Thursday  Sept. 30^th- Miriam, murmurings

Numbers 12: 1-16 

Murmurings- Uttering complaints in a low voice or sullen manner; grumbling; complaining [1820 Websters Dictionary]

Numbers 12:1-2-Miriam and Aaron are complaining against Moses their brother because of the woman he married.  They questioned whether the Lord had only spoken through Moses, does the Lord not speak through us also?

AND THE LORD HEARD THEM!

Their complaint against the woman he married was just a cover up for what really bothered them.  Remember everything that you think or murmur about, God hears.

Father,                                                                                            Aaron and I were talking how Moses had married a Cushite woman but we were really jealous of his relationship with You.  You heard us and called us out about it and in front of Moses.  Why did we think that You would not hear or do anything about what we were saying?  You were angry with us as You should be. What shame we had brought to You!  When you departed I was left in a leprous state.  I deserved death and You spared my life.  Aaron pleaded with Moses our brother on my behalf.  Moses cried out to You and after my time outside the camp I was healed.  Those were the longest 7 days of my life.  It gave me much time to think about what I had done.  Lord I want to go back to the days when I led the women in songs of praises to You our God for delivering us.  Exodus 15:21.  I want to serve You with songs of praise the rest of the days of my life.

Are you grumbling and complaining?

Are you jealous of someone?

Each one of us has a different walk with Jesus, do not be jealous of someone else.  Remember who you are in Christ. 

Eph. 1:3-14 - https://youtu.be/K8wW6T4Vhko

Every Friday we meet for prayer and would love to have you join us.  We meet at 9:00am EST.  over at women in the word bulletin board on our face book page. 

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Miriam was a woman who witnessed firsthand the awesome power of God many times in her lifetime. This trust was fostered in her as a young child by the women of faith close to her. Miriam trusted that God would be faithful and keep his promises to His people. She was taught to trust in spite of the challenges.

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”  Psalms‬ ‭32:7-8‬ 

Miriam knew about hiding. She helped her mother hide her new baby brother for 3 months hoping his cries would not be heard and his life snuffed out per Egyptian decree. She knew about trouble. She was born into slavery in Egypt and being a slave was a hard life under the cruel reign of the Egyptian Pharaoh. 

But, she also knew about deliverance. Just a child herself, she watched as the Egyptian princess fetched her baby brother from the river and decided to save his life. She boldly approached this royal entity, playing a vital role in returning Moses to the care of not just his loving mother and siblings but the care of his Israeli culture and heritage. Instead of growing up among Egyptian idol worship, he would be taught to worship the one, true God.

She knew trouble again as Moses returned to free his people and Pharaoh’s heart hardened, denying them freedom time and time again. But, yet again, she witnessed the deliverance of God in an amazing way. With the war chariots of the Egyptian army hot on their heels God parted the sea for their safe passage,then closed it upon their pursuing enemy. 

“Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing. Miriam sang to them: “Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea.””

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭15:20-21‬ ‭

Miriam gave all glory for deliverance to God and she taught by wisdom and example, leading the women to do the same. She knew that God was trustworthy and would help her. She taught the women that God was their strength and the source of their joy. As the Psalmist also knew, God hears His people and wants to help them. This should be cause for joy and celebration.

Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.” Psalms‬ ‭28:6-8‬ ‭

Miriam sets a good example for us today. God has delivered us from the power of sin through our Savior, Christ. In this fallen world, we will face troubles just as the Israelites did in Miriam’s day. But God desires us to know the richness of His love and blessings. We can encourage other women to trust in God with hearts of praise and gratitude. 

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians‬ ‭3:15-17‬ ‭

 Miriam's story can be found in, Exodus 2, 15. Numbers 12, 20:1.

I must admit I struggled for a while trying to decide what to write about on Miriam. After all she was 

• A wonderful sister to stand among the reeds watching after her baby brother as his little boat floated in the water. 
• She was brave to face Pharaoh's daughter 
• And quick and crafty to come up with the plan to suggest Jochebed nurse  her own son for the princess. (Exodus 2:1-10)
• She was a leader among the Israelites when most women were only to follow. (Exodus 15)

The hero’s of Exodus are often remembered as Moses and Aaron. But not to be forgotten is Miriam. A girl born into slavery, who never gave up, or ever lost hope. Miriam’s courage and strength carried her throughout her life as she grew to be a faithful prophet of God; leading her people out of bondage.

Miriam - “Never Give Up Hope”

The itching was terrible and Miriam was doing everything she could not to scratch. For if she did, the lesions on her arm would burst open and become infected. And the pain already was unbearable. She wrapped her blanket tighter, and looked out into the distance. 

A few miles away, Miriam could see the flicker of firelight and hear the muffled voices of men talking and children laughing. It was almost dusk, and the people of the camp were beginning to gather to their tents for the evening meal. She sat down next to the small fire she had managed to light, and a tear rolled down her cheek. 

“Why did I have to open my big mouth?,” Miriam cried. “I knew it was wrong to gossip about the wife of Moses, but I just couldn’t stand the thought of her walking around like she was somebody important! Who does she think she is anyway?” But as she looked again at her home in the distance, in her heart Miriam knew she had done wrong. And now she was facing the consequences. 

Struck by God with leprosy, the once esteemed prophetess of Israel was now reduced to an outsider. For as was the practice, being unclean, Miriam was forced to leave the camp. Seven long days she was to face the humiliation, pain, and separation alone by herself. With a heavy sigh Miriam murmured, “The camp will probably move on without me in the morning. Moses likes to get an early start.” And with a lump in her throat added, “I hope I can keep up. I’ll just have to do the best I can.”

Trying not to give in to despair, she laid down near the opening of her tent and gazed up at the nighttime sky twinkling with stars. And as Miriam drifted asleep; her thoughts floated back to a time when hope was all she had. That hope she desperately clung to as she placed her baby brother’s basket in the water of the Nile. That hope which had whispered to her heart that someday she would be reunited with that same lost brother. And that hope she had in the Lord which gave her the courage to help lead His people to the promised land. 

The soft, warm nuzzle Miriam felt against her cheek roused her from her sleep. As her eyes opened to the morning sun, she saw a young lamb staring back at her. Startled, Miriam went to stand. As she did the little sheep turned and ran. And to her delight, Miriam watched as he ran all the way back to the Israel camp. The camp that was still there! The one that hadn’t left her behind! The people who shut her out, but who didn’t walk away! Miriam’s hope was rekindled, and her heart humbled, as with each passing day, she could see the camp faithfully in the distance. 

When the time finally came for Miriam to go back to her people, again she relied on hope. For she couldn’t help but wonder how she would be received. Would Israel be forgiving? Would her brothers be happy to see her? Her hope was realized when a large group of the people came to welcome her back. They walked beside her the whole way dancing and singing songs of celebration. And when she entered the camp, Miriam was brought in again. 

Miriam’s story shows us that no matter the circumstances, there is always hope. And like Miriam, when we put our hope in Jesus, no matter how dark the night, the dawn of Christ will always rise. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) 

Chicken Tortilla Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with garlic and onion, undrained

5 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 rotisserie chicken, shredded, skin removed

1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

2 teaspoons lime juice

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Crushed tortilla chips

Shredded Monterey Jack or Shredded Cheddar

 In a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat; saute onion until tender, about 5 minutes. Add chiles, garlic, jalapeno and cumin; cook 1 minute. Stir in tomato sauce, tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Stir in chicken. Simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes. Add cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper. Top servings with chips and cheese.

Welcome to Scripture Saturday! 

Our verse for this week is Psalm 103:2-3..."Praise the Lord, my soul,and forget not all His benefits-who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases..."

This week we will hear more about Miriam, a woman who played an important part in the deliverance of God's people. She saved Moses, who went on to be their deliverer, and she was there as His people walked through the Red Sea. She loved her people and I can only imagine how joyful she must have been as she trusted and walked (perhaps ran!) along the path God made through the sea. Exodus 15 gives us the first song recorded in the Bible, penned by Moses, praising and worshipping God. It is known as the "Song of Moses and Miriam" Exodus 15.

Miriam's life however took a turn. She started to question Moses and his authority. The Lord, Who hears all, disciplined Miriam by striking her with leprosy. 

The verse for this week reminds us that, although we can all recall the times in our lives that God has blessed us, answered our prayers, strengthened us, given us wisdom, loves us beyond what we can imagine, we may sin against Him. BUT GOD, perhaps through grief that brings repentance, will heal, forgive, and will restore our relationship with Him. Be certain of this...He did so for Miriam and He will for us.

Have a blessed week everyone!

Sandra 

A PRAYER FOR LEAH’S STORY: (Gen. 29-30)

We all have a natural tendency to do it….we compare. We compare ourselves to others and we decide how we measure up…are we inferior, equal to, or are we superior? The problem is that we use human standards and the opinion of others to determine our worth and our value. And we often chase after an unobtainable objective….the acceptance and admiration of others. We clamor for the spotlight and we strive to come out on top. Leah and Rachel were no exception.

“Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Jacob was in love with Rachel… Genesis‬ ‭29:16-18

…and his love for Rachel was greater than his love for Leah…Genesis‬ ‭29:30‬ ‭

The stage is set…Rachel at this point has the spotlight. She is considered beautiful in the eyes of Jacob and desired. But, she isn’t the total package. In a society that valued fertility and the ability to pass on the family bloodline, Leah will get the upper hand.  Leah hopes this will put her in the spotlight to be loved and desired.  

“When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless. Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, “It is because the Lord has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.””  Genesis‬ ‭29:31-32‬ ‭

She thought: If only I had the love of my husband, my life would be complete.

You would think that the beautiful and desired Rachel would have been fulfilled and content in her position of favorite wife, but the love of her husband was not enough to fulfill her sense of identity. Being barren, she didn’t meet the standard of the culture and society she lived in and she envied seeing Leah in the that spotlight. 

“When Rachel saw that she was not bearing Jacob any children, she became jealous of her sister. So she said to Jacob, “Give me children, or I’ll die!”” ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭30:1‬

She thought, if only I had children, then my life would be complete.

Comparison is a dangerous tool of the devil, from which envy, jealousy, depression, anxiety, etc often form a bitter root. It causes us to focus on how we measure up to earthly standards and to each other instead of the intrinsic value and worth that we are given by our Creator. God wants us to be wiser than that and reap the blessings that come from selfless love and humility.

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” James‬ ‭3:13-18‬ ‭

Rachel and Leah kept looking for value, worth and a sense of being complete.  Where they failed, was in seeking the spotlight of human approval and validation which can never be enough. They were caught in the trap of being a “ people pleaser” instead of being free to be the authentic person that God desired them to be. Envy poisoned their perspectives and their ability to love each other. Instead of wishing goodwill towards the other, they were always trying to compete for favor and recognition. This is in stark contrast to the love of Christ.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”  Philippians‬ ‭2:3-4‬ ‭

Only in God can we find our true value and fulfillment. Only through Christ can we find unconditional love and acceptance. Only by getting over our sinful desire to compare and have the spotlight shining on our lives and circumstances can we truly love others with Christlike love. 

Remember:  We can not be all things to all people and we were never meant to be. We can not find happiness or peace in the gratitude or acceptance of others. We can not find completeness in the circumstances of life. Our fulfillment and intrinsic value comes from our Creator who works through us in spite of our imperfections. He is the One who should always have the spotlight. He is the One who promised us  the righteous completion of being in Christ.

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.””  1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:26-31‬ ‭

Reflection: 

1. Do you believe life is a stage you have to perform on?
2. Do your attitudes put the spotlight on yourself or God?
3. Do you know the purpose of your life and your intrinsic worth?
4. Does envy keep you from having Christlike love?

Leah and Rachel's story is found in
 Genesis 29 – 31; Genesis 33; Genesis 35; and Ruth 4:11.

Leah lay there, pulling the blankets up as tight as she could around her neck and shoulders as though they might offer some form of protection to what was coming, for it was almost morning, and soon Laban's charade would come to light. Soon, Jacob would learn the truth; that the deceiver had been deceived. But for just a few minutes more Leah would savor the warmth and misguided affections of her new husband. 

She lay there trying not to think about Jacob's reaction when he saw her homely face instead of Rachel's beautiful one. She didn't want to think about how her heart might shatter into a million pieces at his reaction to this deception. Instead, she would lay here just a few minutes more and pray that Jacob would one day come to love her just as much as he already loved Rachel.

Just then morning dawned and 

"... behold, it was Leah! And Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?” Genesis 29:25

And so began the heartbreaking marriage of Jacob and Leah. 

"For Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah." Genesis 29:30

Can you relate to Leah in some way?  I mentioned previously in writing about Hagar that I tend to root for the underdogs, perhaps because I have found myself in second place, overlooked, last pick and alone a time or two. 

Leah may never have felt loved by another in her lifetime, for what kind of father would cast off his oldest daughter to a man he knew loved another unless he wanted to be rid of her too, or thought there was no hope of another marriage for her?

And I'll admit, I've often wondered why Leah would have gone along with this charade unless she too felt she was left with no better choice. Can you imagine believing that marrying a man who is in love with your sister, is your best option moving forward?

Fortunately, feelings are not always a good judge of the realities around us. In Leah’s case, as well as ours, she IS very much loved and actually favored by God. God was looking down on the whole situation and took action;

"When the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called is name Reuben, for she said, “Because the Lord has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me.” She conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Because the Lord has heard that I am hated, he has given me this son also.” And she called his name Simeon. Again she conceived and bore a son, and said, “Now this time my husband will be attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore his name was called Levi. Genesis 29:31-34

Did you catch Leah's longing when naming her third son, Levi? "Now this time my husband will be attached to me, because I have borne him three sons."

Still longing for Jacob's love. But I want you to take note that through all these years of heartbreak, God was right there walking with her, granting her one blessing after another and the same is true for all of us! He has promised to never leave us, or forsake us, (Hebrews 13:5) no matter how desperate and lonely we feel. 

The Bible is full of precious promises of God's love and faithfulness to each of us! This just happens to be one of my favorites:

And sometime between the birth of Leah's third son and forth, I believe Leah figured this out, for when Leah bore her fourth son, her heart’s focus shifted from trying to earn the affections of her husband, to praising the God who had comforted her through these years,

"And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” Therefore she called his name Judah. Genesis 29:35 (emphasis added)

At this moment she became part of the linage of the promised Messiah (Matthew 1:2-3) But God didn't stop there! Leah went onto be the mother of six sons and one daughter in all and upon her death she was laid to rest next to her husband whose name had now been changed by God to Israel. 

Blessings,

Sue

Rachel and Leah. Two sisters instrumental in the history of the Jewish people who spent their lives competing over the affections of the same man. This caused deep  jealousy between the sisters. And the envy boiling inside of Rachel, made her blind to the blessings she received from God. 

Rachel and Leah - “Jealousy Blinds Us To God’s Blessings” 

Rachel nibbled on a long piece of grass as she drove her father’s herd to drink. The animals knew the path, so only once or twice did the young shepherdess have to swat a wayward lamb back into line. As the flock neared the watering well, Rachel saw the figure of a strange man standing among the shepherds waiting to water their sheep. Upon getting close enough for his face to come into full view, their eyes locked, and it was love at first sight. And so began the tormented triangle between Rachel, her sister Leah, and Jacob, the man they both loved.

As Rachel adjusted her bridal veil, she could hardly wait for the ceremony. Finally after agreeing to work seven years for Laban, Rachel and Jacob were to be wed. Her father was holding a great feast, and after would bring her to her new husband so they could consummate their marriage. But as the time passed, and with no one coming to get her, Rachel began to worry. And when Laban finally did come to her tent, her expectant joy soon turned to sorrow. For her father broke the news that her beloved had instead married her older sister Leah. Feelings of confusion, devastation, and betrayal filled Rachel, and she crumpled to the ground in a pile of tears. 

How could her father do this? How could her sister betray her? And how could the man who had pledged his love for her marry another? The next morning, with Laban’s deception revealed, Jacob agreed to work yet another seven years for the hand of Rachel. But the wedding wouldn’t happen for another week. And each day that passed, Rachel watched the celebrations held in Leah’s bridal tent. And each day that passed, the heart of Rachel seethed with jealousy.

The wedding came and went without much fanfare. There was no feast, or celebration, yet at least Jacob and Rachel were married. But instead of beaming with honeymoon happiness, Rachel was sullen. Yes it was true that she was able to marry for love. But she had waited 14 years. And yes she was beautiful, and cherished by Jacob. But she had to share her beloved husband. And yes she didn’t need to worry about her sister, because she too was well taken care of. But that came about as a result of her father’s deception. Because of her bitterness and jealousy, Rachel was blind to all of her many blessings. 

Rachel spent the rest of her life bitterly competing with her sister. And even though she knew the pain deception can cause, she too many times, practiced the art. God had blessed Rachel with much, but all she could see was what she didn’t have. And it was that blindness which eventually cost Rachel her life. Being barren, God had opened her womb and blessed her with her precious son Joseph. But Rachel wasn’t satisfied, for her sister Leah had more sons. And so her first words after the birth of her baby were, “May the Lord give me another son.” The Lord did give her another son, Benjamin. But Rachel died giving birth, leaving her beloved Joseph, Benjamin, and Jacob behind and broken-hearted.

Jealousy made Rachel blind to her blessings, and it can do the same to us. Sin, an ungrateful heart, and bitterness, all cloud our vision to the blessings God so generously gives. But when we start each day with gratitude, praise, and rejoicing, not only are our eyes opened, but so is our heart. And we can joyfully sing to the Lord, “amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I am found, was blind, but now I see.”

Red Apple Butter Bars

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups quick-cooking oats

2 cups packed brown sugar

1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1-1/2 cups butter, melted

2 medium apples, chopped

1-1/2 cups apple butter

1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients; stir in butter. Reserve 1-1/3 cups crumb mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture onto bottom of a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely on a wire rack. (Don’t skip this step) Sprinkle apples over crust; spread with apple butter. Stir walnuts into reserved topping; sprinkle over apple butter. Bake 35-40 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Welcome to Scripture Saturday! 

Our verse for this week is Isaiah 41:10..."Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Genesis 30:22 says, "Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb." God remembered Rachel, but He had never really forgotten her.  When the Bible uses the word remember, it doesn't mean that God forgets and then suddenly recalls - as if the all-knowing, all-powerful God of the universe suddenly hits His forehead with the heel of His hand and says, "Oops! I forgot all about Rachel, I'd better do something quickly!" (Spangler, Syswerda)

No, when the Bible says God remembers something, it expresses God's love and compassion for His people. That means us girls! The story of Rachel reminds us that God promises to never abandon us, leaving us without His support and love. He is always right there by our side. He is present and attentive, aware of our deepest desires. All we need to do is turn our eyes to Him.

Have a blessed week everyone!

Sandra