SARAH'S DAUGHTERS

Part 1

"Look... unto Sarah that bare you" (Isaiah 51:2).

The Bible is full of stories about women who have lived exciting and different lives. Many of them were examples to us of great strength of character, but there is only one woman who we are specifically encouraged to follow. Interestingly, she was one of the most beautiful women who has ever lived, perhaps next to Eve. What kind of mesmerizing beauty did she have that caused a king to swoon over her when she was 90 years old?

            The woman was Sarah. She was over 60 years old when she left the city of Haran (which was now a small village in modern Turkey) with her husband, Abram, and began the hazardous journey into the deserts of Syria and the Negev of Israel.

            Travel in the desert is considered most unfavourable to the preservation of beauty. But after many months, maybe years, of travelling and tenting in deserts, enduring dust storms, hot sun and scorching winds, and on through the northern Sinai desert to Egypt (because of famine in the land of Canaan), Sarah was still as captivating as ever. Not even her age or the desert could mar her beauty.

            She was past age 65 years of age when she arrived in Egypt. The Bible says that, “As soon as Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians noticed how rarely beautiful a woman she was. Pharaoh’s nobles noticed her too and highly commended her to Pharaoh; so she was taken to Pharaoh’s place” (Genesis 12:14 MLB).This situation was repeated again in Gerar, where King Abimelech fell in love with her. She was 90 years old at this time!

            What was the secret of her enchanting beauty? Was there something more than her fair features? The Bible gives us a clue when it tells us about the serenity of her submissive spirit. She had an inner grace that emanated from a “meek and quiet spirit” (1 Peter 3:4).

            Imagine your husband coming home tonight and exclaiming, “Honey, God has spoken to me and I feel that it is time for us to move on. We’re going to be leaving here very soon.”

            “But where?” you cry.

            “I don’t know the destination. God will show us.” I won’t print your answer!

            But, that is what happened to Sarah when Abram confronted her with the news that God had called him to another country. Sarah was obedient to her husband and submitted to his plans and “away they went, not even knowing where they were going” (Genesis 12:1-5, Hebrews 11.8).         

            It must have been painful for Sarah to leave her home and family and familiar surroundings. Her name means "Princess." She came from a well-to-do family and lived a comfortable and pampered life in Ur (now southern Iraq.) Instead, she ended up living a nomadic life, dwelling in tents in the mountains and deserts for 67 years!

WHAT WAS THE SOURCE OF HER BEAUTY?

God honoured her faith and obedience and as we have discovered, she retained her beauty. No wonder God calls it the “ageless beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” (1 Peter 3:4 GNB).

            This kind of submission took faith and strength of character. It isn't for weaklings. It doesn’t take any noble qualities to demand your own way. Any three year old can do that. Submission is for the unselfish and the mature of spirit. Wuest’s Greek exposition says that meekness is “that temper of spirit in which we accept God’s dealings with us as good and therefore without disputing.” Jack Hayford says, “Submission is for people who accept divinely arranged order for the sake of protection, fulfilment and realization.”

            This dramatic entry into a new lifestyle was just the beginning of many crises for Sarah. She was obedient to her husband’s authority even when he was wrong. Abraham had a great problem as he travelled through strange places, and that was his beautiful wife. Therefore, he made a deal with her that wherever they went, she was to say she was his sister as he was afraid they would kill him because of her. It was actually a half-truth as she was his half-sister. On the two occasions when Sarah was taken from Abraham by kings, God honoured and protected her and she was given back to her husband totally untouched (Genesis 12:1-20; 20:1-18). 1 Peter 3:6 says, “Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters you are, as long as you do well.”

WHY DO WE REACT?

It doesn’t seem popular, even in Christendom, to be Sarah’s daughters today. The moment the word "submission" is mentioned the prickles go up! Women revolt at the sound of the word. Why does it produce so much reaction?

            It's a godly attitude. Why such a fuss about a godly quality? Although it is a virtue that is especially beatifying to women, it is a quality God intends for all mankind. The Bible says that we are to be in submission to our husbands “in the same way…” In the same way as what? In the same way that we submit to every human authority. When it talks in Ephesians Chapter 5 about wives submitting to their own husbands, it follows immediately on from where we are all asked to submit to one another (1 Peter 3.1 cf. 2.13 GNB; Ephesians 5:21-33).

            Isn't it astonishing that the selfish attitudes of pride, independence and assertiveness are far more popular today than the godly attitudes of meekness, humility, and submission?. And yet it was this spirit of pride and independence that caused Lucifer to be thrown out of heaven. Jesus however, because of his total submission to His Father’s will and His willingness to relinquish His rights of equality with God, wrought for us eternal salvation (Isaiah 12:12-17; Philippians 2:5-11).

NANCY CAMPBELL

www.aboverubies.org

PRAYER:

"Dear Father, Thank you for showing me the source of true beauty. I ask you to work in my life by the power of your Holy Spirit. Please expose all the ugly things in my life so I can repent of them and let your beauty fill me. Amen."

AFFIRMATION:

I long for the ageless beauty of a humble and gentle spirit, rather than the transient beauty of this world

HELP OR HINDRANCE?

"Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offense unto me: for thou savorest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men" (Matthew 16:21-23).

"Oh no, dear, you're not having another baby, are you?"

"Now, dear, you have a son and a daughter. You've got your nice little family. You don't need any more children."

These are familiar statements many daughters receive from their mother, mother-in-law, or well-meaning relatives and friends. Why do many older mothers not want their daughters to have more babies? I am sure it is not because they are blatantly against life. What, then, is the reason?

I received an understanding of this while reading the above Scripture, Matthew 16:21-23 where Jesus told His disciples how he must go to Jerusalem to suffer and die. Peter loved Jesus and did not want this to happen to him. Out of his concern for Jesus, He cried out, "God forbid, Lord! This must not happen to you."

Peter only saw suffering, but did not understand the plans and purposes of God. Jesus rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me Satan! You are a STUMBLING BLOCK to me, because you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but on man's" (New English Translation). The Jerusalem Bible says, "You are an OBSTACLE in my path, because the way you think is not God's way but man's." The New Living Translation puts it very clearly, "Get away from me, Satan! You are a DANGEROUS TRAP to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God's."

When parents speak disparagingly when their daughters are pregnant, they often say these things because they love their daughters and don't want them to have extra work or sleepless nights. They speak out or concern and love, But, in doing so, they miss God's heart. They do it because they do not think God's way. They only see things from a human point of view. Therefore, they are an obstacle in God's eternal plans, and they deprive their daughters of many blessings, not only for this life, but for eternity. What a challenge.

How important it is for us to see things from God's point of view, rather than a humanistic angle. The humanistic way is a "woe" and deprives us of God's blessings (Isaiah 30:1-3 and 31:1-3). God's way leads us into His perfect will.

A mother shared with me how she had been guilty of protecting her older children from going through trials. The Holy Spirit quickened to her that she must let her children face trials otherwise she would hinder the full and perfect work God wants to accomplish in their lives.

Another mother shared with me how God revealed to her that the reason she feared to have more children was because she didn't want to bring them into this world to go through pain and suffering and endure sickness and evil. However, she realized that this reasoning is disobedient to God's plans and she was thinking man's thoughts, not God's.

The easy road is not always the right road. God's way, although sometimes more difficult always brings the greatest blessing to all concerned. God says in Isaiah 55:7-9, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways, my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Many young mothers today are going astray for there is no clear voice from the older women. God's Word is very clear in Titus 2:2-4 where it exhorts the older women to teach the younger women. What are they to teach? The Bible says they are to be "teachers of GOOD things." The breakdown in the Greek of this phrase is as follows: didaskalos means "instructor or teacher" and kalos means "virtuous, beautiful in appearance, valuable."

In other words, the older women are to teach the younger women beautiful things. What are these beautiful things? The Bible tells us that "to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands" are valuable. They are beautiful to behold. No wonder the J. B. Phillips' translation says that they are "a good advertisement for the Christian faith."

Conversely, if the older women do not teach these beautiful things and the younger women do not walk in them, "it is a scandal to the gospel" (Moffat). Sadly, we see God's Word being blasphemed in the church today because women are walking opposite to God's plan for them as women.

It is the responsibility of the older Christian women to lead the younger women in obedience to God's ways. May God raise up more and more older women.

But, we can all get with it. Young mothers are training to be older mothers. When we hear of a mother having a baby, let's respond with joy. Let's be excited! Bless them. Give positive encouragement.

One day I received a phone call from a women. "How can I help you?" I asked. A pathetic voice on the other end replied, "I'm fifty, and I'm having a baby!" "Hallelujah" I exclaimed jubilantly! "You are receiving a special blessing from God. Most women are usually infertile by 45 years, but God has chosen to give you an extra special blessing." I continued to encourage her and by the time we finished talking together she was rejoicing too. All it takes is encouragement and reprogramming a person's brain from the propaganda of our humanistic society to thinking how God wants them to think!

May God help us to be on God's side, not an obstacle in His path!

Love from NANCY CAMPBELL

www.aboverubies.org

PRAYER:

"Oh God, please save me from seeing things on the surface and only from a human point of view. Please give me discernment and help me to seek truth as you see it. I don't want to be obstacle in your path. Amen."

AFFIRMATION:

I'm taking God's side, no matter what the cost.

CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER

Part 2

"But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth" (1 John 3:17-18).

This week we continue the rest of the 31 points about caring for one another--in our home and out of the home.

16. CAR. Offer a lift to someone who doesn't have a vehicle so they can do their shopping, go to church, or visit (Romans 12:11).

17. CHILDREN. Make a point of encouraging each one of your own children every day. When visiting with families take time to talk to the children as well as the adults (Proverbs 10:21a).

18. COURTESY. Good manners show that you care for people (Proverbs 11:16; Luke 4:22; 1 Corinthians 13:4-5; 1 Peter 2:8).

19. CORRESPONDENCE. Always be ready to write and encourage someone. Write a card, letter, email, or Facebook message. Don't forget family members (especially grandparents) who live in a different city or country. And don't forget those on the mission field (Proverbs 25:25).

20. CREATIVITY. If you have a talent or hobby, use it to bless others (Matthew 25:14-30; Acts 9:36-42; Romans 12:4-8).

21. CUDDLE. Hugs do wonders for husbands and children. And other ladies you meet (Proverbs 12:10).

22. CAPTIVITY. Remember to pray for our Christian brothers and sisters who are being persecuted (Hebrews 13:3). Two hundred million Christians across the world are currently suffering from some form of persecution and over 100,000 Christians are murdered each year for their faith. If we were being persecuted, we would certainly like to know others were praying for us, wouldn't we? We like to use the book, Praying Through the 100 Gateway Cities of the 10/40 Window at our Family Devotions each evening. It gives information of the most needy cities in the world and how to pray for them.

23. CONSISTANT PRAYER. Prayer will accomplish what nothing else can. Don't give up praying. (Luke 11:6-10; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; James 5:16)

24. COMMITMENT. Be committed to your husband, your family, and to the saints of God--today, and in the weeks and months ahead (Psalm 16:2-3).

25. CO-OPT. Call upon others to help you when you minister to needy situations. Enlist your family. Don't try to do it all by yourself (Romans 16:3-5, 7; Philippians 1:5; 2:25; 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:2; Philemon 1, 23-24).

26. CHARITY. Charity begins at home, but doesn't end there. Pour out God's love on your husband and children, but take His love to hurting people outside your home, too (John 3:16; 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 10:33; 1 John 3:14-18; 4:20-21).

27. CONTINUE. Keep loving, serving, and blessing people, even when you receive nothing in return. Don't get weary in well-doing (Galatians 6:9; 2 Thessalonians 3;13).

28. CHECK. At the end of each day, check to see if you have spoken words of encouragement to your husband, your children, or to someone God has put upon your heart (Hebrews 3:13-14).

29. CONCILIATE. Try to be a peace-maker, rather than having a reactionary spirit (Psalm 34:14; Matthew 5:9; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 3:8-11).

30. CONTENTMENT. Give thanks for all things, but don't expect thanks for all that you do. Your reward is in Heaven (Ephesians 6:5-6; Colossians 3:22-24).

31. COURIER. Take an Above Rubies magazine to a friend, a neighbor, or keep some in a plastic bag in your handbag to give to mothers when you go shopping. Be a courier that spreads the good news (Psalm 60:4).

After you have looked up the Scriptures for each point for the last two devotions, you may like to share them with your children too. I am sure you will find it a great blessing to use these life-changing Scriptures at your Family Devotions. It is important for your children to embrace this vision of caring for one another and make it your family lifestyle.

You will become a caring family with a vision for caring for the world around you, too.

NANCY CAMPBELL

www.aboverubies.org

 Resources: http://tinyurl.com/Pray10-40Window

                 http://bit.ly/EncourageYourChildren

PRAYER:

"Lord, help me live from day to day
In such a self-forgetful way
That even when I kneel to pray
My prayer shall be for OTHERS."

~ General William Booth

AFFIRMATION:

Instead of selfish, I want to be caring,

A life out-poured, and never sparing.

CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER

Part 1

"And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities" (Hebrews 10:24 AMP).

How grateful we are that God cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). He tangibly wants to show His loving care to us, but the only way He can do it is through His people. To encourage us to fulfill these words of Scripture, let's look at different ways we can show care to one another, beginning in our home, and then reaching out to those around us. There are 31 points, one for every day of the month.

The inspiration for these caring ideas came from a dear friend of mine in New Zealand, June Louis, who has now gone to be with the Lord. I cannot think of a greater example of a godly woman who walked with God, loved His Word, never compromised, and constantly cared for people with "good works." June came to know Jesus soon after she was married and prayed continually for her husband's salvation, but never saw the answer to her prayers while she was alive, even though she passed away in her eighties. This did not stop her unwaveringly serving the Lord and being totally committed to her marriage.

Don't forget to look up the Scriptures. They are best part.

1. COMFORT. Comfort the lonely, hurting, sad, and depressed (Acts 20:35; Romans 15:1-2; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; 7:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:11:14). And don't forget to comfort Israel, and God's chosen people (Isaiah 40:1-2).

2. CHAT. Take time to visit with someone who is sick or lonely (Matthew 25:31-46; Philippians 4:14).

3. CHORES. Do laundry or housework for a mother with a new baby or someone who is sick. (Philippians 2:4).

4. COOK. Invite a single mother, a widow, or a family to your home for a meal. Pursue hospitality (Acts 2:46; Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9).

5. CHILD-MINDING. Relieve a busy mom for a few hours (1 Corinthians 10:24; Galatians 6:2).

6. CHEERFUL. Keep a cheerful spirit in your home. Smile at your husband and your children constantly. Keep a cheerful countenance when you meet people so they will be uplifted by your presence rather than depressed (Proverbs 15:13, 15; 17:22; 18:21; Isaiah 3:9).

7. CHINA/CROCKERY. If you have extra, share with those who don't (Ephesians 4:28).

8. CALL. Call your husband at work to remind him that you love him. When the Holy Spirit lays someone on your heart, call to encourage them. Your words can change their whole day. "Anxiety in a person's heart weighs him down, but an encouraging word brings him joy" (Proverbs 12:25 NET).

9. COMPASSION. Words are often not enough. Show love in your actions, too (Proverbs 31:20; James 2:15-16; 1 John 3:16-18).

10. COOKIES. Bake some wholesome cookies for a family in need (Proverbs 31:20; Luke 6:38).

11. CARDS. Keep a stack of encouraging cards. Look for them when you are out shopping. When the Holy Spirit brings someone to your mind, write an encouraging word and send it to them (1 John 1:4).

12. CUSTOMS. Look out for folks from other countries and taken an interest in them and their customs (Acts 2:9-11).

13. CLUCKY. Never say No to a baby from God. And take notice of all babies, even when shopping or in the street. Encourage every young mother with a new baby (Psalm 127:3).

14. CONCERN. Show concern for all, especially the elderly (Leviticus 19:32).

15. CONSIDERATION. Take time to think about the needs of others. God cannot reveal to you the needs of others if you are always thinking about yourself (Mark 8:35; Hebrews 10:24).

We will continue the rest next week.

PRAYER:

"Oh Father, please give me the same spirit or caring that you have. Save me from being self-centered. I want to give room in my heart and my thoughts for you to tell me about people who are hurting. Amen."

AFFIRMATION:

"Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep o'er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save."

~ Fanny Crosby, 1870