Thursday, June 5, 2008

Discussing Joanna

What does it say about Joanna that she was following Jesus around and supporting His ministry and disciples financially?

As many of you have said and the biblical text noted, Jesus had brought a significant measure of deliverance to her life. It may have been healing from a disease or physical handicap, or it may have been deliverance from spiritual oppression. We read that with Mary, it was demonic deliverance, but no specifics are offered for Joanna and Susanna. Its clear Jesus had met a need of Joanna’s that no one else had been able to meet … and she was grateful.

Nonetheless, it is an odd thing for the wife of Herod’s steward to be following Jesus around, giving Him and his other men money. In our culture, it is common for wives to make financial decisions and even to do the majority of the purchasing and spending, but that was not so in Jesus’ time. Men (fathers, husbands) were the economic supporters of women and the controllers of wealth in this era. In fact, when a man died his assets did not automatically go to his wife as they do today. Instead, they would be transferred to his sons, and his sons were expected to take care of their widowed mother. Also, a woman could make money through her own business ventures, but that money would be under her husband’s control. There were no separate his and hers bank accounts. While it was typical for rabbis to be supported by the people’s tithes and gifts to God. It wasn’t exactly normal that Joanna and the other women were supporting Jesus and His disciples.

It was also rather radical for Joanna to be traveling with Jesus and the others. It’s common for rabbis to have followers but women were not taken by rabbis as disciples, only men. Women were expected to stay with and under the care of their fathers or husbands, and to care for any children they have. Furthermore, a woman of Joanna’s social class would not be expected to travel about with the likes of fishermen, carpenters, and former prostitutes. Therefore, Joanna is breaking with that cultural rule as well.

We know Joanna’s husband was a steward for Herod. That means he may have been a thug who collected the king’s taxes from the Jews. Or, he may have overseen the management of Herod’s vast estate. Either way Chuza would not have been a pushover and he would’ve been money-minded. So, it’s doubtful that he was unaware of Joanna’s actions. The text doesn’t mention that Chuza was also a believer in Jesus, so how was Joanna able to follow and give money to Jesus? It’s not certain but it’s possible that Chuza had divorced her – perhaps because she was sick, or demonically possessed, or maybe barren.

There was a practice during this time called “ketubba.” This would be written into a marriage contract and it would cause the husband to have to give his wife a certain sum of money – sometimes the return of the entire bride price – if he chose to divorce her. This sum of money was thought to help her attract another husband. It is possible Joanna was using her ketubba payment to support her heavenly husband, Jesus.

To me the most precious part of this story is how Joanna and the other women continued to support and care for Jesus, even after the disciples had scattered or fled. Joanna would’ve been there praying for, grieving for, and supporting Jesus during his crucifixion. Afterward she went to his tomb to give Him a proper burial by anointing His body with spices. And she was blessed by God to see the angles that announced His resurrection!

It seems that Joanna’s story may not end with our assigned passages. This morning I learned that some bible scholars have concluded that the disciple Joanna is the same woman as the Christian Junia mentioned by Paul in the book of Romans. Check out the following I read:

“Joanna’s name occurs again in the form of ‘Junia’ in Rom. 16:7: “Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives [i.e. fellow Jews] and fellow prisoners, who are prominent among the apostles and were in Christ before me.” Junia was a common Roman woman’s name, the equivalent of the Hebrew ‘Joanna’. The Latin pronunciation of ‘Junia’ and the Hebrew ‘Yohannah’ would have been very close indeed. It would seem, therefore, that Joanna moved to Rome, changed her name to a Latin form, and married Andronicus, a Jewish apostle, who like her was an early convert “in Christ” before Paul’s conversion. Given her background in the Roman court at Tiberias, Joanna would have been an ideal missionary to Rome; and thus she went, and was imprisoned. It could well be that ‘Junia’ was the Latin name by which she would have been known even in Tiberias. Note how there were other missionaries who changed their Hebrew names into the Latin forms when they went on mission work into the Roman world: Silas became Silvanus, Saul became Paulus, Joseph Barsabbas became Justus (Acts 1:23); and hence we read of “John, whose other [Latin] name was Mark” (Acts 12:12,25).”

Joanna was a devoted follower who used what she had to bless and support Christ. She was willing to break with tradition in order to follow her Deliverer. She was also honored to announce the Good News and possibly to also reach the Romans with the gospel. I'd love to write more about Joanna, but I’ve got a meeting to make in an hour and I haven’t gotten in the shower yet. Be sure and read the other’s comments on the Reading Joanna post if you haven’t yet because I saw a lot of really good insights there!

Chow for now ...

31 comments:

  1. Rachel, thanks for the update on Joanna and I did not realize there was also a Susanna. They must have become believers in someway to have followed Jesus and contributed to his substance.

    We know the disciples followed Jesus (12) and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities. There were also others who followed who were contributing to Jesus's substance. Possibly there were other women and men who followed Him. If they were contributing to His support could this be where tithing or giving 10% of what we earn comes in?

    Also, I believe He allowed the women to follow Him because He knew His mother would need their support when He was gone.

    There is something else I noticed. The women followed and saw the tomb where Jesus was placed. They went home to prepare spices and ointments to anoint His body, but by the time they were finished, the Sabbath had begun so they rested as required by law. Then it says on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. Does this mean the Sabbath was on Saturday and not Sunday? Does anyone know how this got changed since we oberve Sunday as the Sabbath?

    Rachel, I like this type of study. It is making me take a closer look at what I am reading and actually having some questions.
    Wow, that's very unusual for me.

    This Bible study has been so awesome that I tell everyone I meet about it. As I've told some of the ladies I haven't been in church for quiet sometime because I have been recovering from back surgery. I was told it might take a year and one lady said it took her longer than a year.

    God has been so good to me and spared my life twice. I have so much to thank Him for and one day I will be able to do that personnally. To God be the glory for Rachel who obeyed God and started this study, and for all the ladies who have prayed for me recently. It just amazes me how these women reach out to everyone who is hurting. I would like to say to anyone who is having a problem, let us know about it, God wants to help you.
    Praise His Holy Name,
    AliceE.

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  2. Rachel, that was great, so many things I learned. Thank You!!
    I was reading last night and noticed the Susanna in my Bible as well and Alice I agree they had to be believers together to want to follow Jesus.

    I was excited last night, waiting for the discussion, because what I found and wowwww Alice you took the words completely out of my mouth/fingers. Because I read the same things you have quoted---and you have added it all. "CONFIRMATION" Wowww!!

    Thank You Rachel, for taking the time for us all.
    Blessings to all
    Sharon

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  3. Alice, Not only does God Love You, so do we, and I know I truly appreciate you and all your kindness to me as well. So maybe there's a reason as well for you to be right here. I am praying for you everyday.
    I also have the list that I share with my women's ministry, so We ALL pray for everyone in this room, and all the needs.
    Yes Please share if anyone needs prayers.
    God Bless
    Sharon

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  4. Rachel, Again, I love this study.
    I went back and read it again and again, each time a different word would stand out. One being, it said several women, but only mentioned the demons of Mary and not enough details. Not enough details for us women. I'm talking about myself and our ladies group. We always want more details. When my husband goes to the doctor, he always laughs now and will ask me to think if there's anything else that the dr. has not made clear enough. More details. Just like stopping and asking for directions. Who stops? women. need more details.
    2. The other thought was, the bible said they ministered to Jesus with substance. Is it monetary? Is it food? Was it their spiritual gift of just serving? In the south, when there's death, we want to cook and take our best dish to serve to the family. Food is comfort.
    3. They rested on the Sabbath. I need to do that more. Today, I am busier on Sundays than any other day of the week. I want to cook and have my family all together or if I did not get all of my "Saturday chores" done, I will wash, mop, and even shop on Sunday afternoons. Then I'm so tired on Sunday night.
    I went long on this but these questions came to mind and to be perfectly honest, I have read this before and I skimmed over it so fast I did not really know Joanna.
    Thanks for encouraging me to study.
    Sharron in Louisiana

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  5. Hey From the Heart. To answer your questions, the Jewish Sabbath (which was commanded for the Hebrews through Moses in Deut. 5) traditionlly runs from Sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday. Saturday was considered the last (7th) day of the week.

    In the New Testament you will find passages like Acts 20:7 which says that "on the first day of the week the disciples came together to break bread." The first day of the week is Sunday. Also, in 1 Corinthians 16:2 Paul urged the Corinthian believers to "on the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper." This collection is thought to be part of a Sunday Christian worship service. Historically Sunday, not Saturday, was the meeting day for Christians in the church, and its practice dates back to the first century.

    The mention of collection brings me to your next question about the tithe. The practice of the tithe (giving 10% of your earnings or possessions to God) also dates back to Old Testament times in scriptures like Genesis 14:18-20 where Abram did it, and in Genesis 28:20-22 where Jacob did it. So while Joanna, Susanna and the others may have been tithing to Jesus, this was not the beginning of that practice.

    Keep the discussion going gals! I'll try to keep answering your questions, and others can feel free to as well.

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  6. Jesus had a following of believers. It doesn't seem strange to me that many different types of people; hurting people, healed people, rich and poor, broken and prideful people and even women and children would be following this great healer teacher and Son of God.
    How exciting to hear the Good News that he brought and see the miracles that he performed and the Eternal Hope he promised.
    I would want to follow Him also.
    And yes as a woman I want more details too.
    How interesting that Joanna might be Junia. I look forward to hearing more about that if there is any more.
    Thanks everyone for the comments and Rachel, for the teaching.
    Katrina in Colorado

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  7. Rachel, thanks for answering my questions. I'm sure that at some point in time I've heard this in sermons but they did not stand out like it did today. There's a song on my blog, "He's Still Working on Me". I'm 68 but not too old to learn or be reminded. I feel quilty sometimes when I don't go to church even though I have a good reason. I feel like God is bringing me back and closer to Him. This has been my prayer lately. Thanks, so much for your teachings.
    AliceE.

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  8. I can only imagine what joy filled Joanna's heart as she recalled how the Lord had ministered unto her and taught her how to freely give. The Lord who had done so much for her, by meeting Her needs. Taught her what it means to give unconditionally of yourself.

    Joanna believed in her saviour this is why she not only gave of her heart but she also gave of her substance, because by faith she knew that by giving to him she was giving to others.

    What an example we can recieve from Joanna, that when we learn who Jesus really is we no longer think of only our selves but we start to see the revelation in giving.

    "Its better to give than to recieve"

    From the day that Jesus gave freely of himself to her she learned from him, and she also gave freely. She never stopped giving of herself even until the day of his death, how awesome!

    The bible says as you have freely recieved, freely give! Mt 10:8
    Amen

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  9. I can only imagine what joy filled Joanna's heart as she recalled how the Lord had ministered unto her and taught her how to freely give. The Lord who had done so much for her, by meeting Her needs. Taught her what it means to give unconditionally of yourself.

    Joanna believed in her saviour this is why she not only gave of her heart but she also gave of her substance, because by faith she knew that by giving to him she was giving to others.

    What an example we can recieve from Joanna, that when we learn who Jesus really is we no longer think of only our selves but we start to see the revelation in giving.

    "Its better to give than to recieve"

    From the day that Jesus gave freely of himself to her she learned from him, and she also gave freely. She never stopped giving of herself even until the day of his death, how awesome!

    The bible says as you have freely recieved, freely give! Mt 10:8
    Amen

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  10. Hello Ladies, I've been reading along and everything is wonderful in the discussion, I always learn so much. I also pray for each request as I go down the list.

    My prayer request is for my husband as some of you know he has been very ill for 11yrs from a massive stroke and then leg amputation last November, his heart has been going in and out of a different rhytm...Atrial Fibralation...tomorrow he is being admitted into the hospital, they are going to shock his heart and try to get it beating regular again. Pray this works, wisdom for all involved...especially the doctor...pray he gets great care the few days he has to stay in the hospital and for me that I get rest and strength for this part of our journey. Thank you All.

    God Bless, Josie....from OH

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  11. Josie and From the Heart -My prayer for you
    Lord Thy God, upon your Holy name we call, asking you to be with Josie's husband in the hospital, let your Holy Spirit be present to give wisdom to the doctors, nurses and all medical personnel. Father we know You to be a healer and we pray your healing power right now in this situation. Lord we thnak you in advance for this glorious healing and we thank and praise you as You strengthen Josie and give her a period of rest that she may be the wife her husband need when he returns home. Father God while you are pouring out blessings we ask that You will heal Alice E. right now we declare the enemy a liar, and in the Name of Jesus ask that alice e will be healed according to your time table and none other. We praise you Lord for hearing and answering our prayer. In the mighty, awesome Name of our Healer, and strength Jesus Christ we pray. Amen

    Just as Jesus deliever Joanna and the other women from their diseases so will He deliver Your husband and You Alice E with the same power.
    God's blessings over you and your household.

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  12. Sharron
    I want to thank you for confirmation, it must tbe the day.
    This morning the Holy Spirit placed on my heart to do a Sabbath Day on my blog. Your words confirmed for me this was a need, to God be the glory. I will let you know when it is ready.

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  13. AnonymousJune 06, 2008

    I've been following this site now since it first started and find it very,very helpful. I love all of the insights the other ladies have. I just read 'from the heart' comment about asking for prayer if anyone was going through a difficulty and so here I am! Please pray for my daughter who is getting married on June 21. Two weeks ago she went for her yearly check-up and had an abnormal Pap. The doctor wanted to schedule her for a colposcopy but I had her at least ask for a follow-up appt to discuss further as they wouldn't tell her anything over the phone. I've had this before and we took the wait and watch approach and it cleared on its own. We have an appt to see the doc on June 12 now. Please pray that this is a minor abnormality and that a repeat pap will show its gone. This couldn't have come at a worse time with her wedding just 2 weeks away. Thank you, sisters in Christ!

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  14. To Josie,
    You and your husband will be in my prayers. I pray for rest for you as you are able to have some time "off" from the care of your husband while he is in the hospital. As I have told you before, I know what you are going through, as I have gone through this with my mother.

    May God give you strength and rest and PEACE!

    Plant Lady

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  15. When I posted the other day and told people if they had problems to be sure and let us know I did not know I would need those prayers also. One of my sister-in-law's (Nettie) was real sick last year but God brought her through it. She has asthma, diabetes, and the arteries in her legs keep clogging up, and also she is starting to get Shingles again. I understand they last a long time sometimes and are very painful. Her husband, my husband's brother, Jim, has had heart problems for a very long time and has had stints put in several times. They are both in their 70's and drive cars to and from a dealership. They also travel alot. Would you all please put both of them on your prayer list. Nettie especially asked me this morning to do this. I've been telling her about this study and how God is working.
    They dated when they were teens but her Dad did not like Jim and stopped her from dating him. They both married other people (Jim, twice) and had children. Nettie's husband died and Jim's wife left him so after about 30 years they got back together and married and have been for about 20 years. They are like the little pink bunny that just keeps going and going. Jim at one time was a country singer, singing in night clubs and other places, but God saved him and made him different person. He use to sound exactly like Marty Robbins, some will remember him I'm sure. (I told someone I could write a book about my husband's family and our life together.) God has been so good and faithful.

    To the lady whose husband is in the hospital I will be praying for him and you.

    Thanks to all of you for your prayers for them and me. AliceE.

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  16. Hi Everyone,
    First of all Alice, Josie and Anonymous, you and your loved ones are all in my prayers. May God provide healing and comfort to you all.

    I would like to be like Joanna, and freely give myself to serving others. I often let everyday events get in my way. I think she had a lot of courage to follow and support Jesus considering her circumstances.

    Thanks Rachel for all the insights you gave about Joanna. I found it very interesting.

    Have a great weekend everyone!

    Deb - Ohio

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  17. I have only been in this study for a short while. I am needing prayer. I have had some health "issues" that I am really needing prayer for. I have gone to doctor's in the past and I feel that noone is able to get to the bottom of it. I do not want a band aid, I want the root. Anotherwards, don't treat my symptoms but the cause...because of this I lean more towards going with the "natural" way of things. I have had one doctor tell me that I had Lymes Disease and I also have had some hormonal (thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal) problems. I have been taking Colloidal Silver from a machine that my grandma gave me. I feel this has really helped. I know that I still need some more support other than this. So, I am going to a new doctor on Monday and am nervous about this. My husband has went to this doctor two times and he believes he will be good for me to see. Thank you all for your prayers!!!

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  18. As I have read everyone's post here and on the others, I felt impressed that we or I needed to just take sometime to worship God. With all the prayer requests and answers to our prayers I have put some words to worship songs. If you feel led please feel free to visit and read them. I know some of you will be able to sing them. Maybe when I get to Heaven God will give me a voice to sing.
    AliceE.

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  19. AnonymousJune 06, 2008

    Alice, you have wonderul worship songs on your blog. What an awesome idea, to worship God together - different times and places, to one God - who is with us all, all the time. I love it.

    Loved the study and all the comments. It's nice to know more about Joanna. Prayed for the ones who asked for prayer.

    God bless you all!
    Connie, Canada

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  20. AnonymousJune 07, 2008

    I read first about Sabbath at creation. That's where God mentioned and sanctified it and made it Holy first, as a sign of Him being the creator.

    So, it seems it wasn't about/for the jews actually....something to think about...

    Traci

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  21. My prayer request is really just an update. Many of you are praying about the situation with my daughter and my husband. Unfortunately, nothing has changed yet.

    Our last counseling session didn't go so well. So much so that our counselor gave us an assignment to write each other our 'wish list' for our marriage. We both have some forgiveness and grace to extend before we can begin to heal.

    Please pray that God will give me the exact words my husband needs to hear in order forgive my part of this conflict. Please also pray that God keeps my heart soft to receive any repentance my husband extends to me.

    We have come to a place in our marriage I never thought we'd be in, and that is being unable to work through a conflict. Even though my husband speaks of divorce if I don't come under his leadership, I will not fear the future. I am believing that God will heal this marriage, and even if He doesn't chose to, I want my relationship with Him to remain pure from any unconfessed or unforgiven sin.

    Thank you so much for all your emails, songs, and prayers of support. I really holds me up to know how many of His faithful are praying for us.

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  22. AnonymousJune 07, 2008

    I have a prayer request (a jillion, actually), and have only found time today to post--I have been talking w/ AliceE about annointing my home, and have been praying for the Lord to lead me to the right time to do it. My husband is spiraling down into his own world...he won't work, he keeps making excuses for not working, and I am tired of depending on others for our existence.

    This past Tuesday morning, my 97-year-old Gramma went to be with Jesus! Happy day! It has been a busy and chaotic week, with school ending, and then family visits, and the funeral. How this ties in w/ my husband--he knows my grandmother had money put away for her children to inherit (my brother and I will share my mom's part). Husband started talking about it almost immediately. I am worried that he's going to lay around until I get a check in my hand, and try to use that to live on so that he can continue giving in to his anxieties that rule his mind. Of course, I don't want to use the money to live on--to me, this is going to be a gift, and I want to use it wisely.

    I have been at peace for some time that I am where God wants me to be, but we have children to take care of. I can't stand around much longer and allow him to live in his own world, and not support us.

    Please pray that God gives me the wisdom to do what is right in my marriage, and with the money I will inherit.

    My name's origin is in Susanna--a direct follower of Jesus! When I read this study's passage, I couldn't really keep my mind on Joanna! It made me feel wonderful that my namesake had such a close relationship with the Lord--to me, it was a message from God that I would one day walk by his side!

    I pray for you, sisters--not always by name, but God knows who I'm praying for and why. I love you all--

    Because of Him,
    ♥Susan

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  23. To each of you who asked for prayer please know that you are on my prayer list today, tomorrow and every day.

    Joanna was a remarkable woman following our remarkable savior. It is so like Jesus to welcome and nurture the women in a time were women were not even usually noticed.

    Joanna gave of what she had because she chose to follow the Lord. I wish to do the same but am not always good at it. I ask the Lord to give me the strength and the true desire to follow Him in all His ways.

    Janet
    Latrobe, PA

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  24. Please check out my sabbath blog thaks ladies.


    http://holysabbath.blogspot.com/

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  25. Alice,
    There is attributes of God there is Omnipresence, there is Omniscience, There is Omnipotent. and there is also another called Omnibenevolence. I have looked into these words, I have the meanings and scripture references.
    ARE YOU READY FOR THIS!!!!!
    Omnipotence= means that God is almighty, all powerful, can do anything, the bible does not use the word omnipotent, it uses almighty, which we know he is. Scripture references are= Psalms
    33: 8-9, Genesis 17:1, Jeremiah
    32:27 there is No limit to God's power.
    Omnipresence means to be present in every place at any time unbounded or universal presents.
    Scripture ref: Psalms 46:1, Isaiah
    57:15, Psalms 33:13-14
    God can be anywhere at any time all the time.
    Omniscience means having the capacity to know everything infinitely, or to know everything about a person including thoughts, and feelings, and life and the universe.
    scripture ref: Psalms 139: 1-18
    MY husband gave me this one, and said you will love this when you read it and you'll truly understand like I did what omniscience means.
    Omnibenevolence means perfectly good, perfectly just, all Loving, all knowing, all powerful, fully merciful, and giving
    scripture ref: Palms 18:30, Psalms 19:7
    I hope this helps you It sure did me, Be blessed by the word of God, That sharper than a two edge sword, we send God's word forth and does not come back void, it does what we send it to do. In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God.
    Love & Blessings to you, Sharon

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  26. AnonymousJune 09, 2008

    I stumbled upon your blog and was intrigued by this topic, mostly because my name is Joanna. I remember being a little girl and finding my name in the Bible. I was so excited! I guess I always wondered what she did and why she was mentioned, but I've never heard anyone share any info about her. But you have. I will have to read the Scripture on my own in light of this new information.

    Thank you.
    -Joanna

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  27. Very good read... I have a question , Rachel, what is your take on lead female pastors? Just wondering.

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  28. AnonymousJune 13, 2008

    Thanks, Rachel, for this added info on Joanna and the possibilities that surround her in terms of understanding why she followed Christ doing all that she did. Though we may never know, we can be assured that the Lord knows and will accord us what He desires for us... if we listen, love, and obey Him.
    It doesn't matter in the long run what others in this life/world think, but certainly we can see from her example that the Lord knows best and He can be trusted to provide for us in all circumstances. Praise His name.

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  29. To my dear Sisters in Christ,

    Due to health problems I have fallen behind. I have not read Joanna yet, however after reading the comments since my last visit I feel compelled to address the issue of our grieving sisters first.

    I feel so overwhelmed at the losses that so many of you are suffering at this time. I, of course, have lifted all of you up in prayer and will continue to do so.

    To Vicki & Georgia ~ where do I begin? The loss of a child has to be the most devastating of all losses. I have done some searching on the internet and have found the following sites which may offer you some comfort:

    http://www.compassionatefriends.org/, http://www.copefoundation.org/

    Prayer for Those Who Have Committed Suicide
    Bless, O God of eternal life,all who have died by their own hand. Grant them peace from their inner turmoil and the compassion of your love. Comfort those who mourn their loved ones. Strengthen them to face the questions of pain, the guilt and anger, the irreparable loss. Help us to reach out in love to others who prefer death to the choices of life and to their families who grieve.
    In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    Source of the above prayer: Beliefnet prayer circle

    The following is from:
    http://gigibeads.net/
    prayerbeads/prayers/
    lossofchild.html

    · Make the wind to blow upon my face that I may feel my child's sweet breath.
    · Make your hand to touch upon my breast that I may feel my child's warm body.
    · Make your lips to whisper in my ear that I may hear the sound of my child's voice.
    · Make your eyes to lay upon my sorrow that I may remember my child's face.
    · Make your angels to sing for me that I may hear my child's laughter.
    · Make your heavens to shine bright above that I may hold onto my child's love.
    · Make the sun to lighten up this darkness that I may be at peace.

    Most Gracious Lord, I give you thanks for the gift that was given to me through the love of this child. Grant me now, the gift of peace as I lay my child in your loving arms. May I in time come to hold true in my heart the knowledge of union again with my beloved one. In the name of our most precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

    For little Maddie, my heart weeps. That poor little child of God most be so devastated and confused. I know that our Lord is shinning a very special light upon her and her family at this most grievous time.

    I have lost both of my parents, my father when I was 27, and my mother when I was 54. When my mother died, I remember telling my brother, who is 14 years
    older than I am, “Now, we are orphans.” So Sylvia, I can totally relate to how you and your mother felt.

    The death of a loved one is never easy, even when you are expecting it, and even praying that they will go home to Jesus
    just to ease their pain and suffering here on earth. It still hits you like a brick wall and leaves you with that tremendously empty feeling in the pit of your stomach.

    My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to each and every one of you.

    And, to Rachel, how can we ever thank you for all that you have done to bring this wonderful group of ladies together in Jesus' love & unity? You are indeed both blessed & anointed. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart.

    In God’s love,
    Karyl
    Bonners Ferry, ID <*////><

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  30. Hello Ladies,

    I have finally read Joanna.

    I believe that Jesus appreciated women for their true worth in teamwork and as very important hubs in the wheel of life. After all, there are forms of ministry that women excel in, i.e. caregiving, gentleness, feminine intuition, compassion, empathy, cooking, etc., besides having the ability to add a woman's insight to aid in Jesus' teachings.

    Since the disciples, being men and the "manna" winners of the species, were traveling and not at their usual jobs, it would make sense that women who had "ketubbas" and no reponsibilities to keep them at home, would donate their funds for traveling & living expenses; thus relieving the others of monetary worries. Of course, that would allow all of them to better concentrate on the teaching of the Word rather than to fret the nittygritty everyday problems of life. What a tremendous honor for these women to travel beside our Lord & Savior, can you imagine?

    Alice E ~ My prayers are with you and your sister-in-law, Nettie.

    Josie ~ I am praying that all went well with your husband's heart procedure, hospital stay and recovery at home.

    To anonymous whose daughter is getting married June 21st ~ only two days away ~ I am believing that her colposcopy was beneign and that she will have a blessed & healthy wedding, honeymoon and marriage.

    Nicole ~ I'm lifting your health issues up for discovery and healing.

    Fullofgrace ~ My prayers are still with you re the situation w/your husband and daughter and the great stress that this has caused you.

    Susan ~ may the Lord's wisdom and guidance be with you re your inheritance and also your husband's lifestyle. How blessed you were to have your Grandmother for so many years. May she be resting in the comfort of HIS arms right now.

    Sharon ~ thank you so much for sharing all of the "omni's" with us. I hope that all is going well with you now.

    And finally, to the new Joanna ~ Welcome to our group and please come back on a regular basis. We have such a wonderful and loving group of women from all over the globe in our study. Glad you popped in to join us.

    God's peace & blessings to all,

    Karyl
    Bonners Ferry, ID
    <*////><

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  31. God has lead and blessed me to read a book by Watchman Nee, entitled "The Breaking of the Outer Man and the Release of the Spirit." This book has convicted me in regard to how we cannot do anything until this flesh is crucified, and we know how to operate in our "innerman" Spirit exclusively. Your article today reinforces this concept, with necessarily discussing the Holy Spirit. Thank you for this story, and for providing the opportunity to discuss and or mention the Holy Spirit and its' power. God Bless and Keep you.

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