Treasures of Truth ministries . . . helping

women connect with truth that will

transform their world.

I consider the story I am sharing today a holiday story because it took place at the home of my husband’s parents on Thanksgiving Day not too many years ago.  When our family gathers for the holidays, this experience is often remembered, retold, and even found humorous . . . now.

This story illustrates the truth I shared in last week’s devotion, “Consider This”, so if you haven’t read  the devotion for Week 6, I suggest that you read that also.  As I mentioned last week, Mary considered the words of the angel that were sent to her by God.  As the events of Christ’s birth unfolded, she also pondered all of these things in her heart.  We never see, however, any reference to any questions of unbelief or doubt in what Mary considered as she responded to the humanly impossible plan presented to her and the Bible is typically very transparent in these areas.  For example, when the angel told Zacharias that Elizabeth would bear a son, the Bible tells us that he gave too much consideration to the fact that they were both advanced in years.  This resulted in the wavering of his faith. 

^“Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God,” (Luke 1:8 NIV).  ^“. . .  an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. “And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him” (.Luke 1:12 NKJV).  ^“But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John” (Luke 1:13 NIV). ^“Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years’” (Luke 1:18 NIV).

The message given to Zechariah was that his prayer had been heard, but his response  was one of doubt.  His uncontrolled thoughts about the human improbability of God’s promise led to a response marked by unbelief.  He could not, in the imagination of his thoughts, fathom that God was actually answering his prayer.  He was not a man without faith.  He had the faith to make the request, but his logic would not allow him to receive it.

^“The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news” (Luke 1:19 NIV).

"And . . . you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time" (Luke 1:20 NKJV).

Every belief, word, and response has its root in what we think - in what we contemplate.  The thought that led to unbelief had an impact on Zechariah. 

This holiday story reinforces the importance of disciplined thoughts, words, and actions.

One Thanksgiving, the family was gathered in the family room visiting and decided it would be nice to have a fire in the fireplace.  Not realizing a little bird had made its nest there, a fire was lit.  The bird panicked, and instead of flying upward and out of the chimney, it flew down toward  the fire.  By the time the bird flew into the family room, it was covered in soot, out of control, and flying wildly around the room.  The women left the room in an excited condition much like the bird’s and gathered in one nearby, and very crowded bathroom while the men attempted to deal with the unruly bird.  Every time it brushed against the ceiling or a wall, the soot in which it was covered left a mark.  The men opened a sliding glass door and the bird finally exited through the open door, but not without leaving behind many soot marks as a reminder of everything it had touched.

Sometimes, you and I, like that little bird, find ourselves a little too close to a challenging situation.  When the trials of life become blazing hot, we, too, often panic.  Instead of looking upward by thinking thoughts of faith and speaking words of praise, we fall prey to the challenging situation and perilously move closer to it by embracing thoughts and perceptions laced with unbelief.  We allow the soot of these thoughts to contaminate our spirit, resulting in undisciplined actions and words.  Emerging from the fire, covered in the soot of tainted thoughts, our lives begin to leave remnants of our unbelieving words and actions on every life with which we come in contact.  Like the spies, we too, often discourage the hearts of others and influence them with our unbelief.

The soot left behind can damage a home.  Sometimes the soot of uncontrolled words, thoughts, and actions touches the house of God, and always, it affects us.

God used a disciplined woman driven by faith filled words and actions to bring His Son into the world.  Christmas reminds us of the mark Mary’s participation in God’s plan left on the world. 

Zechariah left his mark as well.  He is remembered as the priest who did not believe God could answer the prayers he had prayed.  His unbelief became obvious not only to his generation, but for all generations to come who would read this passage in the Bible.

What kind of mark are we leaving on the lives of others?  Do your thoughts, words, and then actions leave a mark that is more characteristic of soot or the Savior?

© 2007 Lauren Fletcher all rights reserved 

Return to the top of the page

Week 8 - Experience the Wonder of Christmas Like a Child

I have really enjoyed attending many wonderful Christmas parties this month, but my favorite took place Friday evening in my own home.  Only two were invited, but I took great care in preparing for this anticipated event.  First, I went to a bookstore and purchased two books for my growing collection of children’s Christmas books. The next stop was the grocery store where I selected some Christmas treats for our party. When the doorbell rang, I knew my two month old and 3 year old granddaughters had arrived. It was time for the annual event known as “Mimi’s Christmas Story Time” to begin!  

We sat by the brightly lit Christmas tree and read Christmas story . . . after story . . . after story . . . Each page of my eldest granddaughter’s favorite book contains flaps that cover beautifully illustrated pictures.  She asked permission to take that book home and I am told she looks at it every night before bed.  Though she knows what will be under each familiar flap, she still seems to anticipate the excitement of looking under each one, night after night.

This anticipation, wonder, and excitement that children so readily feel was also experienced, though at a much deeper level,  by the shepherds after Christ’s birth.   Luke 2:8-20 provides a narrative of the shepherds’ amazing encounter.

Verse 20 of this passage contains a phrase that is a real gem.

“Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them” (Luke 2:20 NKJV). (emphasis on underlined words mine)

They returned full of joy and excitement because their experience was consistent with the amazingly good news they had been told. 

Much like my granddaughter who continues to enjoy the excitement of lifting each familiar flap in the book, I continue to experience the wonder of Christ on a regular basis as I spend time in His word or in praise and worship.  Though He is familiar to me in a good sense, I never tire of another exciting encounter with my Lord and I, too, have found Him to be everything His word says He is.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NKJV).

He is “All That” and more. He Is the wonder of Christmas!

© 2007 Lauren Fletcher all rights reserved 

Return to the top of the page

Week 9 - Make Room for Jesus - Today!

 “And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7 NKJV).

Waking early this past Saturday morning, I was immediately aware that I had three short days to complete a long  list of tasks that needed to be accomplished by December 25. 
Unfortunately, regular exercise lost its position as a top priority a few weeks ago, and I knew if I wasn’t careful, consistent times of prayer and Bible study would begin to disappear from my daily schedule as well.  After all, Christmas comes once a year and it is only natural to give precedence to shopping, decorating, and baking.  However, with the same tenacity that I keep long overdue salon appointments, I determined to hold on to my standing appointment with God.  It’s a regular time I enjoy and one I would regret missing. 

I opened my Daily Devotional Bible and started the day with the following verses from Psalm 145:

^“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations. The LORD is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works.  The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.  He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them” (Psalm 145:13,17-19 NKJV)

My heart absorbed those powerful, peace producing words and I was refreshed.  That afternoon, a family member experienced an emergency which required a trip to the hospital.  Remembering
the words from Psalm 145, I reopened my Bible to this passage, and this time, applied it to my particular situation. 

Being reminded of God’s dominion that has no end and of His willingness to hear my cry for help was extremely comforting and encouraging.  Unfortunately, I often overlook the eternal for that which is urgent, but I am so glad I made room for the Lord that day.

Most of all, though, I’m glad He made room for me.  What an incredible truth.  He makes room for us!  We are a top priority to God!

"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23 NKJV).

May you have a blessed Christmas as you celebrate His birth and His presence among us

 ©2007 Lauren Fletcher all rights reserved

Return to the top of the page