Women of Faith - New Bible Study

In the final weeks of Lent, This Side of Paradise, will be featuring a bible snapshots on Women in the Bible  Women are vital in the divine purpose of God's will being carried out on earth.  Women played pivotal roles in scripture, enacting God's work in the world.  The Holy Trinity continues to use women in ministry.  Though many women are being shunned and abused in parts of the world through trafficking, patriarchal codes and domestic violence, God hears the cries of women and loves and works to stand up for rights of women in HIS divine mercy.  It is our duty to stand up for women who are oppressed, as well as children who are in abusive situations.  As a woman I find courage in the love God provided women such as Eve, Sarah, Hannah and Mary in test and trial.  I know that God has heard my cries for salvation and in faith and thanksgiving I can be an instrument of HIS peace.

The Bible is an extraordinary book because God's Holy Book, is not a record of perfection, but rather his love and redemption in an imperfection society and the work of the faithful as imperfect but loving servants of God - who make mistakes, face hardships, endure pain and suffering;  even when we turn away from him - God holds fast to his love and care for all of his creation.  How AMAZING it is to know in spite of our sin and selfishness, error and our own self-doubt - we are loved by heaven - not for our worth as righteous, but by grace in God's pure love for us.  In knowing God's pure love we too can trust to walk confidently in faith and even in times of trouble - though we question God's will, we know HIS will is a path that will lead us into truth and security.

The women of the bible, like all humans are flawed, but in their flawed state, they still trust in God to heal them and their people and actively work to do HIS work on the earth and show empathy and care for those around them. Eve, Sarah, Leah, Rachel...they are all flawed, yet the light of God shines and shows us that God works to heal humanity out of our recklessness - he makes roads straight.  It took these women of faith to make mistakes and fall into their humanity to realize the truth and light of God's providence.

I find each of the women of faith we'll encounter as strong-willed, defiant, resilient, empathetic, brave and astute - each has their own personality, flaw and strength - teaching us how to live and learn from mistakes and hardships - bearing suffering in joy through Christ abundant.

I hope you will enjoy this journey.  Each profile will give you a snapshot of the testimony and times of these women...I hope to do a more in depth study and devotional of Women in the Bible in the summer. 

I am in the process of restarting this blog and in doing so I am going through my own journey in faith.  As I jump start my bible study again - I know my posts may not be perfectly written and organized.  I am working to post as I learn and grow.  It is my hope the more time I have and as I delve into my bible studies again - I can transform this into a interactive site with daily devotionals and an organized well informed bible study.  Thank you for walking with me in my faithful journey.  We are called to learn and grow in our knowledge of scriptures...Remember:

God is before us, Christ walks beside us, the Holy Spirit is within us and all the angels and company of heaven surround us in goodness and light - we have nothing to fear with God, trust in His will, feast on the spiritual abundance of Christ's love and actively all the Holy Spirit to guide you as instruments of peace...

Our first profile will be on Moses mother, Jochebed a woman whose faith in God preserved the life of her child, a child who by God's grace and will led the Hebrews out of Egypt...stay tuned...