The room was still dark when Mary awakened. For a moment the events of the past days seemed like nothing more than a horrible nightmare. As she rose and lit the oil lamp, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the polished water pitcher sitting on a table nearby. A tear stained face with swollen eyes, stared back at her. And instantly Mary knew it was no dream. She fell to her knees as the horrific images of her Savior being crucified came rushing back, and the tears began to flow once more.

Jesus Christ, Mary’s Master, Teacher, and Friend, had been arrested and sentenced to death. He was beaten beyond recognition, wearing a crown of thorns, and hung on a Cross. Many others who had followed this Man now deserted Him in fear. But not Mary. Her heart wouldn’t allow her to leave. And so there she stood at the feet of her Savior, whom she loved so dearly. She witnessed His unbelievable grace as He forgave those crying out for His death. She felt His amazing love as He turned the care of His mother over to His dearest friend. And with a broken heart, she heard Him take His very last breath. 

When it was over, Mary watched from afar as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea removed the body of Christ from the Cross. And after they had wrapped Him in linen filled with spices fit for a king, Mary followed behind as they laid His body in a tomb. And only after the tomb had been sealed with a stone rolled across it, did Mary return home to grieve her terrible loss.

That was two days ago. And now, in the early morning hours, Mary was off to meet the mother of James. Together they were going back to the tomb where her Lord laid. Oh how Mary had longed to go yesterday, but as it was the Sabbath, she had to wait. But at last, today, she could return to her Messiah. Loving and gently, she would properly anoint His body with spices she had so painstakingly purchased.

As she walked in the darkness, Mary’s mind wandered back to when she first met this Jesus of Nazareth. Her life then was one of agony and suffering. Being possessed by seven demons, Mary was battered and bruised, both physically and mentally. She was considered an outcast and shunned by society. But then Jesus came. And instead of turning away in disgust as so many others before Him, He turned toward her. “Mary”, He called. Mary looked into His face and suddenly felt a wave of love wash through her that she had never before experienced. Finally she was free! The demons that had ravaged her life for so many years had left at the command of this Man! And from that moment on, in loving thankfulness, she had devoted her life to following and serving Jesus. But now with His death, all of that had been ripped away.

As Mary neared the tomb, she wondered aloud who would help roll the stone away so the women could get inside and perform the anointing. But when they arrived, to Mary’s horror, she found the stone already removed and no body inside. The linens Jesus had been wrapped in laid crumbled on the ground, but His body was nowhere to be found. Instead some strange man dressed in a white robe stood inside. “Jesus is not here”, said the man. “He has risen, just as He said.” Confused and afraid, Mary ran back to tell her fellow disciples what had just happened. 

Racing back to the tomb with Peter, Mary stood to catch her breath while the disciple looked inside. After seeing for himself that the Lord was gone, Peter left to tell the others, leaving Mary alone at the tomb. This was just all too much for her, and Mary collapsed in a pile of tears. In the midst of her grief, she heard a man ask, “Woman, why are you crying?" Who is it you are looking for?" Thinking this man the gardener, she pled, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him." Then suddenly the voice became the same familiar and loving one she heard calling her name all those years ago. “Mary”, He said. Instinctively she turned and answered, “Teacher!”

How could this be? Standing in front of Mary was Jesus, alive and talking to her! “Mary”, Jesus said again snapping her out her wonderment. “Pull yourself together and deliver my message to My disciples. For I have not yet ascended to My Father.”

Although she was pained to again leave her Lord, Mary obeyed. And as she left to share the good news, tears once again filled her eyes. But far from tears of pain, the tears she now cried were of joy and gladness. For her Savior had returned and had chosen her to be the first one to appear before. 

As she walked Mary now had a pep in her step, for she couldn’t wait to tell everyone of Christ’s return, His great love and His ability to rescue anyone from even the greatest depths of darkness.

Peanut Butter Pasta 

10 ounces thin pasta 

2 tablespoons olive oil

2/3 cup chicken stock 

One 12-ounce bag frozen stir-fry veggie medley, thawed

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 

6 tablespoons sweet chili sauce 

2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 

1 lime, juiced 

1/2 cup finely chopped green onion 

2 teaspoons red pepper flakes 

1/4 tsp. sesame oil (optional)

2/3 cups chicken stock

3 cups shredded chicken

chopped peanuts (optional)

chopped cilantro (optional)

In a large stockpot set over medium-high heat, cook the pasta according to the package directions, then drain and set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a high-sided medium skillet over medium heat. Add the veggie medley and then the peanut butter, chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, green onion, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and chicken stock. Cook, whisking, until the peanut butter is melted and the oil is incorporated, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the drained noodles and the chicken, and toss to coat. Cook until heated through, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a large serving dish and top with chopped peanuts and cilantro if desired. Serve warm.

 Hi Girls! 

We hope and pray you are learning a lot about each of the women we have studied thus far and their lives have made a positive impact onto your own! It's now onto week 4 and Mary Magdalene!

Our Memory Verse  for this week is Isaiah 43:1

..."But now, this is what the Lord says—He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel: 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.'"

Mary Magdalene's story is found in these passages:

Matthew 27:57 -61

Matthew 28:1-10

Mark 15: 40-47

Mark 16: 1-11

Luke 8:2-3 

Luke 24:1-11, 22-24

John 19:25 

John 20:1-3, 11-18

Have you noticed a pattern forming in that one week we have very little Scripture to study and the next week we have tons? We hadn't planned it that way, I promise, and we want to encourage you to read a few of these passages each day this week to discover all we can about Mary Magdalene. 

This will be how our study this week will run: 

• Monday: Her story--a portrait of her life
• Tuesday: Her life and times--background information about the culture of her day
• Wednesday: Her legacy in Scripture--a short Bible study on her life with application to your own
• Thursday: Her promise--the Bible promises that apply to her life and yours
• Friday: Her legacy of prayer--and praying in light of her story

We want to also encourage you to be thinking along these lines as you study each woman throughout the week. Ask yourself:

Friday January 29^th-Anna-Luke 2:36-38

As of this time of writing we are in the midst of an inauguration of a new president, with much turmoil.  My husband and I have just spent time fasting and praying for our country.  What peace and joy has filled our souls.  Fasting brings peace, joy and humility before our God.  It keeps us focused on Him!

Anna was a prophetess, serving and worshiping day and night with fastings and prayers in the temple.  She was married for a few short years, seven to be exact and then was a widow the rest of her days.  She was eighty four years old.  What rejoicing when she saw Jesus for she recognized him.   She began giving thanks to God and continued to share Jesus with all who were looking for redemption and deliverance. 

Did you see that?  Anna devoted her life to fasting and praying and because she did she knew Jesus when she saw Him and not only that she would tell everyone about Him.

That is the kind of life I want to live before our God.

Lord,  I will exalt You, my God.  I will bless Your name forever.  Every day I will bless You and lovingly praise You.  Great are You, Lord and highly to be praised.  You are my light and my salvation, Whom shall I fear?  You are my refuge and the fortress of my life.  One thing I ask of You Lord, that I will seek and dwell in Your house all the days of my life.  I will bless the Lord at all times and His praise shall continually be in my mouth.  Lord put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to You, my God; so that many will see, fear and trust in You.  Help me to delight to do Your will, O my God; for your law is written in my heart.  You are my refuge and strength, a very present help in time of need.  I will be still before You, God; for You will be exalted among the nations and in the earth.  Lord of hosts You are with me.

O magnify the Lord with me, and let us lift up His name together.  Amen!

How about you?  Have you tried fasting?  Have you spent a day with the Lord, just you and Him in His Word, pouring out your heart to Him? 

EVERY WEEK WE MEET FOR PRAYER AND WE WOULD LOVE TO PRAY FOR YOU.  LEAVE YOUR REQUESTS HERE AND WE WILL BRING THEM BEFORE THE FATHER. 

Only a few verses....a mere glimpse into the life of Anna...but we know that she was a prophetess who believed the promises of God and served Him faithfully. She lost her husband at a young age but she found fulfillment and purpose in living a life of consistent dedication to God. I imagine that as she found herself in her later years she could relate to these verses from the Psalms.

‭

“For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you. I have become a sign to many; you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭71:5-8‬ 

And as we learn from Luke, she was given the great privilege in those later years of witnessing God’s promises revealed through the meeting of Mary, Joseph and the young infant Jesus ‭in the temple where she spent her days worshiping, fasting and praying. I imagine that she shared such wondrous news with many who would come to the temple. Again, I see a picture of her in the Psalms. 

“As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long— though I know not how to relate them all. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭71:14-18‬ 

God took care of Anna and provided a rich, fulfilling life for her even though she was a single woman for most of it. He sustained her even in her older years. She was valued by Him and shown favor. As the years inevitably catch up with each of us, we can take comfort in God’s promises and know that He can still use us to minister to others and glorify Him. We are His children and He has plans for our lives and says that He will be with us and sustain us from our first breath to our last. 

““Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭46:3-4‬ ‭

 Luke 2

Someone once said that on every tomb stone there is found a dash between the date of birth and date of death, which begs the question, what will you do with your dash? Or more explicitly, what will your legacy be? Anna is only afforded three verses in the entire Bible, but there is a lot of information packed into them. Notice,

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, ³⁷ and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. ³⁸ Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

We’re told that she only lived with her husband for seven years. If she married at the usual age of other girls back then, that would have placed her in early twenties when her husband died and young enough to remarry and still have a family, but Anna preferred to remain in the temple to worship, pray and fast for some sixty years!  Imagine that! I wonder how many other women back then, or even now, would consider this to be a life well spent.

But there is a lot I’ve learned from Anna:

1.      Anna's focus was on her God not her circumstances.

How long have you stuck with something in spite of little to no support? Women were not permitted into the inner courts of the temple. Their primary duty was to marry and raise children. She went against the culture of the day to remain in the temple.  I don’t think I would have been so inclined to persevere, but think of how many people Anna was able to share her faith with, pray for and support over those sixty years. I believe she could remain there because her eyes were fixed on God and not her circumstances:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. – Hebrews 12:1-3

2. Anna’s life was one of obedience.
Anna obeyed God. She surrendered her will to God and did what God told her to do. How about you? Has God told you to do something but you've been hesitant? How quick are you to obey when God gives you a directive knowing the blessings of being obedient far outweigh the blessings of getting your way?

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. – 1 Peter 4:10-11

3. Anna’s life demonstrates that with God all things are possible.
Even in the toughest of times (Anna being widowed at such a young age) God is with us. Anna assures us that we can be used by God no matter who we are, or what situation we find ourselves in.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; Your love, O LORD, endures forever – do not abandon the works of Your hands.
-Psalm 138:7-9

4. God provided for Anna.
How was Anna able to provide for herself residing in the temple night and day? The answer is, she didn’t, God did.  Being a widow, Anna, had to rely on others to feed and clothe her. The Lord provided for her and He will provide for us too!

My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped. I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.
–Psalm 17:5-6

5. Anna was courageous and committed.
I don’t think I need to go into the kind of courage and commitment it would take for anyone to remain in God’s house night and day ministering to others and telling others about the coming Savior. I thought of Joshua 1:9 for courage,

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, [push past your fears to reach your goals] for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

And Romans 5;3-5 for commitment:

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us – they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

6. Anna understood what patience meant.
She waited for Christ to come despite the many years that had past. This one truly hits me right at my core, for patience has never been one of my best virtues. I am not sure I could have waited that long, but Anna could wait because of all the reasons I stated above. She knew God, she was completely surrendered and committed to Him, and she knew more so than anyone perhaps, that with God all things are possible.

I believe Anna could have penned these words herself:

We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. - Col 1:11-12

Blessings, 

sue

 Tuesday, January 26, 2021

This week our study turns to Anna, an elderly prophetess from Jerusalem. Reading her story, and of Anna’s deep commitment to God, brought up memories of my own beloved Grandmother. A godly woman, my Grandmother would often send letters filled with faith and wisdom that comes only with age and a close walk with the Lord. And it got me wondering if she could, what kind of letter would Anna write? I imagine it might go something like this....

My dearest loved ones,

Oh how I’m bursting with joy to share the news! Finally after many years of waiting, God has given me the deepest desires of my heart. For today I saw the long awaited Messiah! A perfect little baby boy who will grow up to save the world!

Precious ones, God is so very good. He has blessed my long and faithful service to Him. As you well know, for many, many years I have been ministering before the Lord in the temple. My days and nights are filled with fasting, praying, and proclaiming His Word for all to hear. And although I’ve spent most of my life in the temple, I  must admit, sometimes it feels like just yesterday when I first came to the Lord’s house.

After seven years of marriage, my husband had passed. Broken hearted and at a crossroads, my Father Phanuel, wanted me to remarry. After all, that’s what a respectable Jewish woman does. But my heart wasn’t leading me to be a wife and mother. Instead it longed to dedicate my life in complete service to my God and His people. I guess you could call me a rebel, because that’s just what I did. And ever since, I have been joyfully working and waiting for prophecy to be fulfilled, and the promises of God brought to life. Which brings me back to why I’m writing. As I shared earlier, I have seen the Christ child! 

It was a day like any other. Mothers and fathers were arriving with their babies for the purification ceremony, as dictated by our culture. It’s always such a sweet sight to watch the proud families as they present their child to God, and the innocence and hope found in the faces of the newborns. As I was praying, I felt the Spirit lead me to go to the entrance of the temple. Once there, I saw standing before me, brother Simeon, a very devout man of faith. He was holding a baby and pronouncing great blessing over the child. Immediately my heart leapt with joy and tears streamed down my face, for I knew instantly that this was the promised Messiah! Praise sprung from my lips for the grace God showed me by letting me see His only begotten Son! 

Sweet sisters and brothers, I have heard that some of you have struggled with doubt, or in finding your purpose. Have you gone to God, asking for a heart of belief? Have you, in faith, laid your doubts at His feet? I Anna, prophetess from the tribe of Asher, can testify that every word of God rings true. I have seen His promises fulfilled before my very eyes. And if there’s anything I have learned in my 84 years it’s this. Believe! For each and every promise of God will come to pass. Finally, keep working for God’s kingdom. Because no matter who we are, or our age, when we live with an open heart, the Spirit will lead us to our calling. 

I’ll close now and with a heart of gladness, I thank God for each of you. “May the Lord bless you and keep you; Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Num. 6:24-26)

Chazak u'baruch, (Be strong and be blessed),

Anna

We're already onto week three of our study! I hope you've been enjoying the study on the women of the New Testament so far. This week Anna is found in just a few verse in the Book of Luke, but there is a lot here as you will soon see this week!

Anna's story is found in Luke 2:22-38 or more specifically verse 36-38 

Remember each week we're looking for:

• Monday: Her story--a portrait of her life
• Tuesday: Her life and times--background information about the culture of her day
• Wednesday: Her legacy in Scripture--a short Bible study on her life with application to your own
• Thursday: Her promise--the Bible promises that apply to her life and yours
• Friday: Her legacy of prayer--and praying in light of her story

We want to also encourage you to be thinking along these lines as you study each woman throughout the week. Ask yourself:

4 large eggs, room temperature

2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2-1/4 teaspoons baking powder

1-1/4 cups 2% milk

10 tablespoons butter, cubed

Friday January 22^nd-Mary-the mother of Jesus-Prayer

Luke 1:26-55

Young Mary about to be married to Joseph is greeted by an angel because she has found favor with God.  Her life is about to be changed and her response is to glorify God.  

God sends an angel [Gabriel] to Mary who is engaged to Joseph, descendants of David who is a virgin.  The angel greets her saying the Lord is with you.  She is perplexed at such a greeting as this.  He tells her that she has found favor with God.  He tells her that she is going to have a son and she is to call him Jesus.  He tells her about Jesus that He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High and that the Lord will give Him the throne of His father David and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever and His kingdom will have no end.  Mary says to the angel, how can this be, I am a virgin.  He says to her the Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.  He goes on to tell her about her relative Elizabeth who is with child in her sixth month.  He tells her NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD.  Mary’s response , “Behold, the bond slave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.”  After the angel left her she departed to visit with Elizabeth and as we have read last week, Elizabeth greeted her with Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!  And Mary response is what we call the magnificat! 

The Magnificat is a poem of praise to God, praising Him for His blessing to Mary and His faithfulness to Israel. The Magnificat also highlights a series of reversals in which the proud are humbled and the humble are exalted—not the least being a poor young girl who will be the mother of the Messiah.  [Matthew Henry]

·     magnifies and exalts God and rejoices in God her Savior.

· She is humble before the Lord.

· Realizes that she will be counted as blessed and favored by God!

·     That He has done great things for her

·     He is Holy

·     His mercy is upon every generation toward those who fear Him from generation to generation

·     He does mighty deeds with His powerful arm and scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

·     He brings down rulers

·     He exalts those who are humble

·     He fills the hungry with good things

·     He helps His servant Israel in remembrance of His mercy just as He promised to our father, Abraham and to his descendants forever.

O Lord my God my soul magnifies and exalts You Lord.  My spirit rejoices in You, God my Savior.  I rejoice in You, my Lord who blesses me with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places and has forgiven me of my sins.  I am humble in Your sight O Lord, to think that You would even think of me.  You gave up Your life for mine!  My hope is in You my Savior and helper.

You, Who made the heavens and the earth and all that it contains.  You keep my faith forever and You execute justice for the oppressed.  You give food to the hungry and You set the prisoners free.  You, open the eyes of the blind and lift up those who are bowed down.  You love the righteous.  You protect the stranger and support the fatherless and the widow, but, You make crooked the path of the wicked.  You have done mighty deeds with Your powerful right hand.  Your right hand, O Lord, is majestic in power, and shatters the enemy.  You have kept the promises that You made to Abraham and Your mercy is on every generation that fears You.  Your every word proves true and You are a shield to those who trust in You.  You are my strong tower and that I can run into and be safe.
I praise You Lord!  Praise the Lord O my soul!  I will praise You while I live!  It is good to sing praises to You, my God and King!  Amen

How can we be praying for you this week?