December 8, 2018

Matthew 1:18-20

“Joseph her husband was a righteous man. Because he didn’t want to humiliate her, he decided to call off their engagement quietly.” -Matthew 1:19

“Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” -Matthew 1:19 (NIV)

Bold:

• fearless before danger

• showing or requiring a fearless daring spirit

• standing out prominently

• being or set in

Today’s scripture tells us that Joseph was a righteous man. I like to think he was a sensitive man as well, he cared for Mary and her reputation by deciding on dismissing her quietly and not have her publicly humiliated or worse yet, be killed. He was a righteous man and according to the law could have had Mary stoned for her pregnancy, but instead he chose grace and mercy. He displayed BOLD grace when punishment was well within the law. I mentioned in an earlier post that God found “favor” in Mary and the He knew the kind of mother she would be to Jesus. I absolutely believe that Joseph also found favor in God. Even before the arrival of the Son of God, God knew the kind of father, earthly father Joseph would be to His Son, Jesus. Joseph already had the skills and insights as to how to treat others with grace and mercy. These two things would become cornerstones of Jesus’ ministry, Grace and Mercy! Mary and Joseph both loved God and we’re obedient to their call to parent, Jesus. Joseph was a “Grace Giving Radical” long before it was the right “thing” to do!

Both, Mary and Joseph BOLDLY lived their lives in service to God, practicing Grace and Mercy from the very beginning. They helped build a foundation of strong principles as parents and children of God. Although, this season is about the birth of Jesus and the fulfillment of prophecy, let’s pause today and recognize the significance and importance of the individual roles Mary and Joseph played in the story of the birth of the Messiah. Also, let’s look for situations to extend grace and mercy today.

“Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” – C.S. Lewis

Prayer:

Lord, may my life full of grace and mercy. Amen.

Thought provoking quote from C. S. Lewis:

“It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.”

Be bold for Christ today!

~Peace and Blessings~

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com

Friday, December 7, 2018

Luke 1:34-38

“Then Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.” -Luke 1:38

Servanthood:

• one that serves others

• one that performs duties about the person or home of a master or personal employer

• a public servant

• the condition of being a servant

When the angel spoke to Mary, he was direct and concise, he said to Mary, “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:31-33. After hearing these words, Mary did have one question, “how can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel responded and explained “the how” then Mary, eagerly, without hesitation immediately responded by saying, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.” Luke 1:38

My first thought when reading this it felt different from Zechariah’s question to the angel that told him his wife would conceive, so I decided to research the verse in a commentary. And my first inclination was correct, it was different and the commentary says it best so here’s what it says, “The further information given her, upon her enquiry concerning the birth of this prince.

1. It is a just enquiry which she makes: “How shall this be? Luke 1:34. How can I now presently conceive a child” (for so the angel meant) “when Iknow not a man; must it therefore be otherwise than by ordinary generation? If so, let me now how?” She knew that the Messiah must be born of a virgin; and, if she must be his mother, she desires to know how. This was not the language of her distrust, or any doubt of what the angel said, but of a desire to be further instructed.” Matthew Henry Commentary (NRSV) *Reference below.

Have you ever experienced anything remotely close to the statements presented to Mary by the angel? Would any of us have responded so quickly and without thought to our own personal sacrifices or challenges? Many of us place ourselves in situations where we place others before ourselves, that could be dangerous and I’m thankful for those brave and courageous individuals. God knew Mary’s heart, He knew the kind of mother she would be and that why God found her “favorable.” Mary was not promised any special life considerations for obeying and accepting this gift from God. In fact, as I read today’s scripture and short story, Mary suffered greatly and if fact could have been stoned to death once it was known that she was pregnant. God prepared a way for Mary and even a companion in her cousin, Elizabeth during this time of waiting and expecting. Joseph also provided for Mary during this time and wanted to protect her as well as the child she was carrying. Mary shows us what servanthood looks like, is God calling you into servanthood? Taking a step in faith can seem very risky and difficult, make time for God, listen for His still small voice, accept the Holy Spirit’s nudges, spend time alone with God. The pastor of my church offered this statement a few weeks ago and I find it very helpful, “Praying is talking to God, Meditation is listening to God.” We need both in our relationship with God the Father.

“Hardship often prepares an ordinary person for an extraordinary destiny.”
― C.S. Lewis

Prayer:

Lord, do with me as you will. Amen.

~Peace and Blessings~

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com

https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-comple

December 6, 2018

Luke 1:28-33 – Blessed

“Look! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.” -Luke 1:31

Blessed:

• held in reverence

• honored in worship

• of or enjoying happiness

• bringing pleasure, contentment, or good fortune

I want to share a video today, it was originally written as a poem by Aurelius Clemens Prudentius and first published in 1582 and is sung by a capella choir.

I love the beautiful stained glass images in the video and the wondrous story it portrays of Jesus’ birth and life!

What is your typical reaction when someone comes to you and says, “Don’t be upset!” Most of us respond with, “Why? What happened? or something similar. I’ve been thinking about Mary, here we have a young girl, probably around 13 years old, she promised in marriage to a man, who was probably a bit older than she and now an Angel appears to her and tells her she is favored by God and then says to her, “Do not be afraid,” never-mind the fact that an Angel, yes a real Angel is in front of you and talking to you, Wow! I can’t imagine Mary’s thoughts at that moment in time, fear/being afraid was probably only one of many thoughts. The parts of the story Luke doesn’t tell us is what the Angel looked like, flesh and bone like Mary, spirit or a day-dream like experience. This is most likely not a critical issue of the story, what we do know is that Mary was a believer in God and had knowledge of Jewish heritage and the long struggles of her people and angels would have been a well known fact in those stories. When I think of Mary I imagine her as a quiet and obedient daughter, a friend to everyone in her village, a helper, a devout woman of faith and someone who loved and feared God, believed in Him as creator of all things. I also think she probably never wanted to stand out, she enjoyed her life and was humbled to serve God in whatever situation God placed her in. The Bible tells us, Mary was “highly favored” by God. “The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:28 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%201:28&version=NIV

Truly, Mary is Blessed! You and I are also blessed.

• Blessed to know this story

• Blessed to be a part of this continuing story

• Blessed to share this story

• Blessed because we were created by God, made with a purpose and are LOVED by God.

Carry the word BLESSED with you today as you navigate your way through life, be reminded that you too are BLESSED and are a blessing to someone.

I am honored, humbled and BLESSED to be able to share my thoughts with you and I am thankful for your support.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, help me to grasp the wonder of your coming. Amen.

~Peace and Blessings~

References:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Of_the_Father%27s_Heart_Begotten

https://hymnary.org/text/of_the_fathers_love_begotten#Author

https://www.biblegateway.com

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Luke 1:26-28

“God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee, to a virgin who was engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary. -Luke 1:26b-27

Entrusted:

• assign the responsibility for doing something to (someone).

• put (something) into someone’s care or protection.

Quote: “There would be no sense in saying you trusted Jesus if you would not take his advice.”

Source: “Mere Christianity” (1952)

Today’s reading reminded me of one of my favorite hymns from my childhood and I believe it is fitting for today’s word of “entrusted.” I hope you like it and maybe even know it.

This song reminds me of the obedience of Mary and Joseph, it also shows us the trust that God had in them, He entrusted them to raise His Son, Jesus. Jesus, left Heaven to be born and live in Human form to be one of us and to teach us how to live a life pleasing to God! I can’t even begin to imagine how scared and terrified Mary and Joseph were when the Angel came to them. Although they were young and inexperienced, they bravely accepted the plan God had for their lives.

What has God placed upon your heart/entrusted you to do(?). For some of us the answers may be clear, while others are still seeking and waiting, nonetheless we must endure and continually pray for God’s Will to be completed in us.

May this Advent season provide all of us with clear and concise journey for us to fulfill for God’s glory.

Prayer:

Help me to trust in your power. Amen.

Lord Jesus, I have been entrusted with personal knowledge for individuals hurting during this season of Advent from infants to the elderly within my circle of friends. I ask a special blessing for the little boy having surgery today, for loved ones near and far as they are readying for the holidays, may we all be mindful of the greatest gift available to each of us, accepting the Lord, as our personal Savior! Amen, and Amen!

Thanks for following along, I hope you have a terrific day wherever that may be.

A reminder during this holiday season, BE KIND!

~Peace and Blessings~

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Luke 1:13-17

“He will turn the hearts of fathers back to their children, and he will turn the disobedient to righteous patterns of thinking. He will make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” -Luke 1:17b

Expectation:

• a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future.

• a belief that someone will or should achieve something.

• one’s prospects of inheritance.

Today’s work is expectation and the story from Luke 1 tells us of Zechariah’s expectations of the day he was to offer new incense at the inner altar of the temple sanctuary. It was an honor to be chosen to complete this task, I’m sure he was nervous and wanted to do a good job and I’m sure he had planned every little detail out in his mind so that he would know what to expect to happen. As the saying goes, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” ~ The phrase from which John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” was coined.

Zechariah had not expected to see the Angel Gabriel as he entered into the holy place. All his planning had disappeared from this thoughts as he listened to what the Angel was telling him. The message that Gabriel gave to Zechariah still holds truth for us today. Although in the past it was the expectation of a holy man, John. John would later be called, John the Baptist and would help lead Israel into a new age, the coming of the Messiah. We know the story of Jesus’ birth and life, our expectation is His return with a new Heaven and new earth. This Advent draws us into expectation, our hearts expect to celebrate the birth of Jesus, all those many years ago, knowing why He came and knowing He is returning again. As believers and followers of Jesus it is our responsibility to continue to prepare the way of the Lord, to share the Good News of Jesus with all those who do not know Him. Let’s make space for holiness and righteousness here on earth, spreading hope, peace, joy and love to all the world.

I’ve included a C.S.Lewis quote that shares thoughts of, “what did you expect.”

Prayer:

Come, Lord Jesus! Let us prepare your way. Amen.

~Peace and Blessings~

References:

For a more detailed story of Zechariah read Luke 1:5-80. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%201:5-80&version=NIV

December 2, 2018

“In those days and at that time, I will raise up a righteous branch from David’s line, who will do what is just and right in the land.”

~Jeremiah 33:15

Reflections by C.S.Lewis on Jeremiah 33:15-16

“Justice is much more than the sort of thing that goes on in law courts. It is the old name for everything we should now call “fairness”; it includes honesty, give and take, truthfulness, keeping promises, and all that side of life.”

~from Mere Christianity

Today is the first Sunday of Advent and I am planning to daily share with you through this platform during the season of Advent, I will share some of my thoughts but most importantly sharing the words of God and His promises with you.

I am using a pamphlet published by Abingdon Press, it’s called, “Advent – A Calendar of Devotions 2018.” If you would like a copy I would be happy to send you one, just message me and I will make arrangements to get you a copy.

As I read the reading for today, the writer reminded me of the terrible times in the history of Jerusalem, the ruins of the city by the Babylonians, Roman rulers and the kings of the Hebrews, none of which were righteous enough to lead them into a true community of God. The believers at that time were looking for a person to come and mightily defeat all who persecuted them, someone with power, strength and a command presence. How often have you wanted, wished and waited for something to only be disappointed when it arrive looking different than you had imagined. Life, at least my experiences have often been filled with surprises, good and difficult ones. The one thing I know for certain is this…when I was willing to see the “thing” through to the end and put in the necessary work, God opened my eyes and heart to a clearer path. This reminds me of a favorite verse of mine, 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NIV) “ For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” God’s desire is not to hurt us or to see us hurt by others or even ourselves. He loves each of us and calls us His children and knows each of our names. Some lessons can only be understood by walking through them not around them or over them or under them. I, myself have had to accept that my situations are not caused by God or even Satan, but by my own decisions I’ve made in life. None of us enjoy struggling, and admitting our faults but by doing so we can start to unravel the falsehoods we have learned in life and better understand God’s grace and unconditional love. The one thing I trust completely in is God’s promise to always be with me and to never leave me, that means I will never go through a situation or event without Him. This is just one of many promises from God, promises made centuries ago, like the prophesy of a descendant of David that will execute justice and righteousness in the land. What a blessing to celebrate the birth of Jesus and to share in the promises of God with all those we encounter especially during this Advent season.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me and I pray that you cling to and believe in God’s promises. I have one more thing to share with you, as I got in my car to drive to work yesterday I was greeting with a beautiful rainbow in the sky, though it was only a partial rainbow, God’s promises are full. I hope you enjoy the photos.

Prayer:

Lord, may I know Jesus Christ’s unexpected salvation. Amen.

~Peace and Blessings

Week 5

“Taking pictures is savoring life intensely, every hundredth of a second,” 

-Marc Riboud

I remember taking each of these pictures and they still invoke in me the sensations I felt at the moment I was taking them. The rose was still beautiful after an early frost, at my mother’s grave sight; the warm and bright sunny day at my dads with his flowers in full bloom; the cold winter afternoon visiting my mom in the cemetery; an early fall day driving in the country near my home just to view this huge gorgeous tree; at home watching a  thunderstorm with cold front moving across the sky in early fall; bushes budding in early spring at home; a warm summer afternoon in the country near the huge gorgeous tree, I can still feel the warmth of the setting sun and smell the tar bubbling on the pavement.

I just found this video and I thought it was beautiful and wanted to share it with you.  I would like to also say that all of our moments are gifts from God, He alone is Savior and Creator of all.  I hope you enjoy the video.

A Time for Everything 

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” ~Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ecclesiastes%203:1-8&version=NIV

~Blessings and Peace~

I’m excited to share with you a birthday gift I received from a very dear friend.  She blessed me with a photography course online with http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com called “Contemplative Photographers Practice Group, Year 4!”  The course invites the participants to share photos that are relatable to the quote of the week.  I participated in this course during year 2 and I loved it. I wanted to share them on my blog. So far I have completed 3 weeks. The photos can be either taken by me or one that I admire.  One can tell a lot through a photograph! I hope you like them.

Week # 3

This week, be on the lookout for everyday objects that tell a story. The candlestick that you used for three days straight during the blizzard when the power went out. The door knocker that brings to mind one particular life-changing visit. The name tag that you keep on your kitchen windowsill to remind you of the best dog ever. If you look closely at the things around you, you will discover that more of them carry stories than you ever would have imagined with a mere passing glance.

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.”

Hello friends –