relationship with Christ, I encourage you to invite Him into your heart today by joining in this prayer…..

Dear Lord, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that you raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father but by me.” (John 14:6)

He is risen INDEED!!!

Faces of Grace: Miriam

26 Mar 2021 Faces of Grace 2021, inspirational, janelazenbyart, The Faces of Grace , , , ,

The Essence of Miriam

In the Bible, we are first introduced to Miriam in her role as a protective sister. Miriam’s childhood in the slave quarters of Egypt was one of fear and uncertainty. She and her three-year-old brother, Aaron, had parents who trusted in the God of Israel.

Pharaoh was ruler in Egypt. It came to his attention that a large number of Hebrew males were being born. He feared that one day the Hebrews would grow to be stronger than the Egyptians. so he sent out a decree that all newborn Hebrew males would be thrown to their death in the Nile River.

Miriam’s mother was pregnant when this new decree was communicated to the Hebrews.  Her baby was due at any time. Suppose her newborn was a male? How could she possibly allow Pharaoh’s men to throw her newborn child into the river which would mean certain death?

When Moses was born, happiness and light-filled their house for three months as his mother took every possible precaution for her beautiful baby’s safety.  When they learned Pharaoh’s men were on the way, the family was forced to take drastic action.

Knowing that Pharaoh’s daughter and her female court often came to the river to bathe, Moses’s mother used papyrus reeds to weave a small basket, fashioned like a boat.  She laid the baby in the basket,  gave him a last kiss and covered him with leaves as she placed him in the stream.

The anxious mother instructed the baby’s sister, Miriam, to go nearby and watch over his safety.

“And his sister stood from a distance to know what would happen to him.” Exodus 2:4

Among the reeds, the little basket and its precious cargo was spotted and brought to Pharaoh’s daughter. The basket was opened and she gazed down on the baby Moses. She loved him at once, even though she recognized he was a Hebrew baby. As Pharaoh’s daughter lifted him up, the baby was softly crying and she could tell he was hungry. But who was to nurse the baby? Then came young Miriam’s opportunity. Out of the shadows, she stepped forth, appearing to be curious at the crying baby and puzzled look on the daughter of Pharaoh.

Miriam asked Pharaoh’s daughter “Would you like for me to find one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you? She easily could have rejected Miriam’s offer but she welcomed the suggestion.

Miriam immediately went to her mother and shared the good news. They hurried to the river bank to meet Pharaoh’s daughter. When they arrived, Miriam’s mother was asked if she would be willing to care for the baby. She quickly agreed and was told that she would be paid for her services.

Miriam helped save Moses from certain death.

At that moment, the first part of God’s plan for Moses was fulfilled.  He had a plan for him to become one of the greatest men in the history of Israel. He would grow to be strong and courageous. God had handpicked him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and away from Pharaoh.

Miriam kept her silence and did not reveal her relationship to the baby or to the nurse she had found for him.

Moses’ mother took care of him until he was older, then she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses.

Miriam showed faithfulness, loyalty, and bravery.  Such character would have been commendable if she had been much older,  but she was reported to be only  7 or 8 years old. Her courage in such trying times, when Hebrew male babies were being slaughtered for merely being boys, gives us a glimpse into the kind of woman she was to become.

The Hope of Bravery- Today

There are only a few direct references to Miriam in the Bible, but her importance to the Israelites’ story shines through even with limited biographical sketches.

Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and when they arrived at the Red Sea, they were unable to proceed further on their journey. The Lord spoke to Moses, commanding him to raise his staff out over the sea. He did as God commanded and the waters parted. Dry land was in front of them with two huge walls of water on either side. Moses led God’s people safely to the other shore. When the Egyptians tried to pursue them, the waters raged and enveloped them, leaving no survivors.

It was there on the other side of the Red Sea that we see Miriam again. She was prominently proclaiming and singing of the power and faithfulness of God. Miriam took up a tambourine and led the women in dancing as she sang the ode of praise and victory.

A dreary wilderness faced the children of Israel, and Miriam knew that the Israelites would march better if they sang. Her song was full of praise and thankfulness for all that God had accomplished for them.

She became a prophetess and became an influential leader of the Israelite women. (Prophets and prophetesses are those raised up by God and inspired by His Spirit to proclaim the will and purpose of God).

Reflections

Moses’ mother had to let go. Miriam had to let go.

Do you ever get scared of things that might happen, as Miriam did? 

When we let go of our fears,  we can truly trust in God.

Is there anything that you need to let go of?

A situation, a relationship, fears that you need to release? Whatever it is, we have a God who is able to do the unimaginable. Let His promises encourage you.

We can acknowledge our weakness by pointing to Jesus.

“But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

What can you do to elevate your courage and grow in your relationship with God?

“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be His treasured possession”. Deuteronomy 4:2

For further thoughts, have you considered these women who also showed bravery as they protected and rescued Moses?

The Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah who helped deliver Moses courageously defied the authority of Pharaoh by disobeying his wicked decree to kill the newborn Hebrew boys. These midwives jeopardized their own safety to protect and save the life of Moses and the other baby boys. They feared God more than they feared Pharaoh, and God blessed them because of their righteous actions—actions which were motivated by their reverence for God (Exod. 1:15-21).

Pharaoh’s daughter rescued Moses from the Nile, offered protection, and later adopted him as her own. We can assume that she would have encountered considerable difficulties in persuading other members of the Egyptian royal family to accept the Hebrew child as her adopted son. She was successful, however; and Moses was raised in the Egyptian royal palace where he received an excellent education as a student prince. His palace education, training, and experience would be very useful when Moses had the difficult task of leading the Israelites (Exod. 2:5-10; cf. Acts 7:21-22).

Each played a vital part in God’s overall plan for Moses.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for the never-ending love that you shower upon us.  Thank you for giving us strength when we are weak, for giving us courage when we are afraid. Help us to be obedient and let go of our fears, knowing You have it all in Your hands. Give us a heart for Your word, to become a light for our paths as we are in difficult circumstances. Thank you for these women of the Bible who we can draw encouragement from as we see their stories and how they lived for You.

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