Tag: Jesus

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

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

Thank Goodness, God Preserves!

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After Zechariah’s imposed silence for his unbelief, he bursts out in ‘song’, so to speak, when John is named. He recalls how God has provided for and preserved His people in generations past just as He promised. His prophecy is recorded in Luke 1:67-80 but we will take just the first portion today.

Luke 1:67-75 “And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, 68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
    for he has visited and redeemed his people
69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
    in the house of his servant David,
70 as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
71 that we should be saved from our enemies
    and from the hand of all who hate us;
72 to show the mercy promised to our fathers
    and to remember his holy covenant,
73 the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us
74     that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
might serve him without fear,
75     in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

Zechariah extols God for His keeping of his promises to David, being their redeemer, sending prophets, saving them from their enemies, showing mercy to their forefathers, keeping the covenant He made with Abraham, providing times and places where they could serve Him without fear and always being holy and righteous. Looking at this list in Zechariah’s prophecy, I am reminded how God is our Preserver. He preserved the children of Israel and He will preserve us too. When we trust in Christ, God will continue to do the good work He started in us. Philippians 1:6 “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.” God preserves our lives for His purpose, and will see us through life and preserves our salvation. I love John 10:28“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” Once we belong to Him, He does not let go!

As we look back in history with Zechariah, we see God preserved the nation of Israel to be a beacon of His light to the world. Jesus called himself in John 8:12 ” “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” God will always preserve His light. Zechariah knew that the light of God that was coming would be powerful and would not be overcome.

Do you see God as the preserver of your faith and hope? When I think of a preserver, a life preserver comes to mind. David had a lot of times when he called upon God to preserve him- in battle, in his fight for the throne, in his personal relationships. Psalm 97:10“O you who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalm116:6 “The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me.” Psalm 31:23 “Love the Lord, all you his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.” David knew that God was his lifeline and keeping his focus upon Him was essential to life. Jesus is our lifeline and our hope for the future. I love the focus in Hebrews 12:1-3 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Stick with the preserver, He will see you through.

Linda

Mary Praises Continue

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Mary’s Song of praise continues in Luke 1:46-49 as she looks to God in praise speaking of God’s care for Israel. Mary recognizes the power of God and His Sovereign nature.

Luke 1:46-49 “And his mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
    and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
    and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
    to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Only a sovereign God could show His strength and power from generation to generation. He has moved kings and kingdoms, given good things, been merciful to his people and interacted personally with Abraham. Being Sovereign means God controls all things. There is nothing outside of God’s wise control, even to the timing for each individual. What God plans happens. When God allows evil, we can trust He has planned to use it for His people’s good and His glory. God had perfect timing for His Son to come the first time and knows the perfect time for His return. All God has planned will come to pass as He alone has the power to make it happen. His will cannot be thwarted.

Mary knew this about God. She has seen His strength and power in Isabel’s history. She would have known about Moses, the escape from Egypt after the 10 plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, the walls of Jericho falling down to the trumpet of God, their first king Saul and his hatred for beloved king David, their constant idol worship which led them into captivity for 70 years and the return as God promised. Mary had heard these stories read in the temple and knew the power of Almighty God to move in history. She knew God to be merciful and caring. She knew He was sovereign over all things.

What do you know about God? Can you talk about God’s character and how you have seen Him in your life? Mary knew first hand that God was real and she marveled that God had chosen her. I too marvel at how God uses individuals to accomplish His work. Each of us is important to God and can be a part of His work. Paul spoke of the importance of each believer in Romans 12:4-6a “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us,” In Christ we are all part of Him and have a purpose for His work and for supporting other believers. We are all gifted by God to help lift up, encourage and build up one another. Who do you need to encourage today? Can you send an email, a card or call with a word to show you care? Be open to God, like Mary, and look expectantly for ways God will use you to show the love of Jesus to the world.

Linda

What would your Song to God sound like?

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Mary’s response to a greater realization of God’s favor upon her after being with Elizabeth is recorded in Luke 1:46-54. The first section is 46-49 which we will look at today. This portion of scripture is known as the Magnificat as it takes its name from the first line-magnifies. Mary begins by praising God and recognizes God is her Savior.

Luke 1:46-49 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
    For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name.

Mary praises God and tells Him how much she is overjoyed to be His servant. For Mary God is accessible and she can talk directly to Him. Being accessible means God is near and wants to have a relationship with each of us. Mary knew this and calls Him her Savior. She marvels at how God has enlightened and enlivened her soul and blessed her with this child to come. She does not look down or back, but up to God. She knows He alone is Holy God, loves and cares for her and the child she carries. Mary knows that God hears her prayers and humbles herself before God in a prayer of thanksgiving and praise.

How accessible is God to you? Do you take advantage of prayer and spend time communing with God? Is praise on your lips as you think about God and bow before Him? We know God is accessible to us through our faith in Jesus. He is accessible as our Savior, John 14:6  “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” He is accessible to me anytime I have need, Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” He is accessible to me when I am in need of forgiveness, Hebrews 10:22 “ let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” God promises to be near me if I come towards Him, in James 4:8 “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. ” What is keeping you from God? He is always faithfully waiting for us to come to Him.

Do you have a song of praise for God today? Mary knew the joy of communing with God. It lead her to praise and joy in her soul. Join her in drawing near to accessible God in a song of praise!

Linda

Invisible, Yet Present!

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The events that take place next warm my heart. Mary decides to leave right away and travel to her cousin Elizabeth’s house, in the Judean hills. There could be various possible reasons for Mary’s decision: the angel had told her that Elizabeth was expecting and Mary, knowing her cousin was older, may have thought she could be of help, she may not have wanted to stay around Nazareth as her pregnancy would become known and she would be a source of gossip and ridicule or she knew Elizabeth to be a godly woman and was seeking support and wisdom. Whatever the reason, immediately upon being greeted by Mary, this takes place.

Luke 1:39-45 and 56 “At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her! verse 56 ”Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Scripture tells us an important fact about John in Luke 1:15b “and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.” So when Mary arrives and Elizabeth greets her, the baby, John, leaps in her womb. His spirit recognizes the Holy Spirit within Jesus. The meeting produces joy for the mother’s to be and their babies. The attribute I have chosen for today is Invisible. God is with us each and every moment of every day, and yet we do not feel or see Him. God is Spirit and we cannot see spirit. Just as we cannot see or feel sound waves, energy or atoms, we know they exist. God did make himself visible to us in His Son Jesus. In this story, we have the time before Jesus is born and and see and feel through the events the presence of our Invisible God. His Holy Spirit indwelled both John and Jesus! John reacted to the presence of Jesus and the joy was immediately transmitted to Elizabeth and Mary as joy.

I’m sure being together both women would felt more supported about their part of God’s plan. I would imagine that Mary’s presence was of great help and comfort to Elizabeth and Elizabeth’s wisdom, faithfulness and compassion would have helped Mary as she grew in her pregnancy. The timing of staying 3 months would mean that Mary stayed until John was born and named. When she returned home she would have been about 4 months pregnant and through the first possibly difficult months.

Invisible God made himself known to the Israelites in the Old Testament. God appeared to Moses in a burning bush and spoke to him. God led the way as they crosses the desert using a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to show His presence. Paul wrote in Romans 1:20 “ For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” We can see evidence of God through His creation and wonder at it. God assures us in Deuteronomy 31:6 that even though we cannot see Him, He is there! “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Thankfully, God saw fit to give us more, something tangible we could depend upon and see. Colossians 1:15 “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” Hebrews 1:3a “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” We have proof that Jesus lived and was seen by others, died for our sins and ascended back into heaven. Jesus was visible proof of our invisible God! Praise God for His provision of Jesus.

Today as you go about your day, see where you can see our invisible God at work. He is there with you just as He was with Mary and Elizabeth.

Linda