Mary, Did You Know?

His name shall be called Wonderful, Counseler, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6b

Every Jewish family probably knew the passage and longed for the coming of the Messiah to restore their land, but who had any idea it would happen the way it did? Do we have any idea how it happened? In the next few days let's explore the reality of the miracle of our Savior's birth. Remember your comments are always welcome.

Monday's Readings:  Remember to read the entire passage and let the Lord show you the verse(s) that will be significant in your life. The verse(s) I comment on is the verse the Lord had for me. That's why comments and sharing are significant, so we all may benefit.

      Luke 1:1-25 (vs. 6,7) Both Zecharias and Elizabeth were faithful to God. They kept His commandments, but it seems they were being judged by the community because Elizabeth was barren. She had no children. The people took it as a sign that Zecharias and Elizabeth were out of favor with God. Not true. God was waiting for the right time to use them both to demonstrate His power and to reveal His message.

It's hard to wait when we are discouraged and ridiculed, when people don't understand. But... we must understand God has a plan. Whether the issue is children, husband, wife, weight, beauty, money, whatever, God is in control and He has a plan for each of us.

Father, help me not to rush into things, but live by faith knowing, You are in control and You have the best plan for me. In Jesus name. Amen.

Tuesday Readings: Luke1: 26-38 (vs 38) Mary believed the angel and wanted to follow God's plan. But does she have any idea the hardships it will bring? I would think the first thing she might do would have been to tell her mom. Have you ever wondered how Mary's parents figured in the story?

Growing up in the '50's and 60's we sometimes saw teenage girls "disappear". You know, Aunt Sue or Cousin Jane,  who lives in Somewhere was sick and needed the girl to help out a little while. Six to eight months later the girl reappears. Did you ever wonder why the angel mentioned Cousin Elizabeth to Mary? Could it be that Mary's mom and dad sent her to the distant hill country because they couldn't believe Mary's story? I'm sure they didn't want their daughter to be the talk of the community. Why did Elizabeth hide herself? Could it be that if she had told she was expecting in her old age the people would have deemed her the crazy old lady?

Father , help me to be as Mary, willing to follow You no matter the hardships that come. In Jesus name. Amen.

Wednesday Reading:
      Luke 1: 39-56 (vs49).  Mary saw how great a thing God had done for her - her salvation, allowing her to be the mother of the Savior, the Messiah, and providing a friend in Elisabeth who understood.

When things seem overwhelming, and I'm sure Mary was feeling overwhelmed as she traveled to Elisabeth's, look for the great things God is doing in your life. Remember He has a plan for you just as He had one for Mary and Elisabeth.

Father, thank you for all you are doing in my life. Help me to cultivate the good things and not destroy the joy with doubts and complaining. In Jesus name. Amen.

Thursday Reading:
      Luke 1:57-80 (vs 74,75) At the birth of John the Baptist,  Zecharias called to remembrance the promise God had made to Abraham, the promise that God would deliver Israel from the hands of the enemy and they would serve God without fear in holiness and righteousness.

We who are Abraham's children by virtue of the new birth in Christ have the same promises. He will always be with us and we should serve Him without fear, trusting that He is in control and knows all we face. Isaiah 41:10

Thank you Lord, for being in control. Thank you that we can trust You to handle every matter. Help me remember "No Fear" in Jesus name. Amen.

Friday Reading:
      Matthew 1:18-25 (vs19,24)   Joseph thought to put her away privately. In a day when an engagement was almost as binding as a wedding, Joseph wanted to break the engagement without causing her shame or endanger her life. Mary had gone to Elisabeth's. All this seemed a good way to solve a "problem" but God had other plans.

God sometimes interrupts our lives to bring about the best plan. Though Joseph and Mary and Jesus were going to face ridicule all their lives, it was the best plan for the entire world. God loved Mary and Joseph but He loves us too. We needed Mary and Joseph to carry out God's plan. We  need to rise from our sleep and let God use us in this our day - for such a time  as this  (Esther 4:14).

Father, help me to know how to humble myself so You can use me to further Your kingdom. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of Your plan. In Jesus name. Amen.

 

Blessings,

Gail

     

God Has a Plan

Monday Readings:
      Ruth 1:5 In the face of terrible circumstances, Ruth follows God. Naomi and her husband and her two sons have come from Bethlehem to Moab in a time of famine. Her sons marry Moabite women, then all the men die, leaving Naomi and her two daughter - in - laws. Naomi feels it is now time to return home, so she encourages her daughter - in - laws to return to their families. Moabites were idol worshippers, descendants of Lot and his daughter(Genesis 19:27-38; Exodus 20:5,6). Ruth makes her conversion known in verse 16 and refuses to return to her old way of life. She is willing to go to a country where she is considered the enemy because of her love for God and her love for Naomi is greater than her fear.

This is the great providence of God to bring Christ into the world, though Ruth and Naomi have no idea. God is in control and He uses situations both good and bad to bring great things to pass.

Father, great and wonderful are all Your plans. Help me to have faith that You are bringing to pass Your plans in all that happens to us. In Christ name pray. Amen.

Tuesday Readings:
      Ruth 2:10 Ruth humbled herself and declared her unworthiness as well as her association with another people who were enemies of God's people. Boaz is her physical savior, showing undeserved kindness.

To receive salvation from Jesus should we not fall at His feet and declare ourselves enemies of God in need of His mercy and forgiveness?

Thank you Lord Jesus, that You took note of me, showing me undeserved forgiveness and mercy and salvation. We love You, Lord. Amen.

Wednesday Readings:
       Ruth 3:9 Ruth asked Boaz to spread the wings of his garment over her (Geneva). She wants him to preform the duty of the near kinsman and take her as his wife.

Do we not need Jesus to be our near kinsman redeemer? It is His covering of our sin that is our only hope of salvation. (Malachi 4:2)

Lord Jesus, thank you for shedding Your precious blood to cover our sin. In Your name we pray. Amen.

Thursday Readings:
      Ruth 4: 11,12 The people pronounce a blessing that was really a prophecy they didn't know or understand fully. Rachel and Leah are the mothers of the twelve tribes of Israel and Tamar the mother of the tribe of Judah. It seemed the family of Naomi and the family of Boaz were coming to an end before this match.  Be famous in Bethlehem, they said. That's almost hilarious. Read the last to verses. Who is Ruth's famous great grandson?!!

Friday's Readings:
     Matthew 1: 1:3-6 Genealogies - I heard you groan, but notice the women; Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. Two of the four are Gentile women. Examine their lives - Tamar who played the harlot Genesis 38, Rehab the harlot Joshua 2; 6:25, Ruth the Moabite Ruth 4, Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah II Samuel 11. Women of Jewish and Gentile descent were used to bring the world together in Christ.

Father, help me not to reject anyone but know that everyone is part of Your plan - loved by You. For you have commanded us to go into all the world and preach the Gospel Matthew 28:19,20.

May your week be filled with Thanksgiving to God for all His mercies,

Gail



If My People... That's a Big If

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14

Monday Reading:
      Exodus 36:5,6 The people were so excited about the work of the Tabernacle that they brought more than was needed. Moses had to give a command to stop bringing things for the Tabernacle.

What a wonderful situation to find ourselves in. When has the offering ever been too much? When has a congregation been so excited about God's work that they had to be told their gifts were enough?

Father, at this season of Thanksgiving, may our thankfulness for all you have done be demonstrated in the enthusiasm we show in working for Your kingdom. May Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. Amen.

Tuesday Reading
       Exodus 37:1, 10, 25, 29 These verses demonstrate the responsibilities of Bezaleel. God chose him to do a mighty work but he is actually an unknown figure. His faithfulness to his calling has affected the understanding and worship of God for millions of people for thousands of years.

Can others look at my work and see faithfulness to my calling? Is my faithfulness or lack thereof affecting others? Surely all we do affects others.

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me a work to do. Help me to be faithful to Your calling regardless of how much or how little credit I receive. You must increase and I must decrease. Be glorified, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Wednesday Reading:
      Exodus 38:8 The women brought their brass mirrors for the making of the brass laver, a place for the priest to wash their hands. Have you ever noticed women when they pass a mirror, even in a store? We have to stop and check ourselves.  Beautiful hair, clothes, and make-up can all be a mess if a woman doesn't have a mirror to check herself. The women of Israel gave their most prized possession. They humbled themselves before God putting aside their vanity for the building of the place of  worship.

Father, please open my eyes to the things I put before worship, before praise, before witnessing. Help me to humble myself for Your work. In Jesus name. Amen.

Thursday Reading:
       Exodus 39: 18. The names of the tribes of Israel covered the priest's heart and his shoulders bore the weight.

Are God's people on my heart? Are the lost on my heart? Do I have a burden for people or do I just complain about the situation?

Father help me carry a burden for repentance among Your people and a burden to see the lost saved. In Jesus name. Amen.

Friday Reading:
      Exodus 40:34. The people had followed God's directions. They had set up the tabernacle in God's order and He had descended on it. He guided their way day and night.

When our lives are clean God abides and directs our way. When we allow sin to enter in the Spirit departs until our lives are clean-forgiven. I John 1:9. We cannot do a work for God if we harbor sin .

Father, direct my path that I might walk in Your way. May my life be pleasing unto You. In  Jesus  name. Amen.

Thank you for journeying through Exodus with us. Please join us next week for a new adventure.

Blessings,

Gail

Investing

Monday Reading
      Exodus 31:2; Matthew 25:14-30 God called Bezaleel by name. He knew him and paired him with others to do a special work, craftsmanship. He wasn't a priest, a pastor, a Sunday School teacher. Bezaleel was a man who worked with his hands. A man to whom God had given talents and Bezaleel used them and honed them to do the best work he could.

God knows us and calls us and gives us special talents. He pairs us with others for help and encouragement. Our job is to practice those talents and sharpen them so we can be used by God for the furtherance of His kingdom. There is no talent too small or too insignificant that God can't use it because. . . He gave the talent.

Father, help me use the talents You have given to glorify Your name. In Jesus name. Amen.

Tuesday Readings
      Exodus 32:31,32; Deuteronomy 6:3-15 Moses was gone up on the mountains a long time and the people thought he wouldn't return. They were returning to the ways of Egypt. They gave Aaron their gold to make a molten calf. How could they? Moses had to pray for God's forgiveness. Moses was willing to give up his place in God's book if God would not forgive.

Before we judge the Israelites, let us examine our own selves. Have we worshipped the "gold" - materialism and sacrificed the families God has given us saying it is so our children have more? What do they need more of? Is it not parents who are commanded to train up their children and teach them?

Father, forgive us. Help us, Your people, to repent and return and bring up our sons and our daughters in our homes, telling them when we walk and when we sit, that we might ever keep You and Your word before their innocent eyes. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Wednesday Readings
      Exodus 33:17 Moses asked God's favor to go with them and care for them. God's response was that He would go with them and give rest. He declares that He knows Moses by name.

Does God know you by name? Only those who have repented of their sins and asked God's forgiveness and salvation are known in the same intimate way that is referred to in this passage. Yes God knows everyone but not everyone has a relationship that God wants. Every saved person who is attempting to live for God is known and cared for. God's presence is with them.

Thank you Lord, for going with me, for hearing me, for giving me rest in a world of strife. Thank you that I am known of You. In Jesus name. Amen.

Thursday Readings
      Exodus 34:6,7 God is merciful and gracious. His desire is to forgive and save, but those who are not willing to turn from sin not only harm themselves but also their own children to the third and fourth generation.

How often have we heard statistics of alcoholics and abusers whose own parents acted in the same way? How many times have we witnessed to those in false religions to see them turn back to the lies of Satan and continue on their path to destruction?

Father, We are a rebellious and stiff-necked people. Thank You for your mercy and grace. Forgive us and save our children we pray. In Jesus name. Amen.

Friday Readings
      Exodus 35:29-31 We've come full circle from rebellion to forgiveness to willingness to give for the building of the tabernacle. Every man and woman had something invested in the work.

When we invest time and "money" into something we have a vested interest in the work. We are more concerned to see it prosper than if we simply stood by and watched. Let us be participants in God's work!!

Lord Jesus, help me always invest myself and my goods in Your work that the talents You have given are not wasted and that I might have concern to see Your work prosper. In Your name I pray. Amen.

As an encouragement, won't you share how God is using the talents He has given you to invest in His work?

Blessings,

Gail

Preparing to Worship

Monday Readings:
      Exodus 26:14 The Israelites were receiving instructions as to how to put the tabernacle together. The covering for the tabernacle were to be a linen covering, a goat skin and then a covering of a ram skin dyed red and lastly a badger skin. Hmm. The goat skin to remind them of the scape goat who took their sins into the wilderness (Jesus took our sins as far as the east is from the west) and the ram skin died red. The blood sacrifice that Jesus made at Calvary. The Hebrews couldn't miss seeing God's love and sacrifice in the tabernacle at every turn but often they did ignore and forget God's love.

Are we paying attention to the things Jesus wants us to see in our daily lives? Why not begin a list in your journal of the ways God is demonstrating Himself to you?

Father, thank you for placing things in our lives that demonstrate Your love and care for us every day. In Jesus name. Amen.

Tuesday Readings
     Exodus 27:20 The command was to bring pure olive oil, the first press, to burn in the lamp to cause it to burn always.
Jesus, the Light of the World will shine always. May we bring our best, be our best so others see Christ in us.

Father, may we always let our light shine before men that they may see our good work and glorify our Father in heaven. In Christ name. Amen.

Wednesday Readings
     Exodus 28:9-12, 15-21. The two onyx stones upon Aaron's shoulders bearing the names of the tribes if Israel and the stones on the breastplate, one for each tribe show us the burden Aaron was to carry for the Hebrews. God gave Israel visually for their understanding and for our understanding.

What burdens are you carrying on your heart? Why not write down the names of friends and love ones God is laying on your heart. Place it in a place you will see and remember to pray for them - on a mirror, or dresser, in your Bible, in a pocket, on a journal page, etc.

Father give us burdens for people that Your kingdom may come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Christ name. Amen.

Thursday Readings
      Exodus 29:13 The fat around the liver and kidneys were to be burned on the alter.

Animal fat has been rendered for centuries to use in soap making and candle making. This fat around the kidneys and liver contains the least meat. It is very white when rendered and also makes the best fats for cooking. It won't have a meaty smell. God requires purity. These fats burned on the alter melted down into the ashes. When the priests emptied the ashes, they then needed to wash off the ash. Soap at the time had not been invented but God was washing them in a way we can now see as lye soap. The lye from the ash, the fat from the alter and the water work together to create soap. God was purifying the priests without even their understanding. We really don't know how God purifies us when He forgives us and cleanses us from all sin. We just know He does.

Father, thank you for Your forgiveness and cleansing. I John 1:9. In Jesus name. Amen.

Friday Readings:
      Exodus 30:23-25 God gives directions for the anointing oil -myrrh, cinnamon, sweet calamus, cassia, and olive oil.

Mmmmm! It's that time of year when we love the comforting smell of cinnamon and spices in apple pies and pumpkin pies and all the other good autumn cooking. Just think how wonderful the tabernacle must have smelled. Oh how wonderful to come into His presence to worship and relax and forget about the world outside with all the wonderful smells within.

Father help us to be reminded of Your sweet and loving care when we smell the wonderful baking this season and may we come into Your presence with Thanksgiving. In Christ name. Amen.

Let us in on your family worship during this most thankful season by leaving a comment.

Blessings,

Gail