Cloud of Witnesses

Studies tagged with 'initiative'

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Abigail

Calm in a crisis

How do you handle conflict? Are you good in a crisis or do you panic? Ever wondered why God made you look the way you do? Abigail is a remarkable woman, caught between two huge ego’s she shows initiative, wisdom and courage – Jesus said ‘blessed are the peacemakers’, Abigail is definitely one of those!

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Tags: courage initiative self-esteem conflict

Aschah

Speaking up!

Jesus told his disciples, ‘You don’t have because you don’t ask’. But when should we ask & when should we keep quiet? Whether you open your mouth too much, or not enough, Aschah is a good example of someone who asked for the right thing, in the right way at the right time.

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Tags: courage relationships money initiative

Esther

God in Control

‘If I die, I die!’ The words of a young woman trapped in the court of a Babylonian dictator. Esther is inspiring for anyone who finds themselves trying to follow God in situations beyond their control. If you feel in need some courage – Esther’s your girl!

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Tags: courage faith integrity initiative

Jael

Guts & Glory!

Ever struggled to get your head around all that violence in the Bible? Ever been camping? Put those two things together and you get Jael; a woman with tent pegs who you wouldn’t mess with! She raises some questions for us about gender, war and courage... read on!

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Tags: courage initiative violence gifts conflict

Jehosheba

God’s heart for the little ones!

How do you feel about children? Whether we love them & long for our own, or don’t quite know what to do with them; God has strong feelings about kids. Jehosheba; a royal princess in a time of political instability is a great example of courage, generosity and risk taking for the sake of a child that wasn’t hers. Whether you are a mother, wish you were, or don’t know the first thing about changing nappies, this study will help you ponder the question of how God would have his daughters (and sons) view children!

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Tags: courage initiative relationships children suffering

Joanna

Passing on her blessings

In a time of Credit crunch, where money is a touchy subject, and yet where so much of the world has always had so little; how can we - as God's children - respond? Joanna was a lady transformed by meeting Jesus, who provides us with a great example of just that - how to partner with Jesus & use our money wisely. Take a look.

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Tags: faith gifts initiative money

Junia

Have you ever felt overlooked? Taken for granted? Are there times when it seems like no one notices or cares what you do? Do you sometimes feel like the odd one out – a woman in a man’s world maybe? Meet Junia, and her husband Andronicas – the forgotten apostle, a woman worth reflecting on.

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Tags: leadership initiative courage gifts self-esteem faith

Lot

It was all going so well...

Lot started out with real potential and opportunity - never mind great wealth! But in contrast to his uncle Abram he struggled to trust God, often took the easy option and put his faith in human strength. His is not a happy story but it is a powerful warning for us to keep our eyes fixed on the God and not get drawn into finding our security in other places!

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Tags: courage initiative faith

Pilate's Wife

Sometimes it can feel as if we are banging our head against a brick wall, nothing we try seems to make any difference. If that’s the case then Pontius Pilate’s unnamed wife can be an encouragement to us. When we do the right thing – regardless of the outcome – God takes notice and the cry, ‘Well done, good & faithful servant’ rings across time & history. Take a look at a woman who tried to do the right thing.

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Tags: integrity initiative

Sheerah & Shallum's Daughters

Building something significant

What do we do with painful experiences from our past? Times we’ve suffered? These women used their history to build a future for themselves and their families. Remarkable for their time they are an example of how God can use his people in practical ways to demonstrate his love for those in trouble.

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Tags: leadership initiative suffering gifts

Shiprah, Puah and the defiant women of Exodus 1

Fighting evil however we can

Things were bleak for God’s people in Exodus Chapter 1; tyranny appeared to be winning. And yet, 5 women and girls fought back with whatever power they had. This ancient story resonates with so much of the horror we see across the world today but offers hope and inspiration for us all to challenge evil whatever our circumstances.

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Tags: children courage family initiative suffering violence

Tabitha

An extraordinary, ordinary woman

Jesus said ‘the poor will always be with you’ (Matt 26.11). It’s true, but as Christians how do we start to help those in trouble? Tabitha was a compassionate, generous, inspiring woman – she might just give you some ideas of how to start showing God’s love to those in need.

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Tags: money relationships initiative self-esteem gifts

Tamar

The woman who refused to be a Victim

Low self esteem? The victim of bad relationships? Many of us struggle with experiences we’ve had that have crushed our confidence, made us feel useless or worthless. Tamar is a young woman who’d recognise those experiences. She might also inspire us to re-think how we see ourselves, and view our futures.

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Tags: courage relationships conflict initiative self-esteem suffering

The Shunammite Woman

Faith and Disappointment

How do people grow in faith? What about when things don’t work out the way we hoped? A woman from the distant past, from a place called Shunem might give us some pointers.

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Tags: faith initiative money suffering