Welcome to Monday Morning Inspirational Blast/Message DEBORAH A ROLE MODEL despite previously sharing LADY DEBORAH OF DISTINCTION there is more to share as well as many times we can gain different thoughts from reading an article or book over and over again. DEBORAH was known as a “Fearless patriot, the 5th Judge of Israel, prophetess, agitator suggesting activist with decisive action, warrior, poetess, wife, maternal figure and most of all trusted God as she sat under her Palm tree to rule in righteousness translating-telling the revelation of God. Her heart was filled with “Grace divine” like a sweet smelling savor (smell) over the whole land that pleased God. Scripture references are Judges 4 and 5, Hebrews 11:32-34.
Can you imagine all these attributes wrapped up in one woman? But God! As we highlight a portion of Deborah’s attributes women think about your “Good works” of gifts and talents for the LORD. Your attributes as a warrior in fighting or standing firm on your family values, godly beliefs and/or role as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend and/or co-worker. How has your “Good works” impact others and/or yourself?
As a mother once “I came to myself” realizing I had to model appropriate not foul language. James 3:10 “Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” Upon the change, I felt more like a godly mother. As an employee serving the public at 19 years old, remembering one client. I completed his paperwork and approved the services. He said to me “If I had not gotten the services I was going out there and do something.” I asked no questions but, was glad able to help. We never know what people are going through. The “Golden Rule is do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Yes we have to follow the job rules, but with pleasant and kind attitudes when we serve the public. Also when we encounter others.
Deborah was chosen by God as the Judge and Prophetess over Israel, a nation of millions. Even though most of us are not over a nation of millions like Deborah we are still chosen and equip by God for “Good works” before you and I were formed in our mother’s womb like David fearfully wonderfully made and more. Psalm 139:13-16 “For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are God’s works; and that my soul knows right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in God’s book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. These scriptures tells of God’s authority and power including the demonstration of His love for us prior to conception. Yes we too are God’s masterpiece chosen for “Good works” through Jesus Christ a better covenant.
A cultural thing, “Momma Nem” would say, “Time is “Winding down” (means coming to an end). Therefore all may desire to do those “Good works” that many keep putting off. Then at the time of our Homegoing when the preacher say, “Good and faithful servant, well done” we hope to be true about us. So what else is the Spirit of the LORD pressing upon you and I to do? We can also ask “LORD what else You have me to do? ”My Aunt Bessie was old, 80 something. Her heart was burning to do more for the LORD. She asked, “God what else I can do while I can?” We are never too old unless there are conditions preventing us from doing more. I don’t what He told her, but I do know she was a prayer warrior, with lists of folks to pray for. God also speaks to us through His written Word—the Bible.
As God continues speaking to you what is your passion, your talent, your gift that will help, serve and bless others? It may be through teaching, writing, singing, dancing, praising, praying, worshiping, cooking, doctoring, nursing, policing, building and more. Noticing the suffix “Ing” which means to be happening right now. So let us get busy—not busy work. We can talk more about that later. If encountering distractions quite a few are legitimate. For example work schedule or caring for the sick or elderly. Yet caring for those that are vulnerable is a “Ministry, as well as ones’ job.” Many times we waste time and fail to “Make the vision plain.” Habakkuk 2:2-3 “And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”
Some hesitate due to fear. Second Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Continue blessings for all since God has already declared your destiny for “Good works” and serving with all of your might like Deborah. She was full of wisdom and a great influencer. Wisdom in the Hebrew Bible is expressed by the word “Hokmah” which means the idea of skill, intelligence, and prudence (caution). In Greek of the New Testament, “Sophia” is used to describe wisdom which is the idea of insight, knowledge, and good judgment.
Therefore wisdom is not just about knowledge but includes the ability to apply that knowledge wisely. It is the skill of making sound decisions, discerning what is right, and living accordingly which is vital. It’s not just by “What I say but, what I do.” More importantly the Bible portrays wisdom as a vital part of God’s character. In the Book of Proverbs, we find many wisdom scriptures, emphasizing the fear of the LORD as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). This verse highlights true wisdom starts with reverence for God, a recognition of His authority, dominion and power (theBibleverses.org).
Regardless of our roles as women or men of God we desire to operate in excellence. Wisdom in marital relationships. James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him/her ask of God, that gives to all men and women liberally (generously), and upbraid (scold) not; and it shall be given him/her. Now Deborah had a husband, but some say, “He had to be hen-pecked or Deborah wore the pants” due to her leadership responsibilities. Possibly the naysayers based their assumptions according to that era of time. Never-the-less we thank God that today’s husband is not assumed to be “Hen-pecked nor weak in wearing the pants” due to his wife’s leadership position and talents. Yet we fool not ourselves since there are some issues around wives’ career status and income. So we pray for humility, self-confident, love and respect in marriages where both are equip and reach their individual destiny places of professional/fulfillment that strengthens the marriage and approved by God.
Deborah reportedly did not have any maternal children, yet she was considered a mother to the Nation of Israel due to her wisdom and righteousness. Many of us may have never birth a child, but a mother to many in counsel, love, serve as foster mother, raised nieces, nephews and grands, care for the elderly and/or sick as well as like a mother to those in the church, school and within the neighborhood. Therefore we salute Mothers and all those like a Mother. Happy Mother’s Day.
There’s more—Israel was going into battle against the Canaanites. Barak of Israel’s army lacked courage and refuse to take his leadership role, despite Deborah told him more than once and paraphrasing “You got this. The LORD has spoken. You are victorious.” Barak was still afraid, however agreed to go if Deborah went with him. So “Fearless” warrior Deborah went with Barak. The war was won. Not accounted to Barak, but a woman named Jael.
Any like Barak? Reiterating 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Still afraid, let us go down “Memory lane” of how God has brought you and I through, answered our prayers and personally made us promises. One of His promises to me was and continues “I got your back.” When stuff is going on in our lives and we cry-out to God, He hears and answers us in plain but, a powerful Word!. Therefore we must trust God’s promises, His Word. A reminder to goggle His promises, write them down and say them out loud every day to increase faith. We can’t help but to internalize, believe and live out God’s promises for our lives. He is our power source and strength that moves us forward to complete His “Good works.” All honor, praise and thanks belongs to the LORD!
Now Deborah’s heart was said to be filled with “Grace divine” like a sweet smelling savor over the whole land of Israel. “Grace divine” ingredients of love, compassion, holiness and righteousness unto God and the Nation of Israel. Second Corinthians 2:15-16 “For we (every believer) are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?”
We are to mirror a fragrance, a smell of sweet savor to God through our heartfelt adoration for the LORD, filled with gratitude, love and godliness. A Prayer of Thanksgiving for God’s Sweet Aroma: LORD Jesus, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the sweet aroma of Your presence in our lives. Thank You for the blessings that fill our days and the love that surrounds us. May we always recognize and cherish the fragrance of Your grace, spreading it to the saved and unsaved as a testament of Your goodness. Amen (taken from Stmparish.org). DEBORAH A ROLE MODEL for all that loves the LORD. Continue blessings and love, Neatbooks4u
