Christmas Devotional

This isn’t going to be a typical Christmas devotional. This is a devotional for those that are hurting as well as those that are doing ok, to remind us that God is in control.

Sometimes it seems like people hurt more during this season.

Sunday Jon asked for the people in our congregation that were going through difficult times to raise their hands.  There were hands raised all over our congregation. We experience times of difficulty when it seems like things should be peaceful or joyful.  Then we get frustrated that we are going through difficult times and bring our cries to God.

I am going to start with Isaiah 40:1 - God gives Isaiah a command and we have the same words given to us:

1.     1. Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.  2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem (Cornerstone),and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed,  that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.

Today I hope to bring comfort to you.  Your sins have been paid for and your hope is toward God.  God is calling to you from your emotional wilderness and your empty hearted desert. He wants to show you his ways and his love.

3 A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

The people that Isaiah ministered to couldn’t see an end to their troubles.  They complained and felt that God wasn’t there.

27 Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”?

They didn’t understand what they were going through and they felt that God wasn’t even paying attention to them.  Their prayers were being ignored and they were facing tough times alone. 

Or so they thought. 

To illustrate this on a smaller scale, I found this story about Christmas shopping..

I am sure you all have had experiences of frustration when shopping for Christmas.  Here is the story:

Several weeks before Christmas, a woman’s daughter called and asked, “Mom, could you go get some toys, hot chocolate, and Bibles for our military in Iraq, because I don’t have the time?” She explained, “That is what the military men and women are asking for.” and her place of business was going to send boxes of wanted things over to Iraq for Christmas.

The mom agreed to help and headed to a certain store, because Bibles there cost one dollar.  However, she could only find a few when she got there.  She asked several clerks and they said, “I don’t know where they are.”  After asking God to show where the Bibles were and combing the store, she thought, “They must not have anymore.”

She then got in a long line and paid for what she had. As she was walking out, she looked over at a man carrying about 10 Bibles.  She asked, “Hey, where did you get them?” Sure enough, he pointed 7 feet away to stacks of Bibles. 

She questioned God by saying, “God, I asked You to let me see where the Bibles were but You didn’t.  Now I will have to stand in another long line.”   She was frustrated with God and her situation.  

Can you relate?

We want things to run smoothly, without incident.  But God allows heartache, frustrations, and tribulations come into our lives.

Her shopping basket had already purchased stuff in it, so she went back and filled the kid seat part with Bibles. The Bibles were stacked very high so everyone saw them.  Little did she know that God was at work.

Upset, she got in another long line and had two women in front of her. They asked, “Why so many Bibles?”  The mom told them about the daughter’s work, and the military wanting Bibles in their Christmas boxes.  One of the gals started crying and said, “God used you to show me my prayers for our military have been answered.  I have been praying that they would turn to Him.”  The other started talking about the family in need she was buying for.  The women told her they would pray for them.  The two gals in back of the mom got into the conservation.  One handed the mom $9 and said, “I would love to have given you more to help pay for the Bibles.  I think sending Bibles to our troops is such a wonderful thing to do.  You have made my day.”  The other woman said, “This is a neat Christmas moment!”

As the mom was pushing a basket full of Bibles to her car, she was feeling in high happy spirits.  She prayed, “Lord, I am so sorry I was frustrated at You over the Bible trouble!  It made my Christmas – buying Bibles for our troops, talking to those lovely women, and seeing how You use troubles, tribulations and inconveniences to bless and strengthen us all!

27 Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”?

How can we say such things about God when we know perfectly well who he is and what he is like? He knows your situation perfectly, and he can and will do something about it.

28 Do you not know? Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Here is the subject of trust.  This idea of trust appeared three times previously in the book of Isaiah (8:17; 25:9; 33:2) and will appear twice more (49:23; 64:4).

To “wait” on God is not simply to mark time; rather, it is to live in confident expectation of his action on our behalf. It is to refuse to run ahead of him in trying to solve our problems for ourselves.

Thus, just as Isaiah called on the people of his own day to trust God to solve their problems, he calls on the exiles in the age to come to do the same thing. If they are worn out and weary, hardly daring to believe that there is any future for them, the God of all strength can give them exactly what they need at the right time, whether to “soar,” “run,” or “walk.” (John Piper).

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5)

He is working for the good, let us trust in God’s reasoning always, knowing He is in control and loves us all! Christmas reminds us that God provides for us in ways that are beyond our comprehension.  He gave his son for us.  

He gave his life, a ransom for many so we can be a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that we should show forth the praises of God, who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).

This Christmas, show the world you trust God through the good times and the bad. 

He is in control.

Finishing the Study of Mary, the mother of Jesus

Women of Courage – Finishing the Study of Mary, the mother of Jesus

Wrapping up the lesson

We returned to question 7 the attributes of God’s nature: did Mary include in her song of praise?  We read all about His greatness, his holiness, his great mercy, his power, the strength of his own arm.   We spoke about God’s faithfulness, from generation to generation.  

We returned to the blog and re-read the words that had been discussed previously.

Mary was a young girl when she was called by God, an ordinary young girl, about to experience the extraordinary.  We thought about her learning of God’s word. Children were taught God’s words, memorizing them.  Women had to depend upon the men in their lives to give them God’s instructions. 

Most Israelites were looking for a conquering king to come, but few were looking for a saving Savior.  In Luke 4 it becomes obvious.  They weren’t looking to change themselves, but for someone to change their circumstances.  People are very much the same today.  Few are willing to repent for the sin in their lives. 

When Mary was told she would bear the Christ, she was told that he would reign forever and that his kingdom would not end.  Did she also understand that He would be a suffering savior?  It may have taken time for her, as she watched his growth, wisdom, and all the things that took place in His life.  There were times throughout her life when others continued to confirm the coming kingdom.

 Luke 1- Zacharias’ prophecy when his voice returned:

67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,

68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,

69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;

70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:

71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;

72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;

73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,

 

74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,

75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;

77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,

78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

His prophecy mentions the remission of sin.  Dayspring can be a new day or it can mean a shoot or branch.  This describes the messiah, the branch of the Lord and the light of the world. 

And in Luke 2:

²⁵ And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

Jesus is referred to as the consolation

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

God is faithful.  Mary understood her part in God’s plan. 

REFLECTION QUESTION #5 In what ways do questions about God’s plan and purpose often keep a person from embracing the plan fully or trusting the Lord unconditionally?

The night of Christ’s birth was messy.  They didn’t have a room, things were not in place.  It was a difficult time.  She was labeled because of her pregnancy.  She had to watch her child grow and suffer.  It was a very hard time in her life.

These scriptures were given in response to the reflection

Zephaniah 3:17

The Lord your God is in your midst,
    a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
    he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.

Lamentations 3:22-25

²² The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
²³ they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
    “therefore I will hope in him.”

²⁵ The Lord is good to those who wait for him,
    to the soul who seeks him.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Romans 8:26-28

²⁶ Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. ²⁷ And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. ²⁸ And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

study of Mary

Women of Courage – The Study of Mary, the mother of Jesus

Question eight:  Mary is now a mature woman with multiple children and many of them are grown.  Mary appeared in only three scenes during Christ’s earthly ministry. Briefly identify and describe these incidents.

Luke 2:1-20   King James Version (KJV)

 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. ² (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) ³ And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. ⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) ⁵ To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. ⁶ And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. ⁸ And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. ¹⁰ And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

¹⁵ And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. ¹⁶ And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. ¹⁷ And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. ¹⁸ And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. ¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Mary thought about all the things she had heard from God and now with the shepherds.  It is an amazing thing.  Mary was not the proclaimer, she was the preserver. 

^{Luke 2:21} And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. ²² And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

²³ (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

(Mary had a natural birth, not a supernatural.  These verses answer some of the concerns in other religions that place Mary in a higher position)

²⁴ And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. ²⁵ And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. ²⁶ And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. ²⁷ And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, ²⁸ Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, ²⁹ Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: ³⁰ For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, ³¹ Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; ³² A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. ³³ And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him.

(Mary and Joseph had a limited understanding of what was going to occur in their life with this child)

³⁴ And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; ³⁵ (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. ³⁶ And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; ³⁷ And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. ³⁸ And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. ³⁹ And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

⁴⁰ And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. ⁴¹ Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. ⁴² And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. ⁴³ And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. ⁴⁴ But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. ⁴⁵ And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. ⁴⁶ And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. ⁴⁷ And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. ⁴⁸ And when they saw him, they were amazed: (they had a gut wrenching gasp) and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing (in anguish). ⁴⁹ And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? (in the Greek, have you not been paying attention?) ⁵⁰ And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. ⁵¹ And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. (she watched thoroughly and now looked for the way his path would lead) ⁵² And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

John 2 King James Version (KJV)

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: ² And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.³ And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. ⁴ Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.⁵ His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. ⁶ And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

⁷ Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. ⁸ And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. ⁹ When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, ¹⁰ And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. ¹¹ This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. ¹² After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.

Mary has seen him grow and she understood that he could do this. Mary had been growing in her knowledge of God and his Son.  Her thought was earthly, but Jesus was referring to the spiritual. They stayed as a family there for many days.

Mark 3  King James Version (KJV)

And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. ² And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him. ³ And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. ⁴ And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. ⁵ And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. ⁶ And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

⁷ But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea, ⁸ And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him. ⁹ And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him. ¹⁰ For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.¹¹ And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.

 (Jesus had worked so much in healing that the nation of Israel was being healed! )

¹² And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.13 And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. ¹⁴ And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, ¹⁵ And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: ¹⁶ And Simon he surnamed Peter; ¹⁷ And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: ¹⁸ And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, ¹⁹ And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house. ²⁰ And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. ²¹ And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself. (His family wants to drag him out of there, perhaps considering him to be out of his mind or perhaps they were trying to spare him from the crowds since he wasn’t eating.  They had heard that either he was a lunatic, Lord, or liar and they were reacting to these statements)

²² And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.

²³ And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? ²⁴ And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. ²⁵ And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. ²⁶ And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. ²⁷ No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. ²⁸ Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: ²⁹ But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation. ³⁰ Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

³¹ There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him. ³² And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. ³³ And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? ³⁴ And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! ³⁵ For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

(He wasn’t being cruel, but laying an equality of those that were there.  We need to understand that the family was human, full of human concerns and a sin nature.  Was there jealousy? How else did they fall short? How much turmoil was in their lives? We need to look at the bigger, spiritual picture in our own lives too.)

John19:25-27

²⁵ Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! ²⁷ Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

We needed to see that Mary was a human woman, a mom.  She had to experience and try to understand the cruelty being done to her son, the miracles that he performed, all the experiences with the people that had their lives touched and changed by her son, the Christ.

Mary’s song of praise reminded Colette of a situation in her life. She gave a testimony of her cousin, who had injuries and had to go into a convalescent home and is now able to see her parents who are in the same home.  Through all of this Colette is seeing the praise of God allowing these to be together at the end of their lives.

Women of Courage – The Study of Mary, the mother of Jesus – Oct 19

Review of question 5: In Daily Reflections day 3, MacArthur introduces the section: “Worshipping with someone who understands”.  How precious it is to have someone close to be able to share in the experiences that God calls us to.   To be able to worship in openness, knowing you will be supported and loved through it, in the truth of the Lord.  Mary and Elizabeth had this sweet time of intimate worship for 3 months, sharing in their miraculous pregnancies.  We are developing intimacy together as women worshipping together in our bible study.

Question 6:  Mary’s praise indicates her heart for God.  Everything in her praise was about God, not herself.  Her faith was one of humility, glorifying God in every word.  Starting from her encounter with Gabriel, we see that Mary’s faith was a faith of action, trusting in the Lord and acting in her faith in the Lord, rather than being hindered by her prayers. 

Psalm 34:3 says, “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt is name together”.  Mary’s first words in her praise mirror this verse.  Psalm 69:30 also speaks of magnifying and rejoicing in the Lord.  Psalm 136:23 says, “Who remembered us in our low estate, for His loving kindness is everlasting”, which is very like Mary’s song: “For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant”.  There is but one God to be magnified and glorified.   Clearly Mary knew scripture, but it was not just a head knowledge.  Her heart was filled with scripture and a love for the Lord.  How special for Mary to have been able to refer back to these scriptures, glorifying the Lord in her own circumstances.  We, too, can identify times in our lives when the Lord has shown Himself to be mighty, doing great things for us, times when He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant. 

Mary’s praise is even more precious and powerful when we really think about her circumstances, and the stigma that would have been attached to her for the remainder of her life.  How easy it could have been for her to dwell on her circumstances.  But rather than dwelling on the stressed relationships that would develop, and her own physical hardships to come, Mary kept her focus on God, dwelling on Him and His attributes, and realizing the blessings that He has bestowed on her. 

Verses 51-52 of Mary’s praise refer back to the history of Israel.  Sometimes when we are upset or stressed it can be helpful to go back in history, remembering the big things that God has done and dwell on those, then apply those things to our current circumstances.  Mary seems to be doing this here, dwelling on God who is mighty, who is merciful and strong through the generations of Israel.  In the last two verses she goes back to Abraham: “He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever”.  How precious that Mary was able to go back to God’s promise to Abraham and to see that that promise was indeed applicable to her current circumstance.

 

 

Oct. 5 Study

Women of Courage – The Study of Mary, the mother of Jesus – Oct 5

Question 3: Nazareth in geography was in ways similar to Phelan, somewhat rural with views of hills.  Mary descended from the line of David through Nathan, rather than the kingly line of Solomon – how did her family carry that?  It must have been sweet, yet perhaps humbling.  It is precious to think that this family rank did not matter, or perhaps it really did, to our God when He chose the woman to be the earthly mother to His Son.  Mary must have led a joyful yet work-filled life, preparing for her betrothal at what we would consider a very early age.   How much effort must Mary’s parents have put forth in choosing a husband for their daughter, and yet the match was clear God planned and ordained.  How sweet to think about our own children, our prayers for their future spouses, and the plans God has for them.

Question 4: Mary must have had many mixed feelings: shock, confusion, being overwhelmed.  She obviously would have been familiar with the prophesies of the messiah, and the stories of old of angels appearing to various people throughout the ages, and yet, it must have been a shock to actually see Gabriel standing there.  Note that Mary did not crumble before the angel, nor flee from being alone with a “man” form – she must have had an inner strength.  It bring to mind the verse that says: “We can do all things through [Christ] who gives us strength”.  Hearing his message may also have caused her to stop and rethink the direction of her life and realize that all her plans will immediately change.  She was truly troubled by the message, yet she stood on the promises of God.  Sometimes God causes us to just stop and wait, and even change direction of our lives.  His plans sometimes seems to go opposite of ours.  Mary’s faith must have been so great to respond with, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord!  Let it be to me according to your word”. 

God provided Mary with comfort and strength as is indicated in Luke 1:37, “For with God nothing will be impossible”.  What a beautiful promise from God!  2 Cor 1:20 indicates that Jesus is the yes and the Amen to this promise God made to Mary. 

Question 5: God’s timing and provision is amazing.  It must have been comforting to Mary to have someone so dear to her to be able to talk and share with her, who would really understand what was happening.  God brought these two pregnant women together for this brief period to support each other in their miraculous experiences.  How many of us have had experiences that we need to talk about with someone, yet we must choose who we speak with about it because only certain people with understand.  Yet God provides.  Even if only for a brief period.  God gives us fellowship to help us recharge and gain confirmation of the truth on a regular basis through our church and sometimes intense fellowship with specific individuals for a season.  Mary got confirmation that her situation was truly from God as soon as she walked into Elizabeth’s house. 

God likely also very much used Mary and Elizabeth’s age difference to build up and support each of the women.  Elizabeth, being much older, may have been a motherly, mentor figure to Mary, which would have been very encouraging to her.  Mary, being younger and more energetic, must have also encouraged Elizabeth in her spiritual energy and also her physical well-being at the end of her pregnancy. 

 

The Study of Mary, the mother of Jesus - Sept 21

Women of Courage – The Study of Mary, the mother of Jesus - Sept 21

Question 1:  Of all the women in Scripture, Mary stands out above all others as being  the most blessed. What does the word blessed mean to you?

Chosen by God for a special purpose, Holy, sacred, consecrated

The word is thrown out a lot.  We are blessed because our heart beats from one moment to the next, blessed to be here.  Think of the blessings God tells us at the Sermon on the mount. God blesses us in so many ways. We often overlook the small things and even the trials.  Journaling is a great way to keep track and look back at all the blessings.  When we go through battles, if we write down the battles, our struggles, then we see how God leads us through.  We also need to look at all the good, all the little things.  An example was a woman in stage 4 cancer who praised God for the ability to clean her toilet that day.  A simple task we often overlook the privilege to accomplish.

“I must tell Jesus”…. A song that reminds us that we should go to Jesus with everything.

The angel that spoke to her, “Hail thou are highly favored”.  It wasn’t ideal circumstances, but she was willing to go through the struggles and trials for God.   The angel is telling her verbally what God thought of her.

We are just as blessed and treasured by God

Eph. 1:6 In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

Question 2: What are some of the dangers that arise if Mary is elevated too much?

Anything that takes our focus off of Christ becomes an idol.  Anything.

She was human, she sinned, but chosen.  It is sad that the ways of God are always perverted and twisted by the world, but this is what spiritual wickedness continues to do.  It is always in the realm of spiritual wickedness, if we realize the origins and pray for God to help us fight the battles.  

Our power remains with God and we need to immerse ourselves in God’s word.  We need to depend on our Lord.  Although Satan cannot read our minds, we are being watched daily and those cracks are revealed.  Since our weakness is revealed, we can ask God to mind our tongues and guide our footsteps.  God protects us with His angels and provides his Holy Spirit to guide us.

We have all been blind, lost, sinners, but God through his infinite wisdom has chosen us.  We too need to have compassion on those that are not in the faith and do not know God.  We must love, even when they despise us.

To venerate or emulate – She was not to be uplifted beyond Christ, but we can learn from her life.

Question 3: Describe Mary’s early years in Nazareth:

Nazareth was a small town, in Galilee, their neighbors were Samaritan, which means, and there was idol worship nearby.  The area was similar to the area in which we live, dry, poor; there was a mountain range that Samaria was nestled in.  They were a working family.  We knew that Joseph was a tradesman.  There may have been a trade route either near or going through the town.  They had access to the Sea of Galilee.  Rome was in control over the area.  How sweet that God chose that area and that time for his Son to come to us.  

Women of Courage – The Study of Mary, the mother of Jesus

Women of Courage – The Study of Mary, the mother of Jesus

We have heard about Mary in our Christian lives.  She is mentioned at Christmas and Easter.  She is revered by many non-Christians included.  Will be offended by the true doctrine of the Bible as we dig deep within God’s word?  She was just like us, no different.  We are changing our perspective and focus from the men in our study, to the intimate look at these women. 

Our study now leads us into the New Testament women.  We have studied all Old Testament women and this study will transition us into those women of the New Testament.

We read from Luke 1 to Luke 2:52, highlighting all the passages that Mary was mentioned. Then we looked at the map of the areas where they would have traveled and lived.

Looking at Luke 1:28

Favored-(charis -Greek)  or blessed (eulogeo- Greek) means to speak well of or praise.  It has been debated by some versions of the Bible as to whether or not it should be included in the verse.

We also looked at the Marian Dogma ( Popes only have this power, and somewhere in the last 2000 years has declared this as greater than the word of God). They have many dogmas and 4 of them are related to Mary.  1^st in 431 AD she was given the title Mother of God.  We took believe that she was the mother of Jesus.  The second one in AD 649 was her perpetual virginity.  We split in agreement at this point.  She had other children.  3^rd the immaculate conception in 1854, (that she was conceive without sin like Jesus was (We do not believe this, she was human not divine).  4^th in 1950 the assumption of Mary (they don’t believe that she died, but that at her last breath she was removed from the earth without experiencing any decay).  They are pressing for the newest dogma – the co-redeemer and co-mediator.

This has not been instituted, but they have millions of signatures that express the desire for this.  This morning Shera looked at the news – Pope Francis is asking the world not to go to war, and in that there is a statement about the Pope declaring a day of fasting and prayer for Syria. They are asking Mary to help them respond to the situation.  When they institute this dogma, they state that she will usher in the new Pentecost and the new arrival of the Holy Spirit.  

Macarthur said in one sermon:  Mary is mentioned more in the Koran than in the Bible.  Satan makes more of Mary leading others into the corruption of worship. 

We are looking to our God, our Lord, as he leads us through these days preceding the coming of our Lord.   All the more, we should be on our knees, praying and praising our true redeemer and God’s plan in these last days.  Stay strong; be in God’s word, ever vigilant.    The true church, the remnant, must be bold in their walk and strong in our faith.

Hannah concludes

Women of Courage – Aug. 17, 2013

Question 3- Samuel 1:4-5 Elkanah gave one portion of offering to Peninnah and all her sons and daughters, and a double portion to Hannah. What emotional difficulties in Elkanah’s family might have grown from this discrepancy?

Bitterness, envy, competition.  Even if Elkanah had been totally fair and no favoritism existed, there still would have been the propensity to have a skewed image of the relationships and feel slighted. Both women wanted what the other possessed. Both women weren’t thankful for the blessings they had.

What damage is caused by expressions of favoritism in a family.

Favoritism has been an issue to mess up relationships. There are many examples of this in the pages of scripture.  Did the double portion Hannah received bring her distress, knowing that she was the favorite?

Jan brought out Genesis 4:3 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6 The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”

We have the same concerns in our homes. We have to pray daily that we don’t have favoritism, pride, bitterness, envy…… and the list could go on.  We must pray daily and walk in righteousness.  God will help us.

Romans 8: 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

We had conversation on the process of our prayers, how it is different to each of us.  Some write their prayers, some are uttered out loud, but each is personal and God uses our prayers to lead us in line with him.  A prayer journal helps us to see how God answers our prayers and how we have changed over the years.   A journal becomes a precious treasure to others.

George Washington kept journals of prayer and they have become a treasure to Christians today, knowing how our forefathers have prayed.

Question 4- Read 1 Samuel 1:18 ¹⁸ And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.

and Psalm 55:22 22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

 and 1 Peter5:6-7   6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

 In what ways was Hannah’s reply to the high priest Eli an expression of faith?

Hannah totally surrendered her heart toward God in her prayer.  She wasn’t concerned with her appearance or the circumstances around her at the time.  She was trusting in her merciful and just God.  She was given and found peace when she finished her prayer. 

We don’t know how God is going to work, but we must trust God for the right answers.

Question 5-  1 Samuel 2: 1-10 list the key words and phrases in Hannah’s prayer.

And Hannah prayed and said,

“My heart exults in the Lord;
    my horn is exalted in the Lord.
My mouth derides my enemies,
    because I rejoice in your salvation.

² “There is none holy like the Lord:
    for there is none besides you;
    there is no rock like our God.
³ Talk no more so very proudly,
    let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the Lord is a God of knowledge,
    and by him actions are weighed.
⁴ The bows of the mighty are broken,
    but the feeble bind on strength.
⁵ Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
    but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger.
The barren has borne seven,
    but she who has many children is forlorn.
⁶ The Lord kills and brings to life;
    he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
⁷ The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
    he brings low and he exalts.
⁸ He raises up the poor from the dust;
    he lifts the needy from the ash heap
to make them sit with princes
    and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's,
    and on them he has set the world.

⁹ “He will guard the feet of his faithful ones,
    but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness,
    for not by might shall a man prevail.
¹⁰ The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces;
    against them he will thunder in heaven.
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth;
    he will give strength to his king
    and exalt the horn of his anointed.”

Gratitude fills our heart toward the Lord for who he is!

We took this prayer by verse and expressed our praise to God for his attributes!

Question 6:  Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.   What is involve in training a child? 

To dedicate and devote a child to God totally.  We model to them the attributes, practice, and devotion to God and our children and grandchildren learn.  

 

Our study of Hannah has made us realize that Hannah learned to depend upon God in all the circumstances of her life.  We too must turn to God through our walk.