WHEN IS "ORDINARY" EXTRAORDINARY?

"My heart rejoices in the LORD; My horn is exalted in the LORD.  I smile at my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation."  1 Samuel 2:1

What passionate and happy words these are from the heart and soul of Hannah in the Old Testament.  This week as we study about her we will actually see a very ordinary life--a lot like ours.  A couple of very simple, yet profound things about her made her extraordinary.  She loved God deeply and was devoted to her husband and home.  If we think too lightly about these areas of zeal in her life we will also miss the point of our own lives.  I'm convinced that ever since Eve these three areas of devotion have been minimized in the lives of most women.  Deeply loving God, respecting and loving our husbands and serving in our home are the very things that change our lives from "ordinary" to extraordinary because it is so rare to find this kind of God-prescribed living. 

Won't you join us this Thursday morning as we study the life of Hannah and encourage one another to live fully for God--a life of no regrets.  We will also discuss what the interesting word "horn" means.

RUTH AND THE GREAT RESCUE

It is so easy to get caught up in a good love story, particularly one that is non-fiction.  I never tire of hearing how couples met each other.  There is really such a wonder about how God orchestrates two lives to bring them together and make them one.  The story of Ruth in the Old Testament is exactly one of those amazing stories.

The newly widowed Ruth accompanied her widowed mother-in-law Naomi as she returned to her home in Bethlehem.  They had no means of income and perhaps owned only the clothes on their backs.  Although Ruth knew no one in this new home, she faithfully gleaned in the fields to provide food for herself and Naomi.  It is noteworthy that Ruth did not seek a husband, but, in God's sovereignty He brought a wonderful, thoughtful, and wealthy man to her to be her husband.  Boaz rescued her from her dire need and gave her a life of abundance--along with Naomi.  You really can't beat such an amazing story (lots more details are found in the book of Ruth.)

However, there is a greater love story that parallels Ruth's story in many ways.  We come into this world in dire need; spiritually we are completely destitute.  Jesus came to rescue our souls from emptiness and pour the riches of His grace into our beings.  He paid a high price that this could happen--He gave His life.  May we never forget this most incredible love story--the greatest rescue ever.

This Thursday morning we will look in more detail at the life of Ruth from our study on Twelve Extraordinary Women of the Bible.  Won't you plan to join us and be encouraged as we recount two amazing love stories--Ruth's and God's.  Dear Amanda will be watching the little ones for us.

Here in Ukraine we seldom hear English spoken, except for when we are with our family.  Something I'm impressed by every time we are here is God's great concern about what is happening in our souls.  No matter our language, our soul is what God sees and cares about.  Particularly when it comes to prayer, while we hear the words someone is praying, God clearly hears what is going on in our hearts.  This is always a great challenge to me.  Is my heart really connecting with God, or am I just saying words that sound good, but my soul is not actually the source of them? No matter our language, may our hearts be totally dependent and devoted to God Almighty.

Psalm_19:14"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. "