Böcker av Tanja Dufrene

Rewarded is the continuing study of Solomon & Bathsheba Queen Mother. Her story carries on into her later years where we will discover the aged King David attended by a lovely, young Shunammite virgin named Abishag. As Bathsheba approached the king in his room, Abishag tended him. What must Bathsheba have felt as she took in the sight of her beloved David yielded to the hands of such a fresh and beautiful damsel? As we observe her in our imaginations, the end of her story will lead us to consider a woman who rose to a position of high honor in spite of the incredible injustices she had suffered. In her youthful days, she had been power raped and found she was faced with an unplanned pregnancy. Soon thereafter, she was violently widowed, wed to the murderer of her beloved, and then added to an ever-growing harem. Eventually, the birth of her son brought little comfort as the child lived only a short time. Somehow, somewhere along the way Bathsheba learned to forgive and move forward with her life. She refused to wallow in pain and bitterness. She refused to live her remaining days a victim. She rose from victim to victor and held a place of great authority in the kingdom. She became the first queen mother to sit on a throne at the right hand of her son and king, the wisest king that ever lived, King Solomon. King Solomon, the product of her union with King David after the death of her first child, whose throne was challenged by an elder heir who assumed he would rule after their shared father, King David. This very same King David had perpetrated all of the atrocities she had been forced to experience. King Solomon prevailed and ruled the kingdom with great wisdom. How did he do it, being a younger child with many older brothers who likely thought they would be the next royal heir? All the while Bathsheba faced triumphs and tragedies, and she prevailed. How did she do it? Where did she find a healing balm to soothe and restore her soul? And more importantly, where might we find the same as we experience life's trials? Let us examine the story of her later days and understand how she came to be ... Rewarded.

Return, is the study of Naomi & Ruth. Together we will examine their experiences of being widows, their journey through the beginnings of an uncertain future, and their return to the place Jehovah had promised to bless. In search of a better life, Naomi had wandered away from Jehovah, His people and the land He promised to bless when His people followed His ways. In contrast, Ruth contended with Naomi so she could pursue Him, even at great personal costs. She willingly put aside any hope for her future or comfort. As they returned to the Promised Land, Naomi faced an uncertain welcome among her friends and family since she was accompanied only by a daughter-in-law, whose ancestry was questionable. Ruth's future was uncertain as she faced a community not likely to accept her foreign heritage. Would they allow her the opportunity to work for needed provisions? Might she end up being alone as she aged after Naomi's time on earth was finished? Both widows experienced trials and triumphs as the Spirit of the Lord beckoned them to ... Return.

Concept words such as consecrated, devoted and holy seem to have been replaced with traditional, religious, or even politically correct. Yet how might the writings of that ancient book, The Holy Bible, apply to our lives even in these post-modern times? Join me on a journey through 26 short stories of everyday events and discover the wonder and awe of God's Word speaking even today. Why 26? Inside you will find chapters titled with only one word, one for each letter of the English alphabet. Yet each is rich with soul satisfying living water. Plunge to new depths then soar to greater heights as we stroll together through passages and life happenings in Artesian Zeal.

Warrior of the Word is delighted to share with you - Light in the Darkness, Warrior Words from Matthew 5 - a six-week daily devotional written for the hungry, yet harried Christ follower. Each daily reading includes Scripture, thoughts and reflective question intentionally designed to be quick reads so that the greatest time can be spent considering personal application. This study focuses on the teaching of Jesus as shared in Matthew 5, including His words of the Beatitudes, salt, light, fulfillment of the law, murder, divorce and so much more. These ancient words surprisingly address many current day issues with challenging, yet non-condemning truths. Simply reading, pondering and personally applying these timeless truths can be transformative, enlightening and soul satisfying as together we begin to bring Light in the Darkness to our spheres of influence.

Have you ever struggled with self-image? You know, perhaps being caught up in the comparison trap that leaves you feel like you are less than others around you? You were created by design, with detail and have a purpose to fulfill. Yet all too often negative thoughts of what appears to be a flaw or unforgiveable past presses so hard that confidently moving forward seems impossible. Made Worthy concisely examines how and why we were created, and just what it is that makes us worthy.

Revealed is the study of David & Bathsheba, a story in which the gross overreach of power left in its wake a plethora of wounded anddiscarded souls. Bathsheba was merely one among many who suffered as the result of unjust decisions made by the most powerful man of hertime, King David.Much is revealed about his heart as he commands a military campaign against the enemies of his kingdom while struggling with an assaultagainst his own soul. Much is revealed about her heart when her life journey leads her through the horrifying experience of being powerraped, being involuntarily removed from her home only to be added as one among many in an ever-growing harem, and the eventual lossof her infant baby. Through all of their experiences, David revealed a repentant heart while Bathsheba determined to learn from it all. Asa result, she eventually nurtured the wisest king that ever lived, King Solomon.How did they do it? Where did they find the strength and determination to continue living in the aftermath of such painfully public and personallosses? And more importantly, where might we find the same as we experience life''s trials? Let us observe them in the depths of our imagination and study David & Bathsheba''s lives together in ... Revealed.