Blogging through the Gospels with Amy from Mom's Toolbox
A Royal Invitation
(subtitled: He Could Have Revealed it to Anyone...)
Reading: Luke 2
Scripture: Luke 2 : 8 - 15
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
Observations:
The Lord revealed the birth of Jesus to shepherds in the field.
Shepherds!
Not the Pharisees, not the Saducees.
Not even the elders of the line of David -- they were right there, after all!
The wise men? That makes sense. They had spent years studying the scrolls, the words of Isaiah and other prophets, combing the texts for the words concerning Messiah. So they knew.
But God chould have chosen anybody to reveal the birth of His Son, the Redeemer of all humanity.
He chose shepherds in the field.
Applications:
Even the humble, frail, modest and seemingly insignificant have a purpose and a plan in the Father's design.
My standards of what makes a person important are not the same as my Heavenly Father's.
And for that?
I am grateful.
Help me not to put God in a box - - - limited by my own expectations of what He will do, or who He will use.
Prayer:
Lord, you could have called ANYBODY to build a church in the town I teach in....
But you are calling us.
I get it.
Your plan, your design.
Your will...
Not MINE.
Amen.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Blogging Through the #Gospels : Luke 1A
So exciting to start a new Gospel with Amy from Mom's Toolbox. Come and read/blog along with us!
Reading: Luke 1 : 1 - 38
Sripture: Luke 1: 38
Observations:
I adore the first chapter of Luke!! Ever since I saw the movie The Nativity Story the, I can really see Elizabeth and Zecharaiah. I can picture Elizabeth, dealing with the shame of barrenness in a culture that reveres having children above nearly all else. I can see Zechariah trying to communicate that he had just see an angel.
In fact, during my first read-through, I chose these verses.
6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.
They were righteous in the sight of God. The reason Elizabeth was childless was because of the blessing that He was holding for them!
But then I read further, and my heart again trembled with the bravery and faith of a young girl. She didn't question God's ability--- only the logistics, and I love that the angel simply answered her, without rebuke. There are no further details, but you can infer that when Zechariah was asking his question, it was incredulous, bordering on doubt. When Mary asked, there was no doubt. Just a wondering of how it was to take place.
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
There are so many simply amazing things in this account.
1) A young girl, finding favor with God.
2) Hand picked by God to bring the Savior of the WORLD into the Earth.
3) Accepting what was foretold with faith.
4) Being afraid, yet knowing that what God was doing was more important than the culture's standards and ideals, and eventual accusations.
She takes my breath away.
Application:
She was young enough to still have her child-like faith.
An older, wiser woman might have thought too much of the cultural implications and balked in fear.
But a young girl, just approaching the season of womanhood, perhaps was open enough to accept the truth when the angel presented it to her.
Her faith....
It astounds me.
Prayer:
Lord,
Help me to have the unfettered, undistracted faith of Mary. Help me not to be weighed down by what I know to be true of this world. Help me to be free because of what I know to be true of YOU.
Amen.
Reading: Luke 1 : 1 - 38
Sripture: Luke 1: 38
Observations:
I adore the first chapter of Luke!! Ever since I saw the movie The Nativity Story the, I can really see Elizabeth and Zecharaiah. I can picture Elizabeth, dealing with the shame of barrenness in a culture that reveres having children above nearly all else. I can see Zechariah trying to communicate that he had just see an angel.
In fact, during my first read-through, I chose these verses.
6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.
They were righteous in the sight of God. The reason Elizabeth was childless was because of the blessing that He was holding for them!
But then I read further, and my heart again trembled with the bravery and faith of a young girl. She didn't question God's ability--- only the logistics, and I love that the angel simply answered her, without rebuke. There are no further details, but you can infer that when Zechariah was asking his question, it was incredulous, bordering on doubt. When Mary asked, there was no doubt. Just a wondering of how it was to take place.
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
There are so many simply amazing things in this account.
1) A young girl, finding favor with God.
2) Hand picked by God to bring the Savior of the WORLD into the Earth.
3) Accepting what was foretold with faith.
4) Being afraid, yet knowing that what God was doing was more important than the culture's standards and ideals, and eventual accusations.
She takes my breath away.
Application:
She was young enough to still have her child-like faith.
An older, wiser woman might have thought too much of the cultural implications and balked in fear.
But a young girl, just approaching the season of womanhood, perhaps was open enough to accept the truth when the angel presented it to her.
Her faith....
It astounds me.
Prayer:
Lord,
Help me to have the unfettered, undistracted faith of Mary. Help me not to be weighed down by what I know to be true of this world. Help me to be free because of what I know to be true of YOU.
Amen.
Friday, May 20, 2011
"You Can't HANDLE the Truth!" - BTG- Mark 14B
Blogging through the Gospels with Amy from Mom's Toolbox.
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Reading: Mark 14: 43 -72
Scripture: Mark 14: 61-63
61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.
Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
62 “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
63 The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. 64 “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”
They all condemned him as worthy of death.
Observation:
Jesus wouldn't defend himself, but he did not deny himself either.
The saying 'If you can't handle the answer, then don't ask the question' comes to mind here. The Pharisees and Saducees were WAITING for the Messiah. The entire Hebrew nation was WAITING for the Messiah.
When Jesus answered " I AM," the reaction should have been celebratory. The whole place should have filled with leaping, dancing, cheering -- pinatas, streamers and party whistles!
They were so sure that the Messiah would be like them, that they couldn't see the reality of their Redeemer right in front of them.
Application:
I do not ever what to be so adamant about my plan, or my expectations, that I do not see what God is trying to do right in front of me.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for your patience.
Thank you for sustaining me through the busiest week professionally that I remember having -- ever.
Thank you for giving me the gifts, blessings, and opportunities that you have given me. Help me to have the wisdom and discernment to see what you want me to do.
You are my lifeline.
Amen.
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Reading: Mark 14: 43 -72
Scripture: Mark 14: 61-63
61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.
Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
62 “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
63 The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. 64 “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”
They all condemned him as worthy of death.
Observation:
Jesus wouldn't defend himself, but he did not deny himself either.
The saying 'If you can't handle the answer, then don't ask the question' comes to mind here. The Pharisees and Saducees were WAITING for the Messiah. The entire Hebrew nation was WAITING for the Messiah.
When Jesus answered " I AM," the reaction should have been celebratory. The whole place should have filled with leaping, dancing, cheering -- pinatas, streamers and party whistles!
They were so sure that the Messiah would be like them, that they couldn't see the reality of their Redeemer right in front of them.
Application:
I do not ever what to be so adamant about my plan, or my expectations, that I do not see what God is trying to do right in front of me.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for your patience.
Thank you for sustaining me through the busiest week professionally that I remember having -- ever.
Thank you for giving me the gifts, blessings, and opportunities that you have given me. Help me to have the wisdom and discernment to see what you want me to do.
You are my lifeline.
Amen.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Blogging Through the Gospels: Mark 14A
Blogging through the Gospels with Amy, from Mom's Toolbox. To be completely honest- I do not know how I would have survived the last month if I had not accepted the challenge that Amy offered. The Lord has carried me through house/apartment hunting, through packing and moving, through concerts and other drama.... If you are reading this and are feeling like you need SOMETHING to kick start or rejuvenate your walk with God, then I HIGHLY recommend joining us. You don't need to blog it.... but it is so cool to share the ideas and revelations that we are learning!
Reading: Mark 14: 1 - 42
Scripture:
Mark: 14 0 35 - 36
35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “ Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
Observations:
Jesus knew the plan. He was part of the triune committee that designed the plan.
But when faced with the reality of it, he prayed for a way out.
It is okay to be overwhelmed in our situations. But the bottom line is whether or not we are going to surrender and trust.
Application:
In Psalm 139 David writes:
Romans 8: 28
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Reading: Mark 14: 1 - 42
Scripture:
Mark: 14 0 35 - 36
35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “ Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
Observations:
Jesus knew the plan. He was part of the triune committee that designed the plan.
But when faced with the reality of it, he prayed for a way out.
It is okay to be overwhelmed in our situations. But the bottom line is whether or not we are going to surrender and trust.
Application:
In Psalm 139 David writes:
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
And if we really believe that, then in every situation we need to remember that not only is God in control, but He is holding us in the palm of His hand.
It is incredibly comforting to me as we are embarking on an incredible journey that is teaching us to live entirely by faith (with a whole lot of discipline). Even if situations explode, and things go horribly wrong, we are not alone. And even if it was not a part of OUR plan, it was most likely part of HIS plan.
And even if the events were not His design, they can be turned into something beautiful.
Romans 8: 28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the reminder that you are the author and finisher of our faith.
Thank you for the reminder that before the foundation of the world, you knew me.
Lord, I release the tension, fear and anxiety that I am holding regarding the concert this evening.
Help me to find the perfect thing to honor my Seniors graduating. Help me to hold it together through the concert without falling apart. You have carried me this far. Why do I act like you are dropping me off at the side of the road??
Thank you for the oasis of peace amidst the craziness of this week.
Amen.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the reminder that you are the author and finisher of our faith.
Thank you for the reminder that before the foundation of the world, you knew me.
Lord, I release the tension, fear and anxiety that I am holding regarding the concert this evening.
Help me to find the perfect thing to honor my Seniors graduating. Help me to hold it together through the concert without falling apart. You have carried me this far. Why do I act like you are dropping me off at the side of the road??
Thank you for the oasis of peace amidst the craziness of this week.
Amen.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Don't LET yourself be distracted - BTG Mark 13
I am blogging through the Gospels with Amy from Mom's Toolbox, and have been learning so much.
You should check it out!
Reading: Mark 13
Scripture: Mark 13 : 35 - 36
35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”
Observation:
We have no idea when Jesus is going to return.
We have no idea what the day is going to bring.
The one thing that we can be sure of is: We will not last forever, and we are nearing the end of this chapter of Earth's existence.
We must not ALLOW ourselves to be distracted from our focus on our MISSION to bring the Gospel to all people, whether our influence is in our neighborhood, city, state, country or world.
We must not ALLOW ourselves to be distracted by the cares and trivialities of this life.
Application:
I am exhausted this morning. This is the busiest week that I have ever had professionally, and as a mother of two with a husband that is working nights, having to arrange childcare and child transportation and juggling a lot of details, I am wiped out-- and the week is not even half over yet.
While I was LISTENING I decided to try keeping my eyes open so that I wouldn't fall asleep. (Although I am sitting on a couch, with a foam roller wedged up against my spine, so I am not exactly comfortable... but I am that tired.) All of a sudden I was looking at the movies on the table in front of me and how guilty I feel for not exercising. Then I shook it off and looked up at the blinds. Then I started thinking about how we have to clean the blinds, windows and wash the curtains before we move. At that point the divine light bulb went off, I closed my eyes, and listened to my God warn about distraction.
In this passage, it is talking about watching and waiting expectantly for the return of our Savior. But in our walk with the Lord, we need to be watchful, attentive and focused. I know myself, and my bed felt so comfortable this morning, but I KNEW that I needed to hear from my God today.
Distractions come in all forms.
TV Shows.
TO DO Lists
Busy Schedules
Lazy Schedules
Music -- even Christian music
Family
Friends
It is so easy to lose our focus, and forget our mission --- even sometimes when we are doing good things. It is so easy to get distracted.
What I heard from my God today was to control my mind. Take captive every thought, and not to ALLOW my mind to get distracted.
Prayer:
Lord -- help me. This is a big area for me. I know that we have been trying to deal with it half-heartedly for some time. But I sense the urgency.
Thank you for meeting me here again this morning.
Amen.
You should check it out!
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Reading: Mark 13
Scripture: Mark 13 : 35 - 36
35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”
Observation:
We have no idea when Jesus is going to return.
We have no idea what the day is going to bring.
The one thing that we can be sure of is: We will not last forever, and we are nearing the end of this chapter of Earth's existence.
We must not ALLOW ourselves to be distracted from our focus on our MISSION to bring the Gospel to all people, whether our influence is in our neighborhood, city, state, country or world.
We must not ALLOW ourselves to be distracted by the cares and trivialities of this life.
Application:
I am exhausted this morning. This is the busiest week that I have ever had professionally, and as a mother of two with a husband that is working nights, having to arrange childcare and child transportation and juggling a lot of details, I am wiped out-- and the week is not even half over yet.
While I was LISTENING I decided to try keeping my eyes open so that I wouldn't fall asleep. (Although I am sitting on a couch, with a foam roller wedged up against my spine, so I am not exactly comfortable... but I am that tired.) All of a sudden I was looking at the movies on the table in front of me and how guilty I feel for not exercising. Then I shook it off and looked up at the blinds. Then I started thinking about how we have to clean the blinds, windows and wash the curtains before we move. At that point the divine light bulb went off, I closed my eyes, and listened to my God warn about distraction.
In this passage, it is talking about watching and waiting expectantly for the return of our Savior. But in our walk with the Lord, we need to be watchful, attentive and focused. I know myself, and my bed felt so comfortable this morning, but I KNEW that I needed to hear from my God today.
Distractions come in all forms.
TV Shows.
TO DO Lists
Busy Schedules
Lazy Schedules
Music -- even Christian music
Family
Friends
It is so easy to lose our focus, and forget our mission --- even sometimes when we are doing good things. It is so easy to get distracted.
What I heard from my God today was to control my mind. Take captive every thought, and not to ALLOW my mind to get distracted.
Prayer:
Lord -- help me. This is a big area for me. I know that we have been trying to deal with it half-heartedly for some time. But I sense the urgency.
Thank you for meeting me here again this morning.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Be Authentic. Don't Fake it. - BTG - Mark 12
Another amazing day of Blogging through the Gospels with Amy from Mom's Toolbox.
Words cannot express how much the simple SOAP acronym is changing my life. Being a part of this challenge, and the little blogging community going through it together, is just so awesome, and encouraging.
Scripture:
Mark 12 : 40
Words cannot express how much the simple SOAP acronym is changing my life. Being a part of this challenge, and the little blogging community going through it together, is just so awesome, and encouraging.
-----------------------------------------------
Reading: Mark 12Scripture:
Mark 12 : 40
40 - They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.
Observations:
Pride. The teachers of the law are all about status, and importance, and being the IT crowd. If there were paparazzi in those days, they would be following the teachers of the law. The make grand shows over following the obscure details, and have no heart for the people they are supposed to be teaching at all.
No wonder people are still confused.
How do you get to the heart of God when the teachers are shouting "UnCLEAN!" rather than praying over the hurt, lost and in need of healing?
How do you see the heart of God when the teachers are blinded by the scriptures hanging from their foreheads, rather than living the MEANING of the words He gave us?
Application:
Be Authentic. Don't Fake it.
When praying to my Lord, it would be better to sit in silence than to talk to fill up space.
If I am going to live my faith out in the real world, then be real.
It is better to struggle with the idea of a Real, Living, Active, Compassionate and Loving GOD than to reduce Him to something that is barely worth worshiping at all.
It is better to struggle to accept His love, than to preach on things that don't have anything to do with the HEART of God.
God is bigger, better, more awesome, more majestic (running out of words...) than I could ever comprehend. Yes.... I have trouble grasping His goodness. But it is exciting to be in this place. To be realizing that the depth of my Savior's love for me is more profound than I could have imagined?? Yes. I will wrestle with that -- GLADLY.
Because that is much more enticing than someone who acts like they have it all together, when all they focus on are the things that don't matter.
In the end:
Denominations won't matter.
Service styles will be irrelevant.
What you wear to church on Sunday will be forgotten.
In the end:
Your Father loves you with an everlasting love.
His Son died for YOU (and for many) so that you would have EVERLASTING LIFE.
Let the focus be on the TRUTH, and let everything else fade away . . .
Prayer:
My God,
There are at least three different praise songs filling my heart right now.
Help me to carry them with me through the day.
Help me to feel your peace during this extremely busy and stressful week.
Let me never stop focusing on your heart. Help me to always remember your love.
Thank you, so very much, for revealing yourself to me every. single. day. in the area that I need it the most.
Awed by you,
Amen.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Believe with Confidence- BTG Mark 11
Blogging through the Gospels with Amy from Mom's Toolbox has changed my life, and revitalized my walk with God. She lays out the plan at her site, and the instructions, step by step. I cannot encourage starting this for yourself ENOUGH!
Reading: Mark 11
What I heard today: Believe with confidence!
Scripture: Mark 11: 23 - 24
I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Observations:
Believe, even in the impossible. Nothing is impossible for God!
Doubt is the opposite of belief.
Application:
The last month has been an education in just how much I can truly trust God with EVERYTHING.
We prayed, believing fully that He would show us where He wants us to live.
He has.
We prayed, believing fully that HE would work the financial details out.
He has.
I prayed, fully trusting on my God to get me through a difficult situation.
He did -- and in a beautiful and unexpected way. A woman that I HAD NOT MET or even SPOKEN to at church stopped me yesterday, informing me that the Lord had brought my face to her mind in my very time of need last week. She prayed. I felt peace.
My God really, really does care about every detail.
I approach my Father with CONFIDENCE, knowing that I am not insignificant to Him.
I approach my Father with CONFIDENCE, knowing that He has been waiting with the solution, waiting with the peace that I am seeking.
I have no reason to doubt Him. He has proved Himself faithful.
Even though it is incomprehensible - that the creator of the Universe would pay detailed attention, and make detailed PROVISIONS for our lives...
We can believe with confidence!
Prayer:
Wow, Lord...
Thank you so much for the reminder. I still cannot wrap my head around you, and will never be able to understand how you are able to be ALL things to ALL people.
Thank you for reminding me that not only am I significant to you, I am beloved.
What a great way to start the day.
Thank you, Lord.
Amen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reading: Mark 11
What I heard today: Believe with confidence!
Scripture: Mark 11: 23 - 24
I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Observations:
Believe, even in the impossible. Nothing is impossible for God!
Doubt is the opposite of belief.
Application:
The last month has been an education in just how much I can truly trust God with EVERYTHING.
We prayed, believing fully that He would show us where He wants us to live.
He has.
We prayed, believing fully that HE would work the financial details out.
He has.
I prayed, fully trusting on my God to get me through a difficult situation.
He did -- and in a beautiful and unexpected way. A woman that I HAD NOT MET or even SPOKEN to at church stopped me yesterday, informing me that the Lord had brought my face to her mind in my very time of need last week. She prayed. I felt peace.
My God really, really does care about every detail.
I approach my Father with CONFIDENCE, knowing that I am not insignificant to Him.
I approach my Father with CONFIDENCE, knowing that He has been waiting with the solution, waiting with the peace that I am seeking.
I have no reason to doubt Him. He has proved Himself faithful.
Even though it is incomprehensible - that the creator of the Universe would pay detailed attention, and make detailed PROVISIONS for our lives...
We can believe with confidence!
Prayer:
Wow, Lord...
Thank you so much for the reminder. I still cannot wrap my head around you, and will never be able to understand how you are able to be ALL things to ALL people.
Thank you for reminding me that not only am I significant to you, I am beloved.
What a great way to start the day.
Thank you, Lord.
Amen.
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