This week we celebrate some women God has elevated in Scripture, culminating with the story of Esther, which will be told in church by one of our Small Groups. While the original 12 were men, there were many female disciples including the handful of women who were first to share the testimony of Jesus’ resurrection.

Matthew 28:5-8

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. 

Come and see the place where he lay. 

Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

Invoking God onto our Week

We step into this week singing alleluia to You, Father, who calls all men and women into your kingdom;

We sing alleluia to You, Jesus, who entrusts the message of salvation to women and men alike;

We sing alleluia to You, Spirit, as you inspire men and women to speak for, live for, and stand up for our Heavenly Father and His great love for this world.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Luke 24:36-48

While [the disciples] were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled & frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 

He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 

And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 

They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” 

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.

What jumps out at you from this Bible reading? Ask God why…

Exodus 15:20-21

Miriam the prophetess…sang to them: "Sing to the LORD…”

Horse and Rider

by Miriam

I will sing to the LORD,
    for he is highly exalted.
Both horse and driver
    he has hurled into the sea.
The LORD is my strength and my defense;
    he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
    my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

What a great example for our Inspired Lyric of Wednesdays: The sister of Aaron and Moses, Miriam led God’s people to praise the Lord after their deliverance from the army of Egypt. What a blessing it is when someone is led by God to step up and lead His people in a call to praise. Lord, show me how I can not only praise you myself, but to lead others to praise you also.

Remember: Take five to ten minutes a day to stop and listen, to connect with God in music. Let the Holy Spirit use it to feed your soul.

John 4:39

Many [Samaritans] believed in him because of the woman's testimony…

The first woman we acknowledge remained nameless, simply known as the woman at the well. And while she might not have been much of an example prior to meeting Jesus (see John 4), she became a great example of one who shares excitement and testimony about her encounter with the Lord.

Lord Jesus, like this woman, build in me an excitement and willingness to share my testimony about you, both with close friends and casual acquaintances. I want to join you in your mission.

Amen

Micro Groups (2-3)

As you invest in God-centered micro-groups, you can expect to see behavioral changes for the better (Eccl. 4:8-12; Heb.10:24; James 5:16). In a word, this is accountability, a mutual agreement to spur one another on toward godly lives. We hope that in God’s timing, a relationship of accountability blossoms with mutual benefit. How does this happen? These Bible issues seem essential:

• Active Listening
• Non-judgemental Attitude
• Care for Each Other

Esther 5:2

When [the king] saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased.

Esther put her life on the line in approaching the king, begging him to end an evil plan against her Jewish people. To approach King Xerxes without his beckoning meant death unless the king granted mercy. Similar to Jesus himself, Esther was willing to sacrifice her life to save others.

When we reach out to God, we are lifting our souls up to be nurtured and healed. A soul centered in God always knows it has a heavenly Father who will hold its pain, its fear, its anxiety. This is spiritual life: To place the soul each moment in the presence and the care of God. "My soul cleaves to you, your right hand upholds me."

-- Soul Keeping, John Ortberg, page 104

Father, give me a heart like Esther – like your Son Jesus Christ himself – a heart and spirit that is willing to sacrifice to help others.

2 Timothy 1:5

I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice…

Lois and Eunice are forever celebrated in the bible for their sincere faith. They were a tremendous influence in the life of Timothy, who ministered to many churches as a pastor of sorts. So often our God-given faith has its roots in the lives of our parents and grandparents. Don’t miss this powerful opportunity to influence children.

Lord, grant me a sincere faith and the opportunity to influence others through it – to your glory. Amen.

Luke 1:41-42

Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed...

Elizabeth was a cousin to Jesus' mother Mary, and had a miraculous pregnancy in her own right - though not requiring the overshadowing of the Holy spirit (she is mother of John the Baptist). But today she is an encouragement to us because, inspired by the Holy Spirit, she praised God aloud.

Lord God, fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may proclaim you and your blessings aloud in my life.