Coats in the shopping carts

I find the story below from Os Hillman quite interesting, especially the "aha" moment of realization.

A former client of mine was the marketing director of a large food brokerage company and told me a story about one of their client grocery stores located in the upper Midwest. It seems that the store could not understand why at a certain time every winter sales plummeted. They studied their product line and interviewed customers. They did everything possible to uncover the mystery. Finally, someone made a remarkable discovery that changed everything.

 

It seemed that whenever it was really cold outside, the manager raised the temperature in the store. When customers came into the store it was too warm for them, so they removed their coats and placed them in their shopping carts. This meant less room for food and resulted in reduced sales overall. They lowered the temperature of the store, and as a result, the sales climbed back to the levels they were accustomed to. Their adjustment resulted in restoring sales levels.

It seems to me that when things are comfortable around us, we tend to overlook the simple things that can become a snare in our spiritual life if we are not careful. In the desire to accumulate more, we are often not aware that these things begin to take the place of what's important in our spiritual life. Sometimes it can be the cares of the world, desire to hoard more than what we need, or simply crowding out of our lives the daily devotional time with Jesus that is necessary to help us centre on Him as the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

What are the adjustments that we need to do in our lives? What are the coats in our shopping cart that needs to be removed so that we can put into it what is of ultimate importance.

Ephesians 4:22-24

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

What is Heaven Like?

In a very intense discussion we had in our Master of Ministry class on the course titled “Caring for the sick and dying”, I realized much of how we respond to crisis in our lives is dependent upon our perspective of life. I think it is only human to cling on to what’s here in this brief life on earth. When we minister to those terminally sick or aging, when do we decide to stop praying for healing and face the fact that it is probably better to go to be with the Lord? I am reminded of how Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones prepared himself to die. This man of God was a Welsh Protestant minister, preacher and medical doctor who went to glory in 1981 at the ripe old age of 81. He had accomplished much in life, a chief influence in the British evangelical movement in the 20^th century and a minister of Westminster Chapel in London for almost 30 years.

It is his personal belief that no one should begin the inevitable journey of dying and then to die unprepared. He often preached about it and now to walk the talk. While battling cancer towards the end of his life, he knew it was time not to write more books, but to prepare to die.

His biographer, Iain Murray, visited Dr. Lyold-Jones to discuss an autobiography, a year before he died in March 1981. The old minister decided against it and Murray wrote: "It had to do with his final assessment of the right use of such time as remained to him. It came home to him with much conviction that time to prepare for death was very important; he needed such time and believed that its right use was now his chief work as a Christian. What was uppermost in his thoughts did not lie in the past at all. The big thing before him was that all Christians need a pause from the activities of life in order to prepare for heaven."

In the last days towards the end of February 1981, with great peace and assured hope, he believed that his earthly work was done. To his immediate family he said: 'Don't pray for healing, don't try to hold me back from the glory.' On March 1st, he passed on to the glory he had so often preached about on meeting the Saviour he had so faithfully proclaimed.

This also reminds me of Apostle Paul. He understood the future glory when he said “We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”

(2 Cor 5:8). Having a healthy appreciation of what our future holds will set us on a hopeful perspective when we are at the brink of death. “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Cor 15:55)

The lack of eternal hope creates the proliferation of health products and supplements, exercise routines to shape up the body and the covering up of the signs of aging through plastic surgery. I look with amusement how people are in denial often of their true age. Jokingly they say, “After 40, we stop counting.”

Consider the joy of being able to grow old gracefully and to see that there’s beauty too in aging. I am not saying this because I am approaching the point of eternity or graying at a rapid rate (which is totally superfluous with my crown of graying hair). I probably have a good 25 years before that point if nothing serious happens to my body or God should decide for me “Time’s up!”

We need to start thinking about heaven a little more so that we are not so earthly bound that we have no eternal perspective. When I say heaven, I do mean the NEW heaven and earth that we read about in Revelation 21. We will then be blessed with a new perfect body. God now dwells with His people so much so that His glory will be the everlasting light source. We will be living on a new earth and not flapping our wings into ethereal worship! I find myself asking some of the following questions. What is heaven like? Will we ever be bored with eternity? Will we recognize our loved ones and will we have emotions? What kind of bodies will we have and what will earthly nature be like then? Do we still eat and ever grow fat or do we need to still exercise? Are we clothed and will there be music and what kind? How big will the new earth be and do we still keep time? At what age will we remain for eternity and what language do we use? Are there privacy and will we have a super mind? Will we still use science and can I be the scientist that build a starship Enterprise and explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before. “Beam me up, Scotty!” It sure is an exciting place! Think about that!

Marketplace Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for creating the world and all that is in it. Thank You for creating us in Your image, calling us to be fruitful and to be faithful stewards of Your creation. You did not give us our business to take us away from our relationship with YOU, or our SPOUSE and FAMILY. Remind us that our business is simply Your gift to us, at this time, to deliver Your provision. Give us the faith to believe this and the ability to trust You.
Father, would You draw each of us into a closer and deeper personal walk with You? So that we can hear Your voice and truly let You guide us as You promised.

We pray that You would give us an understanding of Your eternal prospect regarding our work in this life and help us see the impact of our choices on our eternal consequences and rewards. You trust us with this business, and we have the responsibility to steward it well and to use it for Your glory.

Father, please enable us to live an integrated life 24 hours 7 days a week and 365 days every year under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. So that who we are on Sunday is the same person that our colleagues, customers and suppliers see the rest of the week.

Lord, help us to recognize that our calling to lead a business is just as sacred as the role of the pastor or the missionary. Make us good soil for Your Word, so that the worries of this life and the lure of wealth and desire for things will not prevent us from producing kingdom fruit that remains.

Please deliver us from the pride that prevents us from hearing Your voice, and seeking Godly counsel.

Father, the business environment often draws us to worldly behavior. Strengthen us in our resolve to do business Your way. Enable us to behave and perform in such a way that we dispel the commonly held lie that business is about greed and selfishness. Help the community to recognize that business is about meeting needs and serving others.

Would You help our nation to overcome the lie of the devil that 'religion is personal and should be kept private'. Help us practice the truth of Jesus' assignment to 'go and make disciples', and Peter's admonition to be ready to explain the hope we have. So that all people will have the opportunity to hear Your word, and see You at work.

Help us to never use people to build our businesses, but rather help us to get better and better at using our businesses to build people; helping them to grow into all You intend for them.

Father, we want to change the world by bringing the Kingdom of God to the marketplace. Help our influence on colleagues, customers, suppliers and other associates result in salvation, sanctification and service as we cooperate with You to build stronger members of Your church.

Lastly, we long to hear You say to us:
‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen!

Just For Fun - How many squares are there here?

For the simple answer: click here.

For the detailed solution, click here.

What makes life meaningful?

I posed the above question on facebook and received a few interesting replies.

Paulin Tan

If, throughout the course of my life, I can manage to positively influence another's life or ... bring up a brood of kind, compassionate and good kids who can help make the world a better place.

Norma Sit

Knowing God. Life itself. Family. Work.

Michelle Yu

When I make the best out of everything, appreciate and remain a thankful heart through seasons of life- be it an up or a down. From there, impact others positively and that they will be able to see this grace I carry through my life this far, that 1st comes from God.

Paul Messal

Obedience and Love.

Daniel Lim

Purpose beyond one's self.

Jennifer Lee

People and revelation through conversation about the LORD

Antony Mark Brown

Knowing our identity in God; which gives me purpose and identity. This gives me meaning.

Andrew Goh Hwee Liang

Is when we know what we can do for God.

It is quite interesting to see how different we are as men and women in our understanding of life. Men generally place their meaning on what they do and women on relationships. Notice how we men use words like "purpose" and "do". Women use "influence", "knowing", "appreciate", "conversation".

That's the beauty of gender difference. We both bring a richness that completes the picture. We need though to forge a clear theology of who He is. Meaning in life is both "doing" and "being". I for one think that meaning in life is really about firstly knowing that you are loved. Remember when you first fell head over heels in love with this amazing person? Remember when you woke up every morning after that filled with a sense of purpose? That was a teaser to how we can fall in love with God and be filled with meaning in and for life.

Someone said it is a settled conviction of how much God loves us. Meaning becomes clear when we know we are loved! That must be the starting point before we can make any sense out of life!

Marriage is the Display of God

"Most foundationally, marriage is the doing of God. And ultimately, marriage is the display of God. It displays the covenant-keeping love between Christ and his people to the world in a way that no other event or institution does. Marriage, therefore, is not mainly about being in love. It's mainly about telling the truth with our lives. And staying married is not about staying in love. It is about keeping covenant and putting the glory of Christ's covenant-keeping love on display." - John Piper

What a beautiful and concise definition of marriage. I have officiated countless weddings. I rejoice with the dreamy looking couple, so much in love with one another and looking forward to a brand new life ahead. I have seen both groom and bride, crying unashamedly as they make their vows to one another, touched by the moment of romance and commitment as they recite: "For better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part."

They wake up the next morning to the realization that they will be together for the rest of their lives and there's no more going home after their date. Then the truth sinks in when they realize how different they are and how they need to adapt to each other's idiosyncrasies. The "happily ever after" feeling begins to deteriorate to "happily never after". The preconceived fantasy of your ideal spouse or the perfect marriage dissipates quickly. You embark on a reform program to change the other person, misconstruing the phrase "and the two shall become one" to mean that your spouse will become like you and your fantasized ideal. You expect your spouse to click the like button on your facebook page to every post and eventually a sense of desperation triggers the inevitable private thought: WHAT HAVE I DONE?

I often counsel couples that real love only truly begin after the wedding day. While one may choose to stop seeing each other for awhile after an argument during courtship, you return to the same room and sleep on the same bed after you are married. How do you deal with that? 

Hence love kicks in:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 
1 Cor 13:4-7

Marriage is therefore a covenant with each other. What's the difference between a covenant and a contract? A social contract is a legally binding document or agreement between two persons that requires both parties to abide by its terms and upon the non-compliance of any of these terms, the contract can be broken. A covenant on the other hand is agreed upon in accordance to God's laws, or in the Name of God. It is a vow that cannot be broken. Matthew 19:4-6 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”  

Notice thus the beauty of the wedding or marriage vows "till death do us part." It gives the confidence and hope for a marriage sustained in love (not primarily of emotions but of commitment) since there is no back door. Divorce is NOT an option. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Here's a beautiful demonstration of God's love. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

God made a covenant with us and in spite of our imperfections and sins, He loves us anyway. He is saying "I love you not because of, but in spite of." In the same way, He expects our marriages to illustrate that principle. 


" Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." (Ephesians 5:22-33, NIV) 

I agree therefore wholeheartedly with John Piper that marriage is the display of God! So is your marriage displaying God?

Life I to Life II: Success to Significance

Blessed New Year and a belated Christmas! Trust that you are excited about the new year and what's in store for 2013.

I am reading a book by Bob Buford (Finishing Well: The Adventure of Life Beyond Halftime) and a quote struck me which is a good reminder as we once again gear ourselves towards the new year.

"I have no problem with money, power, fame, or status—as long as they’re treated as resources, rather than as goals in themselves. But that’s precisely the problem for most people—and why? It’s so hard for people to answer the question “how much is enough?” If acquiring money or fame is your goal, how do you know when you have enough? Everyone I know who has a little wants more. But everyone i know who has a lot also wants more." 

Tom Morris

In the overall idea of half-time (Buford proposed that we divide our lives into Life I and Life II, with the 40th year as a good transition point), we move from a success mindset to a significant mindset. He defined it this way:

Success commonly means using your knowledge and experience to satisfy yourself with fame and fortune. Significance, however, means using the same knowledge and experience to serve others—that is, to change lives. The outcome defines the difference and changes your attitude toward what you do.

If you are like me living in Life II, I think life can be more exciting when we live it to serve others. Think about that!

The "One Another" Principle

Doing nice things to each other must be something difficult and not the fleshly norm. That's why Apostle Paul writes about it frequently. These are exhortations given to Christians and for good reasons too!

Jesus Himself commanded the same. John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 

Loving one another will be a hallmark of the new Christian faith and this will stand out the definitive mark of the Christian community. 

I. Positive Statements from Apostle Paul

1. Romans 12:5 - we are members of one another (KJV) (Ephesians 4:25)
2. Romans 12:10 - be devoted to one another 
3. Romans 12:10 - honour one another above yourselves
4. Romans 12:16 - live in harmony with one another (NIV)/be of the same mind one toward another (KJV) (Romans 15:5) 
5. Romans 13:8 - love one another (1 Thes 3:12; 4:9; 2 Thes 1:3)
6. Romans 14:19 - edify one another (ASV) (1 Thes 5:11- encourage one another)
7. Romans 15:7 - accept one another
8. Romans 15:14 - instruct/admonish one another (Colossians 3:16)
9. Romans 16:16 - greet one another (1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12)
10. 1 Cor 11:33 - wait for one another
11. 1 Cor 12:25 - care for one another (KJV)
12. Galatians 5:13 - serve one another
13. Galatians 6:2 - bear burdens of one another (KJV)
14. Ephesians 4:2 - forbearing one another in love (Colossians 3:13)
15. Ephesians 4:32 - be kind and compassionate to one another
16. Ephesians 4:32 - forgive one another (KJV) (Colossians 3:13)
17. Ephesians 5:21 - submit to one another
18. Philippians 2:3 - regard one another as more important than yourselves
19. Colossians 3:16 - teach one another
20. 1 Thes 4:18 - comfort one another (KJV)
21. 1 Thes 5:11 - encourage one another/build each other up
22. 1 Thes 5:13 - live in peace with one another
23. 1 Thes 5:15 - be kind to one another

II. Negative Statements from Apostle Paul

1. Romans 14:13 - don't judge one another
2. 1 Cor 6:7 - don't have lawsuits with one another
3. Galatians 5:15 - don't bite and devour one another
4. Galatians 5:15 - don't destroy one another
5. Galatians 5:26 - don't provoke one another
6. Galatians 5:26 - don't envy one another
7. Colossians 3:9 - don't lie to one another
8. Titus 3:3 - don't hate one another

III.   Summary

1. 23 different positive statements
2. 8 different negative statements
3. Total of 31 different statements (plus 11 duplicate references)

Note: All references in NIV unless indicated.

One shot and one chance in their life!

I made this status update on my facebook this week: Make time for your family! We wonly have one shot and one chance at every milestone of their life! We miss it, it's gone!

We are always on our annual family trip somewhere. This year it is in a relatively unknown spot in Thailand called Hua Hin. Apparently it is Thailand's royal beach resort, less known than the popular Phuket or Samui. Our annual trip has been a tradition kept for many years now, whether it is a local one, or overseas. When the children were younger, it was much more challenging as the packing list was longer. Now that they are much older, their packing list is their own although still with some input from mum. We still treat them as little kids at times (told them they will always be fifteen or younger in our hearts and minds) and still irritating them with a barrage of reminders.

I suppose in our hearts, they will always remain young, that they never grew up. I know it's totally unfair to them but we will always be watching out for them but hopefully learning to let go and letting them take responsibility over their own actions and life. It will certainly be hard to let go, but we know we need to. At my age now, my parents are still as concern as they were of me when I was young. That's the beauty of family I suppose but hopefully we will not choke them to tears.

Our boys are now between 15 and 22! We have to learn to start letting go. I shared in my sermon last month that with my eldest son, he has shown me the signs that I am looking for where I can say with an amount of certainty and peace that I can let him go as he has learnt to take responsibility over his own actions. He will not blame anyone else or the things that happen in his life but to adopt a great attitude of learning from them and be thankful in all circumstances.

Interestingly after that, my youngest son with his usual wit asked me whether he has shown any of the sign I mentioned. I told him definitely not at this point in his life! He needs time to grow. While they are growing up, let's not miss out on the milestones of their life. We can never turn back the clock at each of these milestones but to treasure them and never to miss out on them. They certainly grow too fast for us to catch up. Make time nevertheless where we can and never stop telling them how much you love them! I have known men who in the latter years when they have time for their children, they (the children) no longer are interested. What a sad picture! Catch the moments now!

Women of the Bible

This list was mentioned in a sermon (24/25 Nov 2012) I preached on Ruth - Leader in the Making. Click here for a softcopy.

	Women of the Bible
1	Abigail – 1 Samuel 25:2-44, 1 Samuel 27:3, 1 Samuel 30:3-5, 1 Samuel 30:18, 2 Samuel 2:2-3, 2 Samuel 3:2, 1 Chronicles 3:1-2
2	Abigail, Daugther of Nahash and Sister of David – 2 Samuel 17:25, 1 Chronicles 2:16-17
3	Abihail, Abishur’s Wife -
4	Abihail,Rehoboam’s Wife – 2 Chronicles 11:18
5	Abihail, Zuriel’s Mother – Numbers 3:35
6	Abijah – 1 Chronicles 2:24
7	Abijah,Daugther of Zechariah – 2 Chronicles 29:1
8	Abijah’s Daughters – 2 Chronicles 13:21
9	Abijah’s Wives – 2 Chronicles 13:21
10	Abimelech’s Female Slaves – Genesis 20:14
11	Abimelech’s Wife – Genesis 20:14
12	Abishag – 1 Kings 1:1-4, 1 Kings 1:15, 1 Kings 2:17, 1 Kings 2:21-22
13	Abital – 2 Samuel 3:4, 1 Chronicles 3:1-3
14	Abraham’s Concubines – Genesis 25:6
15	Achan’s Daughters – Joshua 7:24
16	Achsah – Joshua 15:16-19, Judges 1:12-15, 1 Chronicles 2:49
17	Adah, Esau’s wife – Genesis 36:2-4
18	Adah, Lamech’s Wife -Genesis 4:19-20, Genesis 4:23-24
19	Adam’s Daughters – Genesis 5:4
20	Ahinoam – 1 Samuel 14:50
21	Ahinoam of JezreelAhlai – 1 Samuel 25:43, 1 Samuel 27:3, 1 Samuel 30:3-5, 1 Samuel 30:18, 2 Samuel 2:2, Samuel 3:2, 1 Chronicles 3:1-2
22	Ahlai – 1 Chronicles 11:41Anna – Luke 2:36-38
23	Apphia – Philemon 1:2
24	Asenath – Genesis 41:45, Genesis 41:50, Genesis 46:20
25	Atarah – 1 Chronicles 2:26
26	Athaliah – 2 Kings 8:25, 2 Kings 11:1-3, 2 Kings 11:13-16, 2 Kings 11:20, 2 Chronicles 22:2, 2 Chronicles 22:10-12, 2 Chronicles 23:12-15, Ezra 8:7
27	Azubah – 1 Chronicles 2:18-19
28	Azubah, Daughter of Shilhi – 1 Kings 22:42, 2 Chronicles 20:31
	B
29	Baara – 1 Chronicles 8:8
30	Basemath, Esau’s Wife – Genesis 26:34-35, Genesis 36:2-4, Genesis 36:10, Genesis 36:13
31	Basemath, Solomon’s Daughter
32	Bathsheba- 2 Samuel 11, 2 Samuel 12:9-12, 2 Samuel 12:24, Kings 1: 11-31;1 Kings 2:14-25, Matthew 1:6
33	Bathshua – 1 Chronicles 2:3
34	Bernice – Acts 25:13-14, Acts 25:23, Acts 26:30-32
35	Bilhah – Genesis 29:29
	C
36	Cain’s Wife -
37	Canaanite Woman – Matthew 15:21-28, Mark 7:24-30
38	Canaanite Woman’s Daughter – Matthew 15:21-28
39	Cephas’ Wife – 1 Corinthians 9:5
40	Certain Women – Acts 1:14
41	Concubines (of Qoheleth) -
42	Cozbi – Numbers 25:6-9, Number 25:14-16
	D
43	Daughter of a Synagogue Leader – Matthew 9:18-19, Matthew 9:23-25
44	Daughter of Machir – 1 Chronicles 2:21
45	Daughters of Barzillai – Ezra 2:61
46	Daughters of Enoch – Genesis 5:22
47	Daughters of Humans – Genesis 6:1-4
48	Daughters of Jared – Genesis 5:19
49	Daughters of Lamech – Genesis 5:30
50	Daughters of Methuselah – Genesis 5:26
51	David’s (Un-named) Daughters – 2 Samuel 5:13, 2 Samuel 19:5
52	David’s (Un-named) Wives and Concubines – 2 Samuel 5:13, 2 Samuel 12:8-12, 2 Samuel 15:16, 2 Samuel 16:20-22, 2 Samuel 19:5
53	Deborah – Judges 5:1-2, Judges 5:6-7, Judges 5:5:12-13
54	Deliliah – Judges 16:4-9, Judges 16:10-20
	E
55	Eglah – 2 Samuel 3:5
56	Elisheba – Exodus 6:23
57	Elizabeth – Luke 1:5-7, Luke 1:13, Luke 1:24-25, Luke 1:36, Luke 1:40-44, Luke 57-61,
58	Elkhanah’s Daughters – 1 Samuel 1:2, 1 Samuel 1:4, 1 Samuel 2:20-21
59	Enosh’s Daughters – Genesis 5:10
60	Ephah – 1 Chronicles 2:46
61	Ephraim’s Wife – 1 Chronicles 7:23
62	Ephrath – 1 Chronicles 2:19
63	Eunice – 1 Tim 2:5
64	Euodia – Philippians 4:2-3
65	Eve (Woman) – Genesis 1:26-31, Genesis 2:1-25, Genesis 3:1-6, Genesis 3:8-13, Genesis 3:15-16, Genesis 3:20, Genesis 4:25, Genesis 5:1-2
	F
66	Female Servants – Ezra 2:64-65
67	Female Slaves – Ecclesiastes 2:7
68	Foreign Women – Ezra 9:2, Ezra 9:12, Ezra 10:2-3, Ezra 10:10-15
	G
69	Gideon’s Wives and Concubine – Judges 8:30-31
70	Gilead’s Wives – Judges 11:2Girls – 1 Samuel 9:11-13
71	Gideon’s Wives and Concubine – Judges 8:30-31
72	Gilead’s Wives – Judges 11:2Girls – 1 Samuel 9:11-13
	H
73	Hagar – Genesis 25:12
74	Haggith – 2 Samuel 3:4, 1 Kings 1:5, 1 Kings 1:1, 1 Chronicles 3:1-2
75	Ham’s Wife – Genesis 6:18, Genesis 7:1, Genesis 7:7, Genesis 7:13-7:16, Genesis 8:15-19
76	Hammolecheth – 1 Chronicles 7:18
77	Hannah – 1 Samuel 1:1-28, 1 Samuel 2:1-10, 1 Samuel 2:19, 1 Samuel 25:12
78	Herodias – Matthew 14:3-11
79	Hiram’s Mother – 1 Kings 7:13-14
80	Hodesh – 1 Chronicles 8:9-10
81	Hoglah – Numbers 26:33, Numbers 27:1-11, Numbers 36:1-12
82	Huldah – 2 Kings 22:13-28
83	Hushim – 1 Chronicles 8:8, 1 Chronicles 8:11
	I
84	Izban’s Daughters – Judges 12:9
85	Izban’s Daughters-in-Law – Judges 12:9
	J
86	Jael – Judges 4:9, Judges 4:17-24, Judges 5:6, Judges 5:24-27
87	Japheth’s Wife – Genesis 6:18, Genesis 7:1, Genesis 7:7, Genesis 7:13-7:16, Genesis 8:15-19Jecoliah – 2 Chronicles 26:3
88	Jehoaddin – 2 Kings 14:2, 2 Chronicles 25:1
89	Jehoshabeath – 2 Kings 11:1-3, 2 Chronicles 22:10-12
90	Jemimah – Job 42:13-16
91	Jephthah’s Daughter – Judges 11:34-40
92	Jephthah’s Mother – Judges 11:1
93	Jerioth – 1 Chronicles 2:18-19
94	Jeroboam’s Wife – 1 Kings 14:1-17
95	Jerushah – 2 Chronicles 27:1
96	Jesus’ Sisters – Matthew 13:55
97	Jezebel – 1 Kings 16:31-34, 1 Kings 18:3-4, 1 Kings 18:13, 1 Kings 18:19, 1 Kings 19:1-2, 1 Kings 21:5-7, 1 Kings 21:8-16, 1 Kings 21:23-26, 2 Kings 9:6-10, Revelation 2:20
98	Joash’s Daughters – 2 Chronicles 24:2-3
99	Joash’s Two Wives – 2 Chronicles 24:2-3
100	Jochebed (Moses’ Mother) – Exodus 2:1-3, 2:8-10, Exodus 6:19a-20, Exodus 11:23
101	Jonathon’s Mother – 1 Samuel 20:30
102	Judith – Genesis 26:34-35
	K
103	Keturah – Genesis 25:1-2, 1 Chronicles 1:32-33
104	Keren-happuch – Job 42:13-16
105	Keziah – Job 42:13-16
106	King’s Daughter – 1 Samuel 17:24-27
107	Peninnah – 1 Samuel 1:1-6
	L
108	Levite’s Concubine – Judges 19:1-29, Judges 19:1-2, Judges 19:3-9, Judges 19:10-22, Judges 19:22, Judges 19:25-27, Judges 19:29, Judges 20:3
109	Lydia – Acts 16:13-15
	M
110	Maacah – 2 Samuel 3:3, 1 Chronicles 3:1-2, 1 Chronicles 11:26-47
111	Maacah, Caleb’s Concubine – 1 Chronicles 2:48-49
112	Maacah, Absalom’s Daughter – 1 Kings 15:1-2, 1 Chronicles 11:20-22
113	Maacah, Jeiel’s Wife – 1 Chronicles 8:29, 1 Chronicles 9:35
114	Mahalath – 2 Chronicles 11:18-20
115	Mahlah – Numbers 26:33, Numbers 27:1-11, Numbers 36:1-12
116	Manoah’s Wife – Judges 13:2-24, Judges 14:2-6, Judges 14:9
117	Man’s Wife – 2 Samuel 17:18-21Mary – Romans 16:6
118	Mary, James’ and Joseph’s Mother – Matthew 27:55-56
119	Mary, Jesus’ Mother – Matthew 1:16, Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 2:11, Matthew 2:13-15, Matthew 2:19-21, Matthew 12:46-50, Matthew 13:54-58, Mark 3:31-35, Mark 6:3-4, Luke 1:26-30, Luke 1:39-55, Luke 2:16, Luke 2:19, Luke 2:34-35, John 19:25-27, Acts 1:14
120	Mary Magdalene – Matthew 27:55-56,Mark 15:40-41
121	Mary, Mother of John – Acts 12:12-17
122	Mary, Mother of Joses - Mary’s Sister – John 19:25
123	Mary, wife of Clopas – John 19:25
124	Medium at Endor – 1 Samuel 28:7-25, 1 Chronicles 10:13
125	Merab – 1 Samuel 14:49, 1 Samuel 18:17-19, 1 Samuel 21:8
126	Mehetabel – Genesis 36:39
127	Mephibosepth’s Nurse – 2 Samuel 4:4
128	MichalMicah’s Mother – Judges 17:1-4
129	Micaiah – 2 Chronicles 13:1-2
130	Midianites – Numbers 31:9, Numbers 31:12, Number 31:15-18
131	Midwife – Numbers 31:9, Numbers 31:12, Number 31:15-18
132	Michal – 1 Samuel 14:50, 1 Samuel 18:20-29, 1 Samuel 19:8-17, 1 Samuel 25:4, 2 Samuel 3:12-16, 2 Samuel 6:16, 2 Samuel 6:20-23
133	Milcah – Genesis 11:29, Genesis 24:15
134	Milcah – Numbers 26:33, Numbers 27:1-11, Numbers 36:1-12
135	Miriam – Exodus 15:20-21, Numbers 12:1-15, Numbers 20:1, Numbers 26:59, Deuteronomy 24:8-9, 1 Chronicles 6:3, Micah 6:4
136	Moabites – Numbers 25:1-2
137	Moses’ Sister – Exodus 2:4-8
138	Mother of the sons of Zebedee – Matthew 20:20-23, Matthew 27:55-56
	N
139	Naamah – Genesis 4:22
140	Naamah the Ammonite – 1 Kings 14:21, 2 Chronicles 12:13
141	Noadiah – Nehemiah 6:14
142	Noah – Numbers 26:33, Numbers 27:1-11, Numbers 36:1-12
143	Noah’s Wife – Genesis 6:18, Genesis 7:1, Genesis 7:7, Genesis 7:13-7:16, Genesis 8:15-19
	O
144	Oholibamah – Genesis 36:14
145	Orpah – Ruth 1:4
	P
146	Peter’s Mother-in-law – Matthew 8:14-15, Mark 1:29-31
147	Pharaoh’s Daughter, from Exodus – Exodus 2:5-10, Acts 7:21-22, Hebrews 11:24
148	Pharaoh’s Daughter, Solomon’s Wife – 1 Kings 3:1-2, 1 Kings 9:16, 1 Kings 9:24, 1 Kings 11:1, 2 Chronicles 8:11
149	Phinehas’ Wife – 1 Samuel 4:19-22
150	Prophetess – Isaiah 8:3
151	Prostitute in Gaza – Judges 16:1
152	Prostitutes with Baby – 1 Kings 3:16-28
153	Prostitutes Bathing in Blood – 1 Kings 22:38
154	Puah – Exodus 1:15-22
155	Putiel’s Daughter – Exodus 6:25
	Q
156	Queen of Sheba – 1 Kings 10:1-13, 2 Chronicles 9:1-9, 2 Chronicles 9:12, Matthew 12:42
157	Queen Tahpenes – 1 Kings 11:19-21
	R
158	Rahab – Joshua 2:1-21, Joshua 6:17, Joshua 6:22-25, Matthew 15, Hebrews 11:31, James 2:24-26
159	Rebekah – Genesis 20:23
160	Rehoboam’s Daughters – 2 Chronicles 11:21
161	Rehoboam’s Wives and Concubines – 2 Chronicles 11:21
162	Reuel’s Seven Daughters – Exodus 2:15b-21
163	Reumah – Genesis 22:24
164	Rhoda – Acts 12:12-17
165	Rizpah – 2 Samuel 3:6-11, 2 Samuel 21:8-13
	S
166	Salome – Mark 15:40, Mark 16:1
167	Samson’s First Wife – Judges 14:1-5, Judges 14:10, Judges 14:15-20, Judges 15:1-2, Judges 15:6
168	Sapphira – Acts 5:1-2, Acts 5:7-10
169	Sarah/Sarai – Genesis 11:29-31, Genesis 12:5, Genesis 12:11-20, Genesis 13:1,
170	Serah – Numbers 26:56, 1 Chronicles 7:30
171	Servant Girl – 2 Samuel 17:17
172	Seth’s Daughers – Genesis 5:7
173	Sheerah – 1 Chronicles 7:24
174	Shelomith – Leviticus 24:10-12
175	Shelomith – 1 Chronicles 3:19
176	Shem’s Wife – Genesis 6:18, Genesis 7:1, Genesis 7:7, Genesis 7:13-7:16, Genesis 8:15-19
177	Sheshan’s Daughter – 1 Chronicles 2:34-35
178	Shiphrah – Exodus 1:15-22
179	Shua – 1 Chronicles 7:32
180	Shunammite Woman – 2 Kings 4:8-44
181	Singers – Ezra 2:64-65, Ezra 2:70-1, Ezra 7:7-8, Ecclesiastes 2:8
182	Singing Women – 2 Chronicles 35:25
183	Sisera’s Mother – Judges 5:28-31
184	Sister of Tahpenes – 1 Kings 11:19-21
185	Slave-Girl Who Had a Spirit – Acts 16:16-19
186	Solomon’s Wives – 1 Kings 11:1-8
187	Stephana – 1 Corinthians 16:15
188	Susanna – Luke 8:3
189	Syntyche – Philippians 4:2-3
190	Syrophoenician Woman (also Canaanite Woman) – Matthew 15:21-28, Mark 7:24-30
191	Syrophoenician Woman’s Daughter – Matthew 15:21-28
	T
192	Talitha – Matthew 9:18-19, Matthew 9:23-26, Mark 5:22-24, 5:35-43
193	Tamar, Absalom’s Daughter – 2 Samuel 14:27
194	Tamar, David’s Daughter – 2 Samuel 13:1-20, 2 Samuel 13:32
195	Tamar, Judah’s Daughter-in-Law – 1 Chronicles 2:4
196	Taphath – 1 Kings 4:11
197	Timothy’s Mother – 1 Tim 2:5
198	Tirzah – Numbers 26:33, Numbers 27:1-11, Numbers 36:1-12
	V
199	Vashti – Esther 1:8-20
	W
200	Widow of Zarephath – 1 Kings 17:8-24
201	Wife of a Member of the Company of Prophets – 2 Kings 4:1-7
202	Wisest Ladies – Judges 5:29
203	Wise Woman – 2 Samuel 14:2-21, 2 Samuel 20:16-22, Proverbs 14:1
204	Wives of the Apostles – 1 Corinthians 9:5
205	Wives of the Brothers of the Lord – 1 Corinthians 9:5
206	Woman Making Leavened Bread – Matthew 13:33
207	Woman with an Alabaster – Matthew 26:6-13
208	Woman in the Crowd – Luke 11:27-28
209	Woman with the Millstone – Judges 9:53-54, 2 Samuel 2:11
210	Woman Suffering from Hemorrhages – Matthew 9:20-23, Mark 6:24-34
211	Women (Christian) – Acts 8:3
212	Women Dancing with Miriam – Exodus 15:20
213	Women of Jabesh-gilead – Judges 21:1-14
214	Women at Shiloh – Judges 21:15-25
215	Women of the Towns of Israel – 1 Samuel 18:6-7
216	Women at the Wall – Judges 9:51-52
217	Women Who Had Gathered – Acts 16:13
218	Women Who Served at the Entrance – Exodus 38:8, 1 Samuel 2:22
219	Women at Ziklag – 1 Samuel 30:1-3, 1 Samuel 30:18-19
	Z
220	Zeruah – 1 Kings 11:26
221	Zeruiah – 1 Samuel 26:6, 2 Samuel 2:13, 2 Samuel 2:18, 2 Samuel 3:39, 2 Samuel 8:16, 2 Samuel 14:1, 2 Samuel 17:25, 2 Samuel 18:2, 2 Samuel 19:21-22,2 Samuel 23:18, 2 Samuel 23:37, 1 Kings 1:7, 1 Kings 2:5, 1 Kings 2:22, 1 Chronicles 2:13-17, 1 Chronicles 11:6, 1 Chronicles 11:26-47, 1 Chronicles 18:12, 1 Chronicles 18:15, 1 Chronicles 26:28, 1 Chronicles 27:24
222	Zibiah – 2 Kings 12:1, 2 Chronicles 24
223	Zillah – Genesis 4:19, Genesis 4:22-24Zilpah – Genesis 29:24, Genesis 30:9-12
224	Zipporah – Exodus 2:22, Exodus 4:18-20, Exodus 4:24-26, Exodus 18:1-6, Numbers 12:1 (possible reference)