Two wives, one husband. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children because the Lord closed Hannah’s womb. Hannah’s rival provoked her…
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Every time I study Hannah’s life or read her story, my stomach clenches a little. For many years Hannah lived with not only a broken heart, but also a sister-wife who…
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What is your default system when life comes crashing down? What systems are in place that will act as weight bearing walls, so that life…
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We meet Anna when she is at least eighty-four years old, some think she is 105! Little did she know that when her husband died and left her as a young widow, that her perseverance…
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For over eight decades Anna persevered in her pursuit of intimacy with her God and sacrificial service that displayed her complete reliance on God’s love and character. On this particular day…
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In keeping with the Law of Moses, Mary and Joseph brought their little baby boy to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. Like Anna, Simeon was…
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God created us to need one another. That is certainly clear way back in Genesis 2:18 when God declared that Adam should not be alone. God made a…
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Anna’s name means grace, favor and beautiful. In Luke’s brief description of this elderly widow, we recognize a woman who reflects all of the characteristics of…
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Though Luke uses few words to describe Anna the Prophetess, each one gives us insights into her life and creates teaching moments that encourage us…
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A few years ago I read an article that smart business people were building storage rental units in preparation for all the stuff that baby boomers had collected. These business people…
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Glenn, my sister’s husband, learned that cancer would soon take his life. Six weeks later Gayle called and cried those two simple words, “He’s gone.” All their well made plans to enjoy…
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“He’s perfect!” my friend exclaimed and continued, “A couple years ago I made a list of all the character qualities I wanted in a husband and he has every one!” “So what’s the problem,” I asked…
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After our son Mark’s death, I struggled to find joy and purpose in living. I wasn’t finished mothering Mark. I never wanted an empty nest. Mark had two more…
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Whether you agree with theologians who believe Anna was 105 or 84, Anna is old when Luke introduces her. Nevertheless, his description of Anna…
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Luke’s comments about Anna are packed with information, but brief and lacking on details of Anna’s personal life. Luke writes only the words that serve…
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Think of a beloved older woman who seems to appear at just the right moment with needed wisdom, loving encouragement and kindness. Every interaction with…
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Our small group always ended with prayer but our leader felt we needed to go deeper so she suggested that each person pray a sentence prayer…
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To experience the full impact of commitment to doing life in community with a small group of Christians requires an equal commitment to vulnerability and a willingness to…
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In our Today’s Treasure verse we see a practical application of the power of Christian community. In response to the teaching of the Word, early Christians committed…
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David wrote Psalm 133, a song sung by the Israelites when they were on pilgrimage to Jerusalem. David knew the agony of division and conflict in…
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