Behold, the Handmaid of the Lord
I wanted to use a New Testament example of faith this week. There is really no greater example of a woman of faith, in the Old or New Testament, than that of our Saviour’s mother. Mary has perplexed me for years now. I have tried to imagine what it was like to be Mary and I just cannot do it. I look forward to meeting her in eternity.
Abigail and Esther are exciting to read about. I can comprehend their decisions, understand their actions, and even imagine what it would have been like to be them. Mary, on the other hand, is altogether different. When I read about Mary (there is not a whole lot to read) I sit in reverence. Not because Mary was holy and perfect, she was not. Mary was a woman born of flesh and blood with a sin nature just like you and me.
Physically speaking her life was not the least bit exciting. Mary was poor in the eyes of her world, but had riches overflowing in the eyes of her God. She was unimportant and overlooked by those who past her by, but counted worthy to be the mother of the Saviour by her Heavenly Father. Luke 1:28 And the angel came in unto her; and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Have you ever asked yourself just how did Mary find favour with God? Why was she blessed among women?
The angle Gabriel was sent to Mary and tells her (Luke 1:26-38) she has been chosen as the mother of God’s son. Verses 29-30 “…she was troubled at his saying and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” She does not ask him for details, she does not run away, she does not start weeping uncontrollably, and she does not bombard him with questions. Mary sits quietly and listens to the Messenger of the Lord. The only question Mary does ask is a pertinent one. “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” Mary’s question and the angel’s answer are recorded for the world to know that the prophecy of the virgin birth has been fulfilled.
When the angel is finished and has told Mary all that shall be done to her, what is her response? “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid (maidservant) of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” I have spent a lot of time just reading this one passage. Mary’s life has just been turned upside down, sideways three times and upside down again. Joseph could leave her pregnant and unmarried. If her father refused to take her in after Joseph rejected her she would be on the streets. No other man would have ever married her after these circumstances and what does Mary say? “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word.” Even when the outcome seems to be an absolute disaster, Mary, the servant of the Lord, just wants to serve Him.
I have that verse highlighted in my Bible and I look at it often. I marvel at Mary’s faith in our Lord. There are days the Lord asks so little of me, and I am unwilling to serve him. When Mary said “be it unto me according to thy word” she meant it. For the rest of Mary’s life she proved that she meant what she said. I believe this is how Mary found favour with her God and this is why she was blessed among women. Mary believed when the angel said: “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” She believed enough that no matter what came her way she stayed her course and served Him. No matter what it cost her, she continued to serve him. The Lord knew Mary would not say no to Him and Mary had faith in her Lord.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Behold, The Handmaid of the Lord
So I am a bit late posting last weeks devotional! My 5 days of vacation was WONDEFUL!
Stay Blessed!
Megs
Behold, the Handmaid of the Lord
I wanted to use a New Testament example of faith this week. There is really no greater example of a woman of faith, in the Old or New Testament, than that of our Saviour’s mother. Mary has perplexed me for years now. I have tried to imagine what it was like to be Mary and I just cannot do it. I look forward to meeting her in eternity.
Abigail and Esther are exciting to read about. I can comprehend their decisions, understand their actions, and even imagine what it would have been like to be them. Mary, on the other hand, is altogether different. When I read about Mary (there is not a whole lot to read) I sit in reverence. Not because Mary was holy and perfect, she was not. Mary was a woman born of flesh and blood with a sin nature just like you and me.
Physically speaking her life was not the least bit exciting. Mary was poor in the eyes of her world, but had riches overflowing in the eyes of her God. She was unimportant and overlooked by those who past her by, but counted worthy to be the mother of the Saviour by her Heavenly Father. Luke 1:28 And the angel came in unto her; and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Have you ever asked yourself just how did Mary find favour with God? Why was she blessed among women?
The angle Gabriel was sent to Mary and tells her (Luke 1:26-38) she has been chosen as the mother of God’s son. Verses 29-30 “…she was troubled at his saying and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” She does not ask him for details, she does not run away, she does not start weeping uncontrollably, and she does not bombard him with questions. Mary sits quietly and listens to the Messenger of the Lord. The only question Mary does ask is a pertinent one. “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” Mary’s question and the angel’s answer are recorded for the world to know that the prophecy of the virgin birth has been fulfilled.
When the angel is finished and has told Mary all that shall be done to her, what is her response? “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid (maidservant) of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” I have spent a lot of time just reading this one passage. Mary’s life has just been turned upside down, sideways three times and upside down again. Joseph could leave her pregnant and unmarried. If her father refused to take her in after Joseph rejected her she would be on the streets. No other man would have ever married her after these circumstances and what does Mary say? “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word.” Even when the outcome seems to be an absolute disaster, Mary, the servant of the Lord, just wants to serve Him.
I have that verse highlighted in my Bible and I look at it often. I marvel at Mary’s faith in our Lord. There are days the Lord asks so little of me, and I am unwilling to serve him. When Mary said “be it unto me according to thy word” she meant it. For the rest of Mary’s life she proved that she meant what she said. I believe this is how Mary found favour with her God and this is why she was blessed among women. Mary believed when the angel said: “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” She believed enough that no matter what came her way she stayed her course and served Him. No matter what it cost her, she continued to serve him. The Lord knew Mary would not say no to Him and Mary had faith in her Lord.
Stay Blessed!
Megs
Behold, the Handmaid of the Lord
I wanted to use a New Testament example of faith this week. There is really no greater example of a woman of faith, in the Old or New Testament, than that of our Saviour’s mother. Mary has perplexed me for years now. I have tried to imagine what it was like to be Mary and I just cannot do it. I look forward to meeting her in eternity.
Abigail and Esther are exciting to read about. I can comprehend their decisions, understand their actions, and even imagine what it would have been like to be them. Mary, on the other hand, is altogether different. When I read about Mary (there is not a whole lot to read) I sit in reverence. Not because Mary was holy and perfect, she was not. Mary was a woman born of flesh and blood with a sin nature just like you and me.
Physically speaking her life was not the least bit exciting. Mary was poor in the eyes of her world, but had riches overflowing in the eyes of her God. She was unimportant and overlooked by those who past her by, but counted worthy to be the mother of the Saviour by her Heavenly Father. Luke 1:28 And the angel came in unto her; and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Have you ever asked yourself just how did Mary find favour with God? Why was she blessed among women?
The angle Gabriel was sent to Mary and tells her (Luke 1:26-38) she has been chosen as the mother of God’s son. Verses 29-30 “…she was troubled at his saying and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” She does not ask him for details, she does not run away, she does not start weeping uncontrollably, and she does not bombard him with questions. Mary sits quietly and listens to the Messenger of the Lord. The only question Mary does ask is a pertinent one. “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” Mary’s question and the angel’s answer are recorded for the world to know that the prophecy of the virgin birth has been fulfilled.
When the angel is finished and has told Mary all that shall be done to her, what is her response? “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid (maidservant) of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” I have spent a lot of time just reading this one passage. Mary’s life has just been turned upside down, sideways three times and upside down again. Joseph could leave her pregnant and unmarried. If her father refused to take her in after Joseph rejected her she would be on the streets. No other man would have ever married her after these circumstances and what does Mary say? “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word.” Even when the outcome seems to be an absolute disaster, Mary, the servant of the Lord, just wants to serve Him.
I have that verse highlighted in my Bible and I look at it often. I marvel at Mary’s faith in our Lord. There are days the Lord asks so little of me, and I am unwilling to serve him. When Mary said “be it unto me according to thy word” she meant it. For the rest of Mary’s life she proved that she meant what she said. I believe this is how Mary found favour with her God and this is why she was blessed among women. Mary believed when the angel said: “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” She believed enough that no matter what came her way she stayed her course and served Him. No matter what it cost her, she continued to serve him. The Lord knew Mary would not say no to Him and Mary had faith in her Lord.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Will He find you Faithful
Here is this weeks devotional...Enjoy!
Stay Blessed!
Megs
Will He Find You Faithful
I’m not sure that Esther could have ever realized the full effect that her faith would have had down through history. Here we are some 2,500 years later discussing Esther’s faith in our Lord. Esther chose to have faith even before the chosen Messiah had come. How much more faith should we have knowing that he has come, and will come again. Incase anyone is not familiar with the book of Esther I want to give a short summary. Both of Esther’s parents at some point died when she was still young. Her older cousin, Mordecai, took Esther to raise her. The queen of Babylon at this time was Vashti. King Ahasuerus got angry with Vashti, and put her away. The king and his “wise men” decided to search for a new queen. The “wise men” suggested he just bring all of the beautiful young virgins in Babylon to the palace. He could keep them all and just pick one to be queen. I know my blood pressure goes up every time I read this book! For this reason, it is important to remember that this WAS NOT God’s will. These were wicked, worldly people doing wicked worldly things. It was not what God wanted. Esther was one of the young women chosen for the king.Can you imagine how Esther felt as they were taking her away? She had already been separated from one family, now she would be separated from another. Mordecai had to watch as they took Esther away and there was nothing he could do. Why didn’t Esther or Mordecai put up a fight? Why didn’t they resist? To live in Babylon meant living by Babylon’s rules and being subject to that authority. To resist would have meant death. Beloved, faith cannot be proven, until it is tested. 1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Esther is taken into the palace with the other women. She is given to Hegai, keeper of the women. In Esther 2:9 it says “and the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her things for purification…….and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women. Picture this for a moment. There were literally hundreds of other women brought to the palace, not to mention the other women that already lived there. Hegai was the keeper of the women. I love you girls, but no way do I want to be a keeper of hundreds of women! Can you imagine what a day was like for him? Out of all these women instantly he is taken by Esther. I cannot prove this and it is strictly my opinion but I think the majority of women responded in 1 of 3 ways to this situation. Some were angry. They were going along because they had to. You could see it on their face they did not want to be there and they let everyone know it. They couldn’t resist, but they would make life miserable for everyone else around them. Some were falling apart. Weeping, trembling, unable to follow simple instructions because of the fear and grief that had overcome them. After all, they were never getting out of here. This was their life from now until they died. Some were all to glad to be there. They deserved it. Of course they were picked for the king, why wouldn’t they be? I’ll take the best maidens please. I would like the best rooms please. I like my tea at 7:00 am sharp. They were strutting around all to happy with themselves. I do not believe Esther fit any of these categories. Esther was not super human. I’m sure she was scared and at least a few times felt like crying. Esther’s faith was stronger than her emotions. Her faith in her Creator rose above any feelings she may have had. She stood firm, planted her feet in faith and grew above her circumstances. Ephesians 3:17-21 That Christ may dwell in you hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. World without end indeed. We are capable, through faith, to accomplish all that Esther did and more. I am not talking about a specific situation. I am talking about living our lives as Esther lived hers. None of us will have our faith tested in the exact same way through the exact same trials even today living in this day and time together. Will we ever be taken away as young virgins to the king? No. Will we ever be in a position where we have to risk our lives to save the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ? Probably not. I think the decision Esther made to risk her life to save the Jewish people is amazing. Now stay with me here as I say this. What amazes me the most about Esther is not her willingness to die physically, but her willingness to die daily by accepting that her life was not her own, but the Lords. She not only accepted the Lord’s will, but showed complete reverence to a man who did not even come close to deserving such a woman. Sisters, this kind of an attitude could only come from and enormous amount of faith. Esther had to believe the Lord loved her and wanted what was best for her. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.Like Abigail, Esther had a great amount of discernment and wisdom. No doubt she prayed for both. She had the faith to believe God would give them to her. Do you have enough faith to believe God will give them to you? James1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Esther had courage like Abigail. It was a courageous thing to risk her life by pleading for the Jews. I believe it might have taken more courage to just live her every day life to the point that people saw there was something different about her. Out of all the hundreds of women, Hegai and the king both saw something different in Esther. She found favour with both of them. Hegai gave her the best and the king made her his queen. Abigail and Esther both had the heart of a servant. They reverenced men who did not deserve their reverence. Now that takes faith! Does it not? They were faithful to the Lord and believed he would be faithful to them. They were obedient and trusted that the Lord would take care of them and those they were under the authority of. 2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.Have you noticed a pattern here? Abigail and Esther were both extremely faithful in their every day lives. Their lives were not easy, they were hard, but I am sure you never would have known that had you met them. The Lord had a plan for both of these ladies just as he has a plan for you and I. Proverbs 20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? Will he find you faithful?
Stay Blessed!
Megs
Will He Find You Faithful
I’m not sure that Esther could have ever realized the full effect that her faith would have had down through history. Here we are some 2,500 years later discussing Esther’s faith in our Lord. Esther chose to have faith even before the chosen Messiah had come. How much more faith should we have knowing that he has come, and will come again. Incase anyone is not familiar with the book of Esther I want to give a short summary. Both of Esther’s parents at some point died when she was still young. Her older cousin, Mordecai, took Esther to raise her. The queen of Babylon at this time was Vashti. King Ahasuerus got angry with Vashti, and put her away. The king and his “wise men” decided to search for a new queen. The “wise men” suggested he just bring all of the beautiful young virgins in Babylon to the palace. He could keep them all and just pick one to be queen. I know my blood pressure goes up every time I read this book! For this reason, it is important to remember that this WAS NOT God’s will. These were wicked, worldly people doing wicked worldly things. It was not what God wanted. Esther was one of the young women chosen for the king.Can you imagine how Esther felt as they were taking her away? She had already been separated from one family, now she would be separated from another. Mordecai had to watch as they took Esther away and there was nothing he could do. Why didn’t Esther or Mordecai put up a fight? Why didn’t they resist? To live in Babylon meant living by Babylon’s rules and being subject to that authority. To resist would have meant death. Beloved, faith cannot be proven, until it is tested. 1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Esther is taken into the palace with the other women. She is given to Hegai, keeper of the women. In Esther 2:9 it says “and the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her things for purification…….and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women. Picture this for a moment. There were literally hundreds of other women brought to the palace, not to mention the other women that already lived there. Hegai was the keeper of the women. I love you girls, but no way do I want to be a keeper of hundreds of women! Can you imagine what a day was like for him? Out of all these women instantly he is taken by Esther. I cannot prove this and it is strictly my opinion but I think the majority of women responded in 1 of 3 ways to this situation. Some were angry. They were going along because they had to. You could see it on their face they did not want to be there and they let everyone know it. They couldn’t resist, but they would make life miserable for everyone else around them. Some were falling apart. Weeping, trembling, unable to follow simple instructions because of the fear and grief that had overcome them. After all, they were never getting out of here. This was their life from now until they died. Some were all to glad to be there. They deserved it. Of course they were picked for the king, why wouldn’t they be? I’ll take the best maidens please. I would like the best rooms please. I like my tea at 7:00 am sharp. They were strutting around all to happy with themselves. I do not believe Esther fit any of these categories. Esther was not super human. I’m sure she was scared and at least a few times felt like crying. Esther’s faith was stronger than her emotions. Her faith in her Creator rose above any feelings she may have had. She stood firm, planted her feet in faith and grew above her circumstances. Ephesians 3:17-21 That Christ may dwell in you hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. World without end indeed. We are capable, through faith, to accomplish all that Esther did and more. I am not talking about a specific situation. I am talking about living our lives as Esther lived hers. None of us will have our faith tested in the exact same way through the exact same trials even today living in this day and time together. Will we ever be taken away as young virgins to the king? No. Will we ever be in a position where we have to risk our lives to save the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ? Probably not. I think the decision Esther made to risk her life to save the Jewish people is amazing. Now stay with me here as I say this. What amazes me the most about Esther is not her willingness to die physically, but her willingness to die daily by accepting that her life was not her own, but the Lords. She not only accepted the Lord’s will, but showed complete reverence to a man who did not even come close to deserving such a woman. Sisters, this kind of an attitude could only come from and enormous amount of faith. Esther had to believe the Lord loved her and wanted what was best for her. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.Like Abigail, Esther had a great amount of discernment and wisdom. No doubt she prayed for both. She had the faith to believe God would give them to her. Do you have enough faith to believe God will give them to you? James1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Esther had courage like Abigail. It was a courageous thing to risk her life by pleading for the Jews. I believe it might have taken more courage to just live her every day life to the point that people saw there was something different about her. Out of all the hundreds of women, Hegai and the king both saw something different in Esther. She found favour with both of them. Hegai gave her the best and the king made her his queen. Abigail and Esther both had the heart of a servant. They reverenced men who did not deserve their reverence. Now that takes faith! Does it not? They were faithful to the Lord and believed he would be faithful to them. They were obedient and trusted that the Lord would take care of them and those they were under the authority of. 2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.Have you noticed a pattern here? Abigail and Esther were both extremely faithful in their every day lives. Their lives were not easy, they were hard, but I am sure you never would have known that had you met them. The Lord had a plan for both of these ladies just as he has a plan for you and I. Proverbs 20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? Will he find you faithful?
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
For Without Faith...
Here you go girls...Another devotional from Marcie! I have started to depend on these...they lift me up mid-week just when I need it! Enjoy!
Stay Blessed!
Megs
For Without Faith…..
I planned on studying Esther this week but my heart is overflowing. I want to thank every one of you for your prayers while we were in Costa Rica. If the Lord allows we will look at Esther next week. I know all to well what it is to be afraid. Do you? A week ago today I was so afraid I almost tucked tail and ran instead of boarding my airplane. Since my husband is both stronger and faster than me, I got on the plane. When the plane was taking off I scrambled for a barf bag to no avail. My dear husband gave me his jacket and I made myself a little bowl. For an hour I sat with that jacket on my lap praying the Lord would help me. The thought of leaving the three little souls the Lord has entrusted me with had me hovering over a jacket sick with fear. Some of you might say, “Who could blame her that is perfectly understandable.” Beloved, the Bible says in Romans 14:23 Whatsoever is not of faith is sin. I was not a poor, dear mother worrying about her children. I was a born again child of God about to puke in my husbands jacket because of my lack of faith in a mighty, omnipresent, omnipotent God! Lets just call it what it is girls. It is sin!I am thankful that the Lord heard my prayers, that His ears are open to my cry and that he will indeed deliver me out of all my troubles (Psalm 34:15 & 17). The Lord heard my cries way before I boarded that plane. His ears were open to my prayer last week when I asked for faith like Abigail’s. He is so faithful. 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith not by sight. Abigail walked by faith. She could not trust what she saw (the army of 400 men racing toward her). She had to believe in Him who she could not see. Sisters, I met my army March 25th. It was a Bowing 757. It was taking me way to high, way too fast, and way to far away from my home and children. I kept telling myself that the Lord could be in Indiana with the kids and with Alan and I (whether miles in the air or miles away in Costa Rica) all at the same time. The only problem was that I really did not believe that.The effect of fear is like the effect of too much alcohol. What you know to be right and true becomes uncertain. 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. Too much alcohol not only torments you physically (vomiting, hangovers, falling and hurting yourself) it completely distorts your thinking and your judgment. The Bible tells us to fear the Lord. A little fear is good. Fear that begins to effect you physically and distorts what the Bible tells you is true, this is from the evil one. The Lord, ever so patiently, pushed me to face three of my biggest fears this week. The same faith he gave to Abigail thousands of years ago, he also gave to me. Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Beloved, the Lord gives us just the right amount of faith at just the right time. You do not need faith to fly across the country until you are flying across the country. However, you do have to believe when the time comes He will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. It has been my experience that the only way to conquer my fears is to face my fears. The only way to face my fears is to have faith in the One who desires that I be fearless. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. The Bible tells us how our faith will be increased in James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. It is in our trials that our faith in our Saviour will be increased. It is when we realize just how badly we need Him. In Romans 12:3 it says not to think of your self more highly than you ought to think. I am going to be completely honest and I hope you are not too disappointed (or surprised). Before having to get on that plane I thought I had at least average faith. I was thinking of myself more highly than I ought. The Lord had to humble me before He could increase my faith. Hovering over my husband’s jacket for an hour waiting to puke my guts out was pretty humbling. I want to say to God’s glory that as I sit on another Bowing 747 on my way home that I have not had so much as a flutter in my stomach. The Lord peeled away layers of fear over the week I was in Costa Rica. Fear that I was not aware even existed. Psalm 34:15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous (I am only righteous through Jesus) and His ears are open unto their cry. He is an awesome God.I do not expect to ever be so afraid to fly or leave my “on loan” children again. But I do know this is not my last battle with fear or faith. I have a battle to finish with a tarantula I met in Costa Rica. The Lord indeed knows my limitations so that battle will have to wait.Have you ever held a snow globe? In our hands it is so small and fragile. It fits right in the palm of our hand. From our view there is nothing hidden from our sight. Think about the Lord beloved. Do you realize how big He truly is? Isaiah 40:22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: The view I had on the plane gave this verse new meaning to me. We are so small, yet we are so loved and cared for. Sister, there is no reason to fear. We are but a snow globe in His hands. Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts….and be ye thankful. Lord, I pray you will make this verse real to me and to my sisters in Christ. Replace our fear with your peace and help us to always be thankful. Help us to remember that without faith it is impossible to please you. Amen.
Stay Blessed!
Megs
For Without Faith…..
I planned on studying Esther this week but my heart is overflowing. I want to thank every one of you for your prayers while we were in Costa Rica. If the Lord allows we will look at Esther next week. I know all to well what it is to be afraid. Do you? A week ago today I was so afraid I almost tucked tail and ran instead of boarding my airplane. Since my husband is both stronger and faster than me, I got on the plane. When the plane was taking off I scrambled for a barf bag to no avail. My dear husband gave me his jacket and I made myself a little bowl. For an hour I sat with that jacket on my lap praying the Lord would help me. The thought of leaving the three little souls the Lord has entrusted me with had me hovering over a jacket sick with fear. Some of you might say, “Who could blame her that is perfectly understandable.” Beloved, the Bible says in Romans 14:23 Whatsoever is not of faith is sin. I was not a poor, dear mother worrying about her children. I was a born again child of God about to puke in my husbands jacket because of my lack of faith in a mighty, omnipresent, omnipotent God! Lets just call it what it is girls. It is sin!I am thankful that the Lord heard my prayers, that His ears are open to my cry and that he will indeed deliver me out of all my troubles (Psalm 34:15 & 17). The Lord heard my cries way before I boarded that plane. His ears were open to my prayer last week when I asked for faith like Abigail’s. He is so faithful. 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith not by sight. Abigail walked by faith. She could not trust what she saw (the army of 400 men racing toward her). She had to believe in Him who she could not see. Sisters, I met my army March 25th. It was a Bowing 757. It was taking me way to high, way too fast, and way to far away from my home and children. I kept telling myself that the Lord could be in Indiana with the kids and with Alan and I (whether miles in the air or miles away in Costa Rica) all at the same time. The only problem was that I really did not believe that.The effect of fear is like the effect of too much alcohol. What you know to be right and true becomes uncertain. 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. Too much alcohol not only torments you physically (vomiting, hangovers, falling and hurting yourself) it completely distorts your thinking and your judgment. The Bible tells us to fear the Lord. A little fear is good. Fear that begins to effect you physically and distorts what the Bible tells you is true, this is from the evil one. The Lord, ever so patiently, pushed me to face three of my biggest fears this week. The same faith he gave to Abigail thousands of years ago, he also gave to me. Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Beloved, the Lord gives us just the right amount of faith at just the right time. You do not need faith to fly across the country until you are flying across the country. However, you do have to believe when the time comes He will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. It has been my experience that the only way to conquer my fears is to face my fears. The only way to face my fears is to have faith in the One who desires that I be fearless. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. The Bible tells us how our faith will be increased in James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. It is in our trials that our faith in our Saviour will be increased. It is when we realize just how badly we need Him. In Romans 12:3 it says not to think of your self more highly than you ought to think. I am going to be completely honest and I hope you are not too disappointed (or surprised). Before having to get on that plane I thought I had at least average faith. I was thinking of myself more highly than I ought. The Lord had to humble me before He could increase my faith. Hovering over my husband’s jacket for an hour waiting to puke my guts out was pretty humbling. I want to say to God’s glory that as I sit on another Bowing 747 on my way home that I have not had so much as a flutter in my stomach. The Lord peeled away layers of fear over the week I was in Costa Rica. Fear that I was not aware even existed. Psalm 34:15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous (I am only righteous through Jesus) and His ears are open unto their cry. He is an awesome God.I do not expect to ever be so afraid to fly or leave my “on loan” children again. But I do know this is not my last battle with fear or faith. I have a battle to finish with a tarantula I met in Costa Rica. The Lord indeed knows my limitations so that battle will have to wait.Have you ever held a snow globe? In our hands it is so small and fragile. It fits right in the palm of our hand. From our view there is nothing hidden from our sight. Think about the Lord beloved. Do you realize how big He truly is? Isaiah 40:22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: The view I had on the plane gave this verse new meaning to me. We are so small, yet we are so loved and cared for. Sister, there is no reason to fear. We are but a snow globe in His hands. Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts….and be ye thankful. Lord, I pray you will make this verse real to me and to my sisters in Christ. Replace our fear with your peace and help us to always be thankful. Help us to remember that without faith it is impossible to please you. Amen.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Randy Pausch and His Last Lecture
This is a very moving video that I think everyone can learn from. It only takes about 12 minutes. Very touching. Please pray for Randy and his family.
Stay Blessed!
Megs
Randy Pausch reprising his Last Lecture
http://video.stumbleupon.com/#p=ithct48cqw
Stay Blessed!
Megs
Randy Pausch reprising his Last Lecture
http://video.stumbleupon.com/#p=ithct48cqw
Abigail's Faith
Abigail’s Faith
We do not know a lot about Abigail. We learn what we do know in 1 Samuel 25. God’s word tells us she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance. It also tells us she was married to Nabal, a churlish (harsh), foolish, evil, son of Belial (wicked man). How in the world did these two hook up? I do not know if Abigail chose to marry Nabal or if she was forced to. According to the customs back then more than likely she had to. By reading this chapter it appears that regardless of how it came to be Abigail accepted the state she was in.If Abigail was downhearted, depressed, bitter, angry, or suffering from poor me syndrome, I do not think God’s word would say she had a beautiful countenance. Can you imagine the kind of faith it took for Abigail to be married to this man, day in and day out? His very name means fool. Her name means cause of joy. Abigail was faithful in every way.She was faithful to her God. In her plea to David we find out that she knows He is God’s man. In verses 28-31 she tells him she knows evil has not been found in him, that he is running from Saul who wants to kill him, that Saul will not prevail, and that the Lord will keep all he has spoken concerning David, and make him ruler over Israel. Not only does she know all of this, she BELIEVES it! Abigail had faith in her God. Abigail was faithful to her undeserving husband. Do you think this was the first time she had to run interference for Nabal? This may have been the first time her life was on the line, but no way was it the first time she had to clean up his mess. What Grace and respect she bestows on such a wicked man. Abigail could not have been so faithful to her husband had she not first accepted her situation and then accepted God’s help. She had faith that the Lord would help her be a Godly wife. She was faithful to her husband because she loved and believed in her God. Abigail was faithful to those she was responsible for. In verse 14 one of the young men came and told Abigail what had happened. He says to Abigail “he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him”. No doubt this young man knew he could confide in Abigail and knew she would take care of him, and everyone else in the household. He had seen her kindness and faithfulness day after day. He had faith in Abigail because she had proven herself faithful. She had faith the Lord would enable her to do what needed to be done in the trivial matters of every day life as well as the “an army of 400 is coming to kill us” matters. Abigail was faithful to God’s man. She knew all that was going on with David. She knew he and his men had a physical need for provisions. More importantly though, she knew David needed to be disarmed. Samuel had just died. No doubt David was still mourning over him. He is still running from Saul, and he asks for some food from a man whose flocks David himself has been protecting. Not only was Nabal a fool, he had horrible timing. That was the last straw for David. David was coming to kill Nabal and possibly everyone else. Abigail risked her life (not to mention what she had to deal with when she got home and told Nabal what she had done) to stand in the gap for God’s man. I do not doubt it was God that spoke to David that day through Abigail. She threw herself at his feet in reverence to her future king. Her words and her Godly wisdom soothed his soul and appeased his anger. She had kept David from making a horrible mistake. Abigail had faith in God’s man because he was faithful to God.Abigail was faithful to God’s will for her life. When Nabal dies David asks Abigail to be his wife and she accepts. You might think “Hello he is king of course she accepts!” David was not king yet. He had nothing. That is why he sent for food. He had nothing. He was living in the wilderness running from a crazy king who wanted him dead. Abigail was very wealthy. She no doubt had a nice home, nice clothes, nice things. But Abigail already knew what Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:18 “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Look at verses 41 and 42. “And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord. And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.” Nabal was gone and she did not have to contend with him anymore. She could have stayed in her nice home with her nice things and all of her servants and lived very comfortably. Instead she makes haste to marry God’s man who has nothing and is currently unemployed, living in the wilderness, and running for his life.. Not only is it her desire to serve her husband, she desires to serve all the servants of her lord (lowercase l in lord meaning her husband). Abigail is literally willing to wash the feet of her husband’s servants! Abigail had faith in where her Lord had called her and what he had called her to.When Abigail was confronted with this whole mess she did not scream and yell about what a fool her husband was, she didn’t fall to pieces and sob until her eyes swelled. Abigail made haste. There was a job to be done and she had just enough faith to do it. Abigail’s faith had increased to the point that we find her racing head on into an army of 400 warriors whose leader is TICKED OFF at her husband! That is what I call faith in action. Lord, I thank you for Abigail and the encouragement she gives us. Jesus, I want this kind of faith, and I want my sisters in Christ to have it too. Increase our faith, Lord, so we may face our warriors and do great and mighty things for You. Amen.Alan and I leave for Costa Rica the 25th. We will be back on the 4th. It is my desire to get a devotional out for the week of the 3rd. We will leave this up to the Lord. If I do not get one out they will resume on the 10th. Please keep the kids and us in your prayers and pray we will be a blessing to the ministries in Costa Rica.
We do not know a lot about Abigail. We learn what we do know in 1 Samuel 25. God’s word tells us she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance. It also tells us she was married to Nabal, a churlish (harsh), foolish, evil, son of Belial (wicked man). How in the world did these two hook up? I do not know if Abigail chose to marry Nabal or if she was forced to. According to the customs back then more than likely she had to. By reading this chapter it appears that regardless of how it came to be Abigail accepted the state she was in.If Abigail was downhearted, depressed, bitter, angry, or suffering from poor me syndrome, I do not think God’s word would say she had a beautiful countenance. Can you imagine the kind of faith it took for Abigail to be married to this man, day in and day out? His very name means fool. Her name means cause of joy. Abigail was faithful in every way.She was faithful to her God. In her plea to David we find out that she knows He is God’s man. In verses 28-31 she tells him she knows evil has not been found in him, that he is running from Saul who wants to kill him, that Saul will not prevail, and that the Lord will keep all he has spoken concerning David, and make him ruler over Israel. Not only does she know all of this, she BELIEVES it! Abigail had faith in her God. Abigail was faithful to her undeserving husband. Do you think this was the first time she had to run interference for Nabal? This may have been the first time her life was on the line, but no way was it the first time she had to clean up his mess. What Grace and respect she bestows on such a wicked man. Abigail could not have been so faithful to her husband had she not first accepted her situation and then accepted God’s help. She had faith that the Lord would help her be a Godly wife. She was faithful to her husband because she loved and believed in her God. Abigail was faithful to those she was responsible for. In verse 14 one of the young men came and told Abigail what had happened. He says to Abigail “he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him”. No doubt this young man knew he could confide in Abigail and knew she would take care of him, and everyone else in the household. He had seen her kindness and faithfulness day after day. He had faith in Abigail because she had proven herself faithful. She had faith the Lord would enable her to do what needed to be done in the trivial matters of every day life as well as the “an army of 400 is coming to kill us” matters. Abigail was faithful to God’s man. She knew all that was going on with David. She knew he and his men had a physical need for provisions. More importantly though, she knew David needed to be disarmed. Samuel had just died. No doubt David was still mourning over him. He is still running from Saul, and he asks for some food from a man whose flocks David himself has been protecting. Not only was Nabal a fool, he had horrible timing. That was the last straw for David. David was coming to kill Nabal and possibly everyone else. Abigail risked her life (not to mention what she had to deal with when she got home and told Nabal what she had done) to stand in the gap for God’s man. I do not doubt it was God that spoke to David that day through Abigail. She threw herself at his feet in reverence to her future king. Her words and her Godly wisdom soothed his soul and appeased his anger. She had kept David from making a horrible mistake. Abigail had faith in God’s man because he was faithful to God.Abigail was faithful to God’s will for her life. When Nabal dies David asks Abigail to be his wife and she accepts. You might think “Hello he is king of course she accepts!” David was not king yet. He had nothing. That is why he sent for food. He had nothing. He was living in the wilderness running from a crazy king who wanted him dead. Abigail was very wealthy. She no doubt had a nice home, nice clothes, nice things. But Abigail already knew what Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:18 “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Look at verses 41 and 42. “And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord. And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.” Nabal was gone and she did not have to contend with him anymore. She could have stayed in her nice home with her nice things and all of her servants and lived very comfortably. Instead she makes haste to marry God’s man who has nothing and is currently unemployed, living in the wilderness, and running for his life.. Not only is it her desire to serve her husband, she desires to serve all the servants of her lord (lowercase l in lord meaning her husband). Abigail is literally willing to wash the feet of her husband’s servants! Abigail had faith in where her Lord had called her and what he had called her to.When Abigail was confronted with this whole mess she did not scream and yell about what a fool her husband was, she didn’t fall to pieces and sob until her eyes swelled. Abigail made haste. There was a job to be done and she had just enough faith to do it. Abigail’s faith had increased to the point that we find her racing head on into an army of 400 warriors whose leader is TICKED OFF at her husband! That is what I call faith in action. Lord, I thank you for Abigail and the encouragement she gives us. Jesus, I want this kind of faith, and I want my sisters in Christ to have it too. Increase our faith, Lord, so we may face our warriors and do great and mighty things for You. Amen.Alan and I leave for Costa Rica the 25th. We will be back on the 4th. It is my desire to get a devotional out for the week of the 3rd. We will leave this up to the Lord. If I do not get one out they will resume on the 10th. Please keep the kids and us in your prayers and pray we will be a blessing to the ministries in Costa Rica.
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