by Cathy Baker | Faith |
There are a multitude of ways for us to sacrificially give to others this season. A few ideas we may want to consider:
- Samaritan’s Purse Christmas catalog. We’ve used this resource for awhile now. It’s a great way to get our children involved as some of the gifts are $5.00 and $10.00. They can see how their money will provide what they consider the basics of life for another child. You can also purchase a gift in memory or in honor of a loved one.
I’m just skimming the surface here. I’d love to hear your ideas! If applicable, share a link with us.
Blessings!
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Hebrews 13:16 ESV
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
One simple way to integrate intercessory prayer during the season is to pray for those who send us Christmas cards.
I’d love to hear your ideas on specific ways we can pray for them. A few that come to mind:
- For their spiritual development—something none of us fully attain this side of heaven.
- If there’s any concern about their relationship with Christ, this is the perfect opportunity to pray for their salvation.
- For those alone not to be lonely – to recognize the closeness of their heavenly Father.
What’s another way we can pray?
“Intercession is truly
universal work for the Christian. No place is closed to intercessory
prayer. No continent – no nation – no organization – no city – no
office. There is no power on earth that can keep intercession out.”
Richard Halverson
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
This past week, while finishing up some last minute shopping, I was struck by how relieved surprised pedestrians seemed when I came to a complete stop for them AND smiled in the process. Such a simple gesture. Why wouldn’t I always do that? Sigh!
The pedestrians expression immediately reminded of a post I did back in 2011, which goes right along with this series. Thank you for allowing me to share it with you once more:
I’m a bonafide multi-tasker.
Who else could belt out Joy to the World while nearly mowing down a couple exiting the local Bi-lo?
The expression on their faces coincided with a gentle shoulder tap from the One who didn’t become flesh to hear me sing about Him—but rather for Him—by remaining in tune with the Spirit.
Since that fateful night in the Bi-lo parking lot, I’ve been reminded just how powerful the practical can be when I am:
- Igniting
my prayer life before the engine, asking God to reveal divine
opportunities in living out His joy, mercy, and love to those driving
too slowly, the rude and weary waitress, or the woman who plops down 20
items in a 10 item lane.
- Stopping
for pedestrians at the malls, Target, Walmart and alike. (No doubt the
couple wished I’d been enlightened on this one a bit sooner.) Better
yet, stop and smile as you wave
them on, assuring them they’re not an intrusion on your day, but a
divine appointment. It’s also the perfect opportunity to pray for them
as they make their way ever-so-slowly by your car.
- Going
the extra mile for Salvation Army bucket volunteers by picking up a
bottled water for them in addition to your donation. If it’s nippy
outside, consider delivering a hot cocoa from a nearby place, thanking
them for their willingness to volunteer for the benefit of others.
- Smiling. Sharing a warm hello. We never know who needs it the most, but God does (the beauty of God’s providential prompts!)
It
matters not if any of the above actions are reciprocated. What matters
is that we take every opportunity to impart God’s joy instead of simply
singing about it.
How about you? Is there a simple way you’ve found to share the love of Christ with others during this holiday season?
Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Colossians 4:5
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Her name was Mrs. Adele White. She’d been invited to her son’s home for a visit in SC. Up until then, the only home she’d known was an Andy Griffith-like town in VA. He picked her up as promised, but instead of taking her to his home he dropped her off at the local nursing home and rarely returned.
I forgot to mention. Mrs. White was blind.
When we first met, she was still coming to terms with how quickly her seasons had shifted but her faith was steadfast.
The facility was old and governed by Medicare. Walls were scuffed and smells capable of stealing your breath often wafted into her dimly lit room. But there she sat. A smile on her face and the Bible in her lap.
One morning, while reading to her, she began reciting the verse word for word. It was almost as if she could see the expression on my face because she went on to say how, as a young woman, she’d begun memorizing scripture verses. Her eyes welled with tears as she shared how everything could be taken away — her sight, her home, friends, and church — but scripture would always remain because they were in her heart and mind.
Every excuse I had to not memorize scripture melted away somewhere between inspiration and conviction. I purchased an inexpensive pocket-sized notebook and began memorizing my own verses that week.
Ah, the gift of scripture memorization. It’s a gift we can give ourselves, inspire in others, and nurture in our children/grandchildren. Only God knows how He will re-gift it for His glory in the future.
In my Bible, I have written beside Psalm 19:4,5: Devotion given by Mrs. White, 6/14/95. What a smile!
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
What’s the first verse you ever memorized?
**Side note: The son dropped dead of a heart attack at the age of 51. Just saying.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
It’s the first day of Advent—a season of waiting, expecting, and hoping. Lit candles, Bible verses and times of quiet reflection sets our focus on the meaning of Christ’s birth.
If you’re not familiar with Advent, this is a great resource. In addition to Mark’s devotionals, I purchased Ann Voskamp’s new book The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas to accompany me on this journey to a more intentional, simpler, worship-filled Christmas.
The Advent wreath is a nice addition to the celebration but keep it as simple as you wish. Lighting a candle while reading the devotion may be the place to start. It’s not about the doing of the season, but the being.
Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10
Do you celebrate Advent? If not, do you plan to give it a try?
