God is with Us

What is the longest you have ever had to wait for something?

Seconds for your iPhone to connect to the internet? Minutes in 1998 for the esteemed dial-up AOL to connect to the internet? Hours in the Best Buy parking lot on Black Friday, like Amy? Days, months, years; we are all in the process of waiting.

A man named Abram had to wait 25 long years for the single most life-changing event to happen: the birth of his son.

It’s like me having to wait until I’m 50 before Jason and I are able to have kids. Incredible. (And I know some of you have gone through something very similar to Abram and Sarai.)

25 years Abram waited. God appeared and spoke to him and Sarai numerous times in those years, urging them to keep their eyes steady on the covenant He had made with them: a son would come, and the entire world would be blessed through him.

Then came laughter and joy through Isaac. Abe and Sarah delighted in their son. God had finally fulfilled His promise... or did He? God’s promise did not end with Isaac; Isaac was only the beginning of the promise fulfilled.

Many years later, Abraham’s descendants, the great nation of Israel, became troubled... a lot. They forgot God’s promises over and over again, and eventually Babylon and Assyria carried them away from their home, their inheritance, into captivity. Throughout their history, there had been hints, prophecies, of a coming King, whose rule would never end. They yearned for this King as they were enslaved, oppressed, mourning in exile. They wanted deliverance, someone to ransom them. They realized their need for salvation.

They sang from the Psalms, “Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved” (Psalm 80). They sought a Messiah, an Anointed One, to restore them to their home.

Five hundred years later, Israel found themselves occupied by Rome. They continued to long for a great warrior king, a priest. Someone to free them! God is faithful!

They received Jesus. Jesus, who, instead of overthrowing Rome, revolutionized the living of life itself. Who, instead of ruling through fear and violence, served through love and forgiveness. Who, instead of ostentatiously flaunting his position and power, lowered himself, even to death.

The Anointed One has come, fulfilling God’s promise. Jesus was worth the wait, but he wasn’t what was expected.

Now, we wait for the Messiah’s return, for God to make all things new. “Everything God made is waiting with excitement for God to show his children’s glory completely,” says Romans 8:19.

Centuries of expectations have led us to this point. We long for a day when we get to see this God that we love and worship face to face. Our bodies and souls yearn for completeness and intimacy that can’t come from any human relationship. We’re tired of violence and manipulation and the pursuit of power- we thirst for peace and freedom. We are eager to see suffering turned into joy, and mourning to dancing. And it will be beyond our expectations.

What are you waiting for?

Are you living right now in eager expectation of the promise: Jesus, our Savior, making everything new? Are you participating right now in God’s promise to bless the entire world? May we realize that, in our waiting for our Isaacs, for freedom from captivity to the things of the world, for Jesus to fix the brokenness, He has been there all along. Immanuel: God is with us.


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By Amanda
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Waiting in Line

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. Now we are just a few days away from Christmas. Crazy, huh? Speaking of crazy, were you one of the ‘crazies’ that were out on Thanksgiving night waiting in a parking lot somewhere? When I say ‘crazies’ I mean it in a good way and I am also referring to myself. My niece and I went to Best Buy around 8:00 and there were about 100 people in front of us. And of course throughout the evening, people were behind us wrapped around the building. We waited until 10:00 when they passed out tickets for certain items. We didn’t get the ticket we went for, but we waited until 12:00 since we had already waited so long and ended up getting a few good deals. This got me to thinking about the waiting in line people do, especially on black Friday and of course now on Thanksgiving night. People were camped out at Best Buy since Wednesday! So they spent Thanksgiving day in a parking lot. They must have taken shifts or something. I don’t know. But people, myself included, will wait in line for hours for stuff – material items that will not matter when this life is over. Matthew 6:19-21 says “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroys, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” As I was saying earlier, this got me to thinking. We will wait in line for a material item for hours. I wonder if we would wait in line for hours to hear the gospel preached? We will sit and watch a movie with no problem, even a long movie, but we have a fit if the preacher goes over a few minutes. I wonder if we would wait in line for hours to help people in need? Or are we like the priest and Levite who passed on by, not even lending a few minutes let alone hours to help someone in need. I wonder if we would wait in line for hours to see Jesus? Luke 8:40 says “And as Jesus returned, the people welcomed Him, for they had all been waiting for Him.” The verse doesn’t say how long they waited, but the fact is they waited. If we can wait for hours for a ‘thing’ why can’t we spend hours (or even one hour) in reading the word of God? Now you may do so and that is great; but, shamefully, I admit that I do not spend hours in the word of God on a daily basis. I write this to encourage myself, and if it encourages someone else along the way, then wonderful. Come next Thanksgiving, you will possibly find me in a parking lot somewhere waiting for something. I just hope that between now and then I would have spent that same amount of time and hopefully lots more in the things that will really matter when this life is ore. Thank you for letting me share my thoughts with you. I would love to hear your thoughts as well. I wish you and yours a very happy holiday season and a wonderful 2012!


Proverbs 8:34 “Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts.”


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By Amy
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Thanksgiving

It’s that time of year again. The time when we set aside a day to be thankful and to celebrate all the blessings in our lives. Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. I love it because it’s just about family time, reflecting on what God has given us, and, in my family, good southern food. There’s no shopping involved. I like shopping, but I’ve come to dislike the focus on “stuff” that Christmas brings. Thanksgiving is perfect. It’s usually a lazy day (unless you are the cook) filled with just being with other people.

This year I have so much to be thankful for. I know that like most of you, I could say that every day of my life. We live in a country that has been abundantly blessed in every way. This year though, I feel especially blessed. I have a story to share here soon. Most of you know all or at least part of my story. For those that don’t, I’ll keep you in suspense for a while longer.

I do want to share some of the things I’m particularly thankful for during this season:

· Answered prayers
· A caring church family
· God’s providence
· Generous friends
· My supportive family
· Understanding bosses and co-workers
· God’s timing
· Immeasurable prayers offered up for me and my family
· My amazingly loving husband
· Friendly advice
· God’s graciousness
· The color PINK.

As always I am so thankful for a God who loves me and has a plan for my life. I’m thankful that He demonstrated His love for me through the sacrifice of His Son. I’m thankful that He continually shows His love for me in both big and small ways.

Happy Thanksgiving!

What are you thankful for this year?
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By Jennifer
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Memorization

As children in Bible classes, we were often assigned portions of Scripture to memorize and recite the next time we would meet. I can recall learning the passage and reciting it with pride, only to forget it within a week's time! The same routine continued throughout high school, though this time with academics. Formulas in math were only stored mentally for a short time (i.e. until the test was passed), as were Shakespearean quotes, governing laws, and Spanish verb conjugations.

There are many "popular" Bible passages that people all over the world have memorized: John 3:16, Psalm 23, I Corinthians 13:4-8 are just a few. Theses passages are beautiful, meaningful, comforting, and lovely! Knowing them by heart can bring reassurance and peace in times of trouble and in day-to-day life.

Now let's look at Psalm 119:11, "Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You" (NASB). It seems here that the Psalmist is on to something we too often fail to take notice of. We tend to memorize passages of Scripture that are "feel good" passages--and we should! But do we realize that a tool for fighting temptation is right at our fingertips?

Why don't we memorize verses such as Galatians 5:16-17,
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please."

Or Romans 6:12-14,
"Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace."

Why do we suppress these Scriptures when we begin thinking of passages we'd like to "treasure in our hearts?" Do we maybe not feel good when we read these verses? Do we maybe feel convicted, pierced, pricked to the heart? One of our main motives for memorizing Scripture should be as we read in Psalm 119:11, "That I may not sin against You [God]."

Which passages in God's Word convict you? Which are difficult for you to read, because you know you struggle to follow them? I know I have many, and I need to etch them more deeply into my heart, as well. I challenge us to find those Scriptures--and memorize them, write them down! When we learn to treasure Scriptures that encourage and warn us to keep from sin, we will find that indulging in Satan's destructive traps becomes less and less enticing and obeying God's perfect commands becomes more and more appealing.

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By Hannah
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- Posted using BlogPress for iPad

Yeast, Salt and Paint Drops

When Erica asked me to write for this blog, I was surprised, honored, and excited! I greatly enjoy engaging in spiritual conversation, and this is certainly a unique opportunity. But, it's a little hard for me to stick with one idea, and to hold back from discussing every thought I have about that idea. I'm technologically challenged, having started 3 other postings, but messing them up with my word processor and email! After prayer and contemplation, I decided to write what's in my heart and mind at the moment, and hope that at least one good idea might come from each attempt. So, here goes!

We recently took on a major painting project in our den, repainting fake wood paneling. (After much discussion through the years, we're filling in the grooves in the paneling...that's what makes it a major job!) I'm easily entertained, so I get a kick out of going to the paint store. Who doesn't enjoy watching paint mixers at work?! It's almost magical to see a gallon of pure white paint, turned into “Sandstone” or “Orange Confection,” “Butternut” or “Library Red” with just a few tiny drops of colored tint. After watching this process last week with Phil, he said what I was thinking: “It's almost like a perfect illustration of the verse about a little leaven.”

In Galations 5:9, Paul says that “a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough”, and again in I Cor. 5:6, a similar statement is made. (Any of us who have made bread, have surely been fascinated as we watched our little ball of dough, double in size.) In both verses, Paul illustrates how quickly a bad influence can take over, and change the original ingredients, if we allow ourselves to be mixed in with that yeast. The yeast, and salt described elsewhere in the New Testament, illustrate the very, very small amount of influence needed to change a group of people, or to greatly change our individual lives.

Although the yeast illustration describes a bad influence, the salt illustration by Jesus in Matthew 5:13, is describing a small amount of something, having a huge influence for good. We can be that yeast, or salt, (or paint tint drops) and become the influencing factor. Often, when participating in a small act of kindness, or good work, I question if there's any lasting good that will come from what I'm doing. I truly believe that as we are described as the “salt of the world” we can have a great impact on others, even with our seemingly small influence.

And so, my experiences with paint mixing over the last few weeks, helped to renew thoughts about being alert, for even the smallest amount of evil influencing my life. What do I do with choices in friendships, associates, and entertainment, especially? What do I read, listen to, and watch?

On the other hand, how wonderful to realize that as small influences can work for evil, they can also work for large amounts of good! I don't want to be the color to change someone else's life in a bad way, but want to use that small bit of influence I might have, to color their world with a reflection of Christ. That child we talk to and teach, the person we speak to with a smile, will see Christ in us. May we all beware of “tiny” bad influences, and strive to be good salt, leaven, and yes, even paint drops, for others! May we realize how big of an effect our influence can have, and pray for God to help us use it to his glory.

God’s Providence

 

 
The word providence is defined in more than one way in The Random House College Dictionary Revised Edition.  The first definition is the foreseeing care and guardianship of God over His creatures.  There are people who claim they can predict the future, but no one knows the future.  Only God knows the future.  He knows what our future holds.  He knows what we have needed in the past, what we currently need and what we will need in the future.  Just think, things in our life may be happening today because of a future need that He sees.  Does that make sense?
 
Another definition of providence in the aforementioned dictionary is a manifestation of divine care or direction.  I believe in the providence of God.  I have seen the providence of God.  I have felt the providence of God.  I know that God has cared for and directed me in the past.  I know that my Redeemer lives and still cares for and directs me in this life.
 
Romans 8:28 is a favorite verse of many people.  It says “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”  There are many examples in the Bible where God worked providentially in people’s lives.  There are many examples today where He is doing the same thing, working providentially behind the scenes in our lives for future good.  What are some ways that God has shown his providential care in your life? 
 
One example in my life and my family’s life is the adoption of my niece.  Things happened in my sister and brother-in-law’s life that led to her adoption.  They look back at those things and realize it was God’s providence.  I’m sure we can all think of a chain of events in our lives that led to something wonderful, a blessing from God.  I firmly believe in the providence of God with reference to my wonderful husband.  I won’t go into detail, but God worked behind the scenes to make our paths cross.  I don’t see how I would ever had met him had it not been for God’s providence.
 
Another more recent example is when my husband lost his job a few short months ago.  It wasn’t just my husband, it was his entire department, across the state, that was being cut.  At first, of course, everyone thinks that is terrible.  We thought the same thing.  But looking at it now, it actually was a good thing.  He now has a job at a great place that he likes.  This new job is more flexible.  He can work from home now some, which gives him more time with our son.  He actually was going to have to go to work somewhere that he didn’t really want to, but it was a job, so he was going to do it.  But within a matter of days, this other opportunity came up and was finalized.  Well, I don’t believe it just came up.  I believe that God answered our prayers and had been providentially taking care of us all along the way.  When we first heard about the job loss, of course there were mixed emotions.  I recall however not being that worried.  I knew that things would work out for the best.  During this time I had posted on facebook these words to that familiar song… “There are things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand, but I know who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand”.  I feel like things happen for a reason, whether we know and understand that reason or not.  I knew that God would provide.  And as always, He did.
 
I am reminded of a song “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me”.  Part of the song says, “Chart and compass came from thee, Jesus, Savior, pilot me”.  I want Jesus to always be my pilot.  I am thankful that he is my chart and compass through life and that he is guiding me and providing for me.  May you see God’s providence in your life today.


 

Son

What a treat... a week at my son's house in Jackson.  My husband was coming on the weekend for a cookout and we would have a leisurely trip home together.  Maybe spend some time in Nashville, where we lived for seven years. 

A phone call changed everything...

My son, who is a police officer, had left for work at 11:30 pm. on June 2, 2010.  Around
1:30 am. on June 3 my husband called and told me to sit down.  "Travis has been shot... all they know is he was shot four times, two were in the chest, he is conscious.  A police officer is coming to pick you up and I am on the way!"

It all happened in a moment... Praying...

I was begging God to spare my son's life.  My mind was racing...my heart was pounding... but the world somehow was in slow motion.   My heart kept pleading to my Father in Heaven...please God...he's my son.

When I arrived at the hospital there was a blur of police officers lining the halls.  I heard myself saying "Where's my son?"  Someone called to me and lead me into the ER, blood on the floor... the sheets...and I see him.  He raised his head and looked at me...  (why did he look 5 years old to me instead of the young man of 26 that he was)  He spoke, "Someone get my mom a chair!"

God is so good... impact plates and a police vest kept the two bullets from penetrating his heart, his leg would heal, and after surgery and rehab his shoulder would also heal.  His daddy and I would still hear his voice, his laughter, watch him tease his brother, teach God's Word,... lead his life.

During those difficult days the prayers, phone calls, and messages sustained us.  I kept thinking of a phrase in the song "A Common Love" which says..."A common strength when we're weary..."  We were physically and emotionally weary, however, our Spirit was being renewed by the blessing of being a part of God's loving family.

I pray we will never forget that God gave His Son for our sins...  Our Father in Heaven gave His only Son....for me and for you.  I cannot comprehend so great a sacrifice...  I know God must love us so very much.  Our God is an awesome God...Thank you, Father.

I Don't Know

A favorite response of mine lately is, "I don’t know." This month, Lord willing, I will be entering college: new place, new people, new ideas, new routines, and the list goes on. Change is difficult for me, and I’m sure it is for many other Christian ladies, as well.

People ask me questions about it everyday. Some go like this: "Are you going to have a coffeepot for your room?" You know me so well! I think and say aloud. Other questions are more difficult, and the mental and verbal answers often differ: "What are you going to major in?" Stay-at-home-Mom! I think with a grin. Uh, I don’t really know…I like to write, so…English? I also like to bake…and sing…and stuff. Yes, that’s more like the real answer—I don’t know!

Jehoshaphat didn’t know what to do either. And though he wasn’t choosing a career, deciding when to finish his essay, or having to make new friends, the things he did to deal with his ignorance of how to handle a situation can teach us a lot today.

Second Chronicles 20 opens pretty bleakly. Nations were coming to make war against Jehoshaphat, and he was afraid (v.1-3)! But he turned to the Lord—and he wasn’t alone in doing so. Verse 4 says that all the cities of Judah gathered together to seek help from the Lord! We see through Jehoshaphat’s prayer, specifically verse 6, that he knew God was (and still is!) God of the heavens. He knew God was (and still is!) ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations. He knew power and might were (and still are!) in His hand so that no one can stand against Him. Jehoshaphat knew he and his people could (as we still can!) cry out to Him in distress, and He would hear and deliver them (v.9). The prayer of Jehoshaphat is concluded in verse 12 with a beautiful, comforting declaration: "For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You."

Relief! That’s exactly what we find when we know who God is and what He can do when we trust Him! Jehoshaphat knew he couldn’t defeat that army alone, but He knew Who could. He didn’t know what to do, but he knew Who did! And when he asked and trusted, God took care of it (v. 14-23)! We each experience different "don’t know" times in life. My college anxieties are small, for example, compared to a woman who is facing an unfaithful spouse or a widow who is battling poor health. But you know what? We can all appreciate and take advantage of the fact that no matter how seemingly small or big our "I don’t knows" are, God can and will take care of them if we keep our eyes on Him, simply trusting and obeying.

Ms. Nancy

She’s the first person I remember teaching me about Jesus. Well, other than my parents, of course. She’s taught Jesus to two generations in our church. If you grew up attending the same church that I attend, or if you’ve had a child there in the past twenty or so years, you know exactly who I am talking about. 

Nancy Mabry.

I honestly can’t remember ever not loving Ms. Nancy. She is part of my earliest childhood memories. I was a very shy child and I always remember Ms. Nancy being so kind to me and not embarrassing me or making me feel bad about being shy. She always encouraged me and loved me just the way I was. I will always be thankful to her for that.

Ms. Nancy is what most of us would call, “old-fashioned.” She grew up in what she refers to as a “different world.” A world that was perhaps, a bit more structured and polite than the frenzied time in which we live now. She has lived her entire life in the same community and was baptized in our church many years ago, although the physical location of the church was just a few yards down the street from the current location. 

 

Ms. Nancy had two brothers who were stillborn. As a result she was very close to her parents and thinks she is most like her daddy. He taught her that rules were to be followed and to remember her good name and not “mess it up.” 

 

Ms. Nancy has two great loves in her life. One is animals. If a stray animal happens to wonder anywhere near Ms. Nancy’s house, it will have a home for life. There is no telling how many animals, especially cats, that have been rescued by Ms. Nancy. The other one, and something she inherited from her daddy, is her love for children. She hasn’t met a child yet that she didn’t love. Oh, no doubt, there have been some that have been hard to love, but never impossible for her. She has lived a lifetime of ministering to children. I am thankful to God that I was one of those children.

Ms. Nancy says that she never really thought very much about working with children when she was young. It just sort of happened. In her late twenties she decided she wanted to be more involved in the church. One of her friends was teaching the 4 and 5 year old class and needed a co-teacher. Eventually, as a result of the church’s bus ministry, that class grew to the point where they needed two classes. At the same time, the friend had a baby and took some time off from teaching. Ms. Nancy found herself with her very own class and hasn’t stopped teaching yet. Oh, she’s not in a classroom anymore. She had to give that up a couple of years ago, but she has never and will never stop teaching. Even though she isn’t formally teaching anymore, she wants kids to know that she still loves them. Even us older ones.

There are so many things I could tell you about her. She has influenced so many young people. I often wonder how many people have heard the Good News from one of Ms. Nancy’s students. How many young men that she taught became preachers, elders or teachers? How many young women are now teaching young children because of her example?

I know at least one. 

 

What I really want to share though, is some advice from Ms. Nancy. Here are some of her words of wisdom:

“We need to learn as much as we can while we are here to learn it.”

“You are always an influence on someone whether good or bad. That carries into adulthood. Go in the right direction doing good. Someone is always watching.

“Be more helpful and less critical.”

“Be kind and compassionate. Put God first. God is in control.”

And finally, the best advice from one of my best teachers:

“Serve God and keep his commandments and teach others to do the same thing.”

I love you Ms. Nancy!!

Hands

Today, we officially welcome Amanda Brazier with her first article for us at Far Above Rubies.

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Hands are powerful. They can speak when words are insufficient. They can lift up the
brokenhearted and comfort the suffering. They can communicate love.

During our mission trip to the Dominican Republic last week, our hands did just that.

They held the hands of a little girl at VBS, when mouths could not speak the language.
They played simple hand games with a laughing child.
They formed a circle every night in a time of song and prayer.
They stacked victoriously over a completed puzzle during Community Day.
They supported a little boy as he crossed the monkey bars at the Childrenʼs Home.
They took the hands of a daughter and her elderly mother, who was crying in pain in the
hospital.
They painted the fingernails of women and girls who scavenged every day through the
town dump to find food and clothing.
They handed out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and care packages to those who
had nothing.

They extended love to everyone they touched.
And they touched Jesus where ever they extended love.

 

“And the King will reply, ʻI tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of
these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

Eve's Choice

Where is the most beautiful place you've ever been?  What was the most peaceful and protected you have ever felt?  Can you picture your life with no stress, no worry, no To Do List?

Can you imagine having all of that - the beauty, the peace, the quiet mind -  all at once?  I honestly can't, but I imagine that is very close to what Eve must have had in the Garden of Eden.

What would it take for you to give that up - to even risk losing the perfection that surrounded you?  Maybe Eve didn't know how good she had it there in the garden with her husband.  Maybe she was ignorant of how sad life apart from God is, after all, she had no example of sin before her.

But maybe not.  Maybe she wanted more and was willing - knowingly willing - to risk everything to get it.  God gave her the free will to choose and so, maybe she felt she deserved to choose what she wanted over what she knew was right.

As we know, sin calls to us in three ways: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life (1 John 2:16) and the serpent came at Eve with guns blazing. Genesis 3:6 tells us that Eve saw that the fruit was good for food [lust of the flesh], pleasing to the eye [lust of the eye] and desirable for gaining wisdom [pride of life].

Satan doesn't miss a trick, does he? 

And so, Eve ate the fruit. The Bible doesn't tell us if Satan came to Eve just that once or many times wearing her down. But it really doesn't matter. She made the choice and she faced the consequences. Suddenly, she was hiding from God and worried about her appearance. She and Adam were banished from paradise, from the perfection that had been created just for them. They would now have to work and worry, strain, stress and sacrifice And Sibelius every human that followed.

Thankfully, God - so full of love for his creation - has given humanity a second chance at paradise. And, like Eve, we are told plainly what is right and what is expected of us. But also like Eve, we are given a choice. We can follow the lusts of our flesh and eyes or our selfish pride trying to make our own versions of paradise here on Earth or we can chose the better thing, the real, eternal Paradise with God when this worry and strain-filled life is over.

I am thankful for the freedom to choose, but I am far more thankful for God's grace and the hope we have for eternal life with Him in the real paradise.

Are You Serious?

When I was approached via email by Erica about becoming part of Far Above Rubies as a contributing writer, my initial reaction was ‘are you serious?’. I actually typed that question to her in an email. Of course she (and the other ladies) were serious, but it really caught me by surprise that I would be asked to write. I was shocked, excited and honored by that offer from The Ruby Sisters. I never have considered myself a writer. Yeah, I’ve written a few poems, but haven’t we all? Then I got to thinking that EVERYONE has SOMETHING to write about. Yes, it may not always appeal to every reader that comes across it, but there will be some (at least your mom or husband or sister) who will enjoy reading what you write. Everyone has their own personal experiences from which others can glean valuable lessons from, or you know, at least a good chuckle. We all come from different backgrounds with different perspectives and different experiences and trials and emotions, etc. We can learn from each other though despite these differences. We’re all different, but yet we’re all the same too. For example, I may be going through one type of loss while another person may be struggling with a different type of loss, but we’re still both experiencing LOSS.  The experience may be different, but the feelings are the same.  So it is through these lenses, that I am going to share my words on Far Above Rubies and hopefully someone will enjoy reading it or possibly benefit by reading it, or you know, at least get a good chuckle for the day.

I want to thank The (original) Ruby Sisters for allowing me to be a part of this journey with you all and I can’t wait to read what the new Ruby Sisters have to share. Have a blessed day!

"Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones."  Proverbs 16:24

Punishment Fit for the Crime

Today we are proud to publish the first post by new Far Above Rubies writer, Janet Gant.  Thank you, Janet!

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Birth (with the exceptions of Adam and Eve), Life and Death (with the exceptions of Enoch and Elijah) - the trio is a constant for man since the time he was banished from Eden. Yet, while the first two events may be cause for joy and celebration, the last may be cause for despair or at the very least some sort of distress and sadness. When Death comes knocking at our door, even at the end of a long and successful life, most people are not ready to answer the unsettling call. Much more so, when death is not only premature but cruel and violent, does it demand our acknowledgment and attention. Throughout human history, intentional abuse of a human resulting in death infuriates our sense of justice and cries out for compassion. With this sense of justice and compassion we look into the history of man to examine for ourselves the cruelest forms of death.

The ancient world had many forms of punishment and torture that resulted in death. The “summa supplicia” (or the ultimate punishments in ancient Rome) lists crucifixion, exposure to wild beasts and burning alive as their top three, of these crucifixion tops the chart as ‘the cruelest of deaths’.

Crucifixion was a public spectacle and meant to inflict “the most pain”, it was also considered the most debasing as “the condemned man was stripped naked and left exposed in his agony” while all the world look on. For exemplary effect, crucifixion was held at well-travelled public road to strike fear to passersby and to cause humiliation to the one hung on the cross.

This was not a thing that even the ancient world would want to ponder upon. Therefore it was not publicized in their writings or their historical records. From the few lines sprinkled here and there in their ancient literature, in the writings of play writers, poets, philosophers, orators and historians, we gather that crucifixion was widely practiced.

Yet acts so horrific and so numerous could be so easily swept under the proverbial rug of time and forgotten in the 21^st century as not anything new if not for the weekly reminder of the cross of Christ in the Christian celebration of the Lord’s Supper. But, today the Christian is not any more shocked with the thought of the cross nor is the image of the cross an instrument of the cruelty looked upon with disdain. In fact, we embrace it as part of our religion. Have we softened the view of the cross to where it is no longer an instrument of death, pain, shame, humiliation and is it any longer remembered as an act of cruelty and inhumanity of man to man?

In fact the ancient Greeks and the Romans spoke of crucifixion as a practice among barbarians -Indians, Phoenicians, Persians, Assyrians, Sclythians, Celts, Taurians and Thracians. Neither would claim responsibility or culpability but downplay their own use of this form of execution.

But in fact, both Greeks and Romans practiced it shamelessly. Even though Rome did not invent this form of torture when they adopted it, they used it with vengeance and refined it to an art.

According to Theological Archaeological Review, “Before being crucified, the victim was stripped and bound to a column and scourged with a stick or flagellum, a Roman instrument with a short handle to which several long, thick thongs had been attached. On the ends of the leather thongs were lead or bone tips. Following the severe beating the horizontal beam was placed upon the condemned man’s shoulders and he began the long grueling march to the execution site. A soldier at the head of the procession carried the titulus, an inscription written on wood, which stated the defendant’s name and the crime for which he had been condemned. When the procession arrived at the execution site, a vertical stake was fixed into the ground. The victim’s feet were then nailed down against this vertical stake.”

“Without any supplementary body support, the victim would die from muscular spasms and asphyxia in a very short time, certainly within two or three hours. Shortly after being raised on the cross, breathing would become difficult, to get his breath, the victim would attempt to draw himself up on his arms. In order to prolong the agony, Roman executioners devised instruments that would keep the victims alive on the cross for extended periods of time.” One, such instrument known as the “sedile, was a small seat attached to the front of the cross, about halfway down” to allow the victim to support himself to get a breath. “To increase the victim’s suffering, the sedile was pointed, thus inflecting horrible pain.” Jesus agonized on the cross for 6 hours before he died.

In 315 AD, under Constantine, crucifixion was abolished in the Roman Empire. Hanging on the gallows gradually took the place of crucifixion and was essentially a more humane punishment.

Seneca, a Roman philosopher who lived during the time of Christ wrote in his Epistle 101 to Lucilius, “Can anyone be found who would prefer wasting away in pain dying limb by limb, or letting out his life drop by drop, rather than expiring once for all? Can any man be found willing to be fastened to the accursed tree, long sickly, already deformed, swelling with ugly weal on shoulders and chest, and drawing the breath of life amid long-drawn-out agony? He would have many excuses for dying even before mounting the cross.”

If you had a choice of death would you ever prefer crucifixion? How could God select such a death for Jesus? So if Jesus had to die for our sins why choose the cruelest form of all deaths? Would hanging not suffice the wrath of God? Would any form of death do? It is a no wonder that Jesus asked the Father if it were possible for “this cup to pass”, in the Garden of Gethsemane.

In our day and time when a criminal is sentenced to death, we try to administer it in the most humane way. The criminal may earn the right to die but not the added punishment of pain and suffering. So why did Christ have to suffer such a humiliating, painful and agonizing death?

Maybe in God’s eye the punishment had to fit the crime. Imagine a punishment that does not fit the crime - a person sentenced to 20 years in prison when he murdered and tortured countless people. Sometimes even when a person is sentenced to death, that punishment is still not equal to the atrocities committed. Just a painless death by injection sometimes does not do much for our sense of justice. If he had to suffer and feel the pain and agony of his victims, the punishment might better fit the crime.

Maybe death on the cross is God’s way of telling us how grievous sin is in His sight. Can we understand how horrible sin is to God? The punishment had to fit the sins we committed to satisfy the justice of God. How can we understand it unless God spoke to us in a language we can understand? Death by crucifixion is the punishment that befits the crimes we committed in our lives; it is just how horrible our sin is viewed by God. The action of Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross speaks louder to us than a thousand words. Yes, our sin is just that bad!

Also, the stark contrast to the darkness of the sins of humanity is the overwhelming, all consuming depth of God’s love. This contrast is why we are so profoundly inspired, touched, moved, and humbled. Not only because of guilt over our sinful nature but even more so because of the magnitude of God’s love and grace for humanity.

Each week as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper can we look at the cross for what it is - an instrument of death, pain and agony, humiliation and shame. Then, can we look past it to see the hideousness of our sins that warranted such a death for Christ? 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' (Luke 18:13). The punishment fits the crime but praise be to God for his immeasurable love, we do not have to pay for it.


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Ruby Sisters

For quite some time, Jennifer, Kenya, Yvonne and I have been considering taking on additional writers for Far Above Rubies.  We knew that there were many wonderful Christian women who could help bring the Word to other women and, after much discussion, we approached several women and asked them to join us.  Today, I announce to you, loyal readers, our new Ruby Sisters.

Amanda Brazier is an artist and youth minister's wife.  She is a graduate of Freed-Hardeman University.

Amy Copas is a librarian and library branch manager.  She is the wife of Shannon and mother of 5 year-old Stone.

Jane Hass recently celebrated her 30th anniversary with her husband Nile.  They have two grown sons.

Janet Gant is a graduate of Harding University.  She and her husband Keith have two grown children and one brand-new granddaughter.

Becky McCormick met her husband Phil at Harding College (now Harding University) where she studied nursing.  They have two grown children and she is still adjusting to the "empty nest" years!

Hannah Smith is a recent high school graduate (who was her class salutatorian) and is headed to Freed-Hardeman in the fall.  She also writes here.











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The Virtuous Teenage Girl

I came across this adaptation of Provers 31 by Patsy Norwood of Evergreen, North Carolina, in the January/February 2010 issue of Christian Woman magazine and I thought it would interest the readers here.

- - -


Who can find a virtuous teenage girl?  For her worth is far above rubies.
The heart of her parents safely trusts her; they do not have to worry.
She does her parents good and not evil all the days of her life.
She is eager to learn and works willingly with her hands.
She knows her way around the grocery store and shops for the best buys.
She makes a habit of rising early and prepares herself for the day.
She is careful with her money and makes wise purchases.
She takes care of herself and does not abuse her body.
She does her work thoroughly and does not half-heartedly complete her tasks.
She takes ownership of her tasks and uses determination to complete them.
When she sees someone in need, she does her best to help.
She plans carefully and does not put off or delay what she knows she should do.
She cares for her clothing and makes every effort to have a neat and clean appearance.
She makes her parents proud and brings them great pleasure.
She is industrious and looks for ways to help out.
She is honorable and trustworthy and will reap rewards in the future as a result.
She thinks things through and speaks kindly to others.
She is productive with the use of her time and does not waste it.
Her parents are proud of her and praise her for her efforts.
She realizes that outward beauty is passing and that inner beauty is pleasing to the Lord.
Because of her actions and the choices she makes, she is well thought of and receives much praise.

- - -


That is the gold standard, isn't it?  What a virtuous woman this girl would grow up to be!  Thoughts? 


Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it"

Thou Shalt Move

A few weeks ago, I got to Bible study extra early. (I should probably repeat that first sentence to inspire us all, right?) Like most busy women, being extra early for church service is a very rare occurrence (I’m embarrassed to say). But this particular Wednesday, I had almost an hour to spare. I sat in the car with my two youngest boys wasting time by playing with my cell phone and listening to the radio. As I played the “Wait Game,” I peeked around the parking lot and noticed that a couple of other families were in their cars doing the exact same thing…waiting.

No one wanted to go in the building too early. I guess everyone has their reasons. It wasn’t that the doors were locked or that we’re forbidden to go in the building before services actually began. But for some reason we were all moved to not move. 

After about 20 minutes or so of checking my emails and sending follow-up text messages to family and friends, I decided I would turn the air conditioning off in my car, save some gas, and move toward the building. I figured the worst thing that could happen is that we’d sit in a quiet church auditorium until the multitudes began to arrive.

As we opened the door and entered the lobby, it was easy to see that the church building was still very much asleep. Lights were off and there wasn’t a soul insight. Then suddenly a petite, elderly woman appeared out of the darkness and said “Hello!”

I was surprised to see her. She was a familiar face, but we’d never actually met each other before. Her name was Evelyn Elmore. I thought it was cute that she immediately asked me was I visiting for the first time. I giggled a bit and told her that my family and I had been members for nearly two years now. She laughed too and said that we must sit behind her and that she was always taught that you never turned around to see who’s sitting behind you in church service. I’ve heard that rule too.

As we moved into the auditorium and travelled down the center aisle, we continued to interview each other to get acquainted. Ms. Evelyn has sweet little rituals she does before service begins. She rereads the church bulletin from the previous Sunday to make sure she doesn’t miss any important information. As we got closer to the front, I could see her finger point to pew, and she counted back six rows.
“I always sit on the 6^th row,”  she said. “I think we’ve gone down too far.”

I giggle a little more and sit across the aisle on the same row with my sons, BJ and Jackson. I guess I assumed that our precious conversation was over, but I was mistaken. Ms. Evelyn was merely getting her belongings situated on the pew and then she moved over to chat with me a little bit more.

She complimented me on the good behavior of my children and told me about what it was like raising her own two boys. Realizing that we both still had lots more to share about our lives, I stood back up and escorted her back to her seat. I had decided that I would move away from my comfort zone and enjoy the service sitting next to my new friend.

Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives.

Titus 2:3-5 (The Message)

Randomness

I hope there are still a few Far Above Rubies readers out there.  I can’t speak for my co-authors, but I have personally been in a season of self-reflection and self-examination.  For a variety of reasons I have simply had no words.  I’ve been thinking and meditating about a lot of things, but I’ve had some trouble putting pen to paper, or rather, my fingers to the keyboard.  Last night as I was trying to fall asleep, suddenly I had words.  Lots of words.  Unfortunately the words are a jumbled mess of randomness.  I don’t know if you can make any sense of it, but I thought I’d share anyway.  Maybe you can relate to some of it or maybe it will just help me focus my thoughts.  So, here are some things that have been on my mind the past few months:

 

• Have you ever experienced rejection?  It really doesn’t matter how or why you are rejected.  The feelings are the same.  I’m worthless.  I’m no good.  I’m invisible.  I’m unwanted.  I’m insignificant.  Anyone ever feel that way?  I certainly have.  Well, I came across these verses in something I was reading this week.  “You whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:9-10   I am NOT worthless.  I am NOT unwanted.  I AM CHOSEN!

• This year at my church, we have had a different theme each month.  The theme for May is “Sharing My Story.”  We’ve heard some great stories about dramatic life changes and amazing conversion experiences.  I’ve never really thought about having a “story.”  Mine is quite simple.  I was “raised in the church.”  I always knew about Jesus and I always believed in Him.  I became a Christian at the age of 19.  I don’t have a dramatic story.  My day to day life didn’t change that much.  I didn’t smoke, cuss, drink or have sex.  You know, the “big” sins.  I pretty much did what I was supposed to do.  As I have matured spiritually, though, I know that the story really has nothing to do with what I did or didn’t do.  The important part of the story is what He did for me.  Jesus died on the cross, was buried and was resurrected on the third day for my sins just as much as he did it for those with the dramatic life changing stories.  My life has changed because of that story.  Maybe not as much as some, but I am definitely changed because of Him.  That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

 

•  I’ve mentioned on this blog before that I am involved in a children’s outreach ministry.  At this time of the year I become weary.  We have one more week until we get a short break for the summer.  I am exhausted.  I am worn out.  I am T.I.R.E.D.  You get the point.  I love these kids and their families.  I love being with them and teaching them about Jesus.  I did a gratitude journal with my young girls. I want to share that here sometime soon. They are so precious.  They loved listing things they are thankful for.  But, I need a break.  I need to recharge and reenergize and restore my enthusiasm for this ministry.  What makes you weary?  How do you recharge?

•  I have a great story to tell you about one of those women.  You know the ones.    I’m anxious to share this sweet lady with you.  I’ve known her most of my life.  Some of you know her.  She has done great things for the Kingdom.  Please come back and read about her.

We all need a season of quiet reflection, but we also need a season of sharing.  I’d love to hear your random thoughts.  Please share!!

College Days

Lately I’ve been reminiscing about my college days.  I’ve always said that college is the perfect balance of freedom and responsibility.    In order to be successful, you do have to be responsible for your classes.  And, like many others, I always had a part-time job during college which required some responsibility.  At the same time, though, I always had big chunks of free time.  I was blessed to spend most of my free time with great friends.  Those friends are what I miss most about college.

 

I didn’t go away to college.  I stayed home and attended UTC (University of TN at Chattanooga).  Although it probably would’ve been good for me to go away to college, I am so glad I stayed because here is where I found the UTC Christian Student Center (CSC).  The CSC really changed my life in so many ways.  It was there that I became more serious about developing my relationship with God.  It was there that I went on my first mission trip.  It was there that I met people that I am still friends with today, twenty years later.  Not just casual friends, but deep, soul mate friends.

 

We had devotionals a couple of times a week.  Those times were the highlight of my week.  Spending time in Bible study, in song, and in prayer was uplifting.  My faith was strengthened every time I was together with those other Christians.

 

Relationships were also strengthened during the hours we spent talking, laughing and playing games together.  I miss those connections so much.  I treasure those times and often wish I could recreate them.

 

I love my life now and wouldn’t REALLY want to go back, but in this grown up world with a marriage, a mortgage and a real job, I sometimes long for a few of those carefree days.

 

I want to spend an afternoon making cookies with Stacy or go on a road trip with Julie.  I want to spend time in conversation about spiritual things and mundane things.  I want my summer to be centered on going to the Navajo Indian Reservation to teach kids about Jesus.  I want to dream about my future and wonder where I will live and work and who I will marry.

 

It’s funny, now I am living in that future dreaming about the past.

 

I love the future that God has given me.  I am so thankful for my college days and all of the other past days, all the people and all the experience in my life.  All of that has led me to where I am now.

 

What are some fun memories from your past?

 

“There is a time for everything,
   and a season for every activity under the heavens:”

                                                           Ecclesiastes 3:1

Psalm 3

    A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.  

¹ LORD, how many are my foes!
   How many rise up against me! 

² Many are saying of me,
   “God will not deliver him.” 

 ³ But you, LORD, are a shield around me,
   my glory, the One who lifts my head high. 

⁴ I call out to the LORD,
   and he answers me from his holy mountain. 

 ⁵ I lie down and sleep;
   I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. 

⁶ I will not fear though tens of thousands
   assail me on every side. 

 ⁷ Arise, LORD!
   Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
   break the teeth of the wicked. 

 ⁸ From the LORD comes deliverance.
   May your blessing be on your people.
  (NIV)


Do you ever feel like everyone is against you?  I'm sure we all have at one time or another.  Here in Psalm 3 we have have an example of David running for his life from his son Absalom, but it was during this that David wrote this Psalm. No wonder he is called the man after God's own heart!

Absalom's army numbered in the tens of thousands (v. 6), but David was able to rest without fear (v. 5). He turned to God and, despite the naysayers (v.2), he knew God would protect him (v. 3) and even bring vengeance on his attackers (v. 7).

Truly, just as God protected David in such a dire situation, we should know that He can protect us as well. "If God is for us, who can stand against us?" (Romans 8:31)

I Want to Pray for You

I love knowing that we have a Father who longs to hear from us and wants us to ask for His blessings and for His help. 

 

What blessings or help do you need today?

 

How can I specifically pray for you? 

 

Please leave a comment with your prayer request.  If you’d prefer you can send me a private e-mail.

 

It will be an honor for me to lift your name before Him today.

 

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”  ~Hebrews 4:14-16

Meet Loyce Smith

I have been blessed by being surrounded by some very influential women in my life.  Since this blog is “by and for Christian women” I thought I would share some of the wonderful women that have impacted me in some way.  Over the next few months you will meet some of the people that I consider to be “heroes.” 

They are not particularly remarkable women.  They are ordinary women that serve an extraordinary God.  Oh, they may have some special skills, talents or abilities that have enabled them to do certain things.  But, for the most part, they are just like you and me.  They are wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, and friends.  Most importantly they are daughters of the King and they seek to serve Him.

Let me first introduce you to Loyce Smith.  Loyce and her husband David are currently serving God in Majuro, the Republic of the Marshall Islands.  I’ve known Loyce and David for several years.  Although we attended the same church for quite some time, I really got to know them a little better when we went on a mission trip together to St. Thomas, USVI.  We went there to do a VBS and it was there that I first noticed Loyce’s love for and rapport with children.

My husband and I were honored to have David and Loyce in our home a few weeks ago.  They shared some of the wonderful work that they are doing in Majuro.

First, learn a little about them.  They have been married for 29 years and have two sons.  They just welcomed their first granddaughter.  By God’s providence and through a series of events and decisions, David and Loyce made their way to Majuro in July 2008.  Their long held dream to serve God on a full-time basis was about to be realized.

I had never heard of Majuro before David and Loyce planned to work there.

Majuro, a coral atoll in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, is the capital city of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.  Majuro is approximately 6600 miles from their home in Tennessee.  Loyce and David had officially moved to the other side of the world.  Not only are they physically on the other side of the world, but in many other ways as well.  Here are some facts about Majuro:

• Majuro is a matrilineal society which means that lineage is traced through maternal ancestors.  Land is passed down to the oldest daughter through the mother.  However, in Majuro, everything on the land, including trees, plants, building, etc. belongs to the man.

• Unemployment is about 30%.  There is no industry there other than copra, or the processing of coconut oil.  There are some jobs in the service industry such as hotels, retail stores and taxi service.  Others work in government jobs.

• The Marshallese diet consists primarily of rice.  They have little access to fresh fruits or vegetables.  As a result, about 80% of hospital patients have diabetes related illnesses.  There are 80-90 amputations per year due to diabetes.

• Women are often the victims of spousal, physical, sexual and emotional abuse.  Young girls are having babies on a regular basis.

The cultural differences are interesting to me, but what is more intriguing to me is the work that Loyce and David are doing there. 

When they arrived, the church there had only two faithful members.  A little more than two years later, there are 65-70 people regularly attending their worship service.  I asked how they went from two to 65 in such a short time.  The answer was simple.  Love. 

Loyce and David began by loving the children.  One of the first things Loyce wanted to do when they arrived in Majuro was to plan a VBS.  They had record attendance and from that point on had to have multiple children's classes at their weekly Sunday school.  Through their love for the children and the relationships they developed with them, doors were opened and opportunities arose for them to reach out to the adults as well.

They do all the things that missionaries do.  They invite and transport people to their services, they have classes and Bible studies outside of the normal church service, they do Vacation Bible School, they go out into the community and knock on doors.   They are sharing the Gospel, and obviously the people are responding.  In fact, soon after they arrived in the US, they learned that two women had obeyed the gospel.  They are anxious to get back and celebrate with those two precious souls!  What resonated with me most though, was that one of their goals is to create a sense of family.

Loyce and David are not only sharing the Gospel, but they are living it every day in the way they serve the people. They have weekly classes for the teens as well as for the ladies.  Loyce has taught the ladies to sew.  They are very skillfully making their own skirts.  They have taught the people about good nutrition and helped them incorporate it into their lives.  Through these practical acts of love and service, they have cultivated a family among those that worship together each week.

Isn’t that what the love of Christ is all about?  Sharing the good news of Jesus with others and then living in fellowship with those that share in the joy of faith and hope in Him. Although there are some vast cultural differences, at some level people are not so different.  We all need Jesus and we all desire a loving relationship with Him and with others.  Loyce and David may be on the other side of the world, but they are sharing something that is universal.  

I’m sure these few words don’t quite do Loyce justice.  What I ultimately want to share with you is that Loyce is a faithful child of God living in obedience to Him.  I was very encouraged when she and David decided to go to Majuro.  I am so thankful for faithful Christians like them that choose to leave home and family in order to expand the borders of God’s Kingdom.

There are challenges to living in a foreign land.  Loyce describes Majuro as, “dirty, crowded, noisy and hot.” There is a language barrier that is difficult to overcome.  There is some level of desperation and hopelessness among the people.  But, with all of that, there is the love of Jesus and the desire to share that love with the Marshallese people. 

I asked Loyce if there was anything she specifically wanted to share.  Here is what she said, “People tell me they admire what we are doing but I don’t feel I am special because of it.  God has truly blessed us, to Him be the glory.”

Amen.  To Him be the glory!  

Please join me in prayer as Loyce and David prepare to return to Majuro.  Pray for their safety as they travel and for the hearts of the people that they serve.

If you are interested in supporting Loyce and David in their work or finding out more about the work in Majuro, you may contact them at davloysmith@gmail.com.  They also love to receive “snail mail.”  Please send them a card of encouragement to PO Box 1167, Majuro, MH 96960.  Postage is the same as letters mailed within the U.S.

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”    ~Romans 10:14-15