Anna Receives Mercy from God

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Luke indicated in 2:22-23 that Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus went to the temple to offer a sacrifice for their new born son and for Mary’s purification. Law required that she wait 40 days after giving birth to a son to enter the temple and had to offer a sacrifice for her purification. This was an important event as they were consecrating, dedicating their new born son to God. All firstborn be it animals or people were to be dedicated to the Lord. During this event, they first met Simeon who had been told by the Lord that before he died he would see his Lord and Savior. He trusted God and believed God’s Words that he would indeed see his savior. He knew God to be a promise keeping God.

After their encounter with Simeon and hearing his prophesy, they encountered Anna a prophetess.

Luke 2:36-38  “There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Doing the math, she was over 91 years old and since the temple was very large, she lived there daily spending her time worshipping and praying. Being a prophetess, she would have received prophecies from the Lord. Other such women in the Bible were Miriam, Moses’ sister, Deborah the fearless leader during the time of the Judges, Huldah, Hannah and the daughters of Philip. Anna’s encounter with Jesus, Mary and Joseph was brief but revealing as God showed her the one who would redeem the Jews.

What can we learn from Anna and her encounter with Jesus? God knew the exact time in history that His Son would be revealed to the world. He placed Anna there at that moment to confirm for us that Jesus was His Son and had a divine purpose. He was not a random child of Jewish parents, but God’s Son. He was the one through whom God would redeem all mankind. God chose devoted followers to speak of Jesus’ coming work in the world. She was an elder, revered and respected for her lifestyle, devotion to God and her ability to speak prophetic words from God. Her appearance in the life Jesus was confirming for Mary and Joseph and showed how much God loved them. God wanted them to know, along with Anna, that Jesus was His Son and they were a part of His story. God was merciful to included them in His work to save mankind.

What do you know of God’s mercy? God in His mercy does not give us what our sins deserve. He restrains evil, holds back sin and limits the extent of our pain. His gospel goes into places where they have turned their back on Him and yet He seeks the lost and desires that they come to Him. When they turn to Him, in His mercy, He offers forgiveness, restoration and eternal life. God showed mercy towards the children of Israel by rescuing them from slavery in Egypt, bringing them back from Babylon after 70 years of captivity and bring Jesus to reconcile us from our sins. When we repent and turn to Him, He gives forgiveness we do not deserve. Hebrews 8:12 “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” Amazingly God can forgive and remove our sins. I love the image in Micah 7:19 “He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” I marvel at God’s mercy when you consider the greatness and power of God and His love and compassion towards us. Psalm 86:15 “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”

Do you presume upon the mercy of God– thinking He will always be there, I can wait to ask forgiveness? Mercy and grace are closely related. Grace is God giving us what we don’t deserve and Mercy is God not giving us what we do deserve. Don’t take God for granted. When you see or experience God’s mercy in your life be thankful and acknowledge His forgiving and merciful character. Humble Anna waited patiently and God was merciful towards her by allowing her to see Jesus. God is merciful to each of us too, and we just need to open our eyes and hearts to experience his mercy.

Linda

God’s Goodness Abounds

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Jesus said, “ Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Luke 24:44  Jesus came and lived the perfectly sinless life which meant that He made all the right sacrifices at holy days, was circumcised, and followed all the Jewish customs and laws.  In addition, all that was prophesied about Him, all the work He came to accomplish was Yes in Christ. 

Today’s story continues in Luke 2:21-25 “And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”   These actions are what we would expect from Mary and Joseph as they would want to observe all the right customs that were required by the Law of Moses with their new child.

Luke 2:25-37 tells us what happened when they came to the temple to present Jesus to the Lord. 

Simeon

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
    according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31     that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and for glory to your people Israel.”

33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

The attribute of God that comes to mind with this story is goodness. God was so good to Simeon to allow him see Jesus before his life was over. God kept His promise to Simeon and God in His goodness will do the same for you and me. We see God’s goodness in His love and faithfulness. God is good through and through and no one is good but God. Mark 10:18 “And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.” God is compassionate and satisfies those in need out of His goodness. He offers hope and refuge. All of God’s children experience His goodness even when bad things happen. God promises in Romans 8:28 “ And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

How do you see God’s goodness in your life? Do you feel the compassion of others towards you and find things work out for good even when it looks bleak? I have found that in tough circumstances I need to trust God even more as I can’t see why the dark threads of my life are needed. Someday I will understand and see God was building my character and was planning good for me. I claim Jeremiah 29:11 over my life “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God’s plans are good and I need to walk in trust fearlessly day by day!

May God’s goodness overflow towards you today.

Linda

Impartial God chooses Shepherds

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Have you ever considered why God choose lowly shepherds to receive the message of the arrival of His Son to earth? In pondering this, I thought how this so fits with God’s character. God is impartial and wants all people from all walks of life to know the good news that Jesus’ coming brings.

Luke 2:15-20 “When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

The shepherds were moved to seek out Jesus when given the announcement and directions on where to find this babe, the long awaited Messiah. The arrival of the Savior had been foretold for generations and was the hope of Israel. Being able to physically go and worship this new born king was an amazing privilege. They shared with Mary and Joseph what the angels had told them about Jesus being the Messiah which would have confirmed to them yet again, the message they had both received from the angels. I love that Mary treasured these thing and saved them in her heart to recall and relive over and over. That shows a mother’s tender love for her child and her own awe at who this child was and would become for all Israel.

When we look at who was chosen to be Jesus’ earthly parents, and those who were called to receive God’s joyous message of the arrival of His Son, we see our God is impartial. Mary and Joseph were not wealthy merchants as Joseph was a carpenter. The shepherds tended their flocks by day and night. This means that God saves and uses people regardless of what they have done or will do. He does not discriminate or judge if someone is wealthy, poor, smart or not so smart. God is always fair. There is nothing anyone can do to force God’s hand, or put God in their debt. God will always do right by every person, in every situation. Scripture points this out in many passages. Here are a few: Acts 10:34-35 “So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” Romans 2:11 “For God shows no partiality.” Ephesians 6:8 “ because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.”

So what does the impartiality of God mean for you and me? God loves us each of us unconditionally and has a plan and purpose for each of us. We are individuals in God’s eyes and no one is better or more loved than another. We as earthly parents strive for this in our lives but we have a lot of baggage and get tied up in issues. God is not like that and is always just and fair. I can rely upon God’s justice and know He always stands for truth. We can depend upon God to be who He says He will be at all times, judging with justice and truth.

I hope this fact about God’s character encourages you and allows you to lean into Him knowing He can and will use you to accomplish His purposes. Claim Ephesians 2:10 in your life, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” All believers are His and will be used by Him for His work!! Shepherds and carpenters and you too!

Linda

Catch a glimpse of God’s Glory

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I can’t even imagine the brightness of the angels in the sky. Their glory would only have been a fraction of what God’s glory will be like when we see Him in heaven. This scene shows God’s excitement and joy over the birth of His Son and the long awaited arrival of the availability of peace, hope, forgiveness and salvation for all people in Jesus.

Luke 2:8-14 “ And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

The attribute that comes to mind when reading and visualizing this scene in my mind is Holy. God is holy and is high and lifted up. He is set apart from His creation. God is whole and perfect in goodness and righteousness. No one is like God. God sets apart His children , those who believe in Jesus, for Himself and desires, no commands us to be holy as He is holy. We cannot achieve holiness with Jesus. He is the one who washes us clean and presents us holy and acceptable before Holy God.

God’s holiness and brightness shine forth in various passages in the Old Testament. In Exodus Moses encountered God in a burning bush. Exodus 3: 2-5 “And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” 4 When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” Even the ground around the bush where God was speaking was considered holy ground. Isaiah had a vision of God’s throne room in Isaiah 6:1-3 “ In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” This shows us that the whole of heaven is filled with his glory and holiness.

Isaiah repeatedly refers to God as the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 43:3a “For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Jesus speaks of God the Father as holy in John 17:11  “And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.” Jesus prayed for all of us to be united and work as one for Him. Knowing Jesus and being indwelt by His Holy Spirit we are anointed by Him. 1 John 2:20 “ But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.”

How are you seeking to be holy for Him? In Leviticus God has Moses tell the people, 19:2 “Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” God desires that we live a holy life. This is something we cannot do on our own. Through the power of the Holy Spirit within, we can seek to walk with Jesus and put aside sin. Paul explains the transformation we have through Christ to do this in Romans 6:1-4 “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Live the new life in Christ! You are a new creature, a new creation in Him according to 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Live it today and claim His promised transformation in your life!

Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Linda

God’s Grace in the Stable for Us!

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Today’s scripture reminds us of God’s infinite grace towards us.

Luke 2:6-7 “And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.“

Why did I choose Grace as God’s attribute for this part of the Christmas Story? God is gracious and kind to those who do not deserve it. God longs to forgive His people, and reached out to us with the offer of salvation. God is compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. God shows grace to all people and gives good gifts even to those who do not love Him. He is the giver of life and brings families, sunshine, rain, music and hope to all mankind.

God in His grace brought Jesus into this world to save us from our sins and reconcile us to Himself. We did nothing to deserve this, but God in His love sent Jesus for us. Romans 5:8 “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He sent Jesus to live among us to we could know more about God and learn to trust in Him more fully. He did that even though we were indeed sinners without hope. When I think of his humble birth, in a stable, I am overwhelmed by His love for me. He came and lived here among us in our sin-filled world, suffered and died to I could live in faith believing and knowing His love and care.

God’s grace abounded towards Mary and Joseph that night. There were no rooms to be had but a stable was provided. They were warm and safe as Mary delivered Jesus. There was even a manger, cradle, for Mary to use. God was with them on the journey and was there with them in the stable. John 1:14 tells us Jesus was filled with God’s grace, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” That night in the stable, the grace of God came to us!

Where have you seen God’s grace in your life? Ephesians 2:8-9 gives us a place to start, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” and Romans 3:24 “and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Martin Luther discovered God’s grace in Romans and transformed the thinking of His day. My faith and salvation are a gift I did not deserve them and are given by and through God’s gracious heart towards me. The hope we have in Christ is transforming and causes us to live for Him and with Him. In Romans 12:6 Paul reminds us that because of God’s grace towards us, He has given us gifts through His indwelling Holy Spirit, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.”

So how are you using the gifts God has given you through faith in Jesus? Are you seeking to use your gifts of teaching, speaking, writing, helping, carrying or counseling, etc. for His glory? When we use our gifts for His work He blesses us with his love and grace. John 1:16 tells us through faith we receive grace constantly from Him, “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” God is constantly blessing us with his unmerited favor which is His grace.

As you go about this busy season, look at things more carefully and see where God’s gracious hand is upon you. It may be in a smile, a welcoming friend, a song, an unexpected gift, but we are blessed by Him each and everyday! God is with you in your ‘stable’ when there was no room at the inn. Rest in Him and know He is with you and loves you!

Linda

Have a Safe Journey with Protector God

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Have you ever considered God’s perfect timing with the events in history? Today’s scripture tells us how God manipulated the scene to make sure that His Son would be born in Bethlehem. The prophet Micah had foretold years before that Messiah would come from Bethlehem. “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” Daniel reminds us of how God orchestrates events to His will in Daniel 2:21“He changes times and seasons;  he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;” God moved Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem in an amazing way.

Luke 2:1-5 “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.”

Compelled by the governor’s decree, Joseph and Mary set out for Bethlehem. The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was about 70 miles if they had been able to go in a straight line, but they would have gone around Samaria to avoid hostile Samaritans and through the hill country. The journey would have been arduous for Mary in late stages of pregnancy and the estimated 90 miles would have been on foot or riding a donkey. I marvel at God’s protection for this journey that was upon Mary, Joseph and the unborn baby Jesus. God protected them and He is our protector too.

God protection is evident so many stories in the Bible. God protected David as he fled from King Saul’s hatred and desire to kill him. God protected the Israelites in the desert for 40 years providing them with manna to eat, water and guidance with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. God protected Ruth as she gleaned in the fields and met her kinsman redeemer in Boaz. God protected Paul as he was shipwrecked, beaten, flogged, jailed, etc. God desires that His work continue and will always see it to completion. We have God’s promise in Philippians 1:6 to cling to,“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Psalm 121 puts His protection this way:
“I lift up my eyes to the hills.
    From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot be moved;
    he who keeps you will not slumber.

Psalm 91, which is often referred to as God’s 911 calling number, and is one I often claim: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust. 3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.“

God is our protector and deliverer just as He was for Mary and Joseph as they journeyed towards Bethlehem. He saw them safely there. He will walk with you through life’s trials, seeing you safely home to Him one day.

Linda

Third Sunday of Advent, Joy

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Today is the lighting of the third candle in the Advent wreath. It is called the Shepherd’s candle and represents joy. During the lighting the story is told of the angels appearing to the shepherds, announcing the birth of the Christ child and where He could be found. Joy is contagious and once the arrival of the Messiah was proclaimed the shepherds wanted to find the child and worship Him.

Where does that joy come from? Is it from Jesus being born, as births are always bring joy or it is the realization of a Savior come to reconcile us to God? All of those are true but the root of our joy comes from the Father. God is our creator, sustainer and provider. But, He is only Father for those who believe in His Son Jesus Christ. He gives us His Spirit, adopts us into His family and makes us His children. We are not eternal because we have a beginning and an end. Father God is eternal and He can give us eternal life. John 17:3“And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” He speaks to us through His Word and we can speak to Him in prayer. Even the best human fathers have flaws but God is always good, wise and loving. God loves, protects, cares for and trains and guides His children. The source of our joy is in God the Father.

Knowing His joy teaches us to focus on the Son and His redeeming power in our lives. We can see our lives through Christ’s eyes and not through our worldly perspective. Walking with Jesus we learn to focus on Him, His ways and His truth and we will receive joy abundant and peace beyond measure.

Jesus spoke of the joy the Father brings, John 15:11“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Jesus also told us of the peace that the Father gives, John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

This third Sunday of Advent may you feel the Father’s joy as you celebrate the coming of the Savior with the shepherds. May He fill you with His peace this week.

Linda

Promises Give Power for Living

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Today I want to look at the two portions of scripture where the angel delivers the messages from God to both Mary and Joseph. We can compare what is told to each and marvel at how specific God is about this coming child.

Luke 1:31-35 “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.

Matthew 1:21-23 “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,  and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).“

Both Mary and Joseph are told that the child will be God’s son, he will be a descendant of David, he would be born of a virgin and he will be called Jesus which means God with us. All of these things had been prophesied in the Old Testament about the coming Messiah. Both of them would have been familiar with the scripture and must have marveled at how God keeps His Word. Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born,  to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder,     and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 11:10 “In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.” Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Matthew 1:16 “and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.” All those things foretold about Jesus came to pass, and we can trust those things still future to us will be done as well. We know that God is and always will be a Promise Keeper. That which God say will come to pass and His will cannot be thwarted. Job 42:2 “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

I love 2 Corinthians 2:20 “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” and 2 Peter 1:3-4 “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” God has given us His great and precious promises so that we can know and trust Him fully. We can count upon His promises as all God promises are true.

I find God’s promises to be very powerful in my life. The knowledge of God’s promises give me power and assurance for living each day. Here are a few of my favorites that you can claim too! Deuteronomy 31:6 when I am experiencing fear or feeling lonely, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” When things seem bleak and I can’t see how things will work out, I claim the truth of Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” When I am up against the world and need Jesus, I claim 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” God’s Word has power and helps us to live strong committed lives depending upon Him!

Be Assured along with Mary and Joseph that God is a Promise Keeper!

Linda

Where do You Go for Guidance? Joseph looked to God!

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I love today’s scripture as it speaks to me of the guidance of God. Often we pray to God when in difficult circumstances, seeking His wisdom and direction. God tells us in James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Well, Joseph found himself in a difficult position. He was betrothed to Mary which in their culture was more than an engagement as legal papers had been signed, and they were considered man and wife. Though they had not been together, as having relations during this waiting period was considered immoral. They could not sever this binding agreement except though divorce. Joseph was torn between causing shame for Mary by denouncing her or quietly divorcing her. Joseph needed guidance.

Luke 1:18-25 “ Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

God intervened by providing an angelic dream to guide Joseph. He gave him many reasons to follow His leading: Mary’s son was conceived by the Holy Spirit – not by relations with a man, so she had not broken her vows, her son would be the one to save Israel from their sins- the long awaited Messiah, the babe would be God in the flesh come down to earth to bless and be with mankind, and his name would be Jesus-God with us. What a persuasive list presented by the angel! Joseph followed God’s guidance immediately and took Mary as his wife.

How have you known God as your guide? Being our guide, God lead us in the way we should go. His word teaches us how we are to live and think. He gives us the Holy Spirit to indwell us through our faith in Jesus which allows us to know His voice and follow Him. Jesus told us in John 10:4 “When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” We can trust God’s guidance, for without His direction we will surely stumble and fall like people in the dark.

Some of the most beloved scriptures focus on God as our guide. Psalm 23:2-3 “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.  He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 25:5 “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;  I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet
    and a light to my path.” John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” You can depend upon God’s guidance in all situations be they simple or complex like Joseph’s. God is good and will faithfully show us the way. We need to remember Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares 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.” God is high and lifted up, holy and perfect. We can always trust in His guidance. His ways are truth for our lives. We may not fully understand God and His ways, but we can trust them to be sure and perfect.

Be bold this week and seek God’s guidance through prayer and in the Word. Then let your boldness show your trust as you walk with Him in faith!

Linda

Zechariah ‘Sings’ of Provider God!

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Zechariah was overcome by the power of God when he ‘sang’ forth these prophetic words. Only God knows the future and these words about John and the coming Messiah are amazing.

Luke 1:76-80 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
    for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people
    in the forgiveness of their sins,
78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
    whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

When I mediated on these words, I was overwhelmed by God’s gracious provision for us. He provided John to announce the coming Messiah. It had been 400 years since the last prophet Malachi had delivered a message to God’s people. They were hungry for word from God and needed to be turned back and tuned towards Him! The Messiah to come would bring salvation, forgiveness of sin, and light to a dark world. He would show God’s tender mercy towards His children by shining light on their pathways and guiding them in the way of peace. What a wonderful provider God is!!

God is our Provider. God provides for every creature He has made. He feeds the birds and gives us our daily bread. God gives us strength and goodness through the power of His indwelling Holy Spirit to enable us to live for Him. Isaiah 40:29 “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. I love Romans 8:28 and the truth I can claim about His power of goodness in my life. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” He provides a way out of temptation and protects us from evil. 1 Corinthians 10:13 is a key verse to claim,“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” David knew the protection of God first hand as he claimed it in Psalm 140:1-2 “Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; preserve me from violent men 2 who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually.” God provides salvation through our faith in Jesus and He assures us that we cannot be snatched away from Him!! John 10:28“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” God’s provision of His Son was His greatest gift to us. Paul describes this gift in 2 Corinthians 9:15“Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

When you look at all these provisions past and future, you can only marvel at the power and love of God!

Linda