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Mary Magdalene: The First Woman

Day 3, Week 6 of Beautifully Surrendered, A Love God Greatly Study

Today’s Reading: John 20:11-18 SOAP – John 20:18

 Mary Magdalene came and informed the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what Jesus had said to her.

John 20:18 NLT
Observation: The Story
Who is this Mary?

Mary Magdalene is the woman from whom Jesus drove out seven demons. After this she became of His followers, and like many others she supported Him from her resource.

Sketchy Details

While John sketches details rather than elaborates, his details though lacking do match up with those of the other Gospel writers, Matthew 28:1–10, Mark 16:1–8, and Luke 24:1–12. One difference worth noting is the other writers all mention other women being with Mary when she went to the tomb, though in all accounts Mary Magdalene is mentioned first. It has been suggested that John leaves the other women unmentioned because Mary was the one who went to find Peter and the “beloved disciple”.

John’s sketch includes the following details about Mary:

She was at the tomb before daybreak and was the first to see that the stone had been rolled away.

She ran to tell Peter and the ‘beloved disciple’.

She stayed when the others left

She saw, and talked with, two angels who were in the tomb

She saw, and talked with, Jesus (though she did not recognize Him by His appearance)

She recognized who He was when He called her by name

She was given a message from Jesus to deliver to His disciples

She announced that she “had seen the Lord”

She didn’t tell her story but what He told her to say

I’m a detailed writer, clearly John wasn’t. His rendering is lacking in details or embellishments but what we know for certain is that Mary was focused on Jesus, so she went to the tomb. Finding the tomb empty did not shake her focus but she zeroed in on finding Him, according to John she was even fearful that someone had taken the body. We also see her unwavering focus kick-in when the Lord’s use of her name revealed to her who He really was.

How Then Should We live?

We should live focused on and passionate about Jesus, alert to where He is in our life, seeking Him if He “seems” distant, listening for His voice, and telling others what we have seen and heard.

Prayer Response:

Father, I can only imagine how Mary must have felt to find the tomb empty – to think someone had taken Him – her Savior and teacher … She needed and wanted Him back. Thank you that the tomb is empty and that we know where He is!

YOUR TURN:

What’s your take away from the story about Mary Magdalene?

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

Mary Magdalene proclaimed to the disciples what she had seen, our risen Lord.

  • Why is it important to tell others the incredible work we have witnessed Jesus do in our lives as well as the live of others?
WANT MORE?

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Lydia: Planting a Church

Day 2, Week 6 of Beautifully Surrendered, A Love God Greatly Study

Today’s Reading: Acts 16:11-15 and 40; SOAP: verse 15

15 After she and her household were baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me to be a believer in the Lord, come and stay in my house.” And she persuaded us.

Acts 16:15 NET
Observation:

Lydia, is said to be the first known convert to Christianity in Europe. While Scripture introduces her as a God-fearing woman (v14), it wasn’t until listening to what Paul was saying, which would have most certainly been the Gospel message,1 that her heart responded in belief. Lest we think that Paul and his companions knew all the right words or amazing presentations, don’t miss that it was the Lord who opened her heart (v14). The general consensus of the commentators I read believed, that because there weren’t enough Jewish men to have a Synagogue, Paul and the others with him traveled to the shore where they found Lydia and a group of women praying. Because of this, and the fact that Paul had a vision that led him to Macedonia in the first place, – Lydia and her household were saved and baptized. Following her baptism, Luke writes, she “persuaded” them [the disciples] to stay in her house.

And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. Ephesians 6:19

1 An example of what Paul would have been speaking to those listening to Him in Acts 16: 14

I believe it’s important to not miss the underlying fingerprints of God throughout the Scriptures, as seen here in the story of Lydia. I believe they are best captured by this statement from the writers of Gotquestions.org: 

God rerouted Paul and friends and also ensured that Lydia would be in the right place at the right time to encounter Paul and hear the good news of Jesus. And, as Lydia heard the gospel, God opened her heart so that she received the life-giving message. In this story, so full of divine intervention, we see the sovereignty of God in salvation; as Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them” (John 6:44). We also see the immediate bond that a new believer has with other believers in Christ—Lydia showed hospitality to those who brought the good news, and she wouldn’t take “no” for an answer.
   https://www.gotquestions.org/Lydia-in-the-Bible.html
For more insight into Lydia's story visit this link at Bibleref.com  https://www.bibleref.com/Acts/16/Acts-16-15.html
How Then Should We live?

There are many take-aways from this one little passage. Including but not limited to the underlying but obvious fingerprints of God or the disciples persistence in looking for a prayer gathering when there was no synagogue to be found. However, what stands out to me as worthy of imitating – is Lydia’s willingness to listen to what Paul was saying, her heart yielded to God, positioned to surrender and respond to the message He had sent. On top of that is her obedience to follow in believer’s baptism and to make sure her household had the same opportunity; equally worthy is her immediate desire and persuasiveness to open her home to other believers, both to the disciples and others – as is evident in verse 40.

Prayer Response

Father, as the old hymn says, “take my life and let it be ever only all for Thee”. Help me to be a faithful disciple of Your Word and an obedient daughter, following as and where You lead, my life and home always open to Your work in reaching the world – for Your glory and for the reputation of the Gospel.

YOUR TURN:

What’s your take away from the story of Lydia?

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

Lydia wasted no time in serving the church after she was saved.

  • How did her hospitality bless the early church?
  • What example was she setting to those around her?
Looking Ahead:

The next LGG study, “Choosing God Instead of the World”, will start August 8 …. I shared details with you over the weekend for the study – here’s more for your encouragement to join us for a six-week journey with Jacob and Joseph.

Our choices can be simplified into two categories: the things of God and the things of the world. Choosing the things of God is often challenging, but it yields the best long-term results. Choosing the world can be much easier and can appear to be the best way to avoid pain, but these choices often lead to our destruction. 

Choosing God Instead of the World studies the lives of two men, Jacob and Joseph, their families, and the choices they faced. Both Jacob and Joseph were given a specific promise from God, but they lived out their faith very differently. As we study their lives, we will see the importance of choosing the things of God and the way God rewards those who walk with Him. We will also discover how, even if God’s people often made a mess of things, His promises to them never failed.

excerpt from – https://lovegodgreatly.com/announcing-our-next-study-10/

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Shiphrah and Puah: Saving Hebrew Boys

Day 1, Week 6 of Beautifully Surrendered, A Love God Greatly Study

Today’s Reading: exodus 1:1-21; SOAP: verses 17 and 21

17 But the midwives feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them; they let the boys live.

 21 And because the midwives feared God, he made households for them.

Exodus 1:17 and 21 NLT
The story:

In a time when the land of Egypt was full of Israelites the King became concerned that they would overtake the Egyptians if a war should break out. So, in order to stop the increasing number of Israelites he ordered all newborn baby boys to be killed by the midwives. Shiphrah and Puah were two of the Hebrew midwives under orders from the King to kill all boys at birth. However, the midwives feared God rather than man, so they defied the King’s order and chose to let the boys live. Because they chose God’s way over man’s they were blessed by God with families of their own.

How Then Should We live?

Luke wrote of “Peter and the other Apostles” in the book of Acts, chapter five, verse 29 – that they should obey God rather than man. This is exactly what Shiphrah and Puah chose to do when the King had instructed the midwives We too should fear/obey God rather than man and consider carefully our response to orders that are contradictory to His will. We would also be wise to watch for ways God asks or allows us to use our gifts or profession for Him, as He did in the case of the midwives.

Prayer Response:

Father,You are the Great Orchestrator, placing us where we need to be, when we need to be there, and giving us peace to combat our fears of man. Than you for the encouragement that when we choose well You will bless us. For Your Gory –

YOUR TURN:

What’s your take away from the story of Shiphrah and Puah?

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

Shiphrah and Puah feared God more than they feared the king of Egypt.

  • What lesson can we learn from these brave women?
  • What was the result of their obedience?
WANT MORE?

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Beautifully Surrendered: Looking Ahead to Week 6

A Love God Greatly Bible Study about God’s Heart for His Daughters

In the final week of our study (week 6), we will look at what it means to be “Women Leaving a Legacy”. We will build on knowing that God loves, sees, and cherishes women, and continue to focus on the fact that the acts of faith, prayer, and choosing praise and joy in all circumstances play a huge part in the surrender and sacrifice that are required of those who follow Jesus.

Our focus/memory verse is found in Psalm 145:4 – “One generation will praise Your deeds to another and tell about Your mighty acts!” Doing this should be part of our legacy as daughters of God. If we fail to praise Him for what He’s done or fail to tell others about His mighty acts – generations will rise up who do not know Him or what He can do and has promised to do. (see Judges chapter two).

This Week’s Challenge from the team at Love God Greatly:

We must pass our faith on to our children and the next generation, leaving a godly legacy for those who come behind us. Who in your life has lived out her faith well and inspired you to do the same? This week, make sure to share the difference she has made in your life. Who can you intentionally reach out to and invest in? There are many ways to leave a godly legacy behind, but they all start the same: choosing to take the first step.

Announcing Our Next Study!

by Melissa Fuller | Jul 5, 2022 |LGG Team Member

Our lives are a series of choices. We are constantly making choices, both good and bad, and all of our choices have consequences and outcomes. It can be overwhelming to question our choices or wonder if we are doing the right thing.

“Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” – Colossians 3:1

Our choices can be simplified into two categories: the things of God and the things of the world. Choosing the things of God is often challenging, but it yields the best long-term results. Choosing the world can be much easier and can appear to be the best way to avoid pain, but these choices often lead to our destruction.  Check back on Wednesday for more details .

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Reflections of Week 5, Beautifully Surrendered

Beautifully Surrendered, God’s Heart for His Daughters is a Love God Greatly Study

The women we’ve studied this week showed us that joy and praise can be part of our lives when we live surrendered to God through every situation. Actually, praise can be a catalyst for surrendering to God and being filled with His joy as ‘it’ [praise] keeps God at the forefront of our minds and hearts. Miriam led others to praise Him on the other side of the Red Sea and Leah praised Him despite her loveless marriage. Praise can also be the catalyst for others to praise God. This is what happened when the ‘women of Bethlehem’ saw how God had blessed Naomi with a grandson. When we live surrendered and follow God into battle for His people, as in the story of Deborah, praise will flow and joy will follow. When this happens others will see, as we did in the life of Mary of Bethany, who despite cultural norms and heartache chose to sit or fall or give her best in praise and adoration to the Lord – her Savior. There is much that can be learned from these beautiful stories. There is much we would do well to mimic. As with the others that we have read they are certainly worthy of reading and sharing again and again. If for no other reason they will undoubtedly spark praise and joy in our own hearts as they refocus us on the greatness of our God.

Life isn’t always easy so praising God isn’t always easy. Likewise, being joyful in all circumstances, as James suggested, is at best a challenge and at worst seemingly impossible. However, when we realize the key is maintaining a focus fixed on Him – past (what we’ve witnessed in the Scriptures or in our own lives), present (His fingerprints in our own lives and those we know), and future (His promises of His presence with us, constantly new mercies, and eternal life …) – we feed both praise and joy.

My dear brothers and sisters, consider it an opportunity for pure joy when you face trials of many kinds. For you know when your faith is tested your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

James 1:2-4

I have made this statement in previous weeks, but it bears repeating. Consider these stories and their truths often so that you do not grow weary and lose heart. Fix your eyes on Him and not the circumstances of Your life – only then will we truly surrender and say as Leah did, still in the midst of her loveless marriage, “Now I will praise the Lord!” As we saw again and again this week, the choice is ours. May we choose well – so that Jesus may say of us, “they chose the best part”.

“Mary has chosen the best part; it will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:42 NET

If you missed any of this week’s devotions from me you’ll find them at this link

If you missed any of the Love God Greatly Blogs for week 5 you’ll find them at these links:

https://lovegodgreatly.com/sing-to-the-lord/

https://lovegodgreatly.com/held-by-gods-hand/

https://lovegodgreatly.com/wholehearted-worship/

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Mary of Bethany: At Jesus’ Feet

Day 5, Week 5 of Beautifully Surrendered, A Love God Greatly Study

Today’s Reading: Luke 10:38-42, John 11:1-44, John12:1-11; SOAP – John 12:3

Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

John 12:3 NLT
Observation: What’s the Story

Mary was continually found at the feet of Jesus. Read the passage again and watch as she sits at His feet listening to Him talk and teach. Look and listen as she falls at His feet weeping over the death of her brother. Then, take in the beauty of her extravagant act of celebration and worship of Jesus’s resurrection of Lazarus; she poured out the best of what she had onto His feet and and then wiped them with her hair. Her devotion to Jesus was quite clear in both her words and actions, even to the point of defying cultural norms.

Application: How Then Should We live?

Jesus told Martha that Mary had “chosen” the best part. So, since a favorable opinion from Christ is the best of everything we can hope for, we would be wise to choose as Mary did to sit at His feet, soaking up His Words as we listen to Him talk or teach. Likewise, we should not be afraid to fall at His feet in our sorrows weeping and sharing our thoughts or regrets with Him. Mary did this and Jesus was “intensely moved in spirit”, even to the point of weeping and calling Lazarus out of the grave! Lastly, by Mary’s example, we should be willing to pour out the best of ourselves at His feet in grateful adoration of who He is and what He’s done.

Prayer: Response to His Word

Father, thank You for showing us Mary’s heart and passion for Jesus, our Savior. Despite cultural norms and people’s opinions she desired to be “at Jesus’ feet”. Oh that we might choose well, as Christ said Mary did – letting nothing hold us back from being at His feet.

YOUR TURN: Set aside time to read and reflect on each of the passages

What’s your take away from the story about Mary of Bethany?

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Her Actions spoke louder than words

Many people praise God with their words, but Mary of Bethany praised God through her actions.

  • Why do you think her actions “spoke” louder than any words she could have said?
  • What can you do to sit at His feet?
  • What sorrows or concerns do you have that would be better laid at His feet?
  • What can you ‘anoint His feet’ with?
WANT MORE?

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Deborah: Praising God for Victory

Today’s Reading: Judges 4:1-5:9; SOAP: Judges 5:3-9

“Listen, you kings!
    Pay attention, you mighty rulers!
For I will sing to the Lord.
    I will make music to the Lord, the God of Israel.

4 “Lord, when you set out from Seir
    and marched across the fields of Edom,
the earth trembled,
    and the cloudy skies poured down rain.
5 The mountains quaked in the presence of the Lord,
    the God of Mount Sinai—
in the presence of the Lord,
    the God of Israel.

6 “In the days of Shamgar son of Anath,
    and in the days of Jael,
people avoided the main roads,
    and travelers stayed on winding pathways.
7 There were few people left in the villages of Israel[b]—
    until Deborah arose as a mother for Israel.
8 When Israel chose new gods,
    war erupted at the city gates.
Yet not a shield or spear could be seen
    among forty thousand warriors in Israel!
9 My heart is with the commanders of Israel,
    with those who volunteered for war.
Praise the Lord!

Judges 5:3-9
Observations:

The first part of the story is important in understanding and appreciating the victory, so let’s take a look…

  • The Israelites again did evil in the Lord’s sight
  • The LORD turned them over to King Jabin of Canaan
  • The army’s general was Sisera
  • The Israelites cried out to the LORD for help because Sisera’s army was strong and he had cruelly oppressed them for twenty years

Meanwhile, God is working through a Prophetess named Deborah. Verse four says that she was leading Israel at the time of Sisera’s oppression of Israel. One day Deborah brought the commander of Israel’s army to her and reminded him what God had called him to do, which was to go to battle against Sisera and Jabin’s army. Deborah encouraged his obedience by promising her help (6-9). When Barak agreed she made sure he understood that while the victory would belong to Israel, he would not be the one gaining fame. She explained that the LORD would turn Sisera over to a woman, which is exactly what happened (14-24).

The Victory Song

Deborah’s song of praise that she sang with Barak did not focus on HOW the victory humanly took place, nor on who the “people were” that brought down the enemies – BUT on God alone! It was specific to what God had done and how He had used Deborah as a motherly protector in Israel.

How Then Should We Live?

We may not sit in a judge’s seat or rule God’s people from under a tree but we would be right to encourage others to do what God has called them to do, as Deborah did with Barak. The author of Hebrews said that we must encourage one another daily so that no one becomes hardened by sins deceitfulness.

We would also be right and wise to sing a victory praise song to celebrate God’s goodness, focusing the praise on Him and what He did.

 But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.

Hebrews 3:13 CSB
Prayer Response:

Father – victory is ours through Jesus Christ! May we be quick to sing Your praises – specific to what you’ve done and always focused on You. – AMEN!

Your Turn:

What’s your take away from Deborah’s story?

Reflection Questions:

Deborah praised God in the midst of battle.

  • Why is this important for us to do as well?
  • Why is it important to remember how God has fought on our behalf?
  • What can we learn from Deborah’s example?
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Leah: Praise the LORD

Day 2, from week 5 of Beautifully Surrendered, A Love God Greatly

Today’s Reading: Genesis 29:31-35, 30:9-21; SOAP Genesis 29:35

Once again Leah became pregnant and gave birth to another son. She named him Judah, for she said, “Now I will praise the Lord!” And then she stopped having children.

Genesis 29:35
Observations:
This Time

Leah had already been blessed with three other sons and with the first two births she acknowledged they were from the Lord. With the first two and the third she also made mention of the situation with her husband, how she was unloved and hoping that because of the children he would love her more. However, with the birth of the fourth son, her words were different, “This time I will praise the LORD!”, perhaps indicating a different attitude – as though not so woe is me. Whatever the difference meant, the noted praise was more intentional and direct.

Worth Noting

It is worth nothing that this fourth son, Judah, is the one God names as the tribe from which His own Son, The Lion of Judah, will come. 

The Lion of the tribe of Judah is a symbol found in Genesis and Revelation. In Genesis, Jacob blesses his son Judah, referring to him and his future tribe as a lion’s cub and a lion (Genesis 49:9). In Revelation, this symbol is seen again when the Lion of the tribe of Judah is declared to have triumphed and is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals (Revelation 5:5). Jesus is the One who is worthy to open the scroll (see John 5:22). Therefore, Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. https://www.gotquestions.org/lion-tribe-Judah.html
How Then Should We Live?

We should be quick to acknowledge God’s work in our lives – or even in the lives of others. Direct and intentional praise brings glory to God – which is something we should strive for. After all, we were created to for His glory.

Bring all who claim me as their God,
    for I have made them for my glory.
    It was I who created them.’”

Isaiah 43:7
One Other Note

I feel I would be remiss if I failed to mention this one other observation that I believe is a point worth imitating. Leah commemorated all of the births as blessings of God by naming them with names that would remind her what God had done. I can’t help but think this is something to consider, not necessarily in the naming of our children but capturing the gifts in a journal, or with a photograph, or a conversation … the special ways God reveals Himself to you throughout your life. The Israelites used stones on a variety of occasions as memorial markers, such as in Genesis 28:1-22 and Joshua 4, Leah used names, what can you use?

Prayer Response:

Father, we are quick to say, “God did this”, but let us never fail to be intentional to genuinely praise You! Let us find ways to remember what You have done, so that they remain testaments of Your goodness and Your faithfulness – that we may never cease to praise You. May our praises bring You the glory and pleasure You are due! – Amen!

Your Turn:

What’s your take away from Leah’s story?

Reflection Questions:

In the midst of feeling unloved by her husband, we see Leah praising God for blessing her with her children.

  • What does this story teach us about Leah and her relationship with God?
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Miriam: Sing to the LORD

Day 1, from week 5 of Beautifully Surrendered, A Love God Greatly

Today’s Reading: Exodus 15:1-21; SOAP verse 20-21

Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine and led all the women as they played their tambourines and danced.  And Miriam sang this song:

“Sing to the Lord,
    for he has triumphed gloriously;
he has hurled both horse and rider
    into the sea.”

Exodus 15:20-21
Observations:

Remember, from our earlier encounter with Moses’ mother, Miriam is Moses’ sister. She is the same one who watched to make sure he was safe after their mother put Moses in the river. We learn here that she was a prophetess, which simply means she was a woman who spoke about/for God. As we see here she was also one who encouraged or exhorted people with words of praise, telling or singing what He had done for His people.

How Then Should We Live?

Without question we should praise God for what He does, making sure to stay focused on Him and what He has done. When we lose sight of these details and His role in our life and the world around us we put ourselves in jeopardy of forgetting what He’s done. The danger in this is then we will fail to give Him the praise that He is worthy of. We should follow the example of Miriam who sang praises. Not only did she sing with Moses and the Israelites but she reverberated the praise the others had given – she kept the praise going – which is exactly what we should be in the habit of doing.

Remember the old song from the 70’s, “Pass It On”? Verse one went like this:

“It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That’s how it is with God’s Love,
Once you’ve experienced it,
Your spread the love to everyone
You want to pass it on.”

It’s that first line that came to mind as I was writing this. In today’s passage we read “Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD ….” Then in our focus verses we read that Miriam sang in response to what had been sung … someone started the song and when they had finished she kept it going. Praise is contagious!

Background NOTE:

Our passage starts out with the word, “then”, meaning what’s about to happen – happened because of what came before it. In this case – what prompted the praise song. According to what we read in chapter 14 they are singing praises to God because He has just delivered them through The Red Sea – on dry ground – and then watched as God released the water, bringing it crashing down on the Egyptian Army that was pursing them. Certainly worthy of the praise they gave!

Prayer Response:

Father, all praise and glory are due Your Name! May praise continually flow from my lips and may my life bring You glory. May I be alert to Your work in and around me. May I not lose sight of what You do and what You have taught. For You are worthy O God of continual praise and honor – Let my lips, as the Psalmist said – glorify You forever! Amen!

Your Turn:

What’s your take away from Miriam’s story?

Reflection Questions:

Miriam led the Israelite women with singing and praised God for the miracle He performed in Exodus 15.

  • What can we learn from her example?
  • Why is it important to praise God?
Want More?

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Beautifully Surrendered: Looking Ahead to Week 5

A Love God Greatly Bible Study about God’s Heart for His Daughters

In the coming week (week 5), we will look at what it means to be “Women of Joy and Praise”. We will build on knowing that God loves, sees, and cherishes women, and continue to focus on the fact that faith and prayer play a huge part in our surrender and sacrifice that is required of those who follow Jesus.

Our focus/memory verse is found in Psalm 34:1 – I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. It’s a lovely example of the praises we will read in the stories we read this week as we continue our journey through the word, discovering “God’s heart for His daughters”.

This Week’s Challenge from the team at Love God Greatly:

Who in your life have you seen fight for joy and praise God in the midst of hard times? Make a point this week to encourage her and share what you have seen in her life and how it has impacted you.