He Who Gives - Let Him Give Freely

“he who gives, let him give freely”

Romans 12:8b (Bible in Basic English)

 

Without a doubt, Christmas is a time of giving. Sometimes we give to our children and grandchildren to a fault. But basically, giving is good. Giving gifts to others tells them that we love and appreciate them. It is a joy to give someone something unexpected. It is a greater joy to know that they really love what you have given them.

 

Aside from giving to our family, friends, neighbors, people who serve us, and the individual whose name we have drawn out of the hat at work, we often give to people in need during the Christmas season. The Bible is full of stories about people giving large amounts of food and treasures to those whose favor they hoped to gain. The Bible encourages us to give to those in need. We are not to give for personal gain.

 

Giving to the needy at Christmas is widely encouraged in our culture. In our attempt to give to those in need we write checks, gather groceries, purchase and wrap gifts for children we don’t know, fill shoe boxes to be sent to children in foreign countries, serve meals in shelters, hand out toiletries to the homeless, visit nursing homes and leave small gifts for the residents, and the list goes on and on. All of these avenues of giving are to be commended. Many lives are blessed because people give generously.

 

But my question today is have you ever been in need? Have you been on the receiving end of giving? How did that make you feel? There are many emotions that can surface when we are on the receiving end in a time of need. It is easy to enjoy a gift when we don’t need anything. But then again, when we are in need we sometimes feel inadequate, embarrassed, or our pride kicks in and we want to refuse the gift that is being offered.

 

I experienced this on Christmas many years ago. Our children were small and my husband and I were struggling financially. After all the gifts had been unwrapped one of our family members handed us a check of a sizable amount. My first response was to refuse the gift. I think perhaps I experienced many negative emotions but for me pride was at the top!

 

We graciously accepted the check but I purposed in my heart to never cash it. God began to speak to my heart regarding this issue. I stumbled upon a scripture, in of all places, a Christmas cookbook. The verse said, “he who gives, let him give freely” Wow! I knew this scripture was from God because I was not seeking confirmation, not to mention that God seemed to be speaking to me from a cookbook! This verse hit me so strongly that it sounded more like a command than a statement.

 

After thinking about the scripture verse for awhile, I began to realize that perhaps the giver was being obedient to God. Who was I to refuse something that God had orchestrated? Furthermore, I remembered that when I have been the giver, God always blessed me. Who was I to rob this giver of a blessing? If God wanted to provide for us, who was I to say thanks, but no thanks? Why was I so determined to decline this gift? Then as out of nowhere the Holy Spirit spoke words of conviction to my heart. “Pride is a sin.” Needless to say, I confessed my pride, thanked God for his provision, cashed the check, and expressed heartfelt thanks to the giver. Appreciation and gratitude replaced my pride.

 

Giving is a two way street. The Bible teaches that “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 NIV However, that Christmas I also learned that from my point of view it was definitely more blessed to receive than to give.

 

Questions:

 

1. Do you enjoy giving?
2. When was the last time you gave to someone in need?
3. Have you ever given to a family member in need?
4. Have you ever been in need?
5. How did you feel as a recipient of a gift that was given to help you?
6. Have you ever been too proud to accept the gift?
7. Did God change your thinking regarding the giver of the gift?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

I confess that I do not give enough. Please forgive me for my selfishness. I pray Lord that I would become a giver because giving pleases you. Help me also to look for needs and rise to the occasion of meeting the needs that you put on my heart. Father, I thank you that have you blessed me in the past by others giving to me in my time of need. Father when it is my time to give, may I give unreservedly. When it is my time to receive I pray that I would set aside pride and allow the giver that you have sent to give freely. Jesus I am reminded that you have given the greatest gift of all, your life, to redeem and rescue me from the bondage of sin. I thank you Jesus that I am a recipient of your gift. This Christmas and every day I want to give of my time and my resources for your glory.

 

In your name I pray. Amen.

Ordinary Mary

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered.

“May it be to me as you have said.”

Then the angel left her.”

Luke 1:38 NIV

I am amazed at how ordinary Mary, the mother of Jesus really was. She was not from a big city. She was from the small town of Nazareth. Actually, Nazareth did not have a very good reputation. Her family was not wealthy or well to do. There were plenty of other young women who were her friends that God could have chosen to be the mother of Jesus, but he didn’t. It makes me wonder, why Mary? Simply put, Mary was ordinary, so what was it that set her apart?

 

I imagine that Mary was going about her business, dreaming of her wedding to Joseph the carpenter and planning her future that no doubt included many of Joseph’s children. Mary was raised in a typical Jewish household and was taught the importance of respecting God and trusting him for his provision and protection. Mary was also taught to look for the promised Messiah. She believed all that God had promised regarding the Messiah would come to pass.

 

Mary’s days were most likely routine. Perhaps she helped her mother care for younger children, bake bread, fill water jars, and perform other tasks for the family. Yet one day out of the blue here comes the angel Gabriel, straight from heaven with news that was not the best. Mary I know you are a virgin, but not for long. You will become pregnant, not by Joseph, but by the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit. It will be a mystery to you but nevertheless, trust me, it will happen.

 

God in his wisdom sent an angel. The angel Gabriel was a very visible sign for an invisible experience that was soon to take place. Gabriel’s beginning message was pleasant enough, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Now I’m guessing that when you are in Mary’s position it would be good to know that she was highly favored. But in the days ahead it would be even more important for Mary to know that the Lord was with her.

 

“Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.” She may have thought, “I’m glad he knows my knees are knocking!” And there it was again, that word “favor”. What will that mean? Then here came the words rolling off the tongue of Gabriel, the words that would change her life forever! “You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.” Good to know! In a world absent of sonograms, here was an angel standing before her with divine information, a son, and on top of that a name already chosen.

 

Now at this point, ordinary Mary may have gone straight back to fear! How can this be? What will Joseph say? What will my parents say? My father will be angry. My mother will cry.  This is shameful. I may be stoned when Joseph finds out. Mary’s thoughts invaded her mind with such speed that they had no chance of becoming words. Fear? Are you kidding me? Of course I’m afraid! I’m petrified!

 

Then more information from the bearer of bad news! If I were Mary I think at this point I would want to grab a scroll and something to write with, then grab some young boy who could write and have him take a few notes! Gabriel continues, “He will be great and will be called the son of the Most High. The Lord will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”

 

Now in the middle of this horrific storm of life change Mary hears what Gabriel is really saying. “He will be great.” He will be God’s Son. “The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever;” He will be a ruling king. The implication of that statement pointed to her precious baby boy as being the promised Messiah! “His kingdom will never end.”

 

I’m not sure if Mary really believed that God would take care of her, but for sure she knew that he would take care of his Son, the promised Messiah. For Mary those words may have been the very words that dispelled her fear. Basically, Mary was just an ordinary young virgin that was available. God knew her heart and knew that she would respond to him in humble faithfulness. She was not chosen because she was holy. Mary was chosen because she was available to be a vessel for God’s use.

 

Mary’s response to Gabriel is priceless. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. I wonder how much time passed from Gabriel’s arrival until his departure. Was it five minutes, fifteen minutes, a half hour, an hour, an afternoon, an entire day? I do not know but I do commend Mary on her quick obedience. Sometimes I argue with God for days, months, and even years. If Mary was extraordinary on any level it was in her immediate response to obedience. She quickly sent a message back to God via Gabriel. “May it be to me as you have said.” Oh, for a heart like Mary’s. A heart that was not only available to God but also a heart that quickly responded to God in loving obedience.

 

Questions:

 

Do you marvel at Mary’s heart for her God?

Has God ever asked anything of you that you thought was impossible?

Was your first response fear?

If God asks you to do something, do you believe he will be with you if your are obedient?

Are you impressed with Mary’s quick response of obedience?

Are you available to God to be used as a vessel for his service?

Prayer:

Dear God,

I am encouraged to know that Mary was just an ordinary woman. I see also that Mary was not perfect. She had negative thoughts and fearful responses. She didn’t want to disappoint her parents or Joseph. But God, above all others, Mary didn’t want to disappoint you. Mary so wanted to please you that her response could be nothing less than yes Lord, I will be obedient, use me. God, I see that Mary was able to set aside selfish concerns and bow in humble obedience to your will for her life. I pray God that you would help me learn from Mary. God, I want to be available to you. Help me Lord to cast out all fear when you ask something of me. I want to be obedient to you because I love you. Forgive me God when I procrastinate regarding my obedience.  I thank you God that you have recorded Mary’s example of obedience in your Word so that I might be encouraged to set aside fear and choose the path of obedience. God, I don’t want to be just a believer. I want to be a believer that trusts you in all circumstances. I want to trust you because I believe with all my heart that you love me and will always be with me even when life would give me every reason to doubt.

In your Son’s name I pray. Amen.

Christmas Miracles

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.  

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.”

Isaiah 9:6-7a NIV

 

What better place to witness the miracles of Christmas than in the garden? Yes, it is a bit chilly but without a doubt worth the experience. Pure white snow, dark evergreens, shades of gray blending into the black tree trunks that support empty branches standing in silence as they wait for spring. Moonlight cast filtered shadows on the red holly berries. The chickadees and cardinals have tucked their heads under their wings for the long winter night. Early tomorrow morning they will wake up singing their praise as they fly about adding interest and color to the drab days of winter. As you know, since my heart’s garden not an actual garden, my mind is wide open to add additional beauty. If I want snow...there is snow!  It is possible for me to enjoy poinsettia, amaryllis, paper whites and snow drops all in the same garden bed!

 

It has been a busy shopping day for me so I am getting to the garden a little late. Large wet snowflakes of a million different patterns are beginning to fall. Dusk is succumbing to night and the moon is climbing high in the black velvet sky. One by one the stars begin to twinkle and shine reminding me of the message of a Christmas miracle that happened over two thousand years ago.

Tonight I will  sit a spell in the gazebo and contemplate Christmas miracles of long ago. My thermos of hot chocolate is steaming and each swallow warms me inside and out. I also feel the loving warmth of God, my Heavenly Father. Memories of that first Christmas night begin to flood my mind. What were the miracles of that special night?

The greatest miracle was the arrival of God to live among men. It was also the miraculous appearing  of the heavenly host of angels descending from the realms of glory and hovering over the Bethlehem hillside as they delivered God’s holy birth announcement to the sleepy shepherds. It was a manger made of wood that would begin a journey that would eventually lead this Christ child to a wooden cross. It was Joseph, a loving earthly father, who against all odds took on God’s assignment for his life even at the risk of personal humiliation. It was Mary, a simple young woman who considered herself to be blessed by God among all women even though her predicament had raised eyebrows and placed her in a position of shame. It was a tiny newborn baby who had created all life, but now was dependant on those he created. It was a holy night of prophecy finally being fulfilled! These are only a few of the miracles of that first Christmas so many years ago.

Tonight I am amazed when I realize that the same stars that shown over two thousand years ago lighting the way for the Messiah are the same stars that are still in place for me to enjoy tonight. Glancing around the garden I am reminded that my winter garden contains holly berries, cardinals, poinsettia, and amaryllis which are all brilliant red reminders of the blood that Jesus shed for all who would believe in him and accept his free gift of salvation. The pure white snow reminds me that even though my sins are as scarlet, the blood of Jesus washes away my sin and makes me whiter than snow. As the wind whistles through the trees it seems I can hear the distant song of the angels and the message they sing is for the entire world. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 KJV The snow topped evergreens surrounding me are celebrating God’s message of hope for everlasting life. These are indeed the miracles of Christmas. How blessed I am to be in the garden this wonderful night! How comforting it is to know that this very day God is still in the process of fulfilling his prophecy. As prophesied, Jesus came to this world a long time ago and every day we live we are one day closer to him coming again!

Questions:

1. What miracles of Christmas amaze you the most?
2. Why are those miracles so meaningful to you?
3. As Christmas nears will you make time to reflect on the miracles of Christmas by spending time with God in the garden of your heart?

 

Prayer:

 

Dear God,

 

What an amazing plan you have for this world! God, it was you, who put on the skin of humanity and came to earth in the simple form of a baby. No fanfare only simplicity.  You used the simple to baffle the wise. It was a simple handmaiden and a man who was an ordinary carpenter that brought glory to you because of their obedience. God you rode into the little town of Bethlehem nestled in the womb of Mary, who road on the back of a common donkey. You chose to use a smelly stable for shelter and a hay manger to cradle your precious Son on the night of his birth. Your birth announcement came from the heavenly angels to the lowly shepherds. This heavenly announcement was the only splash of magnificence on that dark starry night. The message was simply go to the busy city of Bethlehem, where there are more people than rooms, find a newborn baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Because the shepherds believed the message of the angels they quickly went without hesitation to find Christ the Lord and to worship him, the Messiah, the Son of God, The Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, and The Prince of Peace. God, I want to thank and praise you tonight for your wonderful gift to this sinful world. Jesus, is the miracle of Christmas!

 

It is in His name I pray. Amen.

Trimming the Tree

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  …for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Philippians 4:6-7, 11b NIV

 

When my children were growing up I think that next to eating Christmas cookies trimming the tree was their favorite part of Christmas preparations. The Children loved decorating the tree. Not only was the tree pretty, the lights seemed magical and they both loved hanging all of their special ornaments on the tree. I believe for them, decorating the tree signaled the beginning of the Christmas holidays. As their excitement peaked, their spirits danced right out of their bodies into a room that was soon to be filled with their hyper activity! On the other hand, my husband put the tree in the stand and then escaped to TV and Christmas cookies. That always made me a little sad because I wanted decorating the tree to be a family activity.

 

The decorating of a beautiful tree and corralling two children high on Christmas cookie sugar (back then, I didn’t know that sugar made children fly off the walls) was my responsibility. The scene went a little like this. Before the tree was secured in the stand they wanted to know, “When can we put the lights on the tree?” Before the lights were completely in place they wanted to know, “When can we hang our ornaments on the branches?” Before all of the ornaments were hung they wanted to know, “When can we string the garland?” Before the garland was finished they wanted to know, “When  can we place the beautiful angel on the top of our tree?

 

In the meantime there was always tears and arguments as to who took whose spot on the tree for hanging their own special ornaments. My frustration always seemed to escalate and my patience wane as the evening progressed. All day long I had dreamed that trimming the tree would be a perfect Christmas card scene. You know those cards where the house is in perfect order, the fireplace is cozy, everyone is dressed in beautiful clothes, and there is a table with candles lit and hot chocolate and cookies waiting to be enjoyed by every member of the family. Can’t you just hear the Christmas carols playing in the background?

 

But in reality, with each impatient question and every tearful argument, my spirit would deflate and sink deeper into the depth of my heart. You might remember me saying before, my husband was watching TV. As a result of what I considered to be his lack of involvement and the children’s bad behavior I become very dissatisfied with the entire situation. On one particular occasion I shot up a prayer to God and said, “God, I can’t believe this, I really can’t believe this special evening has turned out this way!”

 

And then the Holy Spirit whispered the “God Lesson”! Contentment my dear daughter, contentment is what you need. Take joy in the fact that these children are just excited. They are only little once. Enjoy the moment. Paula, you shouldn’t even dream dreams that are reserved only for Christmas cards. Make your own Christmas photos.” As a result of the chiding of the  Holy Spirit I began to look around. Everyone was dressed in comfortable jeans, silly kids danced around to the sound of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”, cookie crumbs were falling on the carpet, and hubby was cozy in his chair instead being an absentee father. God then seem to whisper, “Love, don’t forget the love!” Yes, love illuminated this scene into the perfect Christmas snapshot.

 

The Holy Spirit reminded me that Jesus is the reason for the season and that I must not forget to share that with the family. After the tree had been trimmed to semi-perfection, as a family we pulled out our nativity set. After the figures were placed inside the creche and the children had placed the baby Jesus between Joseph and Mary we talked about why we are trimming our tree on this very special holy night.

 

Questions:

 

1. Do you recall any Christmas experiences in the past that have left you feeling frustrated?
2. How did you get past the frustration and disappointment of that experience?
3. Are there any holiday expectations that perhaps you need to rethink?

Prayer:

 

Dear Jesus,

 

Christmas is such a special time of year. Forgive me when I feel frustration. Help me this year to practice contentment in all my holiday preparations. Jesus, when I wrap gifts I want to remember that you are my very special gift from the Father. When I decorate the tree, help me to remember that you became the sacrificial lamb who died on a tree for my sin. As I drive to and from my responsibilities, I want to enjoy the message of the carols that are being sung on my favorite radio station during this beautiful Christmas season. Help me take time to feel your peace every morning as I bow in prayer and reflect on this very special time of year. As I bake cookies for my family help me to remember that I must taste of your goodness everyday because if I do I will see that you are indeed sweet and good. When I write Christmas cards to friends and family I want to whisper a prayer that you will bless them in the coming year and pray for any special needs they may be experiencing. Jesus, help me to love my family and be content with my life stage. Help me to delight in every memory and snap priceless photos to place in the scrapbook of my heart.

 

In your name I pray. Amen.

Treasured Things Worth Pondering

"But Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Luke 2:19 NIV

Christmas traditions are very special but in our family I had a desire to create a Christmas tradition that would also leave a spiritual legacy. For the past few years on Christmas morning I have given each member of our family a special Christmas card and inside the card I place a laminated scripture card. I select a new verse each year and as a family we adopt that verse as our family verse for the coming year.

The young children have a simplified version of the verse to place in their room. The adults can place their verse on their desk, in their Bible, or any other place that provides a daily reminder. This special gift to each family member is designed to unite our family in our faith and in our love for one another as we pray for each other throughout the coming new year.

When our children were young, we also had another tradition. Every Christmas Eve all of the cousins in the family would take part in a homespun Christmas pageant. The little boys would don their bathrobes, bath towels for the headdress, and walking canes for shepherd staffs. The little girls would sprout angel wings and one lucky girl would get to be Mary. After the pageant we lit candles and sang “Away in a Manger” and “Silent Night.” After that we brought in a special birthday cake for Jesus’ birthday and all the children sang happy birthday to Jesus and blew out the candles.

For me these are priceless memories to be forever treasured in my heart. Many of you know exactly what I am talking about because you have your own memories. If you do not have any special holiday memories I would encourage you to make some family memories that you will treasure in your heart for the years to come.

Mary had her own set of Christmas memories. Even on the very first Christmas, Mary reflected on the events leading up to Jesus’ birth. I imagine that she thought about the loving care of Joseph. Perhaps she remembered the long trip to Bethlehem and the actual birth of Jesus. No doubt she was amazed that her child was the Son of God. Perhaps she might have even been flabbergasted that God would choose an animal stable for the birth place of his Son. Mary may have thought about the star, the shepherds, and the angels. Scripture tells us for certain that Mary treasured, stored and pondered the memories in her heart.

Mary must have been very humbled to have been used by God in such a privileged way. I see Mary just as an ordinary woman who was nothing more than an available, obedient servant willing to be used by God. It is also my privilege to care for my family. I too am amazed that God would entrust me with the awesome job of being a mother and now a grandmother. It is my desire to make memories that are worth storing and pondering in my heart. I am just an ordinary woman who wants to be available and obedient to God.

Questions:

What are the things in your heart that you treasure and ponder?

Are you inspired by the example of Mary, an ordinary woman, who simply wanted to be obedient and used by God? Read: Luke 1:38, 46-49

Do you, like Mary, count it a privilege that God also wants to use you?

If you are a male reading this please pray for the women in your life who in the past have made Christmas meaningful for you. If you are married pray for your wife who works hard to make Christmas a special holiday for the family. Trust me men...it is a labor of love.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

I know that you do not use every person in the same way. Some people are mothers amd fathers and some are grandmothers and grandfathers. Others wish with all their heart that they could be, but as yet it has not happened. Today I pray for all of those individuals. Some men and women are single and in many ways feel alone, yet you are able to show them traditions that they can share with others who may be in the very same place in their life. Lord this day I pray that all these people would embrace who they are in Christ Jesus. Every person gifted in his or her own special way. Lord I pray that we would all be men and women who are available and obedient to serve you in any way that you choose for us to serve.

In Your Name I pray. Amen