Believe in Christmas

Two gifts.

Two people.

Two responses.

Zacharias, a priest who entered the presence of the Lord on behalf of the people, did not believe God’s answer to prayer delivered through Gabriel. The gift of John—the one who would go before the Lord, a voice crying out in the wilderness, the one who pointed to the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world.

Zacharias did not trust the very God he served, even after asking God for a son in his old age.

“How can I know for certain?”

He was an old man with an immature faith.

On the other hand, Mary, a lowly maiden, found favor with God and believed Gabriel’s incredible announcement that she would bear the Gift--Jesus, the Son of God, the Savior of the world. She trusted God would do exactly as He said. She simply wondered how since she was a virgin.

“How will it happen?”

I find it fascinating that Mary didn’t consider the child might possibly come through Joseph at a later time after their marriage. Even before Gabriel provided conception details, she alludes to the event as though it will happen to her as a virgin (Luke 1:35). God will implant this holy Child by and through the power of the Holy Spirit and the Most High (the Trinity involved in this wondrous conception). In my mind, it took more faith to believe she, as a virgin, would miraculously conceive and bear the promised Messiah than for Zacharias to accept the answer to the prayer he’d already prayed and seen answered in a similar fashion hundreds of years prior for Abraham and Sarah. The precedent for God’s miracle of aging conceptions had been set. There was no precedent for what happened to Mary.

Yet, she believed in the miracle of Christmas with the ready response: “Behold, I am the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to Your word” (Luke 1:38).

She was a young girl with a mature faith.

Gabriel added assurance to her already strong faith with his words, “Nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).

For Zacharias, disbelief rendered him tongue tied, in this instance, by God’s sovereign design.

For Mary, belief loosened her tongue in praise. What results is the beautiful Magnificat that flows through history like a resounding musical testimony to the wonder and greatness of God her Savior, who exalts the humble and deflates the pompous.

Indeed, a mind filled with the wonder of Jesus quells the questions.

So, I’m challenged, even convicted, by how many times I’ve lapsed into a Zacharias response, even when God answers the very prayer I’ve been praying. “But, Lord, how can I know for certain?”

I want to be a gal after Mary’s heart with the ready response: “Behold, I am the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to Your word.” I want my life to show that I believe in Christmas, that with God, all things are possible. I want to simply trust Him to do what He knows is best for me, whatever that might look like.

How about you?

Zacharias or Mary?

One leads to a tongue tied in disbelief, a stunted testimony.

The other leads to a tongue loosed in praise and testimony for all God has done.

Which do you choose?

 

Coffee with a Widow (Bible Mommies series)

The Widow: A Test of Faith

The mother joining us today lost both her husband and her son. Yet, in the midst of that tragedy and a serious drought, God called her to a greater faith through His messager, Elijah. 

You demonstrated an ear to God's heart when you provided food for Elijah.

More like fear and resistance.

Why do you say that?

Well, God commanded me to provide food for Elijah when he passed through Zarephath, but when he asked, I balked. I said, "Surely as the LORD your God lives, I don't have any bread--only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it--and die." You see, I was at the point of exhaustion and despair. I certainly didn't know what God and Elijah were up to. In some ways, it seemed an ironic intrusion on me and my son. 

Did Elijah go away?

No. He nailed me from the get-go. He said, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son." Then he told me an amazing, almost unbelievable thing. He said, "The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land."

Sounds a bit selfish on Elijah's part.

It might look that way on the surface, but I now know God was testing my faith. 

What happened?

I did as Elijah said. And true to God's word, I never ran out of oil or flour.  She shook her head. Amazing!

I'll say. As I understand it, your son later died. I'm so sorry you had to go through that.

Don't misunderstand, it was difficult. But I want everyone to know that the situation turned out for the better--I gained a deeper faith in God. You see, I didn't understand why God would allow my son to grow sicker by the day. I turned on Elijah, saying, "What do you have against me, man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son?" I thought I was being cruelly punished for some wrong I'd done. That couldn't have been further from the truth. 

I think many feel that way when something bad happens. But this story has a happy ending, doesn't it?

Oh yes. Elijah didn't rebuke me. He simply said, "Give me your son." Then he took him upstairs to his room and laid him on the bed. He cried out to God then stretched himself on my son three times and prayed, "O LORD my God, let this boy's life return to him!"

Some would call that crazy.

She shrugs. Maybe so, but all I can say is the LORD heard Elijah's cry, and my son's life returned to him. He lived! Elijah brought the boy back to me. I knew beyone a doubt that he was a man of God and that the LORD's word was faithful and true.

God is indeed a God of mercy and compassion to hear and answer in this way. What lessons did you learn from this experience?

She releases a heavy sigh. That God is true to His word. That God cares about a mother's heart. He wants us all to trust Him with the dearest people in our lives: our children. And He wants us to draw close to Him and cherish relationship with Him above all else. He must be number one, over everything and everyone. 

Tough lessons to learn.

Which is why He must allow events to fall in place that will test us and stretch us. 

Thanks for sharing with my readers today! 

For more of the widow's story, read 1 Kings, chapter 17.

Coffee with Sarah (Bible Mommies series)

Sarah: From Barren to Blessed

When a client steps into my counselor husband's office, one of the first things my husband asks is, "What's your problem?" or "What brought you here today?"

Interestingly enough, the presenting problem represents a deeper issue in the person's life or surroundings. Would you say that's true for you, Sarah?

Definitely. I was desperate to have a child, but I think the real issue in my life was releasing control and allowing God to build my faith.  And of course, at this point in human history, mankind in general suffered from barren hearts. They'd walked away from God and exalted themselves.

In reading your story in Genesis, you enter the scene as a new bride with one distinction: you're barren. Short bio for the future mother of God's chosen people.

Sarah laughs. Yes, I guess you could say that.

Tell us a little of what it was like to be married to Abraham. He always seems like such a bigger than life figure. 

Yes, Abram was a good man. A righteous man. But he wasn't perfect. God had to chisel him into a patriarch of faith. And one of the first tests: the promise of a son, even in his old age. And not just any son, mind you, an heir through which God would build a great nation with descendants as plentiful as the stars. Sadly, what started out as faith in God's promise turned to doubt and impatience. And I certainly didn't help matters.

What do you mean?

Well, in hindsight, I now know God always has a reason for His delays. Sometimes, He withholds blessing long enough for us to come to the end of ourselves and our resources, then in grace, He acts. I believe that's what he did in mine and Abram's case. But I insisted on doing things my way rather than waiting on God. I pulled in Hagar to conceive a child on my behalf, thinking her son could be the promised heir. But that was so far from what God intended. He promised a child through Abram and me. 

What did you learn from your experience that you might pass along to my readers?

Sarah sighs. I struggled with infertility my entire life, well past the age for bearing children. And you know what I finally realized? The thing I struggled with the most is where God met me with laughter. You might recall that I named our son, Isaac, meaning "God laughs." Even in my disobedience, God graciously stuck to His promise. I love how God works! Such a blessing!

Yes. So true, Sarah. From barren to blessed. Thanks for joining me today and providing a glimpse into your life and lessons learned. 

Glad to be with you! 

So, dear reader, as you think about our time with Sarah, consider the following questions based on Genesis 11:30, chapters 15-18:15; 21:1-12.

* What qualities proved both strengths and weaknesses in Sarah's life?

* In what ways can you identify with Sarah?

* What areas feel barren in your life right now?

* Has God made any promises to you?

* What lessons can you learn from Sarah's faith journey?

We'll be visiting with Hagar next time to hear her side of the story! We'll keep the coffee hot. :)

Single Savvy

"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil."   -Ephesians 5:15-16

Once in awhile, I meet a Christian single who is very dissatisfied with his lot in life. He seems to be hovering over life, fixed in a holding pattern, until God reveals that perfect mate who will share life and ministry and make his life complete. I can't help but feel sorry for that type of person. He is never content. Because he is so busy gazing on what he thinks are greener, more productive pastures, he misses God's will for him today. How sad, and how unnecessary. God has called each of us to a particular station in life. That station may change, just as the seasons change, but each is for a specific purpose.

Therefore, it behooves the single person to be careful how he conducts his life. I like to call it having "single savvy."  The Random House Dictionary defines "savvy" as being "wise, having understanding." Ephesians 5 picks up this thought when it encourages all of us--single and married alike--to be wise, to make the most of our time. Why? Because the days are evil. Just look around you. It doesn't take long to figure that out. Billboards blare out provocative images. Television and movies splash sexual acts across the screen and into our living rooms. Gay and lesbian militants scream for legalized homosexual marriage and the right to adopt children. A government who prays before every session casts prayer out of its nation's schools. Need I say more? The days are indeed evil. So, how can the single find purpose in his current situation, walk as a wise person, and make the most of his time in these evil days? I offer these suggestions:

1)  WALK IN LOVE. 

Ephesians 5:2 says to "walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma."  Focus your energies on loving people, just as Jesus loves and forgives you. Look beyond yourself to others and serve them. What drives you? What talents, gifts, and passions has God put within your heart? You may have more time and energy to devote to the Lord's work now while you are single. If and when you marry, your energies will be divided. Find projects, people, missions you can invest in now that may be difficult to impossible to invest in later should you wed.

Furthermore, all of us battle lust at some time or another, but the temptation may be even greater for the single. Channel that energy into service. Avoid viewing the opposite sex as objects. Think of them as real, living, breathing people made in God's image, who have a personality, a heart and soul, and therefore, true value. Pray for them and their family, even though you may not know them. Prayer can help transform lust into love. Flee places you know are evil and are promoting lust rather than love.

As your life exudes love, you will be releasing a fragrant aroma of witness for God.

2)  WALK IN FAITH.

Colossians 2:6-7 says that "as you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude." How did you receive Jesus? By faith. So how do you walk in Him? By faith. Use this period in your life to devote large chunks of time to Bible study and prayer. Attend singles' Bible studies. But don't limit yourself to just singles' groups. Diversify. Mingle with several different age groups. Guide the young. Learn from the old. Keep an open mind, but always be directed by God's truth. Let the Word of God act as a filter for every idea, philosophy, or book that comes across your path. Concentrate on surrounding your life with people, places, and things that will build you up in the faith. And believe that God has your best interests at heart. His plan is always best.

3)  WALK IN CONTENTMENT

Paul says in Philippians 4:11:  "Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am in." Paul had learned from experience how to walk in humility, yet he boldly and unashamedly proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our Lord also learned humility and obedience by the things he endured. What an example of contentment they left us!

What an awesome privilege and responsibility the Christian single has to show the world contentment! To be an ambassador of Jesus Christ! To manage each day as it comes, and let tomorrow take care of itself! To let go of the past, refuse to dwell on the future, and simply live in the present. To fall in love with Jesus and serve Him faithfully now!

This can be one of the greatest times in your life, as you seize each day for God's Kingdom glory!

"....making the most of your time, for the days are evil."

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A Grandmother's Legacy, Part II

One of the most important things you can do to leave a godly legacy to your grandchildren is be present in their lives. That takes time fleshing out biblical principles through both your example and your words.

For my six grandchildren, love is spelled T-I-M-E (touch, investing in their interests, making memories together, and eating fun foods). Quantity time opens the door to quality time. In other words, the more time you spend with your grandchildren, the more opportunity for the spontaneous “gems” to appear. Gems come in the form of questions about God, about life, about friends, and a hundred other topics on a kid’s heart. What a treat to discuss issues in the context of what we are doing . . . as we go, as Deuteronomy 6 instructs.

I pray with and for my grandchildren. I pass along family stories that illustrate trust in God and biblical values, like honesty, hard work, and service to others. I use creation to remind them of God’s attributes—His faithfulness, as sure as the rising of the sun; His gentleness and compassion, as evidenced in the nursing lamb; His attention to detail, as shown in the design of an insect wing. Even catching fireflies on a summer’s eve can provoke application. As the bugs flicker on a dark night, I remind my grandchildren that Jesus is the light of the world. Then we talk about what that means. As we lie on the trampoline and gaze at the stars, we discuss how great God is, that He’s named each star. That as much as He delights in the stars, He cares even more about us, His crowning creation. That as the stars bring God glory, so can we by loving Him and sharing Him with others.

Indeed, I believe the secret to leaving a legacy of faith to our grandchildren is by following God’s instruction in Deuteronomy 6:7-9: Impress (God’s commandments) on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates (NIV).

With the convenience of the internet, a plethora of ideas is no more than a click away. You can Google any topic and come up with a craft, a fun sheet, or activity to reinforce the biblical truth you want to impress on your grandchildren. Even items you have around the house can intrigue little ones.

The other day, while rummaging through my dresser, I unearthed an old picture that used to hang on my bedroom wall when I was a child. After Mama would send me drudging up the steps for naptime, I’d lie on my bed gazing at this picture of trees accompanied by the poem by Joyce Kilmer titled “Trees.” That poem sparked in me a lifelong love for trees and for lovely writing.

I THINK that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

 

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

 

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

 

A tree that may in Summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

 

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

 

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

  I shared this memento with my grandchildren while they ate breakfast. I told them that years after I first read this poem, I discovered Psalm, chapter one in my Bible, a favorite scripture passage to this day. The verses tell about the key to happiness. When a person refuses to follow a bad crowd or join in with those who make fun of God and His Word, s/he is choosing God’s path to blessing. When s/he spends time reading and thinking about the scriptures, s/he will be “like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers” (Psalm 1:3, NIV). A short, but powerful lesson for a six and four year old who are learning about God’s ways.

Instill within them a heart for others. Give them a job to do when they visit you, so that they understand the value of hard work, not just fun and games all the time. When children are young, they actually enjoy helping in the kitchen, scrubbing the sink, stirring the pancake mix, or setting the table. They like to know they are making a contribution to the household. Seize the moments to teach them the importance and value of work. As Proverbs 12:27 says, “The precious possession of a man is diligence.”

One of my grandchildren is currently raising money to build a well in Africa. She’s only six, but she wants to do whatever she can to provide water for thirsty children. So, she sells lemonade, water bottles, and other items with the help of her parents and grandparents.

       Take baked goods to neighbors, especially those who are sick or less fortunate. This is a wonderful way to grow a hospitable heart within your grandchildren.

Open up the family trunk and share stories surrounding the items. Kids love family stories! And the applications are multitude!

With a little thought and creativity, you can come up with ideas that will reinforce the godly legacy you desire to leave your grandchildren. More than anything else, they crave your time and attention. It’s really that simple, no matter what age they are.

(“Trees,” published in Trees and Other Poems by Joyce Kilmer. New York: George H. Doran Company, 1914).

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Eileen Rife, author of the Born for India trilogy, enjoys toasting marshmallows, blowing bubbles, swimming, making crafts, reading, sharing family stories, and cuddling with her six grandchildren. www.eileenrife.com, www.eileen-rife.blogspot.com, www.guardyourmarriage.com, www.guardyourmarriage.blogspot.com.

A Grandmother's Legacy, Part I

I never knew my grandmothers. When I was five months old, my maternal grandmother died of a heart attack when she visited our home. The only memory of my paternal grandmother was when I was four years old. She collapsed in the bathroom. My friend and I playing outside the closed door heard her fall and ran to tell my mother. 

While I didn’t have the advantage of personally knowing my grandmothers, I did absorb the stories my parents told me about them. I’d often sneak into my daddy’s home office, lift a framed picture from the shelf, and study their images. Soft round cheeks. Smiling eyes with just a hint of turned up mouth. According to Mama and Daddy, my grandmothers left a rich legacy of hard work, faith in God, and love for family. 

But I didn’t really know what I’d missed by not knowing my grandmothers until I met my husband’s Grandma Hazel. She lived across the street from his family home in Ohio, and whenever we visited, she swept us back to the kitchen for homemade cookies and ice cream. Our girls played with her massive button collection, cradled her antique baby doll, and rocked in her wooden child’s rocker. That chair now sits in one of our bedrooms and is used by our grandchildren. I loved sitting on the sofa at Grandma Hazel’s house, listening to her tell stories of her childhood while the wall clock ticked in the background. She’d lean forward in her seat, eyes twinkling, and share with great detail how she worked hard growing up on a farm.

  

In the book, Hand of Providence, the Strong and Quiet Faith of Ronald Reagan, written by Mary Beth Brown, the author shares how instrumental Reagan’s mother Nelle was in instilling faith in God, a strong work ethic, integrity, and a bright outlook on life. Later, when  Reagan had children of his own, his mother played a significant role in pointing them toward Christ and biblical values. 

Brown goes on to illustrate the remarkable contribution grandmothers can make in their grandchildren’s spiritual lives. She shares about the babushkas (old grandmothers) during the Russian Revolution, a period in history when Communist leaders, intent on wiping every trace of God from public life, destroyed churches and synagogues, Bibles, and religious books. They imprisoned, tortured, and killed Christians and Jews, all in an effort to stamp out religion. The Communists shrugged off the babushkas, thinking they were harmless. But they were in for a surprise! After the disintegration of the Berlin Wall and communism, the leaders discovered millions of Russians who remained loyal to their faith in God. Even though the communists had spent over 70 years trying desperately to snuff out religion, they had failed. The gentle, quiet faith of the babushkas as they had rocked babies, sang hymns, whispered Scripture, and shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with their grandchildren spawned a generation of people who still worshiped God (80-81). 

Now that I have grandchildren, I want to be that kind of grandmother who leaves a godly legacy of faith to the next generation (see Psalm 71:18).

In order to do this, I must be intentional and purposeful in my pursuit. Stay tuned for “A Grandmother’s Legacy, Part II,” where I will share practical ways you can instill biblical values in the minds and hearts of your grandchildren. And if you’re not a grandma yet, the principles still apply to working with your children.

 

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Eileen Rife, author of the Born for India trilogy, enjoys toasting marshmallows, blowing bubbles, swimming, making crafts, reading, sharing family stories, and cuddling with her six grandchildren. www.eileenrife.com, www.eileen-rife.blogspot.com.