A Seed of Faith

Two male spies with a plan, one woman with information. Two men on a mission. One woman with a bad reputation. Two men doing the work of the Lord. One woman labeled as a harlot. Who could imagine that their paths would cross? Yet the spies entered her city and ended up at her house.

The time? Early 1400's B.C. The place? Jericho. The woman? Rahab. The people of her city were in turmoil because of the news they had heard. When the two spies showed up at her house, Rehab was honest with them, "I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you" (Joshua 2:9-11a; KJV).

Sometime between hearing the city news and the arrival of the spies, a seed of faith sprang up in Rahab's heart. She believed the stories about this God's power. She was afraid that her city would be destroyed next. The God of the Israelites was someone to be reckoned with. She acknowledged her belief that He was God (Joshua 2:11b).

When the sound of an authoritative knock came at the door, Rahab had a choice to make. Should she turn the spies in, or hide them? With heart hammering in her chest, Rahab acted on her growing seed of faith. Carefully concealed under the flax on her rooftop, the spies heard her tell the king's men that her visitors had left before the city gate had been shut. (Joshua 2:5).

A covenant was made. Since she had saved their lives, they would spare the lives of she and her family members before the Israelites destroyed her city of Jericho. The spoken oath was sealed with a sign. A scarlet cord. The spies told Rahab to bind the same scarlet cord that would allow them to escape to safety, in her window. "Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all they father's household, home unto thee" (Joshua 2:18).

The spies were true to their word. "And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and thy brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel" (Joshua 6:23). What began as a seed of faith was continuing to grow.

Rahab. The woman we're introduced to in the book of Joshua who has a bad reputation is nowhere to be found once she acknowledges her belief in the God of the Israelites. We meet up with her again in the book of Matthew. No mention is made of her past. She is recognized as the wife of Salmon, no doubt a dashingly handsome Israelite, whose son just happens to be Boaz (Matthew 1:5). That's right! The mighty kinsman redeemer of the book of Ruth.

Think about it! A former harlot ends up in the genealogy of Jesus Christ! After all, Boaz and Ruth have a son, Obed, Obed and his wife have Jesse, Jesse and his wife have David, and fourteen generations later, our Savior is born!

It never ceases to amaze me what God can do with a man or woman with a seed of faith and a spirit yielded to Him! What's your 'faith' story? I'd love to hear it!

Cherish Every Moment

Although the descent down the hill lasted less than a minute, it could only be described as exhilarating! Sledding. Something I haven't done in more years than I care to remember. With cooler temperatures, some strategically placed snow machines, and twelve tubing lanes, the lawn at Stone Mountain (www.stonemountainpark.com) was magically transformed into Snow Mountain (www.SnowMountainPark.com).

A great day to make a memory as a family. This day happened to be extra-special as my Mom was able to join in on the fun. Arriving from Michigan earlier in the week, we convinced her to tackle the mountain of snow with us.

As we waited in line to enter the tubing area, we admired one another's snow gear: boots, hats, heavy coats and gloves. The brisk wind had convinced us that each of these items was a necessity. The clock read 7:00 p.m. when we entered the gates and were instructed to select a tube. We would be able to sled for two hours. With tube in hand, we stepped onto the conveyor belt that pulled us to the top of the hill. We stepped off of the belt and were ushered into a long line of people that snaked back and forth several times before heading up a ramp to the sledding area. Once in tubing territory, a friendly worker guided us to the next open lane.

Seated comfortably on the tube, having listened carefully to all of the instructions, the only thing that remained was the purposeful push that would send my tube speeding down the hill toward the finish line. With eager anticipation, I clung to the handles of my tube as I bounced and careened forward. I slid to a stop at the base of the hill, laughing out loud. I was transported back to my childhood, when my brother and I would spend hours sledding down the hill in our back yard until our fingers and toes couldn't take the cold a moment longer. We'd build ramps out of snow and have contests to see who could jump the farthest...Fun times! Back to the present.

As soon as everyone in our group had zipped down the hill, we took our places in line once again, dragging our ever faithful tubes behind us. Even though we ended up waiting in line about 20 minutes for every one run down the hill, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. It was a blast!

Life is a lot like the sledding experience. Most of our time may be spent just 'standing in line,' so to speak - doing those routine things that don't seem to amount to much. We're constantly looking ahead in anticipation of those things that will 'Wow' us: graduating from high school, getting that first big job, finding the right life partner, buying the first house, having children, and the list goes on.

As we stood in line waiting for our next opportunity to slide down the hill on our tubes, I realized that the entire experience was worth cherishing. Not only the exhilarating seconds flying down the hill, but also the time spent waiting in line. It was the time spent waiting in line that provided us with the opportunity to talk to one another and make precious memories that will last a lifetime.

Every moment we're given in life should be cherished as well. James, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, gave us excellent advice, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away" (James 4:14, KJV). While it's wise to plan for the future, don't forget to live in the now. View each moment as an opportunity to live for the Lord. Solomon penned the following words in the book of Ecclesiastes, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest" (9:10).

With the beginning of a brand new year, I'm focused on making the most of the time the Lord allows me and cherishing each moment! How about you?

A Fresh Start

January 1, 2010. A brand new year. A new beginning. A fresh start. Although I may not have reached all of my goals for 2009, I’m encouraged by a line spoken by Miss Stacey from the movie, Anne of Green Gables, “Every day is fresh with no mistakes!” How true.

An unexpected snowfall a couple days ago left the landscape blanketed in unspotted white. A glorious reminder of the prophet Isaiah’s words, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18). As this new year unfolds, I’m thankful for a merciful God who is the God of the second chance. And the third. And the fourth. As a child of the King, I am a new creature, “…old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17b; KJV). How freeing to know that His forgiveness wipes my slate clean, keeping no record of past sins. Once again I am whiter than snow. Praise God for His grace!

How exciting to serve a God who renews my hope. “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:21-23).

As I contemplate goals for each area of my life, my heart’s desire is to live in the will of God. My prayer echoes that of the Apostle Paul, that the eyes of my understanding would be enlightened, and that I may know what is the hope of his calling (Ephesians 1:18). I know He has a plan for me, yet it remains His ‘hope’ that I’ll fulfill it. He won’t force me to fulfill the plan He has for me, I must diligently pursue it, one day at a time. Oh, that I will reach the goals that He has for me!

His word calls each one of us to, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). May this new year be filled with His presence and His definition of success: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Joshua 1:8).

What goals have you set this year? Don’t give in to defeat if you fall short, remember that God is just waiting to help you up, dust you off, and set you back on His path. Seek God’s will in every area of your life for a truly prosperous and successful new year! God bless!

The Real Deal

Car shopping. Not my favorite pastime, but a necessity since our vehicle is closing in on 150,000 miles, with some major repairs looming. We had numerous options. We hadn’t made a decision beyond the fact that we knew we were interested in a pre-owned vehicle. It was only when we began comparing features that we realized we did have some definite requirements and preferences.

My husband and I had narrowed down our search based on price point, function, and value. Since we had a number of different makes and models we were considering, we set off on our search for the perfect choice for our family.

The first vehicle we drove handled well, but had a fairly spartan interior. As we continued our search, we drove a vehicle we loved, but were unable to get the dealer to negotiate to our price point. A third vehicle was quickly checked off our list when we realized it didn’t have some of the features we knew we wanted.

By now, evening was upon us. The sun had gone down and a cold, wintry wind made it easy to call it quits for the day. The drive home gave us an opportunity to compare notes. We were in agreement about the make and model of vehicle. Now, if we could only find one at our price point. After prayer, additional research, and a few phone calls, we found the vehicle that will replace our well-loved Acura. And wow, what a deal!

As I think about the long list of requirements the new vehicle meets, I can’t help but draw a spiritual comparison. There is a void in each one of us that is aching to be filled. We may think that friendship will fill the void. Maybe a successful career or accumulating wealth will be the answer. Many have tried these things only to come up short. The only thing that will meet our many ‘requirements,’ and fill our void is the person, Jesus Christ.

I love contemplating everything He is in my ever-changing circumstances. On those days when I’m struggling, Psalm 121:5 reminds me that, “The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand” (KJV). He is my shelter during life’s inevitable storms (Psalm 61:3). He consistently offers me grace and mercy. “Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful” (Psalm 116:5).

When I am weak, He is my strength. “The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation” (Exodus 15:2). The Apostle Paul’s words to the Philippians assure me of my God’s provision, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

He is my treasure and my portion forever. The Psalmist, David, penned the following words that express this thought, “The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup” (Psalm 16:5a).
I could never find a closer friend. A friend who will never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5b) A friend who willingly laid down His life for me. “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). In every situation, He is everything I need and so much more. The real deal. What are you in need of today? Let Jesus Christ meet each one of your needs. He alone is faithful and able!

The Light

It was pitch black. The silence was uncanny. How could silence be described as deafening? Yet it was. Almost as if the silence pressed against my ears, and became a roaring noise. Strange, but true. I was hundreds of feet below the surface of the earth in Mammoth Cave.

The features of the cave appeared 'other-worldly.' From stalactites and stalagmites to rivers and lakes, I was amazed by everything that existed in this underground cavern. Our tour guide had brought us to this portion of the cave to demonstrate the utter darkness that would surround us if all the lights were extinguished. Unable to make out my hand in front of my face, I was convinced! When the lights were turned on, the darkness was dispelled. With light once again flooding our path, we finished our exploration of the cave. Although this experience was lived out over thirty years ago, the memory of the temporary darkness in the cave left a lasting impression on me.

This week we had a special Christmas party for the children at our church who participate in the Awana program. It is a tremendous program that evangelizes and disciples children, encouraging them in their walk with Jesus Christ. I was captivated by the Director's message. As he read the account of the Christmas story from Luke 2, he brought up the fact that Jesus is the Light of the world. I was reminded of my 'cave' experience.

Just like the lights dispelled the darkness in Mammoth Cave, Jesus came to this earth to dispel the darkness. He acknowledged, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12, KJV). Unfortunately, not everyone wants to trade his/her darkness for Jesus' light. "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19). If they could only comprehend the great exchange that would take place upon laying down their darkness for God's marvelous light. Everlasting life spent with the Light of the world could be theirs. In Jesus' words, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved" (John 3:16-17).

Although He came as a babe in a manager, He came to be the Light that would point us to the Father. He came to "seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). What will you do with this gift of salvation He's extending to you? Will you move from darkness to the Light? He's beckoning you. His plans for you are great. "For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end" (Jeremiah 29:11).

If you've already accepted this amazing gift of salvation by grace through faith, will you be faithful to share the Light of the world with those who are still in darkness around you? The baby we celebrate this Christmas season, came "To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace" (Luke 1:77-79). Give the best gift this season! The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ - the Light of the world!

The Perfect Gift

The list is long. Each year it's challenging to find the perfect gift for each person. Something unique. Something he or she will enjoy.

Since we're not travelling north for Christmas this year, I had to ship the majority of the gifts. Not wanting to pay a fortune in postage, my gift options were significantly limited. Hmmmm. Gift cards would be the perfect solution. Now I just had to decide from which stores to purchase the gift cards. After much thought, and a strategically placed phone call, I chose gift cards from stores that I knew each recipient would enjoy.

Now I only have a few more gifts to purchase. These are the ones for teachers and friends I'll be seeing before Christmas. But wait, have I forgotten to give the most important gift?

As I've pondered the Christmas story this season, I couldn't help but notice the gifts that the wise men brought to Jesus. "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh" (Matthew 2:11, KJV).

Although this event took place some time after the actual day of Jesus' birth, the wise men were careful to bring gifts for the King of Kings. They were gifts that were valuable to them. Things that were treasured. No doubt, they had sacrificed in order to purchase these gifts. The gift of gold spoke of His life: Jesus was royalty. The heavenly King humbled Himself, and left His throne to dwell among those He came to save. Frankincense spoke of his life. The fragrance of a sinless life. Myrrh spoke of his death. Apparently, these wise men were aware that the scriptures foretold the death of the Messiah for the sins of mankind.

In my haste to complete my Christmas shopping, I was leaving out the most important gift. But what could I give to Jesus? Some verses from the Psalms served to inspire me with 'gift' ideas. These were not 'cheap' gifts. These gifts would involve sacrifice.

Perhaps one of the most challenging gifts to give my Savior is a submissive attitude or spirit. One that readily admits sin, confesses and forsakes it. One that is quick to submit to His will. An attitude that is devoid of pride. The Psalmist David describes it as a 'broken' spirit. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise" (Psalm 51:17).

The gift of praise. Instead of complaining, I need to praise the Lord for who He is and all He does. Once again, sacrifice is involved. Without the help of the Holy Spirit, praising doesn't come naturally. "I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O Lord; for it is good" (Psalm 54:6).

Along the same line, I can give the gift of thanksgiving. Both praise and thanksgiving are directed toward God, and can be shared with others. What a mighty God we serve! "And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing" (Psalm 107:22).

This Christmas season, I desire to present my life as a 'gift' to my Savior and King. Sacrificing my desires for His will, praising instead of complaining, and offering up thanks to a magnificent God. He is worthy! What are you willing to give the King of Kings?

A Very Special Night

The re-enactment was spectacular. From Roman guards and merchants, to the temple priest and townspeople. We were immediately transported back thousands of years to that very special night, when the birth of a baby would change the world.

The light mist that fell from the sky added to the surreal ambiance created by the flaming torches gleaming high above the 'city' walls. We waited with anxious anticipation to be ushered into the re-created town of Bethlehem. A narrator welcomed us and introduced herself as the innkeeper's daughter. She told us not to count on staying overnight in Bethlehem. All of the inns were full, in fact, earlier that evening, her father had had to turn away a couple because there were no more rooms. The young woman was clearly expecting, so her father had offered them the stable out back for shelter.

Off in the distance, I could make out the forms of Roman soldiers marching in formation declaring their allegiance to Caesar Augustus - the Roman ruler of the day. Once they were before us, their captain dismounted from his horse, climbed atop the city gate, and issued Caesar's decree: all the world was to be taxed. We were to register when we entered the city and pay our taxes as required. The guards took their roles seriously and with stern expressions, urged us to, "Move along!" They were not to be trifled with.

After registering, we continued into the 'city,' where we were amazed by the sights and sounds that overwhelmed our senses. Townspeople dressed in traditional garb, stirred large kettles of food that were suspended over open fires. Numerous stalls were erected, from which the Bethlehem merchants were selling their wares. The sounds of eastern music filled our ears. A selection of some of the foods of the day were on display and available to sample.

The shofar sounded, summoning the town's Jewish residents to the synagogue. The priest gave an explanation of the service and taught us a few sentences in Hebrew. He invited us to pick up a 'scroll' on the way out. As we carefully unrolled our scrolls, the words of Psalm 33:20-22 were visible, "Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee" (KJV).

As we descended the temple steps, townspeople with llamas and camels bustled by. The ever-present, Roman soldiers, hurried us on our way. Brick-masons, leather workers, and spice sellers were all busy about their tasks. We entered the heart of Bethlehem.

Another narrator told us the story of the anointing of the shepherd-boy, David, who eventually became the king of Israel. Ultimately, the Messiah would come from this Davidic line. In the book of Isaiah, the prophet had foretold, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this" (Isaiah 9:6-7).

After a tour of one of the local resident's home, we passed the inn. The innkeeper and his wife, although gracious, confirmed that their inn was full. As we continued on around back, we were met by quite a sight! Angels, robed in white, lit the sky while Mary and Joseph cradled baby Jesus, giving praise to the Father.

Each member of the cast who performed that night, had one goal in mind. To point all who passed through the gates of the recreated city of Bethlehem, to the reason for the season. Jesus Christ. As the angels proclaimed all those years ago, "...unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11).

As you fill out your Christmas cards, purchase those final few gifts, and spend time with friends and family, will you take time to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas? Jesus Christ, the Savior, was born for you! That's definitely something worth celebrating!

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