A New Year's Poem for Christians

Instead of making a New Year's resolution
Consider committing to a biblical solution
Your promises are easily broken
Empty words, though earnestly spoken
But God's Word transforms the soul
By His Holy Spirit making you whole
As you spend time alone with Him
He will change you from within

-- Mary Fairchild

http://christianity.about.com/od/holidaytips/qt/newyearpoem.htm


What a great reminder to us that His yoke is easy and His burden light.

Consider the Shepherds

Read this secular description of shepherds historically, as found at www.wikipedia.org:

"Shepherding is one of the oldest occupations, beginning some 6,000 years ago in Asia Minor. Sheep were kept for their milk, meat and especially their wool. Over the next millennia sheep and shepherding spread throughout Eurasia.
Some sheep were integrated in the family farm along with other animals such as chickens and pigs. To maintain a large flock, however, the sheep must be able to move from pasture to pasture; this required the development of an occupation separate from that of the farmer. The duty of shepherds was to keep their flock intact and protect it from wolves and other predators. The shepherd was also to supervise the migration of the flock and ensured they made it to market areas in time for shearing. In ancient times shepherds also commonly milked their sheep, and made cheese from this milk; only some shepherds still do this today.

"In many societies shepherds were an important part of the economy. Unlike farmers, shepherds were often wage earners, being paid to watch the sheep of others. Shepherds also lived apart from society, being largely nomadic. It was mainly a job of solitary males without children, and new shepherds thus needed to be recruited externally. Shepherds were most often the younger sons of farming peasants who did not inherit any land. Still in other societies, each family would have a family member to shepherd its flock, often a child, youth or an elder who couldn't help much with harder work; these shepherds were fully integrated in society.

"Shepherds would normally work in groups either looking after one large flock, or each bringing their own and merging their responsibilities. They would live in small cabins, often shared with their sheep and would buy food from local communities. Less often shepherds lived in covered wagons that traveled with their flocks.

"Shepherding developed only in certain areas. In the lowlands and river valleys, it was far more efficient to grow grain and cereals than to allow sheep to graze, thus the raising of sheep was confined to rugged and mountainous areas. In pre-modern times shepherding was thus centered on regions such as the Middle East, Greece, the Pyrenees, the Carpathian Mountains, and Scotland."
______________________________
Now, reflect on such shepherds being chosen to be the first people to greet our Savior, Jesus. Wow!

8 That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, 10 but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! 11 The Savior -- yes, the Messiah, the Lord -- has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!" 13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others -- the armies of heaven -- praising God: 14 "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors. " 15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Come on, let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." 16 They ran to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 Then the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, 19 but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God for what the angels had told them, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had said. Luke 2:8-20 (NLT)

Mary Had Parents and Other Amazing Discoveries

36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38 (NIV)
________________________________

“The Gospels do not name the parents of Mary. But tradition says that her parents’ names were Anne and Joachim.” The Little Blue Book: Advent and Christmas Seasons 2010-2011

I find it so exciting to uncover new facts about people in the Bible. Mary had parents... with names! Their names are not mentioned in the Bible but discovering what was likely their names just makes them more human to me. Every Bible character was real. Like you. Like me.

After reading about Mary’s parents, my mind made a connection. In Luke, we read of the prophetess Anna, who got to meet baby Jesus on His first trip to the temple. Perhaps Mary felt an extra special connection to this woman because her name was so very close to the name of Mary’s own mother. Mary was, after all, still quite young and had just endured a very controversial pregnancy. Then, she’d traveled to a strange town and delivered a baby in a stable! God may have known she needed a special comfort right about that time. The Bible tells us that Mary pondered in her heart the unique occurrences that happened with her firstborn son. I would have loved reflecting on the fact that one of the very first people to give thanks for my son in the temple... shared a name so similar to my Mama!

As you read the Christmas story this season, look for your own nuggets of new discovery. We’re all quite familiar with the story, but its appearance in God’s Holy Word makes it living and breathing scripture (II Timothy 3:16). A story capable of touching you in new ways. A story that can change you every time.

A Lesson on Just As I Am

Pray that God will prepare your heart for a teaching from Him tomorrow. He doesn't want us the way we think we should be... He wants us as we are.

10 "Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a dishonest tax collector. 11 The proud Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: 'I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else, especially like that tax collector over there! For I never cheat, I don't sin, I don't commit adultery, 12 I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.' 13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' 14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored."

Luke 18:10-14 (NLT)

Why Go To Church?

A churchgoer wrote a letter to the editor of the newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me I can't remember a single one of them. So I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."

This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:

"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this: They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me those meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!"

Author Unknown

Poem of Our Father's Great Giving

Poem by Annie Johnson Flint

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercies,
To multiplied trials His multipled peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father's full giving is only begun.
His love has no limit, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth and giveth and giveth again.

Back to School

It's in the air... almost daily different Facebook friends are sending their little ones to school. Enjoy this tribute to the new school year!

The First Day of School
By Judith Viorst

Will they let me go when I need to go to the bathroom?
And what if I get lost on my way back to class?
And what if the other kids are a hundred, a thousand, times smarter than I am?
And what if we have a spelling test, or a reading test, or an...anything test, and I'm the only person who doesn't pass?
And what if my teacher decides she doesn't like me?
And what if, all of a sudden a tooth gets loose?
And what if I can't find lunch, or I sit on my lunch, or I (oops!) drop my lunch someplace like the toilet?
Will they let me starve or will somebody lend me a sandwich?
A cookie? A cracker? An apple? Some juice?
And what if they say, "Do this," and I don't understand them?
And what if there's teams and nobody picks me to play?
And what if I took off my sneakers, and also my socks, and my jeans, and my sweatshirt and T-shirt,
And started the first day of school on the second day?

Dancing Undignified by Traci Rhoades

14 And David danced before the LORD with all his might, wearing a priestly tunic. 15 So David and all Israel brought up the Ark of the LORD with much shouting and blowing of trumpets. 16 But as the Ark of the LORD entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she was filled with contempt for him. 17 The Ark of the LORD was placed inside the special tent that David had prepared for it. And David sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD. 18 When he had finished, David blessed the people in the name of the LORD Almighty. 19 Then he gave a gift of food to every man and woman in Israel: a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins. Then everyone went home. 20 When David returned home to bless his family, Michal came out to meet him and said in disgust, "How glorious the king of Israel looked today! He exposed himself to the servant girls like any indecent person might do!" 21 David retorted to Michal, "I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me above your father and his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the LORD. So I am willing to act like a fool in order to show my joy in the LORD. 22 Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, but I will be held in honor by the girls of whom you have spoken!" 2 Samuel 6:14-22

God called David a man after God's own heart. While far from perfect, God knew David was chasing Him... hard. Dancing with all his might, giving gifts of food to every man and woman in Israel. Does He cite the same spirit in you? I can't help but think of this scripture passage when I sing worship songs on Sunday morning. And the lyrics from "Undignified" by the David Crowder Band, "But I'll become even more undignified than this; leave my pride by my side...." I'm not worshiping or giving like that... yet. But by the grace of God I am seeking more of Him. I am dancing like a crazy woman in my heart of hearts. Won't you join me? And someday, someday, may we break it down just for Him, an audience of One! Enjoy your time of worship tomorrow.

Let's All Be Sisterchicks!

I admit I was a skeptic. The Sisterchick series by Robin Jones Gunn seemed a bit too - well- girly for me. But they seemed good summer beach reading, so I started with two gals that journeyed to Europe. These books left me so pleasantly surprised that as I prepare to read #7, off to London, I am asking myself if she would please come out with another.

Then I realized, I am surrounded by Sisterchicks! Christian women at North Point who want to have fun, grow in faith and find ways to show one another, "Hey, your life matters!" Let's be Sisterchicks together, ladies! We may not be headed out on the trip of a lifetime to Italy, New Zealand or Mexico (yet). But with God in charge, we will have quite the trip together. He promises.

Isaiah 40:25-31

(New Living Translation)

25 “To whom will you compare me?

Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One.

26 Look up into the heavens.

Who created all the stars?

He brings them out like an army, one after another,

calling each by its name.

Because of his great power and incomparable strength,

not a single one is missing.

27 O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles?

O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?

28 Have you never heard?

Have you never understood?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

the Creator of all the earth.

He never grows weak or weary.

No one can measure the depths of his understanding.

29 He gives power to the weak

and strength to the powerless.

30 Even youths will become weak and tired,

and young men will fall in exhaustion.

31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.

They will soar high on wings like eagles.

They will run and not grow weary.

They will walk and not faint.

O'Callaghan Kids' Macaroni and Cheese from Margaret O'Callaghan

This entry will be a comfort food that I’ve been making and gifting southwest Michigan with for 25 years. My middle child, Dan, was three weeks old when I obtained this recipe and he just celebrated his 25th birthday.

OLD-fashioned Macaroni and Cheese: Prepare according to package directions a one-pound box of elbow macaroni. Drain. Return to the hot pan and stir in one stick of butter until melted. Now stir in four easy ingredients: one pound small curd cottage cheese, one pound sour cream, one pound grated cheddar cheese and three beaten eggs. Spoon into an ungreased 9x13 pan and bake @ 350 degrees for one hour.

This recipe may be frozen unbaked for later use. Just thaw a couple days in the fridge and bake as directed. This is a great dish to give a family w/a newborn as it isn’t spicy for the nursing baby. It also works very well for a church potluck.

Meals for Families with Newborns

North Point accomplished a first this past week... three babies born in three days! How exciting!! What this means, however, is we have a lot of meals to deliver. As a church, we try to bring meals to the families with newborns. Sarah Robinson is organizing our care meals and has asked for some new volunteers to help prepare meals for all these new parents. Please contact her if this is something you'd be able to help with in the next few weeks. Thanks. I know we'll take great care of these families, both now and as their little ones grow up "really, really big" (as my own two-year old says).

Her email address is: therobinsonshouse@yahoo.com

Preparing Meals for the Robinson's

Borrowing a line from Priscilla Shirer, it's time for the "pew to hit the pavement..."

Calling All North Point Ladies! We're praising God that Doug Robinson is home from the hospital and we'd like to provide meals for his family as he is on restricted activity for the next 6 weeks. Please contact Katrina Pelfrey on FB or at dkpelfrey@juno.com to sign up to bring them a meal; we'd like to cover them for at least the next 2-3 weeks-Thanks!!

Prayer for Daddies

Proceed in this order:

1) Grab a box of Kleenex

2) Watch this youtube video

3) Pray for the dads you know who we need to be the spiritual leaders of our families.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdhSeA1hva4

Only Trust Him written by: John H. Stockton

1. Come, every soul by sin oppressed,
there's mercy with the Lord;
and he will surely give you rest,
by trusting in his Word.
Refrain:
Only trust him, only trust him,
only trust him now.
He will save you, he will save you,
he will save you now.

2. For Jesus shed his precious blood
rich blessings to bestow;
plunge now into the crimson flood
that washes bright as snow.
(Refrain)

3. Yes, Jesus is the truth the way
that leads you into rest;
believe in him without delay,
and you are fully blest.
(Refrain)

4. Come then and join this holy band,
and on to glory go,
to dwell in that celestial land
where joys immortal flow.
(Refrain)

S'More Cookie Bars from Sara Sheaffer

What better than a night by a campfire, roasting marshmallows and putting together a perfectly tasty S'more. That sure does ring in summertime, doesn't it!? But what about those of us who don't have time for a campfire but would love to enjoy that S'more? Well, here is your solution! What could possibly be better than S'more by itself anyway? If you are wondering that, I encourage you to try this recipe, it is very easy to make and so worth the effort!

S'more Cookie Bars

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (or 7 full-sized crackers, finely ground)
1 tsp baking Powder
1 tsp of salt (This may be too salty for some, If this is too much, reduce it to 1/4 tsp.)
4 king-sized dark chocolate bars (I used Hershey's Special Dark)
1 1/2 cups marshmallow creme/fluff (not melted marshmallows)

Method
Preheat oven to 350°F Prepare an 8x8 baking pan by either using nonstick spray, or the old fashioned way with crisco and flour ( I use wiltons ready to use Cake Release, works great!) Set pan aside.

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla.

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt. Add to butter mixture and mix at a low speed until combined. Divide dough in half and press half of dough into an even layer on the bottom of the prepared pan.

Place chocolate bars over dough. 4 king-sized Hershey’s bars should fit perfectly side by side, but break the chocolate (if necessary) to get it to fit in a single layer no more than 1/4 inch thick. You may not need all the chocolate so nibble on any pieces you don't use.

Spread chocolate with marshmallow creme or fluff.

Place remaining dough in a single layer on top of the fluff (most easily achieved by flattening the dough into small shingles and laying them together).

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Makes about 14-16 bars.

Friendship by Jaime Rogers

"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one!'" C.S. Lewis
 
 
Friendship is a gift. Usually we can tell right away in a conversation if we will have a lot in common and if this will be a instant friendship.

My instant “me too” happened without talking or meeting her at first. She was reading scripture at church and her heart for God’s word was evident. You could tell that she was a woman who loves the Lord. I had been praying for God to give me more women in my life that were passionate about Him and His word. Who wanted to learn more about Him daily. Listening to her read and hearing her heart I was hoping for a new friendship.

A few weeks later we were able to talk and, sure enough, the conversation was “Oh me too, and me too.” I find it comforting to know women who have the same goals, interests and are also seeking God and His plan. God answered this prayer and he will answer yours. It benefits our walk with Him when we have friends to learn with, connect with and love the Lord with.

If you have great girlfriends, thank God for those relationships and ask Him to keep growing those friendships.

If you desire more of these friendships, ask God, be specific and know He already has a friend in mind.

Faithful, Abundant, True Bible Study

Faithful, Abundant, True: Three Lives Going Deeper Still - We will be joining Beth
Moore, Kay Arthur, and Priscilla Shirer through a DVD series recorded live at the Orlando Deeper Still conference. It is a seven-session Bible study with two weeks of teaching each from Kay, Priscilla, and Beth. In a seventh-session, both hilarious and helpful, all three teachers answer questions submitted by attendees at the conference. You may buy a study book to use or just come and watch the DVD's, discuss, and pray.
Where:Otsego library
When: Tuesdays for 7 weeks starting June 1st
Time: 9:30 AM-11:30AM
More information at the Women's Ministry Table or email: npwministry@charter.net

Summer Bible Study One in a Million by Priscilla Shirer

For many of us, summer is "time off." Vacations, kids at home, day trips to the beach. This change in routine can also lead to spiritual "time off." Join other women at North Point this summer as we choose not to take "time off" spiritually.

Our evening Bible study is based on a book by Priscilla Shirer, One in a Million. Be challenged by Priscilla to fully embrace God's Spirit living in you. Forget about spiritual time off, let's become 100% more His.

When: Wednesdays (6:30-8pm) starting June 9*
Where: Otsego Public Library Tutoring Room
Who: Women of North Point, their friends, their neighbors

Sorry, but childcare will not be available for this Bible Study.

* Weather-permitting, we will plan to walk the neighborhoods around the library on evenings following Bible Study.

Sign up at the information table in the lobby or by contacting Traci Rhoades (269.908.0992 or traci_407@msn.com).

Do You Know What You Know What You Know? by Traci Rhoades

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Timothy 1:12 (King James Version)

Through a variety of circumstances, speakers, songs and scripture, I feel God has been studying my heart to see how deeply I trust Him. I’ve been doing this “Christian thing” for a number of years and I can perform pretty well. But life with Christ isn’t about performance. Performance can tie very closely to pride, I find. I want my faith to produce works that glorify God, not be about rote actions that make me look good.

As I sense God asking me if I really trust and know Him to work in my life and in the lives of others, this verse in 2 Timothy keeps coming to mind. I learned it as a hymn years ago. I decided to study up on this verse and also to revisit the words to this old hymn. First, in studying the verse, the words “believed” and “know” jumped out at me specifically. These are strong action verbs. The Greek word used for “know” is actually a past tense verb. To me, that said it’s not about thinking maybe I believe God or I will believe and trust Him after I learn a little more or go through more in life. Instead, it’s a definite belief... I know that I know that I know that God is trustworthy. I am praying to reach that point in my faith even more fully.

Next, I looked up the words to the hymn. They are beautiful and the author, Daniel Webster Whittle, was a soldier involved in the Civil War’s Battle of Vicksburg. As a mangled soldier, he turned to God’s word and found great peace and assurance. The first part of this verse, “For the which cause I also suffer these things...” means much more to Mr. Whittle than it probably ever will to me. Yet we both seek the same thing that millions of Christians search for; the faith to know Christ in every circumstance. And to trust “that He is able to keep all that which I have committed
unto Him.”

Following is a link to the hymn, “I Know Whom I Have Believed”
http://uponmyknees.wordpress.com/2007/04/29/i-know-whom-i-have-believed/

It Is No Secret by Traci Rhoades

Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews.
John 19:38

I had a wonderful pastor during my college years. He could do not just one, but a series of sermons, on a single word in a verse. Every now and then he’d get ambitious and say he was going to preach a sermon on a whole passage. Those of us who served under his shepherding would just shake our heads and smile. Now, many years later, I still seek out golden nuggets of truth in the tiniest word or phrases in scripture.

Take the verse in John that introduces us to Joseph of Arimathea, for example. We read in Matthew that Joseph was a rich man. We read nothing about him in scripture until he offers his tomb for Jesus’ burial. Yet, he had the privilege of playing a huge role in the crucifixion story. As I read the accounts of his role in the story, three words scream out at me, “disciple... but secretly.”

Like many of us, Joseph was content to follow Christ from a distance. He listened to the teaching of this greatest of Rabbis but didn’t want it to cost him anything. Not his money, not his reputation. Then, there came a point in his walk when he had to decide. Was he a true disciple of Jesus who would serve his Lord regardless of how much it cost him? He stopped living in secret devotion, offering to bury the body of Jesus in his very own tomb. He would forever be known as a true disciple.

Let’s learn a great lesson from our brother in Christ, Joseph of Arimathea. Throw off the phrase “disciple... but secretly.” Realize that every believer reaches a point in their own walk where it can’t be done in secret anymore. We have to step out in faith. This Easter season, let’s determine in our hearts that the Christ who died for us deserves our praises loud and clear.

Monday Morning Bible Study

Monday Morning Bible Study at the Otsego Library 9:30AM-11:30AM will be studying a book by Joyce Meyer, Battle Field of the Mind, along with a DVD. Starting March 29th and running for 5 Mondays. Information on the Ministry Table at Church or email npwministry@charter.net

Marriage Conference:

Open to ALL couples...

Valentines Weekend!
Friday Evening ~ Saturday Morning

Restore passion and intimacy to your marriage with "Sex, Love & Communication" a live simulcast with Jimmy and Karen Evans of Marriage Today.
Sex, Love, & Communication Simulcast
Discover:
~ the one element every good marriage has on display
~ the three factors that must be present to protect lasting love
~ the three steps to striking you sexual match

Friday 7:30-10:30 pm
and
Saturday 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
$25 registration per couple

Hosted by North Point Church (www.northpointchurch.net)

For more information contact Jaime Rogers at: lovemygirls02@yahoo.com
or
Shannon Goodwin at: sddgoodwin@yahoo.com

Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed Bible Study

Bible Study meets Monday January 11th at the Otsego Library 9:30-11:15A.M. Anointed Transformed Redeemed If you have taken this study before please feel free to come again. If you had missed any of the lessons drop in on the ones you missed. You will not need a book for this time around. We will have a different format. Tori Jaffas is facilitating this study

There's More To Every Bible Story by Traci Rhoades

Genesis 22:9-12

9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied.

12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."



As a wife and mother, I see things differently now. That includes when I read my Bible. I find myself reading familiar stories and wondering about all the information we are not told in the scripture passages. One example relates to the story we read in Genesis about Abraham offering Isaac up as a sacrifice, per God’s instruction. We are told in the story of Abraham’s complete willingness and obedience. Fortunately for Abraham, and for all of mankind, God stopped Abraham before he committed the deed. In Isaac’s place, a sheep appeared to stand in as the sacrificial lamb.

A touching story of how important our obedience is to God. A story full of symbolism and lessons in listening carefully for God’s voice.

But, my friend, where was SARAH in all of this? Have you ever wondered that? Did Abraham tell her where he was going with her only son? Do you think she had the chance to hear Abraham out on what God had told him to do this time? Were women in the Bible allowed to let their husbands have a piece of their mind in the privacy of their own tent? Although we don’t know the answers to these types of questions exactly, we do know there’s much more to each story than what we read. The lesson for me as I think on these questions regarding Sarah is to seek God’s will in my own marriage communication. And expect there to be times my husband and I won’t be on the same page. When that happens, what would God have us to do?

Reading the Bible between the lines opens up a whole new perspective on the lessons we can learn. The Holy Spirit continues to teach me about so much more than just the literal words on the page, powerful as they are. The Bible is living, breathing and only tells a small part of each story. Soak in the scriptures, imagine the rest of the story and let the Spirit teach you through what we’re told – and what we’re not.