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.
