Today’s Reading: Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. – Matthew 4:1-7

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted. God was not tempting Jesus but He was allowing Jesus to go through a time of temptation, just as He allows us to experience temptations.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. – James 1:13-14

By fasting through this time of temptation, Jesus was showing his intention to depend on God for his strength and God only. He was giving God his full attention, away from the distractions of his daily life and away from the satisfactions of the earth’s nourishments. Jesus was able to say no to temptation because his focus was on God. Knowing Jesus would be hungry, Satan tried to play on this weakness in order to take advantage of his vulnerability, just as Satan tempts us where we are the most vulnerable or weak.

During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” – Matthew 4:3-4

Jesus’ response to each of the temptations was to quote Scripture, a great model for how we can handle temptation. But we have to study the word and be prepared by knowing the Scripture in order to be equipped to use them in similar situations in our lives. If God’s word sustains us, shouldn’t we spend time in His presence soaking in what He says?

Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” – Matthew 4:5-7

Satan wanted Jesus to test God by jumping off the highest point of the Temple and then ask God to rescue Him. Listen carefully because I think we do this more often than we realize. Satan tempts us to do something we know we should not do by convincing us that it will be simple to ask God to forgive us after we have sinned – to rescue us from our consequences. If God is full of grace and all we have to do is ask for forgiveness, why not enjoy a time or moment of sin and simply ask God to forgive us afterwards? I believe we should take Jesus’ response seriously: “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”

Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you worship me.” – Luke 4:5-7

My first reaction to this next temptation is that Satan is lying when he says he has the ability to give earthly kingdoms and authority to men. But, the more I think about it in the context of other scriptures, the more I think maybe Satan does have this ability. That would explain why so many sinful people have gained high position and earthly wealth. But beware. If we compromise and live a life for earthly gain, we are worshipping Satan.

“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus. – Matthew 4:10-11

Our response to Satan’s temptations could be just as powerful as Jesus’ response was. I love how the NLT translates this response: “Get out of here, Satan.” With strength and determination we can face temptations by declaring that we will worship God and serve only Him! So you are wasting time, Satan. Get out of here!

When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came. – Luke 4:13

Satan left Jesus until the next opportunity came for him to tempt the Son of God. Satan will be back. He is a roaring lion, seeking whom he may destroy (1 Peter 5:8). We can be prepared for this temptation by giving God our full attention, studying the word of God and building our faith so that we can easily say, “Get out of here, Satan!”

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” – Matthew 26:41

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. – Philippians 1:28-29

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are —yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. – Hebrews 4:14-16

Today’s Reading: Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22

God had a magnificent plan for John the Baptist, yet John remained humble. He was given the role of preparing Israel for the coming of their Messiah, he was given the honor of seeing Jesus revealed as the Son of God and he was given the privilege of introducing the “Lamb of God” to the very people whose sins Jesus would die for.

John could have thought much of himself but he knew he was also one who needed a Savior and that knowledge kept him humble. He could have said, “Hey, we’re family – Jesus is my cousin! God has chosen this relative of mine to bring salvation!” But instead he left himself out of the introduction and simply said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

It seems to me that John told half the story of Jesus’ baptism and Matthew told the other half. Therefore, I am going to combine both passages so that we can get an idea of how this took place:

John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” – John 1:26-27

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’ I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.’” – John 1:29-31

Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him.

After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” – Matthew 3:13-17

Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.’” – John 1:29-34

The study Bible I use points out that the language John the Baptist used when he referred to Jesus as “the Chosen One of God” and the language God used when He said “This is my dearly loved Son” is the same language used in Isaiah 42:1: “Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations.”

Just as God had a plan for John the Baptist who remained humble in carrying out God’s will for his life, we should also remain humble. What God calls us to do, the position He places us in and the things He calls us to, NONE OF IT IS ABOUT US. It’s about Him – the Chosen One of God, the Dearly Loved Son. It was for our sins that Jesus died and we come to Him as a humble servant, ready to be used however He desires for His glory and not ours.

He was despised and rejected – a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was despised and we did not care.
Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins!
But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.
All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.

And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins.
I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death.
He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels. – Isaiah 53:3-8,11b-12

Now it’s time to make it about me! I am a rebel – a rebel who humbly enters God’s presence this morning and bows before the Son of God to say…

Thank you for dying for my sins.
Thank you for carrying my weaknesses and my sorrows,
for being pierced for my rebellion, crushed for my sins.
I am whole because you were beaten;
I am healed because you were whipped.
There have been so many times I have gone astray and left your path to follow my own, yet you willingly bore my sins and interceded for my rebellious heart. This morning I submit to your path and give you all the praise and glory for where this path takes me. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 3:1-12; Luke 3:1-18; John 1:19-28

God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. – John 1:6-8

God had a plan for John – a very specific purpose for his life. John’s obedience and decision to walk in God’s plan for his life made a difference in the lives of many people and in the acceptance of Jesus when He arrived. John knew God’s purpose, knew what God had called him to do – He didn’t know every detail or the timing of God’s plan but he knew there was a plan. John accepted this calling on his life with great humility, even when those around him desired for him to be more than who he was.

This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.”
“Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?”
“No,” he replied.
“Are you the Prophet we are expecting?”
“No.”
“Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?”
John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am the voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’” – John 1:19-23

In those days, when a King or man of great importance was going to visit an area of the kingdom, they would send men out before him to prepare the way. There were not nice paved roads like we have now, so they would take time to travel the path and clear the road of any rocks or fallen trees, perhaps trimming back branches that would hinder a chariot or horse. Their purpose was to make sure there was nothing blocking the way of this man of great importance.

John the Baptist had a similar role – to “clear the way for the Lord’s coming” or make straight the way of the Lord; to make sure there was nothing blocking the way of this man of great importance.

We do a similar “clearing” here at our house when we know that company is coming. It is that moment when we look around and see through the eyes of someone else what our home looks like. When it is just us, we become comfortable. When company is coming, we notice the pair of shoes in the living room; that the couch cushions need straightened, chairs have not been pushed back under the table, shower curtains need closed and blinds need opened. We scramble around the house, clearing and preparing for our special guests.

One day we were shopping at Bergner’s and saw a young mother from our church with her arm in a sling. She explained that she broke her arm when she tripped over the toys of her 3 year old. Her son didn’t do anything wrong, he was simply playing with his toys, yet the scattered objects had hindered his mother’s ability to walk across the room unharmed.

I feel God challenging me to take a look at my life through His eyes; to honestly look and see if there is some “clearing” I need to do. Are there things in my life that are blocking the way of what God wants to accomplish? Are there attitudes I have become comfortable with that I need Jesus to shine His light on and expose? Is there anything that is not clearly a sin but hindering someone else’s walk? Is there a possibility that the conditions of my life will cause someone else to stumble? Perhaps what I need to give up is more than just chocolate or coffee but something bigger that is cluttering my walk with Jesus.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. – Hebrews 12:1-12

I know that, just like John the Baptist, God has a plan for my life – a specific purpose – just like He has for your life. I want to obediently and humbly walk in that plan. Lord, shine your light on my life and show me what I need to clear away. I do not want to hold tightly to anything that might block your way or hinder someone else’s walk. Strengthen my hands to take a new grip on you instead of holding onto something I need to let go of. Strengthen my weak knees and mark out a straight path for my feet. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Luke 2:39-52

The writers of the gospels seem to fast forward through Jesus’ childhood. Not much is written about the time between the visit with the wisemen and the journey to Jerusalem when Jesus was twelve years old. Out of curiosity, we wonder what it would have been like to raise the Son of God. We imagine Jesus playing with his brothers, watching his father build things with wood or cuddling up beside the fire with his mother after a long day. Most likely, Jesus had a pretty normal childhood.

When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.

Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people. – Luke 2:39-52

Have you ever lost your child, even for just a minute? The feeling that surges through you is far beyond what the word “panic” describes. I get that same feeling when I am at a store and I hear another mother looking for their child. I stop what I’m doing and immediately try to help her find the child.

Every year, we go to Pekin’s Marigold Festival. We start at our friends’ house watching the parade and then go to the park to face the crowds. For us, it isn’t about shopping at the many booths. Instead, it is all about the food!

One year Scott & Libby went off to one booth to buy lunch while the rest of us went to a different booth. When we met up they told us how they had found a lost 3 year old boy. Libby had comforted the little boy and helped him find someone from the Festival to help. My heart went out to a mother somewhere in the crowded park who must be frantically looking for her son.

This must have been how Mary was feeling that day as she looked for her son – the son she knew belonged to God and yet was very much her child. I know the fear of a few seconds of being unable to find my daughter but I cannot imagine what it must have been like for Mary to go through THREE DAYS of searching for her son. Did she sleep at night? How many “what if” scenarios played through her mind from the time she confirmed Jesus was missing until the moment they found him in the Temple. How relieved she must have been when she found him!

The NLT version describes the reactions of Mary and Joseph as “they didn’t know what to think” while the KJV says they were “amazed” and the NIV uses the word “astonished.” I have had a few moments like this as a parent – moments of astonishment or amazement. I have found myself saying, “What were you thinking?!!” Perhaps Jesus’ parents had a similar reaction.

The Greek word used to describe the reaction of Joseph and Mary is very strong – “ekpletto” – to knock someone out of their senses, to strike with astonishment or perhaps terror or admiration. If there had been Twitter in those days, Joseph might have tweeted – I cannot find my son! #ekpletto

They would have watched their son study the Jewish law for years by this age, but this was different. This time, after an exhausting three day search for their son, they walk into the temple and find him not just sitting among the Jewish teachers but listening intently to them, asking questions and then responding with his own understanding and answers. Yes, I am guessing that “ekpletto” would be the proper word for the reaction of more than just Joseph and Mary that day.

“Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Jesus was drawn to His Father, his heart connected to God. Just as I can relate to Mary in this passage, I can also relate to Jesus. I love those moments when my heart is pulled so strongly toward God that I cannot get enough of Him. I love those moments when I am surrounded by His presence with no desire to ever be separated from Him.

My prayer this morning is that we will all experience a strong pull toward God this week. I pray that our time alone with God draws us like a strong magnet as we run into His presence each day. I pray that as Sunday approaches, we do not anticipate just another Sunday morning worship time but that we rush into His sanctuary with the spirit of I must be in my Father’s house!

Today’s Reading:  Matthew 2:1-23

Have you ever set out to do something, but lost track of what you were doing or became distracted by something else before you could accomplish your task?  Have you ever made a trip to the grocery store to buy something and came back with ten other items, forgetting the item you set out to purchase?  Have you ever walked across your house and then became so entranced in a different thought that you cannot remember what you came into the room to do or to get?  Do you ever feel like Kevin the dog in the movie Up – “Squirrel!”

We live such busy lives that it is incredibly easy to become distracted or to lose course.  Life becomes routine and we start going through the motions, forgetting what life is really about or what is most important.  In fact, Sunday mornings can become so routine that even church becomes about something besides worshipping God.

God wants us to purposefully focus on Him every day, to live our lives with our eyes fixed on Him.  Every day of our lives can become about how we worshipped our King, how we spent time seeking Him and entering into His presence to give Him praise.   

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”– Matthew 2:1-2

We have come to worship him. What a great reminder for me this morning to check my intent when I enter into my quiet time or go to a service at Church. I think there are a lot of times when I am going through the motions instead of sincerely entering into His presence to worship Him. When I wake up, grab a cup of coffee and open my Bible, it would be helpful to pause and consider that this time is not about me but about Him. When I walk into the Church, it is not about the people I get to see, or whether or not I am going to like the song selection.  I am there to worship God.

The wisemen could have easily been distracted on their journey. The wisemen came to Jerusalem intently looking for the King of the Jews. This was not something they were doing halfheartedly. They had spent years studying for this journey and their hearts were committed to this search. But there was one who tried hard to distract them – to make this search about him instead of about the newborn King.

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.”

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I may go and worship him.” – Matthew 2:3-8

This was the moment when the purpose for their search could have changed. This is the person who could have distracted the wisemen from their calling. This is the time in which their quest could have become about earthly success or acclaim, but the wisemen stayed focused on their original purpose – to find and worship the King of all Kings.

After they heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. – Matthew 2:9-11a

The Message describes their reaction as “They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him.” The NLT says they were “filled with joy.”

When we enter into God’s house or enter into His presence during our daily quiet time, if we have truly come to worship Him and if we block out distractions and focus on Him, we can be overcome with joy. We can bow before Jesus, open up our hearts to Him, and sincerely worship Him. Then we can empty ourselves and offer Him everything we have to give.

Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. – Matthew 2:11b

What gift can you offer to Jesus today?  I can tell you what He wants from you. He wants YOU – all of you, focused on Him and entering into His presence sincerely intent on worshiping Him. Let’s soak in Jesus’ presence today and allow God to make today exactly what He wants it to be.  

Today’s Reading:  Luke 2:8-20

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared among them and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:8-12

Have you ever wondered why shepherds? Why did God choose this group of shepherds to be the first visitors to the Messiah? I wonder if they had the same response – Why me? Out of everyone you could have given this opportunity, why did you choose me? I am not the smartest or the funniest or the most attractive, and definitely not the most talented. Why choose me to be a part of this big plan? I am not perfect. I have definitely made my share of bad decisions and spoken words I immediately regretted, yet you love me and have a plan for my life. But even as I acknowledge this, I feel fear creep in.

“They were terrified.”

Do you know what it is to be scared to death of God’s plan?  There are moments in our life, like this one the shepherds experienced, when we do not fully understand what is happening or what God’s bigger plan is.  Our response is fear.  Yet God calls us to trust Him. 

“Don’t be afraid!” 

Trust me, even when it means not understanding.  Trust me, even when you are overwhelmed.  Trust me, even when the path ahead is blurry.

“I bring you good news.”

This is a good thing. There is no need to be scared, no need to worry. This new thing, this change in your life, is a good thing. You may not see it now but trust me and do not be afraid.

“And you will recognize him…”

I’m not going to hide from you. Seek me with all your heart and you will find me. Look around, there is evidence of my hands all around you. If you take the time to watch and listen, you will recognize me and you will hear from me.

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the armies of heaven – praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heavens,and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” – Luke 2:13-14

Lord, we praise you. You are Almighty and you are wonderful! To you be ALL the glory!!! From the humblest of hearts to the highest heaven, may your glory be seen and recognized. Thank you, King Jesus, for the peace you allow us to experience each day. May you look down on us today and be pleased with our worship! Amen.

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. – Luke 2:16

They hurried…

They did not hesitate, they did not pause. They did not go around asking for advice. They had heard from God and they hurried to do what He had told them to do. Because of this response, they did not miss out on what God had for them. And oh what a wonderful experience God had for them, what a good thing!

Do not be afraid. Trust God and experience all the good things He has for you. When you hear from him, hurry to where He is calling you. Do not hesitate.  Do not pause. You will never be the same if you obediently answer His call. Then TELL THE STORY – “This is how I came to experience Jesus…”

After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them. – Luke 2:17-20

Today’s Reading:  Matthew 1:18-25

“Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious, Sweetest that ever was heard.
Tell how the angels in chorus, Sang as they welcomed His birth,
“Glory to God in the highest! Peace and good tidings to earth.”

Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious, Sweetest that ever was heard…”

Written in 1880 by France J. Crosby, these words still speak to me today.  Do these song lyrics speak to the desire of your heart?  As we read through the story of our Savior, do you want THAT kind of impact on your life?  To have God write the story of Jesus on our heart would have a huge impact on the way we respond to His call on our life.  Let’s submit to whatever the Spirit wants to do in us as we study once more the life of Jesus.

This is how… – Matthew 1:18

This is how…  Everyone’s story can be started with these three words.  This is how Sherry came to know Christ.  This is how Scott and Sherry fell in love and married.  This is how Sherry came to work for Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center.  This is how the Sherwood family came to live in Pekin, Illinois.  

Jesus’ story in Matthew starts in this same way.  

This is how Jesus was born.  

This is how the virgin, Mary, came to be with child.  

This is how Joseph decided to marry her instead of divorcing her quietly.  

This is how Mary & Joseph were in Bethlehem when Jesus was born.  

This is how Jesus was born in a stable instead of an inn.

This is how shepherds and wisemen came to visit the baby Jesus.  

This is how Herod came to know of the birth of King Jesus.  

This is how the prophecy of Isaiah came to be fulfilled in the birth of Jesus.

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born.  His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph.  But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him a dream, “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.  For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.  And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:

“Look!  The virgin will conceive a child!

She will give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel,

which means ‘God is with us.’”

When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife.  But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born.  And Joseph named him Jesus.  – Matthew 1:18-25

So what is your story?  How did you come to know Christ?  What circumstances brought you to the place in life you are today?  How would you finish this sentence:  This is how…  

In a trust exercise at work last year, our leadership team went around the table sharing a little about our backstory – Where were you born?  How many siblings do you have and where are you in the birth order?  What is something about your childhood that speaks loudly into the adult you are today?  It was a moment of honesty and vulnerability – a moment when we trusted each other with new information and purposefully began a journey to increase our trust in one another for the sake of our effectiveness in ministry.

Knowing where we have been and how we arrived to where we are at today helps us gain focus of where we are going.  As Paul Harvey would ask, what is the rest of the story?   We have the opportunity to write the next chapter of our lives – our next “This is how…”

Heavenly Father, as we bow before you this beautiful morning in May, we ask that you would see into our hearts.  Lord, see the desire of our heart to live a life that pleases you.  We thank you for our story, for the way you have been with us through the great times and through the difficult ones.  We ask for a special touch this morning as we hear again how you gave your Son to us, to be born in a manger and to die on a cross.  May our hearts be open to any new insights you have for us as we read through the gospels – your story!  Lord, we bring to you the gift of our lives and we give you where our story goes from here.  Father, take the pen out of my hand and write the rest of my story for me.  I submit to your plan.  Amen.

Today’s Reading:  Mark 1:1-8

Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills.  Everyone who heard about it reflected on those events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be?”  For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way. – Luke 1:65-67

“What will this child turn out to be?”  As a mother, my heart is stirred by this question because it is a question I often ponder about my own children.  Don’t we all wonder what will become of our children and grandchildren when they grow up?  Will they marry and, if so, who?  What career will they have?  Will they be successful?  Will they be happy?  Will they have children?  I find myself wondering what God’s plans are for my girls and praying that today’s experiences will prepare them for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Zechariah spoke a blessing over his newborn son:  “And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” – Luke 1:76-79

We can speak blessings over our children in the same way – teaching them at a very young age that God loves them and has a plan for their lives.  I have quoted Jeremiah 29:11 to my daughters countless times:  “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord.  “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Our youngest daughter, Brooke, played volleyball both years that she was at Edison Junior High in Pekin. It was a great experience watching her play and getting to know the other families.  At each game, parents could be heard yelling out words of encouragement to all the girls. “Let’s go Red!”  “You can do this!”  “Stay strong Panthers!”  

The team has a fun tradition when a player spikes or hits the ball and the other team is unable to return it.  First the player yells “Boom!”, then the other five girls on the court yell “Boom!”  The six girls on the bench yell “Boom!” which is followed by the 7th grade team yelling the same.  Then the fans and parents get in on the action with the next loud “Boom!”  Hearing the voices of their teammates and families encourages the girls.  You can see it on their face.  It makes a difference when others acknowledge something we have accomplished or done well.

The month of May seems like the time of year for saying – Good job!  Well done!  Social media is exploding with announcements of graduations, academic accomplishments, sports awards, and more!  It seems everyone is celebrating the completion of the school year or the receiving of a high school or college degree.  

Daily we have the opportunity to speak blessings on our kids – whether they are small enough to crawl into our laps, old enough to ask for the keys to the car, or grown enough to be out of the house.  Our children need to hear from us that we believe in them and in God’s plan for their lives.  Our role as parents never ends.  We can still be the one to pray over them and ask God to bless their lives and protect them.

This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began just as the prophet Isaiah had written:

“Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
    and he will prepare your way.
He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming!
    Clear the road for him!’”

This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven.  All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.  His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.

John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals.  I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!” – Mark 1:1-8

What happens when we struggle to understand the decisions our children are making or the road they are choosing?  I wonder what Zechariah and Elizabeth’s reaction was to John when he was living in the wilderness.  Did they worry?  Were they surprised at the details of how his ministry was rolling out?  I can easily see how parents could go from being the cheerleader to the voice of doubt.  How easily we can get an idea in our head of what our children should do and then end up being a discouragement to them.  That’s not who I want to be.  I pray that I continually point them back to God with words like, “As long as you are doing what God has asked you to do” or “Just keep listening to God and following Him and I’ll be here no matter what.”  

Perhaps we should LOOK FOR AN OPPORTUNITY to gift our children with a letter of blessing, one they can read over and over again as a reminder that we have confidence in their future – a note that states how we believe God can use them in a powerful way wherever He places them and whatever He asks them to do.   Maybe we should look for opportunities every day to essentially say “Boom!” – You did it!  Great job!  I’m proud of you!

Lord, give me wisdom.  Parenting is not always easy but it is such an honor and a blessing.  Thank you for the privilege of this responsibility.  Heavenly Father, guide me and teach me what to say and when to say it.  May I always be a source of encouragement and a positive voice in the heart of each of my daughters.   

Today’s Reading:  Luke 1:39-45

During his time of silence, Zechariah had plenty of time to consider what the angel had said.  He had time to look over the Scriptures and remind himself of all God had promised to the people of Israel.  He could take his new piece of the puzzle and fit it into the big picture.  But how did all of this affect his wife, Elizabeth?  How did more than nine months of silence change their daily life?  Okay, get the jokes out of your system…we can laugh about how great it would be to silence your spouse for a few days but we all know we would be worried when it lasted for such a long time.

Zechariah described himself as an “old man” but he was wise in describing his wife as “also well along in years.”  It is not clear what her age was but she was apparently past child-bearing years.  Luke 1:24 says that Elizabeth went into seclusion for five months after she became pregnant.  There is no evidence that this was an Old Testament custom or command so many theologians believe that Elizabeth took time to have a spiritual retreat of sorts to honor God for answering her prayer.  

Elizabeth’s experience is one of my favorite stories in the Bible – so much so that I named my first baby girl after her, Elizabeth Kathryn Sherwood.  I could relate to Elizabeth’s time of infertility – what she must have felt and how it probably affected her relationships with others in her community.  I wonder if people said things to her that hurt her feelings, as was my experience.  “Do you not like kids?” or “Just come over to my house, there must be something in the water because I don’t have any trouble getting pregnant.”  

Elizabeth’s pain was probably even stronger than mine because now women can choose a career or ministry in place of motherhood.  In those days, childbearing was considered the highest calling for a woman.  Infertility was often paired with a social stigma or shame, often assuming God was not blessing a woman with a baby because of some kind of sin in her life. But Luke makes it clear that Elizabeth was found righteous in God’s sight.  

If I had a quote wall, Elizabeth would be on it twice.  Luke‘s interview with Mary, the mother of Jesus, reveals two very profound statements that come from Elizabeth.  Let’s look at the first.

“How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed.  “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.” – Luke 1:25

Stop.  Slow down and consider with Elizabeth just how kind the Lord has been to you.  God is so good and so compassionate and so loving.  There is evidence of His kindness all over our lives.  What has he taken away from you as an act of kindness?  

• Shame from a sin committed
• Regret from a word spoken
• Consequences that could have destroyed you
• Loneliness that left you feeling unloved and alone
• Pain from an unbearable loss
• Sickness or disease that was taking away your life

The list could go on.  He is so kind to us.  Perhaps He is willing to take something away from you but you are holding on to it instead of clinging to His kindness.  Perhaps it is time to offer everything to Him and let Him bless you with His kindness

A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived.  She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth.  At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.  

Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed.  Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me?  When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy.  You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” – Luke 1:39-45

And now it is Elizabeth’s big day!  Don’t pass too quickly over the statement that Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.  There are a few instances in the Old Testament when someone is described as being filled with the spirit of God, but there are only four people that I can find who were described in the gospels as being filled with the Holy Spirit, only one woman – John the Baptist (1:16), Elizabeth (1:41), Zechariah (1:67), and Jesus (4:14).  Once more, God pours out His blessing on this very special woman.

Only a few days had passed since the angel came to Mary.  Had she told anyone yet of what the angel had spoken?  Did her family know yet?  Did Joseph know?  Now here she is, probably still trying to soak it all in, greeted by Elizabeth, who seems to already know the big news.  This greeting was most likely more than Mary had even wished for.  As far as we know, Elizabeth had not even been told, yet already knew, that Mary was with child.  Mary was not going to be scolded or questioned or accused.  Instead, Elizabeth greeted her with a blessing for Mary and for her baby.     

And here is my second favorite quote.  Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke what I believe Mary needed to hear – what God Himself was saying to her through Elizabeth.  “You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”  

In August of 1996, I received a promise from the Lord that I would have a baby in one year.  Time passed between the promise and the pregnancy.  I had a choice to believe God’s promise or spend time worrying whether or not God’s promise would come true.  A year later, Elizabeth Kathryn was born.

So here’s a question for you – Do you believe?  Is your faith strong enough to believe that God is going to do what He says He will do?  Do you see this Prince of Peace, born in a manger, as being kind and faithful?  That is what He is.  The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay, was born out of the kindness and generosity of our Creator and He loves us with that same kindness today.  Will you let him take away what you have been holding on to and leave faith in its place – faith that He will do what He says He will do.

Today’s Reading:  Luke 1:5-25, 57-80

When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah.  He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron.  Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations.  They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old.

One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week.  As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. – Luke 1:5-9

What a privilege – what a big day for Zechariah!!!  There were 24 orders of priests (1 Chronicles 24) and then a large number of priests in each order.  On this day, his order was on duty and they cast lots to see who would have the honor of entering the sanctuary of the Lord and burning incense.  It was possible that a priest may never be chosen or that this would be a once a lifetime opportunity for a priest.  Today, the lot fell to Zechariah.

While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar.  Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him.  But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah!  God has heard your prayer.  Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John.  You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord.  He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks.  He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth.  And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God.  He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah.  He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord.  He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”

Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen?  I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”

Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel!  I stand in the very presence of God.  It was he who sent me to bring you this good news!  But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born.  For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” – Luke 1:11-20

Have you ever argued with God?  Have you ever asked God for something but, when He gave it to you, you chose to ask more questions instead of going first to praise and thanksgiving?  Have you ever heard God’s promise but lacked the faith to believe that He was really speaking to you or that He was really saying what you have been waiting to hear?

When Zechariah’s week of service in the Temple was over, he returned home.  Soon afterward his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months.  “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed.  “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.” – Luke 1:23-25

When it was time for Elizabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son.  And when her neighbors and relatives heard the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her.

When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony.  They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father.  But Elizabeth said, “No!  His name is John!”

“What?” they exclaimed.  “There is no one in all your family by that name.”  So they used gestures to ask the baby’s father what he wanted to name him.  He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is John.”  Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God. – Luke 1:57-64

For Elizabeth’s entire pregnancy, up until their baby was eight days old, Zechariah was unable to speak.  I wonder if God considers silencing us?  A precious friend reminded me one day that sometimes God asks us to be silent. Perhaps God wants us to spend more time listening for His voice and less time making our own noise, which crowds out His gentle whispers.  Perhaps God desires for us to hear His words without comment, without sarcasm, without questions, without cynicism or doubt.  

What came of Zechariah’s period of silence?  It seems like a new wisdom and understanding were his after this time of quiet.  Zechariah had more than nine months to consider what God was telling him through the angel Gabriel.  Just as his son was born filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah was then filled with the Holy Spirit and began to prophesy.  His time of silence was a great time for him to empty himself of all that was Zechariah so that he could be filled with all that was God.  The result…these powerful words:

“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people.

He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago.

Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us.

He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering his sacred covenant – the covenant he swore with an oath to our ancestor Abraham.

We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live.

“And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord.

You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins.

Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” – Luke 1:68-79

I love the picture of Zechariah smiling down at his newborn son and speaking those tender words of purpose.  Today could get pretty hectic, busy, chaotic and loud for us.  Let’s refuse to make so much noise that we cannot hear God’s still small voice speaking of His purpose for our day.  Let’s bow quietly before Him and pray for a new wisdom and understanding, a new and fresh in-filling of the Spirit.  Then, when we hear from Him, let’s choose to remain quiet and ponder His words, allowing Him to guide us down the path of peace.