Two Courageous Women
(Recipe: Bean Dip)

The Bible is the best non-fiction book on the market! It has a little bit of everything within its pages. Mystery. Romance. Comedy. Intrigue. History. It has it all. I have been reading through the Bible, rather slowly I must admit. I enjoyed Genesis, the book of beginnings. Exodus was filled with watching an Amazing God do an amazing work in developing a relationship with Israel. Leviticus with all its rules and regulations. Numbers tells the story of Israel in the wilderness journeying toward the Promised Land from Mount Siani. Deuteronomy is the story of Israel’s renewed covenant with God. We all remember Joshua and the “walls that came tumbling down!” Now on to Judges, and contained within its pages is the story of men and women whom God used during Israel’s history to rescue his people from their enemies.

Women! Yes, God chose to use women to do some might extraordinary things. When God has work to do, it doesn’t matter to him whether that work is accomplished by a man or a woman. He is just looking for a willing, obedient heart. Thus, I was intrigued by the story of two courageous women in Judges 4. Deborah and Jael.

Deborah was the reigning prophetess and judge at the time. She summoned Barak and told him he was to go and capture Sisera and he would have victory over him. Reluctant Barak said he would go to battle only if Deborah would go with him. She agrees, but not before telling him that his hesitation would cost him the honor of victory. Said victory would be placed into the hands of a woman!!

Barak does indeed kill all the warriors of the enemy. But what about Sisera? Barak fails in his capture of him. However, Sisera, in trying to escape, enters the tent of a woman named Jael. She offers him refreshment and rest. Knowing he was the enemy, and as he was sleeping, Jael drives a peg through his temple and kills him. Indeed, God used a woman to give the final blow to this enemy, and ultimately kill the man God was after.

Both these women were available, unafraid of the task, and obedient in what God was asking them to do. This is the kind of woman I want to be in the New Year. One who is available when God calls. One who is unafraid to try something new. One who is obedient to the plan God has for me.

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we (you and me) are God’s masterpiece (God’s greatest piece of work). He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do good things he planned for us long ago.”

What good things does he have planned for you in 2012? Are you ready and willing to do them for God?

BEAN DIP

1 8-oz. cream cheese
1 jar of Bean Dip
1 8-oz. shredded sharp Cheddar Cheese

In 9 x 13 pan (or smaller) spread the cream cheese on bottom. Next, spread the Bean Dip over the cream cheese. Last, sprinkle with the cheddar cheese.

Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes until hot and cheese has m