Friday, September 30, 2011

A Hedge Around the Sabbath

Good morning to each of you. We are in the book of Luke chapter 6. When you start studying the Jewish people and the Sabbath it gets fascinating. Under the old law God told his people this,

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy." Exodus 20:8-11

Those are God's words. He not only gives a command but tells why his people should follow the command he is giving. God even models the Sabbath for his people. When he was finished creating the world he rested on the 7th day.

Here is what is so interesting. God's people were not comfortable to just rest on the Sabbath. Nope, they wrote entire books on how to rest! If you didn't follow the rules about how to rest you would be in big trouble. With each passing generation new rules were made to comply with the original rule to rest. In other words, they put a hedge around the rule to rest and with each passing generation they built a bigger hedge farther and farther away from the original rule to rest.

Let's go back to Luke now with that understanding. Jesus and his disciples were walking through a grain field on the Sabbath. In come the Pharisees who are the very best hedge builders around. They want to know what in the world he is doing in the field plucking heads of grain. Here are Jesus' words.

“Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?” 5 And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.” Luke 6:3-5 (ESV)

The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath. In other words, he is in charge of the Sabbath so if he feels it is okay to pick the heads of grain while walking in a field then it is alright to do so. Many times the Pharisees challenge Jesus on his practices surrounding the Sabbath. He has the gall to actually heal on the Sabbath! Jesus has much to teach us about building hedges. Something to think about.

Go make it a great weekend! Till Monday

In Christ Alone,
Jill






Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

A Great Friend

Have you ever had a great friend? A friend that would do anything for you, no matter the cost? Well, in Luke chapter 5 we meet not one good friend but several.

And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, 19 but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. 20 And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”

Luke 5:18-20 (ESV)

Can you imagine the scene? Here are a bunch of men who have this friend who is paralyzed. They hear Jesus is in town and he heals people. They decide Jesus needs to meet their buddy and heal him like he heals other people. When they get there the place is packed. There is no way they will be able to get their friend to the front of the line. It was wall to wall people.

The friend's actions show just how determined they were to get their friend in front of the Master Physician. The friends were so tenacious they were not going to let a little obstacle like a huge crowd deter them from getting their buddy help.

Now I don't know how that strikes you but to me it is amazing that these friends go so much farther than the extra mile to get their friend healed. I find the devotion of these friends deeply touching. In fact the love they have for their friend deeply inspires me. I am reminded of the passage in John 15:12-15

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

We have a friend that actually did lay down his life for us, Jesus! What a great example.

Till tomorrow,

In Christ Alone,

Jill




Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".

Follow Me

And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. Luke 5:10-11 (ESV)

They left everything. That verse has spun round and round my head this past week, they left everything. They walked away from a huge boat load of fish, in other words their livelihoods. That would be like being a successful business person and just walking away to serve the LORD. I get the significance of that. Would I leave it all to follow Christ? It seems to me that we are willing to give up almost everything but there are a few things we would like to hold onto, thank you very much.

I have come to the conclusion that giving up everything is a daily choice we make. Like Peter, James and John it isn't just the first day of making the choice to give it all up. I imagine that in their lives there were many times they had to recommit to giving it all up to follow.

I love what Jesus tells them “Do not be afraid"

Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished. 1 Chron 28:20

I take great comfort in those words. The Holy Spirit prompts me when I am afraid to follow. Jesus never leaves us. He asks us to follow Him plain and simple. What is your answer to the question today? Think about it.

In Christ Alone,

Jill





Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Gratituesday Sept. 27

Well good morning everyone. It is my favorite day of the week. Gratituesday forces me to stop and "smell the roses." I want to have a heart of praise for my Redeemer. He has done so much for me. How can I not be grateful?

As promised I am working on my One Thousand Gifts. So here are the next ones. I would love to know what you are thankful for today.

1. The stunning view of Glenwood Canyon in Colorado. Such beauty is beyond description

2. Listening to my granddaughter Sarah pray at dinner time

3. Seeing my son via a live stream of the Harding Concert Choir performance on Sunday night

4. The beautiful change of colors happening in my neck of the woods

5. Music that inspires me to be better than I am


All of these things have given me great joy and I am very grateful to the ONE!



Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".

Monday, September 26, 2011

Discipleship

Good morning sweet one. Today we find ourselves in Luke chapter 5. Luke writes about the calling of the first disciples. It fascinates me how Jesus gets people's attention.

Here are the fisherman who have fished all night, caught nothing and are taking care of their nets come morning. They are tired and probably just want to get some rest after a long and frustrating night of getting nothing. Their livelihoods depend on the getting fish and they got none.

Jesus' timing is perfect. He certainly got their attention. Simon tells Jesus that they had toiled all night but because he had asked Simon to listen and obey he complied. We are like that aren't we? We tell God why something can or can't happen and he gives us the solution but it is SO hard to obey. There have been times in my life where I know God has asked me to do something yet I argue and find every reason why I shouldn't! Nothing has changed in two thousand years.

Simon Peter's reaction is so interesting. He falls at his feet and says, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." When we have an encounter with the Master our sins are laid bare before him. Isn't that so true in our lives. My sins are laid bare and I will never be the same again. Because of that we like Simon Peter become scared. Do you blame him? No, we would do the same thing.

There is no where to go and no where to hide where the love of Jesus can't find and rescue us. Jesus makes the same plea to us as he made to Peter. Come and follow me. Something to think about today.

In Christ Alone,
Jill



Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".

Thursday, September 22, 2011

A Teachable Spirit

I keep thinking about Jesus as our teacher. I schooled my children at home for 20 years. As a teacher I can tell you that when my children were really listening to the lesson I was giving their eyes registered understanding. I loved the aha moments that would come. Their little spirits were like sponges, eager to learn. They had teachable spirits.

On the flip side when I was teaching and one of my children weren't listening and did NOT want to listen then the lesson got no where. In one ear and out the other. As their teacher it was very frustrating. They did not have a teachable spirit at that moment.

I can only imagine how God feels when his children do not listen to his teachings. He wants desperately to witness those aha moments. He wants us to have a teachable spirit.

I have always gravitated to friends who have teachable spirits. I love the scripture that says this; "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17 My favorite person who displayed a teachable spirit was 85 years old at the time I met her. She studied her Bible everyday. She learned new things which fascinated me. She never felt like she had "arrived" and wanted the LORD to teach her the things she needed to change.

In light of that I came up with some things that I wanted the LORD to teach me. Are any of these similar to yours?

1."Teach me your way, O LORD and lead me on a level path." Psalms 27:11 I want God's way not mine.

2. "Teach me wisdom" Psalms 51:6 So many times in my life I have needed great wisdom. God is the giver of all good gifts and wisdom is at the top of my list.

3. "Teach me to number my days that I can get a heart of wisdom." Psalms 90:12 My days are numbered, help me to remember this is not all there is.

4. "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground." Psalms 143:10

All of these things require a teachable spirit. I don't want to be afraid to study deeper and learn more. If that means I have to change my way of thinking on any topic then so be it. I am praying for courage to put into practice the news things I learn. What about you?

My prayer for you and I is to have the courage to listen to God's Spirit and learn the lessons he has for us well.
In Christ Alone,
Jill



Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Jesus the Teacher




After Jesus came out of the desert he went back to Galilee with the power of the Spirit. At the beginning of his public ministry scripture says he was "glorified by all." He spent time in the synagogues teaching. Can you imagine sitting at Jesus' feet and being taught by the Master?



He then goes to Nazareth where he was raised and spends the Sabbath day in the synagogue like he did growing up. He stands up and unrolls the scroll to Isaiah and starts to read.





The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. Luke 4:18-19

Read what he said again, don't miss it. He was sent to bring liberty to the captives. Liberty is a precious commodity. We were and are tangled in sin but we don't have to stay that way because HE came to bring liberty, freedom. Not the kind our country gives us, or tries to take away. This is freedom that will out last any country. The good news is we have a Savior who came and he taught truth. That is the good news. I am so thankful that I have heard the good news and accepted the gift. What about you? Are you tangled in sin and have forgotten the good news? Lord, teach us your ways.



Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Gratituesday September 20th

Good morning everyone. You know what today is right? Gratituesday! It is a time we set aside to give thanks to the LORD for what he has done for us. In the book One Thousand Gifts she says that without being grateful we will miss the joy given to us. In other words, gratitude is the door we have to go through to find JOY. I am going to try and write 1000 things I am grateful for. I have no clue how long it will take but here I go.

1. Laying in bed and listening to the rain come pouring down.

2. Holding a newborn baby and touching her velvety skin.

3. Watching the sun come up while sitting on the porch.

I am grateful that now I only have 997 more things to find to be grateful!

What are your top three?
In Christ Alone,
Jill



Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".

Sunday, September 18, 2011

A Battle with Satan

"Satan goes around like a roaring lion..." We sing a song with those words in church at times. Scripture talks about Satan in different ways. Paul tells the Corinthians in his second book, chapter 11 and verse 14 that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Now I don't know about you but if a roaring lion is coming my way I would high tail it out of there! I would be petrified of a lion that had no wall between me and it. But disguised an as angel of light?

Luke tells us that after Jesus gets baptized by John he was led out into the desert by the Holy Spirit. It was there that he fasted while being tempted by the devil. Do you know what I find interesting? Satan waited till Jesus was at the end of the 40 days before hitting him with the stone to bread temptation.

Something else that fascinates me about Satan is this, he knows the scriptures really well. If he and I had to get into a scripture spouting contest I am afraid he would win. He knows the scriptures backwards and forwards and he knows when to use them. He is the author of deceit so when he uses scripture he twists them up in knots to make his victim think he knows what he is talking about. Remember Eve?

Jesus battled with Satan during his month and a half fast and came out victorious. I am certain Satan was pretty mad by the end when he couldn't convince Jesus to follow him. If we are living the kind of life God has for us we too will battle Satan each and every day. I can tell you that he is only as powerful as we let him be. We can have courage to tell Satan to get behind us in Jesus name.

How is the battle with Satan going in your life? Can you recognize what the battle is? Keep watchful my friend.

Till next time,
In Christ Alone,
Jill




Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".

Friday, September 16, 2011

John's Ministry

This picture just makes me smile. Of course this little guy looks nothing like John the Baptist but he is proclaiming something and that is what John did.

You might be wondering what in the world John was thinking when the people started to come to him and he called them "brood of vipers!" I know that if someone walked into one of our assemblies on Sunday morning to hear the good news and was called a snake that person would high tail it out of there! I am certain our ministry majors are taught a different approach than what John did.

John had a window to the souls of those who came to him. Apparently it was in fashion to be baptized so people flooded to him. They were not looking for a change of heart but a dunking of the body. That is why he called them a brood of vipers. What he wanted them to do is to look forward to the King of Kings to arrive and be ready.

It is interesting to me that being Abraham's descendent will not save them, but to live out a relationship with God by serving others. Someone wants to borrow something? Give it to him. Come in contact with someone who needs food, share yours. Don't lie about other people and certainly don't be a bully and take money from those under your authority. He even tells the soldiers to be content with their wages. WOW! Tell that to a union boss.

If I could sum up John's message it would be this. The Savior is coming, be ready. Live like you believe the Jesus will turn our world upside down. The message is the same today sweet one. Jesus is coming whether you are ready or not. Live like you believe it!

Have a great weekend.
In Christ Alone,
Jill



Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Peer Pressure, Really?


Enter the fruit of Elizabeth's womb, John. He was set aside at birth to be the forerunner for the Savior. His job was to get the people's minds and hearts ready to hear from Jesus himself. He was not your ordinary cousin. He didn't hang out with the cool people, he certainly didn't wear the latest designer robes and certainly didn't tell people what they wanted to hear.

John the Baptist lived a holy life. Luke doesn't tell us everything we want to know about John. In Matthew we are told that he wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist and he certainly didn't eat steak and eggs. Locusts and wild honey were on the menu day in and day out. It wasn't just that he wore funky clothes and ate funky things, John had a tremendous amount of courage to live above the fray.

John walked "alone." He was obedient to the call. He was not afraid to tell the truth no matter what the cost. He is one of those heroes of the faith that really challenge me deep inside. Peer pressure is real no matter what your age. That was true in the first century and it is true today in 2011.

I want to challenge you as well as myself in looking honestly at peer pressure. Our teenagers are not the only ones affected! The past few years I have looked hard at what it looks like in my life and the view has not always been pretty.

What areas of our lives are affected by peer pressure? Think about it.

Till then, in Christ alone,

Jill




Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".

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Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Gratituesday September 13, 2011

On Sunday Brian preached on chapter 2 of Luke. He gave a very realistic view of what was really happening with Mary and Joseph as opposed to our precious little nativity scene we put up. Mary and Joseph were faced with so many challenges. They were faithful to what God had called each of them to. That did not mean though that they would have the perfect life. The scene we display at Christmas is not really how it happened. Their lives were hard in spite of the fact that they were faithful to God's call.

Which brings me to Gratituesday. I heard something tonight that I never thought I would hear again. Hubby is in a pretty good spot right now. He has had four surgical procedures this summer, the chiropractor who he has spent every day with for over 7 months is seeing progress finally and the temperatures are warm which really helps the myoclonus.

He was given a second garage to make a workshop out of when we moved in last September. It has been put to great use all summer. He is teaching himself to make things like unique cutting boards, children's rocking horses and all wood clip boards. For our anniversary two weeks ago he brought me his first finished piece, a beautiful bread board. I will treasure that bread board.

What really made me thankful though was hubby coming downstairs tonight after working this afternoon in the shop and said, "I am having fun for the first time in forever." He even had a little smile on his face. I never thought I would hear those words again. Thank you Father for being Emmanuel, God with us in the bad times and the good times.

In Christ Alone,
Jill



Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".

Friday, September 9, 2011

What Measuring Stick?

We moved 14 different times when hubby was in the military. There are many, many advantages to having a different home every year or two. There is very little clutter because you move so often that it isn't practical to move "stuff" since the military has a weight requirement on moving families. So, every year or two you get serious spring cleaning done. You never get bored of your surroundings when you move so much. I could go on and on but one thing you simply can't do is find a wall and keep the measurements of your children each year.

Our daughter Serenity and her hubby are not gypsies like we were so they have the same house and will probably finish raising their children in one house. They have a wall that measures all of the progress the children make each year. It is a very sentimental wall for me. I get a visual picture of how much my grandchildren are growing.

Now Dr. Luke is not nearly as interested in that kind of measurement, although he does mention his stature. He also notes the kind of measurement that truly matters in the long haul is the wisdom that Jesus gained.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

Luke 2:52 (ESV)

This is really the only thing we know about for certain from the age of 12 until he starts his ministry at age thirty. So for eighteen years Jesus grew from the young lad sitting in the temple asking questions to turning the water in to wine. It did not happen overnight.

I think we as God's people think that we can just sprout over night the wisdom and favor we desire. It just doesn't happen that way. It does happen when we go through trial after trial learning the lessons God has for us.

Growing is painful but necessary. If a child does not grow he becomes stunted and has many health issues. If a Christian does not grow he or she becomes stagnated and the growth spiritually becomes stunted. If there is one thing I can encourage you today sweet sister is to grow. Allow God to stretch you. It is painful at first but the rewards are out of this world!

Be a Blessing today.

In Christ Alone,

Jill




My Father's House

There is no doubt that at the age of 12 Jesus truly knew who he was. His parents went up every single year to Jerusalem and celebrated the Feast of the Passover. It is ironic to me that each of those years his family honors the Passover when in just a few short years their son will BE the passover lamb!

When Jesus gets there he celebrates with his family. I can picture the chaos in the city during the Feast. People are everywhere. There is much commotion in the whole town. I can also picture everyone getting ready to go back Nazareth. Walking on foot in small bunches would be easy to lose a child. I can picture the conversation, "Mary was is our son Joseph?" "Oh I am sure he is playing with cousin John and the rest of the boys, he will catch up in time for supper." "Joseph honey, I can't find Jesus. I have looked everywhere and he is not in the group ahead of us or the one behind." "Mary, I think it's time to go back to Jerusalem."

Leaving children behind and losing them is NOT a "Mother of the Year" kind of thing to do! Especially if your child happens to be the God of the universe. So, Mary and Joseph trek back to the city looking for him.

I bet that was an unhappy walk back into town. They finally find him in the temple sitting with the teachers, listening and asking intelligent questions. Scripture says that "all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. Then in comes Mom and Dad. I can just hear Mary's voice saying to him, "Son (and I bet that word was emphasised ) why have you treated us so? Behold your father and I have been searching for you in great distress."

Poor Mary, her mamas heart was scarred for her son. For any one of you who have lost a child in a crowded store you know what it is to lose a child. The words that come out of his mouth are priceless.
And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

Luke 2:49 (ESV)

That stopped them in their tracks. In fact, this is another time that Mary treasures up all these things in her heart. Jesus knew who he was yet, scripture says he went home with his parents and submitted to them. He chose, at that very instant he made the decision. His Father's house was no longer on earth but in heaven. His life would never be the same.

Till next time

In Christ Alone,

Jill



Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".

Thursday, September 8, 2011

An Interesting Discussion

Many years ago my hubby and I had some very interesting theological discussions. There were 2 topics that we simply could not agree on no matter how much we argued back and forth. I know most couples argue over in-laws or money but not us, we passionately discussed scripture and it's interpretation. Today I want to talk about one of the two topics we struggled through.

"And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him" Luke 2:40

Now without naming names one of us believed that Jesus was born with all knowledge he needed
to fulfill his destiny as Savior of the world. The other person who will also remain nameless believed that there was a gradual realization of who he was and whose he was. We all know that Jesus was 100% man and 100% God. When did he know that? Was he born with that knowledge? If so he was the perfect child to raise. God would never throw himself on the floor and throw a fit, would he? In this scenario he never and I mean never rolled his eyes at his mother or disrespected his father because he was and is God.

If the other scenario is correct his childhood was just as normal as everyone else. He spilled his milk, threw himself on the floor when he didn't get his way etc. In your head go through the two scenarios and tell me what you think and can you back it up with scripture?

One of us found a scripture after many years of politely disagreeing that ended the discussion in a minute. Wish all problems were that easy to fix.

May you be a blessing to someone today.
In Christ Alone,
Jill



Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

A Treasured Heart

"But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart" Luke 2:19

I just bet that Mary could mark the birth of Jesus as one of the most important days of her life. She ended up delivering her son in most likely a cave with just her and Joseph. No mother anywhere around to help her with the birth. On the 8th day they are faithful to their Jewish tradition and go to the temple to offer a sacrifice for the birth of this God-child.

They encounter Simeon who is a favorite of mine. God had promised him that he would not die before he saw the Christ. The written prayer of his found in chapter 2 is so profound. Here was a man that waited patiently for the Christ and when the baby was brought in there was no doubt this would be the Christ. Imagine being Mary and Joseph listening to the prayer. Scripture says that they "marveled" at what had been said. He then turns to Mary and foretells the future along with a warning that Mary's heart would be pierced. My guess is by this point Mary is pretty shaken.

Then comes Anna, a widow who spent many years in the temple day in and day out praying and fasting. Oh to have the devotion that Anna displayed. After her husband died she spent her time praying and fasting waiting for the LORD. When she saw the baby she knew it was the Savior and proclaimed to anyone who would listen that he had arrived.

What a day that was for Mary and Joseph. It had to have been a day filled with hope and affirmation for what they were about to embark on, raising the Savior. Mary would need to remember this day 33 years later at the terrible crucifixion of her son, Jesus. Mary treasured all these things up. A real mom who knew the utter joy of having others bow down and worship her son. These precious memories would help greatly in the years to come. This is not the only time she treasured all these things in her heart. Do you know of another time?

Life is short my sweet friend. In the blink of an eye everything can be wiped away that we know and love. It is good to treasure every blessing we have in our hearts. It could give us great hope in the challenges that lie ahead.

Till tomorrow
In Christ Alone,
Jill



Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Gratituesday

Good morning ladies. Today is Gratituesday. A time we set aside to give praise and honor to our Father. I was thinking of this scripture this morning.

"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!"

How can we not give all praise and honor to God since he loves us forever? Today I am thankful for new beginnings. Yesterday we went to a dear friends farm for a BBQ. Many of my grandchildren were there. I got to watch our little Sarah pick up her first chicken (poor thing, no not Sarah but the chicken)! I got to love on some babies that aren't mine. It was a perfect ending to a wild summer. Thank you Abba.

In Christ Alone,
Jill



Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".

Monday, September 5, 2011

Two Families, ONE Purpose Day 2 Luke

Good morning ladies. I have been listening to the book of Luke on CD now for two weeks. Day after day I listen while I quilt, cook, iron and sew. I have wanted to see the entire book at once to learn the thinking of Luke. I am learning many new things.

The initial story of Elizabeth and Mary has always intrigued me. Here is Elizabeth, the old woman who never had a child. In today's culture there really isn't anything that unusual about a childless couple. Many chose a life without children. Back in the time of Jesus though it was a whole different story. If you were a woman who had never birthed children then you were looked upon with ridicule. Everyone around was sure you were a sinful person that God has showered wrath on. The women made fun of the poor gal without the blessing of children. All this reminds me of course of Sarah, Abraham's wife. She took matters into her own hands and got a son by her hand maiden and look how well that worked for her!

That is not the story of Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah. Luke says that "they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statues of the LORD." chapter 1:6. I would guess there was a silent resignation at some point in their lives when they realized it was too late for them to be blessed with a child. What amazes me is that both Zechariah and Elizabeth chose to lead faithful lives in spite of not being blessed. What is so cool in my thinking is that God had them exactly where he wanted them, exactly!

Who on earth would understand Mary when she says she is a virgin but with child? Who would understand when she tells someone an angel visited her but Zechariah? God's perfect timing. God uses both Elizabeth and her niece Mary to bring about his perfect plan, a Savior for the world.

I have often thought of Mary and her situation. She was probably a pretty young girl. Imagine her having the first talk with her parents. "Father and Mother, Joseph and I have not done a thing but steal a kiss or two" I am still a virgin but God's Spirit came over me and gave me a baby. That had to be such a tough conversation, don't you think? Scripture says Mary "hurried" to her Aunt Elizabeth. She had been told by the angel that Aunt Elizabeth had been visited to. What comfort she had to have received. Mary stayed 3 months. I bet there was alot of worshipping of God between the two. One old woman experiencing a miracle inside of her and one very young virgin being used by God to bring the Savior into the world.

Why did God pick these two families? I wonder if it was an easy decision for God. Were these two families just head and shoulders above the rest of the Jews in their walk with the LORD? I guess I will have to wait a while for the answer but one thing I know. God will use any situation to glorify his Son and His plan. We may not see what is up ahead but God has not forsaken us. Elizabeth understood and so did Mary.
Something to think about. More on Mary next time.
In Christ Alone,
Jill



Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".

Thursday, September 1, 2011

That YOU May Know! Day 1 Luke

Luke the doctor. I am certain he looks nothing like the man on the left but it is a good visual for today. Most doctors are very analytical. They research, they ponder and they research some more. I always said that when my kids were grown and gone I would be a brain surgeon. I only have two more years left being a full time mom but I don't think God is going to call me to the profession.

Luke on the other hand was a doctor. He thought like a doctor and he wrote like a doctor. In the first 4 verses of Luke chapter 1 he gives the purpose for writing the book. He even gives great detail for how he went about gathering his information.
1. In spite of the fact that Luke was not an eyewitness, he says that he has "compiled a narrative" of things accomplished in an "orderly fashion"

2. He researched by talking with the eyewitnesses. Since he was a companion of Paul he had a great deal of time to hear the story.

3. He followed closely for some time. In other words he kept an eye out for all the details to share over a good period of time. There was not a one time greet and meet for Luke.

4. He clearly states why he is writing, so that you may know.

I just love that verse. Dr. Ray Vander Laan partnered with Dr. Dobson and Focus on the Family a few years back and produced a series of videos called "That the World May Know" that are fascinating. He is a Biblical historian and shows you the Holy Lands and shares story after story that build up our faith so that we CAN know.

Ladies, it takes real study, real prayer and real time with God's Spirit in our lives to know the hope that we have in us. This is a lifetime commitment. How can we ever share the good news if we ourselves don't know? Sunday morning just isn't going to get the job done. Never has and never will. Like Dr. Luke God wants us to truly know him and his purposes.

Let's commit to being Dr. Luke ourselves this week. Let's study and know.
God Bless and Lord willing see you tomorrow.

In Christ Alone,
Jill





Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up".