MISSIONAL WOMEN
  • Home
    • Ministry Resources for Women >
      • Beholding Him Freebie
    • Contributors
    • Statement of Faith
  • Blog
    • Ministry >
      • Evangelism {Win}
      • Discipleship {Build}
      • Living Missionally {Send}
    • God's Word >
      • Bible Study
      • Prayer
      • Devotionals
      • Bible Studies
      • Apologetics
    • Relationships >
      • Marriage
      • Singleness
      • Dating
      • Family
      • Friendship
    • World >
      • Social Justice Issues
      • Internet & Social Media
      • Politics
      • International
      • Science Revealing God
    • Life >
      • Image & Idenity
      • Health
      • Fashion
      • Food
      • Organization
  • Bible Study Resources
  • Prints
  • Stickers
  • Quiet Time Journals
  • Courses
    • Discover God's Calling
    • Women's Ministry Training Promo
    • How to Study the Bible
    • Women's Ministry Training Course
    • Growing in Your Faith Mini Course
  • Retreat
  • Video Bible Studies
    • Matthew
    • John
    • Galatians
    • Philippians
    • Know your Purpose
    • Creation Reveals
    • Ministry
    • Heart Growth
  • You Are Unshaken Book
    • Unshaken Groups
    • You Are Unshaken Paint Party
    • Unshaken Freebies
  • Shop
Picture

Faith Filled Friday

3/15/2012

45 Comments

 
I'm so glad you are here! I hope during your visit you get a glimpse of God's heart for we become what we are gazing at. I want to be a blessing to you so I've made these Resources available to you and have the Missional blog tab for practical ideas of how to live on mission right where you are. 

Currently I am writing my way through Judges sharing glimpses of God's heart and character for a weekday devotional. To check out the entire series so far head on over the the Judges Devotional.  
Picture

Strength through a Bone

"As he approached Lehi, the Philistines came toward him shouting. The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power. The ropes on his arms became like charred flax, and the bindings dropped from his hands.  Finding a fresh jawbone of a donkey, he grabbed it and struck down a thousand men. Then Samson said, "With a donkey's jawbone I have made donkeys of them.With a donkey's jawbone I have killed a thousand men." Judges 15:14-16

Doesn't it seem like God likes to wait till the last minute to come through. This is a last minute if I ever saw one. Philistines coming toward Samson shouting, within earshot, wanting to kill him. I wonder if he could smell their leather and see the sweat on their faces? What would you be thinking and feeling if this was you? If you were being carried by 3,000 of your own people bound with rope to be delivered to people who wanted to kill you. I think I would be so scared I wouldn't be able to talk or move. 

But at the last minute God comes through and shows Himself able, shows Himself powerful and strong. It is super clear Samson's strength is not what  defeated 1,000 people, it was the Holy Spirit. And seriously, what in the world did the 3,000 Israelites think? What would you think and feel? The guy they just handed over to the enemy breaks free and kills all 1,000 of the enemy right in front of their eyes, by himself, with a bone. Shocked, scared, confused?

But what is super awesome is that this is the same Holy Spirit that lives in the believer, the person who has submitted their life to the Lord. The very same strength that is available to us. "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline." 2 Tim. 1:7  Though we feel weak and unable, the Lord is not. 

Do you feel unable, weak, inadequate? The Lord is not and is able to strengthen you. He is looking throughout the whole earth to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is fully committed to him. 2 Chron.16:9 and really we are not adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God. 2 Cor. 3:5 

God uses the weak to profound the wise and does really incredible things through people who are submitted to Him, yielded to His strength.

Have you seen the three circles diagram? I believe this is one of the most important concepts a believer can really grasp and be able to explain to others. It literally is life changing. 

And what does God use to defeat 1,000? A donkey's jaw bone... a jaw bone! God doesn't need us to be anything spectacular to be someone He can use. Seriously, if He can use a jawbone, surely He can use a living, submitted, believer, who desires to please Him. He used a few fish and loaves to feed 5,000. He used a donkey to correct and speak truth. He can use you and me for His purposes. How encouraging is that! The Lord can, and will show Himself to be strong and powerful through our little vapor lives. 


If you've enjoyed this post will you share it? (The buttons at the bottom of the post make it super easy.)
Picture
And PS, sorry about the picture of the jawbone. Kinda gross, but it helps give a visual that's for sure. And there was just not many beautiful, flowery jawbones online pictures available to choose from.  ;)  
 
Picture

Faith Filled Friday Blog Hop

We exist to glorify God, to display His heart and character. And I just love how we are all uniquely built to do that. So every Friday I want to give you, uniquely designed by God, an opportunity to link up your thoughts on God, devotionals, ministry as well as art, baking, photography, parenting or marriage thoughts and more if they tie into or display the the Lord somehow. 

So go ahead and link up below by clicking the link below and following the prompts. I just humbly ask that you please let your readers know by including a link at the bottom of your post (or somewhere on your side bar) or put my button code (found on my side bar or the Faith Filled Friday Tab) so they can find these other great people glorifying God and we can continue to grow as a community. Thanks!   


And why not tweet or tell your bloggy friends on facebook to join us?



I'm linking up with Spiritual Sundays 
45 Comments
angie { Gracefully Giddy} link
3/15/2012 01:05:00 pm

Love you post Laura! I love the picture too. I need pictures and a visual reader. Have a blessed day!

Reply
Laura link
3/15/2012 01:11:23 pm

You're sweet, thanks Angie! And thanks for the visit. :)

Reply
Joe Pote link
3/15/2012 01:39:33 pm

"The very same strength that is available to us."

Yes! "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal. They are mighty thru the Holy Ghost."

Thank you, for the beautiful reminder, Laura!

Reply
Laura link
3/15/2012 01:44:44 pm

You're welcome.
Incredible post you have linked up!

Reply
Pamela link
3/15/2012 02:46:06 pm

This made me think about when Samson's wife was threatened a few days ago and you discussed how things would have been different if she'd come to him and said they'd threatened to kill her family instead of being deceitful. I bet Samson could have done something like this then to those threatening his in-laws, and it would have stopped there instead of escalating to this.

Reply
Laura link
3/16/2012 05:45:22 am

So true, great insight Pamela! Makes me wonder how God would have delivered them if it weren't this way. Also gives me hope that God can work through my mistakes too. :)

Reply
Regina link
3/15/2012 02:55:30 pm

This is my first visit here, I love your blog!

Reply
Laura link
3/16/2012 05:55:23 am

Yay! Thanks for the visit and encouragement Regina.

Reply
Connie link
3/15/2012 03:34:05 pm

"But at the last minute God comes through and shows Himself able, shows Himself powerful and strong."

- Laura, I've seen this happen so often in my life. It shows me just how utterly reliant I am on him and how hopeless I am when I depend on myself.

Reply
Laura link
3/16/2012 06:10:15 am

Grateful for your visit Connie. And good job clinging to Jesus about where He has you right now. Gonna be a pretty cool story unfold for you. :)

Reply
Rina Peru link
3/15/2012 06:59:13 pm

Isaiah 54:17 - the power of God in action, literally. I'm blessed enough not only to read about these amazing stories of God's mighty deliverances in the Bible but to hear them in the pulpit every week - in this time and age. For if they don't happen anymore as some people believe, has God changed over the ages?

What could be closer, real and present, danger than a gun inserted to a believer's mouth during a robbery? And the courage of this Spirit-filled believer to push away the gun and shout Halleluiah! with all her might for her whole life depended on it? And then the gun didn't fire, it just clicked.

BTW, I wrote about this sister-in-Christ's testimony at http://ministerofmercy.blog.com (it happened last month).

Thanks so much, Laura, for hosting and for bringing up the subject of which I seem to be unable to stop telling of God's POWER! (BTW, I like your new header graced by your lovely photo :)).

Rina

Reply
Laura link
3/16/2012 06:11:37 am

Wow! That would be so scary, thanks for sharing Rina.

Reply
Jean Wise link
3/15/2012 10:23:40 pm

Love reading a blog where I learn and am inspired at the same time. Thanks!

Reply
Laura link
3/16/2012 06:15:47 am

What an encouraging comment Jean. Thank you so much!

Reply
Joan link
3/15/2012 11:01:29 pm

I think that God uses weak or average people so often so it is absolutely clear where the strength comes from! He can and will use anyone when we yield ourselves completely to Him. What a blessing!

Reply
Laura link
3/16/2012 06:18:43 am

I totally agreed! It is tempting to look to people who seem like they have it all together and think it's them instead of the Lord.

Reply
Esther Joy link
3/15/2012 11:23:16 pm

Love the photo illustration! Makes the lesson come alive!

Reply
Laura link
3/16/2012 06:20:18 am

Thanks Esther. Funny how a picture of a dead animal makes a bible story coming 'alive'. :)

Reply
Salina link
3/16/2012 12:05:43 am

Thank you for this post Laura. I love knowing that "God doesn't need us to be anything spectacular to be someone He can use." I feel so unworthy sometimes when He asks things of me, but like you said, if He can use the jaw of a donkey, why can't I believe He can use me, His very creation? Great words to ponder on. Thanks again!

Reply
laura link
3/16/2012 06:21:38 am

My pleasure. :) Thank you.
And thanks for helping me this morning Salina!

Reply
Monica Godoy link
3/16/2012 12:40:30 am

Hi Laura!
I am so honored and HAPPY that you stopped by. I was actually going to start looking for a place to link up to for FRIDAY's and there was your comment!! So I will definitely be linking up!!
I hope that you would consider following my blog... again such an honor that you stopped by.

Have a most blessed Friday!!

Monica
NY
www.godsmostprecious.blogspot.com

Reply
Laura link
3/16/2012 06:25:54 am

How awesome! I love when God does that! His timing just amazes me.

Would love to follow.
Done! And I am leaving your page open b/c I'm just loving the music. :)

Reply
Margaret link
3/16/2012 02:00:03 am

Thanks for your encouragement! today! Wow, awesome encouraged me in what I was saying in my blog! God's Shakings!

Reply
Laura link
3/16/2012 06:31:07 am

Margaret! That is so awesome about birds making the nest uncomfortable! Wow, I didn't know that! That reminds me so much of the church in Acts. After awhile they started experiencing persecution and that is what actually caused them to scatter and take the message of the gospel to the world. God shaking's are a beautiful blessing arnt they!

Reply
Laurie Collett link
3/16/2012 05:19:11 am

Great post, Laura! He made man from a handful of dirt, but once we are indwelled by His Holy Spirit, we have access to all His power, glory, wisdom, and capacity for infinite love! Now, if we could only die to self and our sin nature, we could tap into all that completely. In the meantime, Praise God that He uses us just as we are!
Have a blessed weekend,
Laurie
http://savedbygracebiblestudy.blogspot.com/

Reply
Laura link
3/16/2012 06:34:13 am

Ok seriously amazes me! That He is able to take dirt and make it a life giving. Wow.

I am not sure how long this Glimpse of Glory in Judges series will go, but the next one will be the Creation Revealing the Glory of God where I would love to have you share! Sorry I can't be more specific. :) I guess if you have it done within the next month and send it to me I can have it ready to go.

Reply
Laurie Collett link
3/16/2012 06:38:41 am

Sounds good, thanks!

Robert Moon link
3/16/2012 06:12:47 am

There are times when God asks us to pick up something that appears gross, or harmful, but when we obey it turns into something beautiful and useful.

Reply
Laura link
3/16/2012 06:35:38 am

So true! That actually reminds me of the time I was in Mexico and went to the trash dump to tell people about Jesus. Beauty of God pursuing people in the midst of our trash.

Reply
Hazel Moon link
3/16/2012 09:52:53 am

What is that in your hand? Often that is what God asks us to deal with.

Reply
Laura link
3/16/2012 10:14:28 am

Yes! I didn't even think about that! Great insight.

Reply
Faye link
3/16/2012 01:37:08 pm

Laura,
Seems like God wanted us both to focus on His amazing work done when we are willing to surrender and WAIT for Him. He abudantly blesses when we OBEY.
~ Faye

Reply
Laura link
3/16/2012 02:35:40 pm

Yup, was just over at your blog thinking the same thing. :)

Reply
Sylvia R @ the Sylvr Pen link
3/16/2012 06:17:55 pm

There's so much here that blessed me, Laura. So much God has already shown me in my life but of which my heart needs reminding. Like "The Lord can, and will show Himself to be strong and powerful through our little vapor lives." Like how He intervenes at that last minute (making clear that the victory is His alone). Etc. And you brought this alive so well. Thanking God for your love for His word and all you do here to share from it!

Reply
Laura link
3/17/2012 06:00:59 am

God sure has given you an ability to be able to encourage people well. Thank you for blessing me with that gift.

Reply
JOSEPH
3/16/2012 06:53:00 pm

i cant tell you how much i have enjoyed this whole series on judges. thank you so much. just outstanding.

Reply
Laura link
3/17/2012 06:01:59 am

How encouraging! Thank you!!

Reply
Nikki link
3/16/2012 10:34:31 pm

Laura./..this is an awesome message for me today. I needed to be reminded of this. He will show HImself strong for those who wait and hold onto HIm.....yeahhh. Hope your weekend shines like you do. ☺

Reply
Laura link
3/17/2012 06:04:13 am

I am glad you are encouraged Nikki and the Lord spoke to you. What a gift. He sure is good at that huh?!

Thank you.

Reply
Kathryn Ross link
3/16/2012 11:06:45 pm

Hi Laura! Bless you! I needed to hear this Word this week! Feeling not quite the deal to accomplish what is before me as I'm embarking on a new venture that only Faith Filled Seven Days a Week - and then some - will do. And, your jawbone photo is not gross - it is to the point. We are gross - and through God's Grace can anything of beauty and purpose be accomplished. For me, it is returning to my roots in Biblical Principle Approach Education starting a home school resource network called Constellation Academy - www.constellationacademyhsrn.blogspot.com. God birthed this work in my last fall after realizing that the bushel placed over my light in public education was quite welded in place. I can't remain in such a place when there are those fleeing the system and in need of what I know God has trained in me. It's a venture - but - this jawbone will do just fine wielded by the Lord for His purposes. Thanks so much for hosting - and your consistently sweet spirit.
Joy!
Kathy

Reply
Laura link
3/17/2012 06:08:12 am

How incredible! Way to go stepping out by faith into the unknown. The great adventure can be scary sometimes but so worth it. And happy blogiversary! :)

Reply
Ed Ross link
3/17/2012 01:33:35 am

Hi Laura - This is Kathy from The Writer's Reverie posting my husband's devotional this week. I haven't given him the blog tutorials yet so he doesn't know the ins and outs of commenting and clicking the right places. All things in their time - I'm just thrilled that he decided to publish his musings in the Lord.

I just wanted to thank you for your encouraging comments on his posts. Many are reading his ruminations and are blessed. So excited to see the work God is doing in him. So glad to be a larger part of the Body through Blogworld!

Joy!
Kathy for Ed

Reply
Laura link
3/17/2012 06:10:38 am

How fun! I am honored to have him link up. That is so neat that you guys can relate to each other about blogging. My husband has a hard time understanding blogging and the world behind it.

Reply
Charlotte link
3/17/2012 07:35:21 am

This is such a good post. We always need to be reminded that God can do miracles way beyond what we can imagine. And the circle video is very good.
Thank you for sharing again on Spiritual Sundays.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Reply
Laura link
3/17/2012 11:55:49 am

Thanks for the visit Charlotte. Thanks for hosting spiritual Sundays.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    New here? Head on over to the Home page to see what we're all about. 

    Two Free eBooks for Subscribers 


    Picture
    Picture
    Join 11,000+ others and get Missional Women  updates and two FREE eBooks. 

    Subscribe


     Are you new to our site? Check out our HOME page to get a better idea about the Missional Women ministry.
    Picture

    Popular Posts

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture



































Missional Women a ministry of Master Plan Ministries
 
Contact
Newsletter
Photos used under Creative Commons from lisahumes, VinothChandar, Eran Finkle, antoshik, See-ming Lee 李思明 SML, tacit requiem (joanneQEscober ), Mr. T in DC, 111 Emergency, *saipal, Jean Bal, snigl3t, swimparallel, jakuza, Artotem, mjkimmel, dmealiffe, madmolecule, blumenbiene, Silveira Neto, carterse, archer10 (Dennis), humbert15, d.a.n.n.y.c <busy>, Nathan O'Nions, sailboatescape, Vincent van der Pas, The California National Guard, Mary Trebilco, torisan3500, Tambako the Jaguar, tsuacctnt, PaRaP, striatic, √oхέƒx™, zaxl4, Marion Doss, aussiegall, Kris Mouser-Brown, дзроман, Torpe, Chad and Kellye, Pink Sherbet Photography, TheGiantVermin, a.drian, aimeewenske, RodrigoFavera, ohsarahrose, philip.bitnar, spettacolopuro, Terje Asphaug, OakleyOriginals, Kara Allyson, archer10 (Dennis), Maria Keays, alexphotocamera, laura dye, *Jeffrey*, Keoni Cabral, Lawrie Cate, Arry_B, Sam Howzit, lorenzwalthert, schnaars, daita, SylviaSchade, shanon wise, Caselet, vastateparksstaff, lalinlu, ChrisK4u, red hand records, kelp1966, Sam Howzit, InterContinental Hong Kong, lisahumes, abbilder, Ed Yourdon, cking, bhollins, Manel, isfullofcrap, poplinre, jonwick04, www.photographybyjoelle.com, Caza_No_7, urbaneapts, Stig Nygaard, holisticmonkey, kckellner, echiner1, edanley, storyvillegirl, brainchildvn, craigemorsels, Kara Allyson, http://snow.ipernity.com, Pink Sherbet Photography, Samuel Mann, kate at yr own risk, woodleywonderworks, epimetheus, barryskeates, Travis Isaacs, Rachel Elaine., JKD Atlanta, allyaubry, Brett Jordan, quinn.anya, Laram777, pizzodisevo, gbaku, egorkorotkov
  • Home
    • Ministry Resources for Women >
      • Beholding Him Freebie
    • Contributors
    • Statement of Faith
  • Blog
    • Ministry >
      • Evangelism {Win}
      • Discipleship {Build}
      • Living Missionally {Send}
    • God's Word >
      • Bible Study
      • Prayer
      • Devotionals
      • Bible Studies
      • Apologetics
    • Relationships >
      • Marriage
      • Singleness
      • Dating
      • Family
      • Friendship
    • World >
      • Social Justice Issues
      • Internet & Social Media
      • Politics
      • International
      • Science Revealing God
    • Life >
      • Image & Idenity
      • Health
      • Fashion
      • Food
      • Organization
  • Bible Study Resources
  • Prints
  • Stickers
  • Quiet Time Journals
  • Courses
    • Discover God's Calling
    • Women's Ministry Training Promo
    • How to Study the Bible
    • Women's Ministry Training Course
    • Growing in Your Faith Mini Course
  • Retreat
  • Video Bible Studies
    • Matthew
    • John
    • Galatians
    • Philippians
    • Know your Purpose
    • Creation Reveals
    • Ministry
    • Heart Growth
  • You Are Unshaken Book
    • Unshaken Groups
    • You Are Unshaken Paint Party
    • Unshaken Freebies
  • Shop