Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 3:15-18 SOAP Luke 3:16-17
God has impressed a truth upon my heart that is alarming to me. Good behavior does not equal favor with God. Now I have known this for years, but isn't this truth contradictory to what we often teach in our churches? We often value someone's standing with God by how faithful they are to church or the absence of gross sin in their lives. I think this passage reveals how easy it is for people to outwardly do what is expected or right, yet truly be far from God. We cannot assume the soul of a person is safe just because they do the right things. As John said, God will separate the wheat from the chaff (or the fakes from the sincere) in the final judgment.
Proverbs 21:2 is one of many verses reminding us that God knows every heart. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. God has no difficulty distinguishing between the believer and unbeliever. Wheat and chaff most often look exactly the same. We probably know some "chaff" that even consider themselves part of the body of Christ. Should this drive us to suspect a fake around every corner and point condemning fingers? No, I believe it should drive us to emphasize biblical teaching of the heart. We must internalize the scripture, letting God's Word change our lives. This is not training our kids to be good, this is training them to please God with their hearts and minds. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Romans 10:10
I am asking God for courage to pray for and challenge people that display rebellious hearts. God gives us discernment about our brothers & sisters and we can usually tell when their hearts are hard. A kind voice of concern can often sway the wanderer. What I personally would have given for someone to confront me when I was a teenager! Yet, my good behavior fooled so many. May God help us help each other.
Comment below
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Week 3_Wednesday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 3:10-14 SOAP Luke 3:10-11
I find this passage so interesting because of the strength of John's initial statement. After calling the Jews a brood of vipers, they ask him what they must do. It's as if John says, "Let your faith in God actually make a difference in your life!" The gospel is ineffectual if it is being represented by people who remain unchanged.
John did not attack their respective professions, but instead challenged them to do them honestly. He specifically asks them to be generous (vs 11), honest (vs 13), and content with what they had (vs 14). I discern from these verses that I must be distinct from the world in my behavior. Although it is common for women to be manipulative, gossips, controlling, sharp-tongued, emotional, materialistic, etc. - I cannot be these things. If the gospel will have any effect on those around me, I must be different than this.
Father, help me resist the temptation to be like the world, driven by sinful motives. Help me recognize when I am not behaving as if I have been changed by the gospel. Please change my heart into something that please you.
Comment below
Read Luke 3:10-14 SOAP Luke 3:10-11
I find this passage so interesting because of the strength of John's initial statement. After calling the Jews a brood of vipers, they ask him what they must do. It's as if John says, "Let your faith in God actually make a difference in your life!" The gospel is ineffectual if it is being represented by people who remain unchanged.
John did not attack their respective professions, but instead challenged them to do them honestly. He specifically asks them to be generous (vs 11), honest (vs 13), and content with what they had (vs 14). I discern from these verses that I must be distinct from the world in my behavior. Although it is common for women to be manipulative, gossips, controlling, sharp-tongued, emotional, materialistic, etc. - I cannot be these things. If the gospel will have any effect on those around me, I must be different than this.
Father, help me resist the temptation to be like the world, driven by sinful motives. Help me recognize when I am not behaving as if I have been changed by the gospel. Please change my heart into something that please you.
Comment below
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Week 3_Tuesday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 3:7-9 SOAP Luke 3:8-9
This message from John the Baptist is a far cry from the lullaby imagery of the sweet baby in a manger! The significance of Jesus' earthly presence was to cause men to see their need of repentance. The "wrath to come" refers to God's final judgment of sin. 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. Romans 1:18 This is also described in I Thessalonians 1:10, "and to wait for his Sonfrom heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
The world must be confronted with the truth of their condition. No one can depend on family heritage or law-keeping to save him. ALL men must come to repentance, resulting in spiritual fruit. This is an important reminder to the believer that our security lies within our faith in Christ. For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. Romans 4:13
Galatians 3:29 is helpful because it reconciles the Abrahamic covenant and the free will of man. So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. Salvation is always about personal faith - not family. (This is especially poignant to me, the daughter and granddaughter of preachers.) MY life must bear fruit and I cannot depend on my heritage. Father, help me to produce spiritual fruit and let it be an outpouring of my relationship with you.
Comment below
Read Luke 3:7-9 SOAP Luke 3:8-9
This message from John the Baptist is a far cry from the lullaby imagery of the sweet baby in a manger! The significance of Jesus' earthly presence was to cause men to see their need of repentance. The "wrath to come" refers to God's final judgment of sin. 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. Romans 1:18 This is also described in I Thessalonians 1:10, "and to wait for his Sonfrom heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
The world must be confronted with the truth of their condition. No one can depend on family heritage or law-keeping to save him. ALL men must come to repentance, resulting in spiritual fruit. This is an important reminder to the believer that our security lies within our faith in Christ. For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. Romans 4:13
Galatians 3:29 is helpful because it reconciles the Abrahamic covenant and the free will of man. So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. Salvation is always about personal faith - not family. (This is especially poignant to me, the daughter and granddaughter of preachers.) MY life must bear fruit and I cannot depend on my heritage. Father, help me to produce spiritual fruit and let it be an outpouring of my relationship with you.
Comment below
Monday, January 28, 2013
Week 3_Monday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 3:1-6 SOAP Luke 3:5-6
Before John the Baptist, a prophetic voice had not been heard for 400 years. John broke the silence about the Messiah. I'm sure many were stunned at this message or amazed that they were priveleged enough to see their Messiah finally come. Luke quotes Isaiah 40:3 here. A king who was about to travel in wilderness regions would send a crew of workmen before him to remove the debris and fill in potholes, thus "preparing the way." In much the same way, John challenges the people to prepare their hearts for the Messiah.
Matthew Henry says, "Way is made for the gospel into the heart by taking down high thoughts and bringing them into obedience to Christ, by levelling the soul and removing all that hinders us in the way of Christ and His grace." The legalistic hypocrisy from the Jews had spiritually weakened the nation. They now needed to plow the soil of their hearts, allowing Christ to plant His truth there.
Father, help me to break up the fallow ground of my heart, preparing for you to work your truth into my life. Forgive me for my pride and attempts to achieve great things on my own. Help me completely rely on your power.
Here's a song taken directly from this passage! See the video below
Comment below
Read Luke 3:1-6 SOAP Luke 3:5-6
Before John the Baptist, a prophetic voice had not been heard for 400 years. John broke the silence about the Messiah. I'm sure many were stunned at this message or amazed that they were priveleged enough to see their Messiah finally come. Luke quotes Isaiah 40:3 here. A king who was about to travel in wilderness regions would send a crew of workmen before him to remove the debris and fill in potholes, thus "preparing the way." In much the same way, John challenges the people to prepare their hearts for the Messiah.
Matthew Henry says, "Way is made for the gospel into the heart by taking down high thoughts and bringing them into obedience to Christ, by levelling the soul and removing all that hinders us in the way of Christ and His grace." The legalistic hypocrisy from the Jews had spiritually weakened the nation. They now needed to plow the soil of their hearts, allowing Christ to plant His truth there.
Father, help me to break up the fallow ground of my heart, preparing for you to work your truth into my life. Forgive me for my pride and attempts to achieve great things on my own. Help me completely rely on your power.
Here's a song taken directly from this passage! See the video below
Comment below
Friday, January 25, 2013
Week 2_Friday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 2:41-52 SOAP Luke 2:51-52
"He was submissive to them." Why would Jesus place himself in submission to these two fallen human beings? The extent of His love for us must be the only logical factor that would drive him to do such an illogical thing. The Son of God submitting to poor, sinful Joseph and Mary? My pride would keep me from doing this. Doesn't our culture continuously arrange people into classes, summarizing them by order of importance. I am amused at the look some people get on their faces when they are trying to decide if I measure up to them and deserve their attention. That's always so uncomfortable, isn't it? Jesus did not have this awful propensity like fallen humanity.
The fact the Christ increased in favor with both God and man proves that He endeared himself to people. I believe he loved everyone equally and treated all men with respect and dignity. What I would give to hear the dialogue between Jesus and the teachers in the temple! Imagine what they must have discussed. Jesus earned their favor. Jesus, thank you for the sacrifice you made, simply in humbling yourself into submission. Thank you for the sacrifice of treating all men equally and engaging us to think about the promises in your Word.
Comment below
Read Luke 2:41-52 SOAP Luke 2:51-52
"He was submissive to them." Why would Jesus place himself in submission to these two fallen human beings? The extent of His love for us must be the only logical factor that would drive him to do such an illogical thing. The Son of God submitting to poor, sinful Joseph and Mary? My pride would keep me from doing this. Doesn't our culture continuously arrange people into classes, summarizing them by order of importance. I am amused at the look some people get on their faces when they are trying to decide if I measure up to them and deserve their attention. That's always so uncomfortable, isn't it? Jesus did not have this awful propensity like fallen humanity.
The fact the Christ increased in favor with both God and man proves that He endeared himself to people. I believe he loved everyone equally and treated all men with respect and dignity. What I would give to hear the dialogue between Jesus and the teachers in the temple! Imagine what they must have discussed. Jesus earned their favor. Jesus, thank you for the sacrifice you made, simply in humbling yourself into submission. Thank you for the sacrifice of treating all men equally and engaging us to think about the promises in your Word.
Comment below
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Week 2_Thursday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 2:36-40 Soap Luke 2:40
Jesus' wisdom and favor with God was evident to others before he even reached twelve years of age. This is also mentioned in Luke 2:52, " And Jesus iincreased in wisdom and in stature8 and in ifavor with God and man." Now, I know that Jesus was the Son of God, which is the primary explanation for this wisdom. But it caused me to wonder how many others in scripture were described as having an unusual amount of wisdom. My search led me to several people, not just Solomon, who fit this wise description. Joseph, Moses, Bezaleel, Aholiab, Hiram, and Daniel are just a few of these people.
The interesting thing was that in every case, their wisdom was not something automatic from birth. It was always described as "given to them by God." Solomon teaches us that God freely gives this to us when we ask (I Kings 4:29). Scripture also contains warnings about wisdom: that there are roadblocks to wisdom. What are the roadblocks? Pride, an inability to control the tongue, closed-mindedness, perversity, foolishness, no fear of God, an inability to manage money, sin, and laziness. Too often, these roadblocks are evident in my life. Let us remove the roadblocks and glorify God with our lives. Then, when we ask Him for wisdom, He is ready to give it liberally (James 1:5).
Comment below
Read Luke 2:36-40 Soap Luke 2:40
Jesus' wisdom and favor with God was evident to others before he even reached twelve years of age. This is also mentioned in Luke 2:52, " And Jesus iincreased in wisdom and in stature8 and in ifavor with God and man." Now, I know that Jesus was the Son of God, which is the primary explanation for this wisdom. But it caused me to wonder how many others in scripture were described as having an unusual amount of wisdom. My search led me to several people, not just Solomon, who fit this wise description. Joseph, Moses, Bezaleel, Aholiab, Hiram, and Daniel are just a few of these people.
The interesting thing was that in every case, their wisdom was not something automatic from birth. It was always described as "given to them by God." Solomon teaches us that God freely gives this to us when we ask (I Kings 4:29). Scripture also contains warnings about wisdom: that there are roadblocks to wisdom. What are the roadblocks? Pride, an inability to control the tongue, closed-mindedness, perversity, foolishness, no fear of God, an inability to manage money, sin, and laziness. Too often, these roadblocks are evident in my life. Let us remove the roadblocks and glorify God with our lives. Then, when we ask Him for wisdom, He is ready to give it liberally (James 1:5).
Comment below
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Week 2_Wednesday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 2:21-35 Soap Luke 2:30-32
The fact that Joseph and Mary brought a sacrifice of birds rather than a lamb revealed their poverty. The poor were allowed by law to bring turtledoves instead of the standard lamb. Once again, we see how God is using the lowly people of society for His purposes. How fitting that Simeon and Anna should acknowledge Jesus as Messiah in the middle of sacrifice. For Jesus had come to abolish the need for sacrifice! I wonder if this thought had occurred to Joseph and Mary.
Our SOAP verses remind me of the Great Commission to reach ALL nations. Salvation is for the Jew and the Gentile, and must be shared with both the Jew and the Gentile. Father, make us your ambassadors, willing to reach ALL people groups with your love. Give me compassion for all humanity, seeing people through your eyes of love.
Comment below
Read Luke 2:21-35 Soap Luke 2:30-32
The fact that Joseph and Mary brought a sacrifice of birds rather than a lamb revealed their poverty. The poor were allowed by law to bring turtledoves instead of the standard lamb. Once again, we see how God is using the lowly people of society for His purposes. How fitting that Simeon and Anna should acknowledge Jesus as Messiah in the middle of sacrifice. For Jesus had come to abolish the need for sacrifice! I wonder if this thought had occurred to Joseph and Mary.
Our SOAP verses remind me of the Great Commission to reach ALL nations. Salvation is for the Jew and the Gentile, and must be shared with both the Jew and the Gentile. Father, make us your ambassadors, willing to reach ALL people groups with your love. Give me compassion for all humanity, seeing people through your eyes of love.
Comment below
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Week 2_Tuesday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 2:8-20 Soap Luke 2:20
I love the fact that God gave important messages to unimportant people. There are several other patriarchs in scripture that were, by the world's standards, lowly workers. Moses and David are two examples of shepherds that received important messages from God, who were later used to lead God's people. This confirms that God uses the lowly, hardworking, normal people among us for His glory. Scripture consistently esteems the diligent man who provides for his family. Sometimes we as fallen humans tend to esteem those with prestige, assets, influence, etc. But God doesn't narrow His choices to those people at all. In fact, the opposite is true - that He chooses people who often have no money to offer or influence within their communities.
Some commentators believe that the shepherds mentioned in Luke were actually singing when they returned from seeing Jesus. I want to have the same response to God's working, both in my own life and the lives around me. Father, thank you for the spiritual growth you have begun in my family and church. I praise You for all You have done in our hearts. May we continually see your glory in our midst!
Comment below
Read Luke 2:8-20 Soap Luke 2:20
I love the fact that God gave important messages to unimportant people. There are several other patriarchs in scripture that were, by the world's standards, lowly workers. Moses and David are two examples of shepherds that received important messages from God, who were later used to lead God's people. This confirms that God uses the lowly, hardworking, normal people among us for His glory. Scripture consistently esteems the diligent man who provides for his family. Sometimes we as fallen humans tend to esteem those with prestige, assets, influence, etc. But God doesn't narrow His choices to those people at all. In fact, the opposite is true - that He chooses people who often have no money to offer or influence within their communities.
Some commentators believe that the shepherds mentioned in Luke were actually singing when they returned from seeing Jesus. I want to have the same response to God's working, both in my own life and the lives around me. Father, thank you for the spiritual growth you have begun in my family and church. I praise You for all You have done in our hearts. May we continually see your glory in our midst!
Comment below
Monday, January 21, 2013
Week 2_Monday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 2:1-7 Soap Luke 2:7
The distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem was about eighty miles. The terrain was rocky and primitive. The manger where Jesus laid was most likely located in a cave, rather than a wooden stable. Perhaps these details seemed significant today because childbirth was not that long ago for me. Can you imagine having contractions on a donkey that is slowly bouncing up and down for eighty miles?! I'm sure Joseph was also frustrated since he could do nothing to help Mary. So when they finally arrived in Bethlehem, imagine the desperation of having no place to deliver the baby! Not to mention, ladies, that she had no epidural for the pain! All of these factors make me think that this journey was probably a blur for Mary. I'm sure she was probably just trying to make it through the contractions and didn't have the presence of mind to worry about the inn (or lack of one).
This is symbolic of the world's response to Jesus - no room. "He came unto his own and his own received him not." John 1:11. May we all make room in our hearts for Jesus. It occurs to me that sometimes we as believers still leave no room for Jesus as we overcrowd our schedules with activity. Father, give us wisdom to simplify our lives enough to maintain a close relationship with you. Give us the courage to remove needless activity that crowds you out.
Comment below. If anyone needs me to make the first post earlier in the day, please let me know. I know some of you prefer to do your devotions first thing in the morning. So I don't want to keep you from being able to post because you're waiting on me. If you're a morning reader, let me know what time you prefer in the comments. Thanks!
Read Luke 2:1-7 Soap Luke 2:7
The distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem was about eighty miles. The terrain was rocky and primitive. The manger where Jesus laid was most likely located in a cave, rather than a wooden stable. Perhaps these details seemed significant today because childbirth was not that long ago for me. Can you imagine having contractions on a donkey that is slowly bouncing up and down for eighty miles?! I'm sure Joseph was also frustrated since he could do nothing to help Mary. So when they finally arrived in Bethlehem, imagine the desperation of having no place to deliver the baby! Not to mention, ladies, that she had no epidural for the pain! All of these factors make me think that this journey was probably a blur for Mary. I'm sure she was probably just trying to make it through the contractions and didn't have the presence of mind to worry about the inn (or lack of one).
This is symbolic of the world's response to Jesus - no room. "He came unto his own and his own received him not." John 1:11. May we all make room in our hearts for Jesus. It occurs to me that sometimes we as believers still leave no room for Jesus as we overcrowd our schedules with activity. Father, give us wisdom to simplify our lives enough to maintain a close relationship with you. Give us the courage to remove needless activity that crowds you out.
Comment below. If anyone needs me to make the first post earlier in the day, please let me know. I know some of you prefer to do your devotions first thing in the morning. So I don't want to keep you from being able to post because you're waiting on me. If you're a morning reader, let me know what time you prefer in the comments. Thanks!
Friday, January 18, 2013
Week 1_Friday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 1:67-80 Soap Luke 1:74-79
I love the picture of the sunrise describing Jesus' salvation for us in verse 78. Can't you just see the desperate people sitting in darkness, covered in death and disease? Then suddenly, the light creeps in, showing the way out of that death. Salvation is so beautiful - rescuing us from the hopeless condition of this fallen world. And it guides us into the way of peace. Lives marked by sin are anything but peaceful. But living God's way brings a sense of order, an assurance of direction, and just...peace. Loved the imagery in the verses today!
Here's another great verse from Malachi about the sun.
But for you vwho fear my name, wthe sun xof righteousness shall rise ywith healing in its wings.
Feel free to comment below.
Read Luke 1:67-80 Soap Luke 1:74-79
I love the picture of the sunrise describing Jesus' salvation for us in verse 78. Can't you just see the desperate people sitting in darkness, covered in death and disease? Then suddenly, the light creeps in, showing the way out of that death. Salvation is so beautiful - rescuing us from the hopeless condition of this fallen world. And it guides us into the way of peace. Lives marked by sin are anything but peaceful. But living God's way brings a sense of order, an assurance of direction, and just...peace. Loved the imagery in the verses today!
Here's another great verse from Malachi about the sun.
But for you vwho fear my name, wthe sun xof righteousness shall rise ywith healing in its wings.
Malachi 4:2
I love this picture of the sun. No, it's not technically a sunrise, but it reminds me of these verses nonetheless. It's from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Feel free to comment below.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Week 1_Thursday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 1:57-66 Soap Luke 1:63-64
Imagine Gabriel's disappointment when Zachariah didn't believe his message. The name John means = "Jehovah has been gracious". Unfortunately, that grace was initially scorned by Zachariah. Nonetheless, we can't be too hard on Zachariah, since he eventually came around. But it go me thinking, how many times has God been gracious to me and I have discounted it or even denied it? Sometimes I fall into a trap of viewing life a little sceptically, not seeing the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit all around me.
How many times do I pray for something, and in my mind, I follow that prayer with reasons it probably won't be answered? I saw a direct connection to prayer today, since that is our primary communication with God. I determine to pray with faith, believing that God wants to show Himself strong again. Father, help me to recognize your working in my life and the lives of others. I promise to give you glory for all you do.
Comment below
Read Luke 1:57-66 Soap Luke 1:63-64
Imagine Gabriel's disappointment when Zachariah didn't believe his message. The name John means = "Jehovah has been gracious". Unfortunately, that grace was initially scorned by Zachariah. Nonetheless, we can't be too hard on Zachariah, since he eventually came around. But it go me thinking, how many times has God been gracious to me and I have discounted it or even denied it? Sometimes I fall into a trap of viewing life a little sceptically, not seeing the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit all around me.
How many times do I pray for something, and in my mind, I follow that prayer with reasons it probably won't be answered? I saw a direct connection to prayer today, since that is our primary communication with God. I determine to pray with faith, believing that God wants to show Himself strong again. Father, help me to recognize your working in my life and the lives of others. I promise to give you glory for all you do.
Comment below
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Week 1_Wednesday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 1:39-56 Soap Luke 1:45-50
Mary's own Savior would grow inside her very womb! Many commentators believe that she had good knowledge of the Old Testament scriptures, as her Magnificat refers to several OT promises. I wonder if she was chosen in the first place because of her scriptural faith and knowledge. An interesting thought.
Mary acknowledges her own need for a Savior (vs. 47), just one scriptural evidence of her humanity and fallen state. She was a highly favored woman chosen to bear God's Son. However, she also needed a Savior and is not a deity to be prayed to. Her song of praise mentions God's faithfulness, power, holiness, mercy, and favor on Israel. We can still sing this song with her today, as all of those blessings still apply!
How perfect for Mary and Elisabeth to spend 3 months together - they were in the same condition. Both experienced miraculous pregnancies that would change the world. They both were women who feared God (vs 50). Sadly, this upcoming generation generally does not fear God. Father, help me to teach my children the fear of the Lord. Help them to realize their own need for a Savior and develop a respect for God.
Feel free to comment below.
Read Luke 1:39-56 Soap Luke 1:45-50
Mary's own Savior would grow inside her very womb! Many commentators believe that she had good knowledge of the Old Testament scriptures, as her Magnificat refers to several OT promises. I wonder if she was chosen in the first place because of her scriptural faith and knowledge. An interesting thought.
Mary acknowledges her own need for a Savior (vs. 47), just one scriptural evidence of her humanity and fallen state. She was a highly favored woman chosen to bear God's Son. However, she also needed a Savior and is not a deity to be prayed to. Her song of praise mentions God's faithfulness, power, holiness, mercy, and favor on Israel. We can still sing this song with her today, as all of those blessings still apply!
How perfect for Mary and Elisabeth to spend 3 months together - they were in the same condition. Both experienced miraculous pregnancies that would change the world. They both were women who feared God (vs 50). Sadly, this upcoming generation generally does not fear God. Father, help me to teach my children the fear of the Lord. Help them to realize their own need for a Savior and develop a respect for God.
Feel free to comment below.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Week 1_Tuesday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 1:26-38 Soap Luke 1:37-38
Even God's angels, like Gabriel, can tell the difference between doubt (Zacharias) and curiosity (Mary). Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Since God knows what we're thinking anyway, we might as well surrender to His plans. Mary immediately calls herself God's servant, showing a complete willingness to participate in His plan.
God is already doing amazing things. Isaiah tells us that He planned Christ's birth from a virgin long before Mary was even born. We can choose to happily participate, or we can choose to sit on the sidelines and criticize the details. Mary teaches us an important lesson. God's plans should always drive us to our knees, in an attitude of willing humility. His work is not about my ego or pride in the opportunity He has given me. His work IS about a soft-hearted faith in what He can accomplish through me. Father, help me keep my heart pliable enough to accept your great plans. Help me have the courage to participate, even if it means I risk criticism from others. Help me to be your servant, like Mary was.
Feel free to comment below.
Read Luke 1:26-38 Soap Luke 1:37-38
Even God's angels, like Gabriel, can tell the difference between doubt (Zacharias) and curiosity (Mary). Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Since God knows what we're thinking anyway, we might as well surrender to His plans. Mary immediately calls herself God's servant, showing a complete willingness to participate in His plan.
God is already doing amazing things. Isaiah tells us that He planned Christ's birth from a virgin long before Mary was even born. We can choose to happily participate, or we can choose to sit on the sidelines and criticize the details. Mary teaches us an important lesson. God's plans should always drive us to our knees, in an attitude of willing humility. His work is not about my ego or pride in the opportunity He has given me. His work IS about a soft-hearted faith in what He can accomplish through me. Father, help me keep my heart pliable enough to accept your great plans. Help me have the courage to participate, even if it means I risk criticism from others. Help me to be your servant, like Mary was.
Feel free to comment below.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Week 1_Monday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 1:1-25 Soap 1:1-4
Interesting fact: Luke is the only Gentile to pen any books of scripture, having written the book of Luke and Acts. He was probably converted by Paul himself. Colossians 4:14 describes Luke as a physician, which explains his detailed accounting of Jesus' healing ministry. Luke would have been fascinated by Jesus' healing. He wrote the book of Luke for two apparent reasons: 1) to confirm Theophilus' faith, and 2) to present Jesus as the Son of Man, even though Israel rejected Him.
Theophilus' name means: "friend of God". I would love to be described as God's friend! This meaning reminds me that salvation is not simply a one-time decision, but a relationship with Christ. He wants us not only to accept salvation, but to "have certainty of the the things we have been taught." Luke goes on to describe the extent of his research about Christ's life. What a privelege it must have been to speak with eyewitnesses of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection!
Must we blindly trust in a one-time decision of faith? No! God's Word and the study thereof confirms our faith. The most important thought I gathered today from this passage is that we are absolutely obligated to understand what we believe and why. His Word is alive, revealing His truth to our hearts and confirming our faith in the process. May we all be called Theophilus, or friend of God.
Feel free to post a comment below.
Read Luke 1:1-25 Soap 1:1-4
Interesting fact: Luke is the only Gentile to pen any books of scripture, having written the book of Luke and Acts. He was probably converted by Paul himself. Colossians 4:14 describes Luke as a physician, which explains his detailed accounting of Jesus' healing ministry. Luke would have been fascinated by Jesus' healing. He wrote the book of Luke for two apparent reasons: 1) to confirm Theophilus' faith, and 2) to present Jesus as the Son of Man, even though Israel rejected Him.
Theophilus' name means: "friend of God". I would love to be described as God's friend! This meaning reminds me that salvation is not simply a one-time decision, but a relationship with Christ. He wants us not only to accept salvation, but to "have certainty of the the things we have been taught." Luke goes on to describe the extent of his research about Christ's life. What a privelege it must have been to speak with eyewitnesses of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection!
Must we blindly trust in a one-time decision of faith? No! God's Word and the study thereof confirms our faith. The most important thought I gathered today from this passage is that we are absolutely obligated to understand what we believe and why. His Word is alive, revealing His truth to our hearts and confirming our faith in the process. May we all be called Theophilus, or friend of God.
Feel free to post a comment below.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Starting Monday, January 14
Ladies,
It looks like most people have both signed up to receive the GoodMorningGirls emails and participate in the PC Women blog. I printed out the Bible study eBook and the Reading Plan. I will bring both documents to dinner tonight. Please contact me if you are having trouble getting the eBook or the Reading Plan. Both items are simply PDF documents that you can save to your computer and print out. Looking forward to studying God's Word together!
We are meeting at the church tonight (Jan 11) at 6:00 pm to eat at the Wooden Spoon in Gentry. All ladies are welcome to come with us. See you tonight!
Fawn
It looks like most people have both signed up to receive the GoodMorningGirls emails and participate in the PC Women blog. I printed out the Bible study eBook and the Reading Plan. I will bring both documents to dinner tonight. Please contact me if you are having trouble getting the eBook or the Reading Plan. Both items are simply PDF documents that you can save to your computer and print out. Looking forward to studying God's Word together!
We are meeting at the church tonight (Jan 11) at 6:00 pm to eat at the Wooden Spoon in Gentry. All ladies are welcome to come with us. See you tonight!
Fawn
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Sign up for the Good Morning Girls Bible Study
Good Morning Girls Bible Study - January 14-March 8
PC Ladies,
Here is our new blog where we can more easily post our thoughts during this Bible study. Looking forward to encouraging each other through this utility. Make sure you go to the Good Morning Girls website to sign up for the study: goodmorninggirls.org You will be able to download the eBook for the study and SOAP pages for writing down your thoughts. Participation is completely free. This blog will be the place where we can share thoughts with each other in an easier format.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Looking forward to this again, ladies!
Fawn
PC Ladies,
Here is our new blog where we can more easily post our thoughts during this Bible study. Looking forward to encouraging each other through this utility. Make sure you go to the Good Morning Girls website to sign up for the study: goodmorninggirls.org You will be able to download the eBook for the study and SOAP pages for writing down your thoughts. Participation is completely free. This blog will be the place where we can share thoughts with each other in an easier format.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Looking forward to this again, ladies!
Fawn
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