Yesterday was ladies Bible Study at my house. The woman we were studying was Rahab - the Old Testament heroine in the Book of Joshua chapters 1-6.
This was my favorite Bible study to date. I was reminded of the words Mordecai spoke to Queen Esther [in the Book of Esther] telling her that perhaps she had come to her royal position "for such a time as this," just as I had been preparing my Bible study "for such a time as this."
My brother, and only sibling, who is five years older than me, suffered a stroke sometime during the early morning hours of last Friday, July 8th. While driving to the hospital to see him I was reminded that God had told Joshua four times in chapter 1 to be strong and courageous. In vs. 5 he promised him "I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." and in vs. 9 He said, "Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." I was able to share those verses with Dan as tears trickled out of his eyes. And to my joy he committed his heart to Jesus and asked for forgiveness of his sins while I had the privilege of praying with him. What began as a very frightful day ended with peace.
The prostitute, Rahab, recorded in Joshua is a wonderful example of God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness, and her life reminds us that our past doesn't determine our future. When we come to Christ the slate is wiped cleaned, and we have a new perspective and objective to follow Him. No matter what challenges we face or how difficult the obstacles are [the walls of Jericho seemed pretty insurmountable to the Israelites], God is always with us, and gives us strength to be victorious.
After our Bible study it was time for lunch. Since it's summer I decided to serve chilled Strawberry Soup with a slice of Banana Bread.
My girlfriend, Lori, brought a delicious Tuna Pasta Salad with Fresh Fruit.
Dessert was Coconut Cream Pie Parfaits.
Our souls were spiritually fed on God's Word, and our bodies physically fed on delicious food. It was a great day! I'm so thankful for God's abiding presence in good and difficult times.
I'm so sorry about your brother. You are all close in heart and prayers......
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry to hear about your brother's stroke, but I am thrilled to hear that his soul is well! Looks like another great luncheon at your Bible study group (and I know, having recently experienced one of your deluxe luncheons for myself!). Esther is one of my favorite books of the whole Bible, and I recently sat in Barnes and Noble and discussed it with a friend. I found it ironic that we were surrounded by all those books but left most excited over the book of Esther!
ReplyDeletePraying for your brother to heal, but rejoicing to read that he committed his heart to the Lord! God is good! ~~Carol in SoCal
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about your brother's stroke and pray that he improves every day. Loved your Bible verses--I need this reminder often. Also, would love to have your recipe for Coconut Cream Pie Parfait. It looks delish!
ReplyDeleteWhat an honor to be able to lead your brother to the Lord, Phyllis! Rejoicing with you and will pray for his recovery. xoxo
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your brother's stroke, Phyllis, but how wonderful that your shared your faith with him, and that he accepted Jesus. I'm glad that you are enjoying this latest bible study. Your lunch looked perfectly wonderful!
ReplyDeletePhyllis, I pray continued healing for your brother. I love the book of Esther. I have a lesson in my Advent Preparation class which speaks of this story of Queen Esther. In that lesson we prepare Blessings Bags for the homeless. We are so blessed. The eats look delicious. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day! Sylvia D.
ReplyDeleteSo thankful for your brother coming to Christ! Prayers that he will recover well and quickly.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry your brother had the stroke but so thankful you were able to minister to his soul - it must indeed be terrifying to be in that predicament, and you had exactly the verses he needed to hear.
ReplyDeleteYour lunch after Bible Study looks wonderful. I served chilled strawberry soup at the tea I gave for my God-daughter last summer, and it was a big hit. (and easy to make!)