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    A Cup of Comfort Women of the Bible Devotional: Daily Reflections Inspired by Scripture's Most Beloved Heroines
    A Cup of Comfort Women of the Bible Devotional: Daily Reflections Inspired by Scripture's Most Beloved Heroines
    A Cup of Comfort Women of the Bible Devotional: Daily Reflections Inspired by Scripture's Most Beloved Heroines
    Ebook520 pages7 hours

    A Cup of Comfort Women of the Bible Devotional: Daily Reflections Inspired by Scripture's Most Beloved Heroines

    By James Stuart Bell and Susan B Townsend

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    About this ebook

    The women of the Bible have been inspiring females for ages. Now these inspirational reflections have been collected in one place with this devotional. This beautifully packaged volume features twelve poignant stories for each month and a year’s worth of daily reflections. You will relate to how other women deal with life in relation to biblical women through stories, such as:
    • Betty, who finds the wisdom she needs from Martha when she feels too busy and overwhelmed with life to take the time to talk with Jesus
    • Susan, who lost her husband to colon cancer, turns to the example of Elizabeth by sharing in the joy of others who recover from the same type of cancer, instead of harboring resentment

    Love, motherhood, sadness, joy, grief—everything is explored by these contributors. The power of these biblical women will inspire you to call upon God’s love, help, and grace whenever needed.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherSimon & Schuster
    Release dateFeb 18, 2009
    ISBN9781440520235
    A Cup of Comfort Women of the Bible Devotional: Daily Reflections Inspired by Scripture's Most Beloved Heroines
    Author

    James Stuart Bell

    James Stuart Bell, Jr., was director of religious publishing at Doubleday, executive director of Bridge Publishing, and executive editor at Moody Publishing. He has written or consulted for more than a dozen other Christian publishers. At present he is the owner of Whitestone Communications, Inc., a literary development agency. His roles include writer, editor, compiler, packager, publishing consultant, and literary agent. He makes his home in the western suburbs of Chicago and is married with four children.

    Read more from James Stuart Bell

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      Book preview

      A Cup of Comfort Women of the Bible Devotional - James Stuart Bell

      A Cup of Comfort Women of the Bible Devotional cover

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      A Cup of Comfort Women of the Bible Devotional

      Devotional

      Daily Reflections Inspired by Scripture’s Most Beloved Heroines

      Edited by James Stuart Bell and Susan B. Townsend

      Adams Media

      Avon, Massachusetts

      Contents

      Introduction

      January

      Clouds Overhead, Rainbows on the Horizon

      January 1

      January 2

      January 3

      January 4

      January 5

      January 6

      January 7

      January 8

      January 9

      January 10

      January 11

      January 12

      January 13

      January 14

      January 15

      January 16

      January 17

      January 18

      January 19

      January 20

      January 21

      January 22

      January 23

      January 24

      January 25

      January 26

      January 27

      January 28

      January 29

      January 30

      January 31

      February

      I Am Not a Paragon

      February 1

      February 2

      February 3

      February 4

      February 5

      February 6

      February 7

      February 8

      February 9

      February 10

      February 11

      February 12

      February 13

      February 14

      February 15

      February 16

      February 17

      February 18

      February 19

      February 20

      February 21

      February 22

      February 23

      February 24

      February 25

      February 26

      February 27

      February 28

      March

      Back on God’s Path

      March 1

      March 2

      March 3

      March 4

      March 5

      March 6

      March 7

      March 8

      March 9

      March 10

      March 11

      March 12

      March 13

      March 14

      March 15

      March 16

      March 17

      March 18

      March 19

      March 20

      March 21

      March 22

      March 23

      March 24

      March 25

      March 26

      March 27

      March 28

      March 29

      March 30

      March 31

      April

      Guided by the Finger of God

      April 1

      April 2

      April 3

      April 4

      April 5

      April 6

      April 7

      April 8

      April 9

      April 10

      April 11

      April 12

      April 13

      April 14

      April 15

      April 16

      April 17

      April 18

      April 19

      April 20

      April 21

      April 22

      April 23

      April 24

      April 25

      April 26

      April 27

      April 28

      April 29

      April 30

      May

      A Door in the Wall

      May 1

      May 2

      May 3

      May 4

      May 5

      May 6

      May 7

      May 8

      May 9

      May 10

      May 11

      May 12

      May 13

      May 14

      May 15

      May 16

      May 17

      May 18

      May 19

      May 20

      May 21

      May 22

      May 23

      May 24

      May 25

      May 26

      May 27

      May 28

      May 29

      May 30

      May 31

      June

      Great Things for Me

      June 1

      June 2

      June 3

      June 4

      June 5

      June 6

      June 7

      June 8

      June 9

      June 10

      June 11

      June 12

      June 13

      June 14

      June 15

      June 16

      June 17

      June 18

      June 19

      June 20

      June 21

      June 22

      June 23

      June 24

      June 25

      June 26

      June 27

      June 28

      June 29

      June 30

      July

      Decisions, Doubts, and Direction

      July 1

      July 2

      July 3

      July 4

      July 5

      July 6

      July 7

      July 8

      July 9

      July 10

      July 11

      July 12

      July 13

      July 14

      July 15

      July 16

      July 17

      July 18

      July 19

      July 20

      July 21

      July 22

      July 23

      July 24

      July 25

      July 26

      July 27

      July 28

      July 29

      July 30

      July 31

      August

      Lessons in Surrender

      August 1

      August 2

      August 3

      August 4

      August 5

      August 6

      August 7

      August 8

      August 9

      August 10

      August 11

      August 12

      August 13

      August 14

      August 15

      August 16

      August 17

      August 18

      August 19

      August 20

      August 21

      August 22

      August 23

      August 24

      August 25

      August 26

      August 27

      August 28

      August 29

      August 30

      August 31

      September

      Discovering the Good Part

      September 1

      September 2

      September 3

      September 4

      September 5

      September 6

      September 7

      September 8

      September 9

      September 10

      September 11

      September 12

      September 13

      September 14

      September 15

      September 16

      September 17

      September 18

      September 19

      September 20

      September 21

      September 22

      September 23

      September 24

      September 25

      September 26

      September 27

      September 28

      September 29

      September 30

      October

      He Knows My Name

      October 1

      October 2

      October 3

      October 4

      October 5

      October 6

      October 7

      October 8

      October 9

      October 10

      October 11

      October 12

      October 13

      October 14

      October 15

      October 16

      October 17

      October 18

      October 19

      October 20

      October 21

      October 22

      October 23

      October 24

      October 25

      October 26

      October 27

      October 28

      October 29

      October 30

      October 31

      November

      Dreams Deferred but Not Forgotten

      November 1

      November 2

      November 3

      November 4

      November 5

      November 6

      November 7

      November 8

      November 9

      November 10

      November 11

      November 12

      November 13

      November 14

      November 15

      November 16

      November 17

      November 18

      November 19

      November 20

      November 21

      November 22

      November 23

      November 24

      November 25

      November 26

      November 27

      November 28

      November 29

      November 30

      December

      Let’s Get Dressed

      December 1

      December 2

      December 3

      December 4

      December 5

      December 6

      December 7

      December 8

      December 9

      December 10

      December 11

      December 12

      December 13

      December 14

      December 15

      December 16

      December 17

      December 18

      December 19

      December 20

      December 21

      December 22

      December 23

      December 24

      December 25

      December 26

      December 27

      December 28

      December 29

      December 30

      December 31

      Contributors

      Copyright Page

      Introduction

      Since childhood, I’ve been acquainted with women like Eve, Mary Magdalene, and Mary, Mother of Jesus but, like many people, I viewed the rest of the women in the Bible more as a cast of supporting characters than as having their own unique and significant stories to tell. I’ve discovered that nothing could be further from the truth. Not only is the Bible filled with fascinating women, but their stories also provide overwhelming proof that women played an indispensable role in biblical history.

      As with their male counterparts, I hoped that studying the women of the Bible would help me draw closer to God and assist me in understanding the complexities of His relationship with His children. Apart from this, I confess, I wasn’t sure how much these women from the distant past could teach me.

      After all, they lived thousands of years ago in a patriarchal society vastly different from anything I’ve ever known. Many of them were treated more like property than human beings. Despite all this, however, I found myself marveling at the universal experience of all women, not just those from my culture and time. I realized that there’s a great deal of truth in the saying, The more things change, the more they remain the same.

      Rahab was a prostitute, living in the walled city of Jericho, and yet, she taught me a profoundly moving lesson about family loyalty. Sarah lived in a tent in the middle of the desert, but she knew the heartbreak of infertility as intimately as the woman who has been treated by a clinic filled with fertility specialists. Then there was Deborah, who proved that a woman could be a wife, a mother, and a powerful force for good among her people.

      Each day, this book gives you the opportunity to meet someone new or learn more about an old friend. Every devotional is accompanied by a relevant scriptural reference, making it possible for you to read further in your Bible about the woman featured that day. You will find out why a particular woman’s story resonates with the writer of the day’s devotional. Maybe you will discover a kindred spirit of your own. Most importantly, you will find yourself growing spiritually and strengthening your fellowship with our amazing Creator.

      Acknowledgments

      To my sister Cathy, who has a lot in common with these women of God.

      —JSB

      To my precious girl Emily, who has the wisdom of Deborah, the courage of Rahab, and the loving heart of Ruth. And to Jamie, whose friendship is a gift from God.

      —SBT

      As always, our heartfelt thanks go to Paula Munier and Brendan O’Neill, whose wisdom, guidance, and encouragement made this book possible.

      JANUARY

      Clouds Overhead, Rainbows on the Horizon

      When everything was ready, the Lord said to Noah, Go into the boat with all your family, for among all the people of the earth, I can see that you alone are righteous.

      GENESIS 7:1

      About three days before we moved from Nebraska to Indiana, my son Michael asked, Mom, where are my books?

      Sorry, I said, putting the finishing touches on the cardboard box I’d just taped shut. They’re already packed.

      Michael frowned. But I finished this one, and there’s nothing else to do. Can you just tell me what box they’re in?

      Forget it, I said. You’re not going to open up boxes and rummage through them for a book. I spent all morning packing up the toy room. I still have to pack the kitchen and bathrooms, and I need to clean the house again. Why don’t you go play with your sister?

      He shook his head. She’s sitting in an empty box pretending it’s a boat.

      That sounds like fun.

      Not to me. Can I watch a video instead?

      Packed. Along with the video player. That means we can’t rent a video either, so don’t ask.

      Can I do a puzzle?

      Packed.

      My action figures?

      Packed! How about going outside—away from where I’m working—and climbing a tree?

      I already did that, he complained. For an hour. Then I read. Now I’m bored.

      Okay, fine, I huffed. I looked around the room for inspiration, but found only rolls of packaging tape and brown boxes, stacked like misshapen towers. Thinking fast, I fished a black marker out of my pocket. You can draw on the boxes.

      He gave a halfhearted shrug. Okay.

      At that point, I think poor Michael finally figured out what I already knew. Moving is an exciting event, no question about it, but it’s also a big pain. You have to sell your house which means you have to keep it spotlessly clean, and pack everything, including reams of worthless paper notes and magazines you can’t bring yourself to throw away.

      You have to run a thousand tiresome errands, like collecting medical, dental, and school records, and getting one more decent haircut. Little by little, the pantry empties—and isn’t restocked. Everything you need and everything you want disappears into boxes. Then there are the countless, heartbreaking goodbyes.

      Once the preparations are over, the really hard stuff starts. The family has to make a trek across country to a new house (more paperwork and more cleaning), unpack, make new friends, and find another doctor, dentist, school, and hairstylist. Just thinking about it wears me out.

      Whenever I think about moving, I can’t help but wonder about Noah’s wife. Most people know the account of Noah found in Genesis, but not many of us have given her much thought. The story doesn’t even tell us her name. However, based on my own experiences with moving, I believe there’s a lot more to her than the Bible lets on.

      If Noah and his family were the only righteous folks around, they must have lived in a tough neighborhood full of graffiti, gangs, violence, and vicious crime. Still, they worshiped God—an island of warm faith in a sea of cold callousness. Noah’s wife was a loyal and steadfast helpmate as they resisted the overwhelming temptation to join the sin and lawlessness.

      It couldn’t have been easy. She undoubtedly met intense ridicule for the choices she and Noah made— especially the one to embark on a shipbuilding career of mammoth proportions. Only a courageous and determined woman would be able to hold a family together and protect them under such circumstances. The fact that she raised three godly sons in this unhealthy environment demonstrated her devotion to both God and her family.

      There’s little doubt that she worked very hard, helping to not only build the ark, but also to produce and pack food and other necessities. God may have brought the animals two by two, but someone had to collect everything else, and I’m quite sure it wasn’t the moving company.

      Once the flood came, she must have played a major role in organizing and overseeing management of the ark, from setting a feeding schedule for the animals to cleaning the boat. When the waters receded, there was still more work to do, and Noah’s wife rose to the challenge again.

      While I have been known to complain about the work involved with a big move, Genesis does not record Noah’s wife grumbling about the job. She didn’t even question Noah about the overwhelming task set before her. She proved herself to be trusting, skilled, organized, patient, hard working, and smart.

      That’s my kind of hero.

      What about her confidence in God? Every time our family gears up for another move, panicky thoughts race through my head. Will the house sell? Will the kids find new friends? Will we find our favorite stores in the new town, or will we have to settle for something like Betty’s Barnyard Cooking, Clothing, and Gifts? As the big day approaches, I find myself questioning God. Do you really know what you’re doing, changing my world like this?

      We may think moving away from our family and friends is hard, but we can send an e-mail or make a phone call to catch up when we feel homesick. While we might not find the stores we’re used to visiting, we’ll find something. Things were vastly different for Noah’s wife. Everything she knew—not just the people, but the places as well—was obliterated from the face of the Earth.

      With complete trust in God, she climbed aboard the ark and watched her whole world wash away. She knew He was with her, and she found the courage to face it all. And at the end of the trip, He marked her new address with a dazzling rainbow of promise in the sky. What joy she must have felt when she first laid eyes on her new home—a land cleansed of the past wickedness and ripe for future goodness.

      We’ve all faced situations that threaten to flood our lives. It might be a new job, an ailing parent, financial struggles, or health issues, but like Noah’s wife, we can weather the storm. Part of facing the unknown requires dropping an anchor of faith into the depths of God’s sovereignty.

      Noah’s wife led the way. She showed us we can stand as courageous, capable, and intelligent women willing to work hard to reach our goals—and willing to trust God over every wave. She confirmed that God never fails to carry us to a new place of healing or opportunity.

      Sometimes we might not even have to pack.

      —LORI Z. SCOTT

      JANUARY 1

      No Disadvantage

      There was no sparkle in Leah’s eyes, but Rachel had a beautiful figure and a lovely face.

      GENESIS 29:17

      When I was in elementary school, I was not one of the beautiful children. My hair was brown and unruly. I was the shortest and skinniest kid in the class, had crooked teeth, and wore glasses. I was a Leah, surrounded by plenty of Rachels, and I saw myself as being at a disadvantage right from the start. This attitude only exacerbated the isolation and emotional pain I felt as a result of being different.

      But the Lord looked after me. He helped me to see that I had my own redeeming qualities, including reasonable intelligence and some musical ability. Before long, I attracted friends with those same qualities. While my looks were sometimes an irritation for me, they no longer dictated my worth in my mind, or anyone else’s.

      It can be difficult in our society, but I strive to keep that same attitude today.

      What you see as a disadvantage may be, in fact, a blessing.

      —KIM SHEARD

      JANUARY 2

      How Did You Get So Big, Jezebel?

      So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them.

      1 KINGS 19:2

      Just as Elijah left Mount Carmel, the scene of God’s victory over the impotent Baals, the wicked queen Jezebel placed a bounty on his head. In Elijah’s mind, she grew bigger than God, and he ran for the hills. Why did Elijah panic? Why would he capitulate so easily?

      Then I think of the Jezebel moments in my own life, when even a small problem suddenly looms large—larger than God’s ability to provide solutions. I forget how many prayers He has answered. Just like Elijah, I make a run for it, to nurse my doubts and let the what-ifs? shake my faith.

      The next time I face a problem, I’m determined not to let Jezebel get so big. Instead, I’ll remember the God who protected Elijah. And me.

      No one is bigger than God.

      —SUZANNE WOODS FISHER

      JANUARY 3

      Influence for the Future

      She said, Give me another gift. You have already given me land in the Negev; now please give me springs of water, too. So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.

      JOSHUA 15:19

      When Acsah’s father awarded her hand in marriage to Othniel for his prowess on the battlefield, Acsah appeared to be viewed more as chattel than as a person in her own right.

      Acsah soon proved she had a strong will and a keen intellect. She may not have had much influence as a woman in her society, but she used what power she had with her father and her new husband to obtain precious land and thus provide a secure future for herself and her family.

      When my children started school, I worried about sending them out into a confusing, and sometimes frightening, world. I realized it was critical for me to make effective use of the strong influence I still had while they were in the early grades. I decided it was also vital to keep the lines of communication open, so that as they got older we could discuss any situation openly and honestly.

      You have more power than you think.

      —SBT

      JANUARY 4

      No Experience Necessary

      So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech.

      RUTH 2:3

      Many people think that they need to be remarkable or involved in some kind of ministry or missionary work for God to use them. The Bible is full of stories in which God makes use of ordinary people. People like Ruth.

      As He also proved in the story of Ruth, He uses people right where they are. Ruth was a widow in a strange new place, gathering grain behind the harvesters. Not very glamorous or important, but God had a plan for her that included becoming a part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

      I see myself as very ordinary, but I know God can use me. Despite the fact that I live on a 300-acre farm, miles from my nearest neighbor, I also know He can use me right where I am. There are opportunities to do God’s work everywhere—even in the middle of nowhere!

      It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are— God can use you.

      —SBT

      JANUARY 5

      Leadership God’s Way

      Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophet who was judging Israel at that time.

      JUDGES 4:4

      God placed Deborah in a leadership position to guide Israel to victory against its enemies. When Israel’s commander, Barak, refused to go into battle without her, she agreed to accompany him, but prophesied the Lord would give Israel victory through the hand of a woman because of his hesitation.

      Sometimes, God places me in leadership roles in community service where I strive to overcome uncertainty in trying my best to make good decisions. I have learned the importance of doing things God’s way. He guides me toward wisdom when I let Him lead as I work with neighbors, business owners, and professionals in the community.

      When being in charge is a challenge, I know that doing things God’s way brings the best results. My Bible stays close when God puts me in charge, because I know He is working through me.

      How do you handle your leadership roles?

      —ALEXANDRA ROSE

      JANUARY 6

      The Power of Words

      There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful.

      1 CHRONICLES 4:9

      Mom, I’m sorry I caused you so many problems when I was a baby, my youngest son announced. He had overheard me tell someone the story about his childhood illness and how the constant throwing up, crying, and lack of sleep created stress in our family. Until that moment, I hadn’t realized how much my comments bothered him. Yeah, but how often has he heard that story, I thought.

      Abruptly, I felt as if I could have been the mother of Jabez. He must have had moments when he disliked the name his mother had given him in childbirth. Jabez wanted and needed to hear something more positive—just as my son did.

      I’m sorry, sweetheart, I replied and hugged him. Please forgive me. Now, let me tell you about some of the ways you’ve brought joy into my life.

      Lift up those you love with your words.

      —LAURA BROADWATER

      JANUARY 7

      A Second Chance

      Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you? No, Lord, she said. And Jesus said, Neither do I. Go and sin no more.

      JOHN 8:10,11

      When I was sixteen, I took my driver’s test. The examiner and I got in the car, and she directed me through each step. I successfully performed a three-point turn and safely stopped. Then I started again at a stop sign and backed up. The last item on the test required me to parallel-park in a space between two rubber poles. I had practiced parallel parking more than anything else and executed the maneuver without any difficulty.

      However, I decided to back up a tiny bit more so the car would be straighter in relation to the curb. I hit the pole behind me and automatically failed the test. I was humiliated.

      Come back again next week, the examiner said in a kind voice. You can always have a second chance.

      Those were very welcome words to me. Imagine how the adulterous woman felt when Christ blessed her with a second chance.

      Rejoice in every second chance God gives you!

      —KIM SHEARD

      JANUARY 8

      Miracle Babies

      She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

      LUKE 2:38

      A couple brought their baby girl to church the other night, and I was the first in line to hold her. I couldn’t resist taking a deep breath and inhaling the unique and intoxicating scent that only babies possess. One look into her milky blue eyes told me how blessed I was to be cradling one of God’s most amazing miracles, and I thought of how He came to Earth as a baby just like the one I now held.

      When Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem for a purification offering, Anna, an eighty-four-year-old prophetess, saw the baby and realized her most fervent desire. Decades of devotion were rewarded as she gazed upon and recognized the long-awaited Messiah. Just as I see a miracle when I look into a baby’s eyes, Anna had the ultimate honor of acknowledging the greatest miracle of all.

      Every baby is a reminder of the helpless infant who grew up to be the Savior of us all.

      —SBT

      JANUARY 9

      God’s Servant

      Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.

      ROMANS 16:2

      I grew up as the only child of a shy mother who didn’t participate in social gatherings. It has taken me many years to learn how to function effectively in groups. I want to be included and to be helpful, but sometimes I don’t know how to initiate that process.

      Recently, we moved to a new church in a small community. Whenever an event such as a funeral dinner or Bible school needs to be planned and carried out, Cindy circulates a sign-up sheet with a list of jobs that need to be done and items that need to be donated. Getting involved is as easy as writing my name. I am automatically included, and at the appointed time and place, I know what to do.

      I often think of Phoebe when I hear the phrase, What would we do without Cindy? I am grateful for the Cindys of the church who, like Phoebe before her, show the rest of us how to effectively carry out the work of the church.

      Sign up and get involved!

      —JEAN CAMPION

      JANUARY 10

      Knowing What’s Right but Doing What’s Wrong

      It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.

      GENESIS 3:3

      Like Eve, there have been so many times I thought I knew what was right. I understood what God desired of me, yet I did not do

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