Judges4:4-9- Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at the time. She held court under a Palm of Deborah between Ramahand Bethal in the hills country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided. She sent for Barak Son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you:Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor.I will lead Sisera, the commander of Jabon’s army, with his chariots and his troops to the River Kishon and give him into your hands . Barak said to her, If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go. Certainly I will go with you, said Deborah. But because of the course you taking, the honour will not be yours , for the Lord deliver Sisera into the hands of a women. So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh.

This story in the bible shows us that the Lord calls ordinary people and makes them to do extraordinary things that can only be accomplished through the Spirit.

How God prepared Deborah to lead

God made Deborah a judge because of her faith, her wisdom her fairness and her obedience to the Lord. Deborah was appointed by God to lead and guide the people of Israel into ways of righteousness. Deborah was the only women in the bible that had prominent, position of power and she surely stepped into leadership, as she knew that she was chosen under the Authority of God.

Deborah was a prophetess who gained victories, through wisdom given to her by God. When I did bible study on this story of Deborah my heart got so excited as I pondered how God might use you and me in this rebellious generation. Could today be the ordinary day that God is waking you from your own slumber to do through you more than you ever dreamed or imagined for His Kingdom and His Glory.

Be inspired that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. He wants to awaken you to all that He has planned for you.God was showing again that He loves to use the things the world perceives as weak as his means of shaming the strong. Deborah is actually the most qualified of judges, especially from a moral point of view. The scripture shows her acting in obedience to Yaweh(The God of the Israelites) throughout .

God can use whoever, He pleases regardless of gender.

Scripture is clear that there are God – ordained differences between men and women. In the scripture Deborah does not herself take up the battle on the Plain Tabor. Even though she clearly commands a high level of strategy on the battle field.

God chose Deborah and he can choose you and me.

God bless

Luke2:7-And she brought fourth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room in the inn.

Surely God knew the exact day and time the Son of God was to be born. However, it is a wonder, that though the father knew that Jesus was going to be born at that time, He still did not reserve a room in an inn.

We could imagine as Mary and Joseph travelled all the way to Bethlehem, Mary must have had confidence in her heart that they would get a clean,comfortable room at the very first inn they arrived at. Surely, God would have made all the provision for His Son to be born. Imagine the shock,the disappointment, the discouragedment and the questions that Mary and Joseph endured, when inn after inn was fully occupied and there was no room available anywhere.

Finally, after Mary and Joseph had knocked, possibly at several inns they arrived at a place,where the man offered the cattle shed, where Jesus was to be born. The cattle shed was surely not what they envisioned as the birthing place for the Son of God.But that was the place where the Son of God was to be born that night.

We should not be discouraged when we face close doors when attempting to release the work God has birthed in us.A close door could simply be God directing us to a place where He wants us to release what He is birthing through us.We must keep moving till we arrive at the place God wants His work to be released.

The work of the Spirit often has a simple, humble beginning

Imagine the God of the Universe the Savior of the world, the King of Kings,born in a manger. Surely God could have done this differently if He chose to. He could have picked a palace, a rich home,or even a deluxe room in the best Hotel in Bethlehem. But instead, He chose the lowliest of all places, a cattle shed.

God releases His work in small simple ways.But these simple beginnings are still the work of God, often designed to impact the world.

About His work, God says,Not by Might,nor by power,but by my spirit

Zechariah4:6-He tells us,For who despised the day of small beginnings?

Zechariah 4:10-He tells us, do not despise the day of small beginnings…

The work of the Spirit has to be protected and nurtured.

Luke2:40- And a child grew and became strong in the spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.

Imagine after Mary had given birth to the baby what would happen if she said I won’t need to feed bathe, and take care of this baby, because anyway this is the Son of God.The Angels will take care of Him. That would be foolish.Yes, indeed, this was the Son of God, but Mary and Joseph had to take care of the baby, nurtured, and protect this child as a parent would normally do.

ENCOURAGING WOMEN

Every work of God that we release on this earth must be nurtured and protected. Just because it is a work of the Spirit, that does not mean that we are not responsible for stewarding it well. Rather knowing it’s eternal importance, we need to be extremely good stewards of the work God has released through us so that His Intended purpose will be fulfilled.

God bless

Proverbs31:25- She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

CONFESSION OF FAITH

I am not moved by what I see or by what I feel. I am moved by what I believe. I believe the word of God.The victory is mine!I have it now!I can see through the eyes of my faith.

Proverbs31:25-Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come.

Luke1:45-You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.

This is the women that believed the word God sent to her!

Luke1:46-50-Mary responded, my soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call her blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me. He shows the mercy from generations to generations to all who fear him.

ENCOURAGING WOMEN

Psalm28:7-The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.I burst out in song of thanksgiving.

ENCOURAGE WOMEN

1Corinthians15:10-But by the grace of the God I am who I am,and His grace towards me was not in vain;but I labored more abundantly than they all,yet not I but the grace of God which was with me.

ENCOURAGING WOMEN

1Peter3:3 -Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry or beautiful clothes.You should clothe yourself instead with beauty that comes from within,the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

ENCOURAGING WOMEN

Proverbs31:26-When she speaks,her words are wise,and she gives instruction with kindness.

Colossians4:6-Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Ephesians 4:29- Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

ENCOURAGING WOMEN

Colossians 2:10- And you are complete through your union with Christ who is the head over every ruler and authority.

Song of Solomon 4:7-You are altogether beautiful, my darling,beautiful in every way.

God bless

In the world we live in, we are constantly inundated with many different images of women. We are told by media, friends, family what they think a women should be. Everything is taken into consideration- from weight, height, career, make up and clothes she wears to the people she is associated with. But as we look deeper and really understand ourselves and who we are, we are faced with a truth that is hidden. The truth we are valuable, significant, and bearers of a responsibility as a women that surpass our outer extremities.

The marks of a women can be categorized as such:

DEPENDABLE- A women who is great is one who can be depended upon no matter what.

Proverbs31:11-12- Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

Proverbs31:15-She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.

She is accessible when needed, and she can be a great sense of encouragement to others even though she herself has her own struggles.

HARDWORKING– A women of greatness is good with her hands.

Proverbs31:13-She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

Proverbs31:24-She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for the tasks.

She can create opportunities for herself through her inventive spirit. She is a creative, resourceful and always committed to going beyond what is required to produce the most effective results. When people tells her she can`t, she tells herself, yes I can!

HELPFUL AND GENEROUS: A women marked for greatness is one who not only has a trail- blazing spirit and is prosperous in all she does, but one who has a generous spirit towards others and is willing to share all the knowledge, wisdom and resources she’s gathered to help other women succeed as well.

Proverns31:20- She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

TEACHABLE: A women of greatness is one who not only willing to plant seeds of wisdom and knowledge into others lives but one who welcomes insight, nourishment and wisdom imparted from other great women.

Ruth3:5- I will do whatever you say, Ruth answered.

LOVING: A great women gives and receives love from others without limitations. She sees the best in all people, flaws and all! For she realizes that all of us are imperfect people, and we need to exemplify love towards each other.

Ruth4:15- He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age.

Genesis24:18-20- Drink my lord, she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. After she had given him a drink, she said, I`ll draw water for for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.

WISE: Wisdom is Her Head covering. She walks in it, eats it, digest it, and allows it to work fully in all areas of her life.

PROVERBS31:26- She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

HUMBLE: Regardless of what condition she finds herself in life and what accomplishments she has required, she realizes the importance to stay humble.

1Peter3:4- Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quite spirit, which is of great worth in Gods sight.

You can can go a long way in life but with pride and arrogance, what awaits her long the way is a great fall.

Proverbs29:23- Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.

MODESTLY DRESSED: A women is marked by greatness loves God and seeks to present herself in a way that is appropriate and pleasing to God.

1Timothy2:9-I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes.

TRUSTWORTHY AND HONEST: A women greatness is one who makes it her aim to speak the truth. She isn’t trying to be deceptive or misleading, and her purpose isn`t to intentionally cause anyone to fall because of her actions.

Proverbs21:23- Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.

GREAT SPIRIT: A women marked by greatness is one who is gentle in her conduct. She is not loud, boisterous, aggressive or intimidating.

Proverbs9:13-Folly is an unruly women; she is simple and knows nothing.

TAKES CARE OF HER FAMILY: A women marked by greatness always make sure her family is well taken care of and has all of it`s needs met.

Proverbs31:14- She is like a merchant ship, bringing food from afar.

When we look at all the characteristics or attributes of great women, it wouldn’t be right for me not to mention some powerful biblical examples of great godly women.

(Ruth 2:7,17)- is noted as hardworking

(Esther 4:15-16)- noted as brave

Sarah-trusted God. (Hebrews11:11)

Mary-surrendered to the will of God.( Luke1:38)

Rebekah-was kind. (Genesis4:18-20)

Priscilla- is noted as being biblically, knowledgeable, wise( Genesis24:20)

These are a few exemplary examples of great women in the Bible. I have been very encouraged by my research of these great women, and my charge to all of us as women marked by greatness is to always make it our aim in all we do to serve and honor God.

God is at the forefront of all that we do, and we must seek him and acknowledge him in everything [ Matthew 6:33] Without God, we can do nothing! If we follow Gods direction, and walk according to his purpose and plan for our lives, then and only then can we be women ” Marked by greatness!”

God Bless

Walking in the bible is not a physical walking. Rather it is a manner in which one conduct their life.So for us in the church,the conduct of our lives is to be worthy of the calling to which you have been called.

God bless you

Luke2:7

And she brought fourth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room in the inn.

Surely God knew the exact day and time the Son of God was to be born . However, it is a wonder, that though the father knew that Jesus was going to be born at that time,He still did not reserve a room for Him in an inn.

I could imagine as Mary and Joseph travelled all the way to Bethlehem, Mary must have had confidence in her heart that they would get a clean, comfortable room at the very first inn they arrived at.Surely God would have made all the provision for His son to be born.Imagine the shock, the disappointment and the questions that Mary and Joseph endured, when in after inn was fully occupied and there was no room available anywhere.

Finally, after Mary and Joseph had knocked, possibly at several inns they arrived at a place, where a man offered them a cattle she’d, where Jesus was to be born.The cattle she’d was surely not what they had envisioned as the birthing place where the Son of God was to be born that night.

We should not be discouraged when we face close doors when attempting to release the work of God that has birthed in us. A close door could simply be God directing us to the place where He wants us to release what He is birthing through us.We must keep moving till we arrive at the place where God wants His work to be released.

The works of the Spirit often has simple, Humble beginnings

Imagine the God of the Universe the Savior of the world, the King of Kings born in a manger.Surely, God could have done this differently if He chose to.He could have picked a palace, a rich home, or even the best deluxe room in Bethlehem. But instead He chose the lowliest of all places, a cattle she’d.

God releases His work in small ways.But these simple beginnings are still the work of God, often designed to impact the world.

Zechariah 4:6-About his work,God says,Not by Might,nor by Power,but by my Spirit

Zechariah 4:10-He tell us,do not despise day of small beginnings the day of humble beginnings…

The work of the Spirit has to be protected and nurtured.

Luke2:10-And a child grew and became strong in the spirit,filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon Him.

Imagine, after Mary had given birth to the baby,what would have happened if she had said I won’t need to feed,bathe and take care if this baby because anyway this is the Son of God. The Angels will take care of Him.That would be foolish.Yes indeed this was the Son of God, but Mary and Joseph had to take care of the baby nurture and protect this child as a parent would normally do.

My sister’s and brother’s every work of God that we release on this earth must be nurtured and protected.Just because it is a work of the spirit,that does not mean that we are not responsible for stewarding it well.Rather knowing it’s eternal importance, we need to be extremely good stewards of the work God has released through us,so that His intended purpose will be fulfilled.

God bless you

The day you experience the relentless love of Jesus, nothing else in the world will ever seem so beautiful again.