Happy Easter!
i am so thankful for what God has allowed over 2,000 years ago. He offered up His one and only Son for the world. every event from scripture has been flooding through my mind this past week and it has been very hard to pen my thoughts (well, type them out!!).
i hope i can do it better today.
this italian is allowed to be a part of God's family. He has saved, healed, delivered, preserved, renewed, washed, protected, disciplined, forgiven, taught, and loved me... M E ~ i am thankful!
triumphal entry; temple cleansed; signs & wonders & lots of questions; teachings; Mary anoints Jesus; betrayal plot; passover preparations & celebration; beginning of Lord's supper; denial prediction; the garden ~ Jesus praying; betrayal executed; the arrest; the trials; 3 denials; 1 freed; the beatings; the cross; the death; the sky & veil & graves opened; the burial; the resurrection; an empty tomb; His appearances; the great commission; and His ascension!
last night we watched "The Prince of Egypt" as a family. and i got a better appreciation for why God had His people retell this Exodus Story to their children every year. He sent His deliverer and he was a foreshadow of The Deliverer ~ The Prince of Peace. i have known this portion of scripture for 23 years and it still amazes me how fresh God can make it and the wonder full things He reveals!!
sisters it is vital to recall to mind all that the Lord has done for you as a person and what He has done for mankind. we must share this with our children as well. in all your celebrating take some time for remembering and thanking.
you are loved with an everlasting love ~ Laurie Kay
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
extreme saving
saturday i went to an extreme coupon class & i was wicked excited about it and have been talking non-stop to anyone/everyone i see!!
o my gravy!!! where to begin??
ok...so, this class was a total God-given gift to me ~ i said to myself one day last week "there has to be a way for me to save more money on our food" see ~ i want to make home improvements n such, but i don't want to go over in my budget.
i read many books & followed many websites, but i needed to see with my own eyes "live examples". i am a visual learner. i know i'm not stupid ~ i had all A+'s throughout my school career ~ so why couldn't i save more money a month on our food & household items??
well, just like Daddy ~ 2 days later my girlfriend MR posts on fb about the class. {gLoRy B 2 GoD!} i didn't blink or ask my man if i could go. i just responded count me in & can we carpool?? then, i went and told my hubby about it and "officially" asked. i believe in submitting to my husband like it says in ephesians 5:22 & colossians 3:18 ~ so if he needed me to be home for anything, i would have backed out. well, PrAiSe GoD!!! my hubby likes to save money.
so i went.
andria alexander was her name and simply frugal living is her aim!! on that you can quote me! dude she knows her stuff. i was on the edge of my seat listening/laughing/learning & getting diZZy!!! o my stars ~ she covered everything you need to know to shop financially smarter. "every" thing!!
i have a new best friend & a stalker i will be *kidding ~ on the stalking* i spent almost 2 hours with her this morning and i gotta tell you ~ she has a heart to save you money all for the glory to God. she has a heart for women. and she loves Jesus & o, i love that!!!!
sistas ~ she is organized, knowledgeable, patient, & compassionate ~ must i go on here!!??!!
r u interested or curious yet???
then go check out her site ~ simplyfrugalliving.com ~ it is jam packed {like how you have to properly measure brown sugar~ that kind of packed}. there are sooo many common sense-frugal-simple tips for living. and let me tell you ~ not living like a beggar but living well or as she says "extravagantly"! o & she is also on fb. so go on there and "like" simply frugal living
she will be having more classes & trust me, you will want to be there. i will keep you posted here and on fb about dates & times.
happy extreme saving & God bless you sistas ~ laurie kay
ps ~ i learned soo much that to start writing what i learned i would end up writing you all a book. sooo, hope i didn't disappoint ya & if i did ~ hugs to you & i'm sorry
o my gravy!!! where to begin??
ok...so, this class was a total God-given gift to me ~ i said to myself one day last week "there has to be a way for me to save more money on our food" see ~ i want to make home improvements n such, but i don't want to go over in my budget.
i read many books & followed many websites, but i needed to see with my own eyes "live examples". i am a visual learner. i know i'm not stupid ~ i had all A+'s throughout my school career ~ so why couldn't i save more money a month on our food & household items??
well, just like Daddy ~ 2 days later my girlfriend MR posts on fb about the class. {gLoRy B 2 GoD!} i didn't blink or ask my man if i could go. i just responded count me in & can we carpool?? then, i went and told my hubby about it and "officially" asked. i believe in submitting to my husband like it says in ephesians 5:22 & colossians 3:18 ~ so if he needed me to be home for anything, i would have backed out. well, PrAiSe GoD!!! my hubby likes to save money.
so i went.
andria alexander was her name and simply frugal living is her aim!! on that you can quote me! dude she knows her stuff. i was on the edge of my seat listening/laughing/learning & getting diZZy!!! o my stars ~ she covered everything you need to know to shop financially smarter. "every" thing!!
i have a new best friend & a stalker i will be *kidding ~ on the stalking* i spent almost 2 hours with her this morning and i gotta tell you ~ she has a heart to save you money all for the glory to God. she has a heart for women. and she loves Jesus & o, i love that!!!!
sistas ~ she is organized, knowledgeable, patient, & compassionate ~ must i go on here!!??!!
r u interested or curious yet???
then go check out her site ~ simplyfrugalliving.com ~ it is jam packed {like how you have to properly measure brown sugar~ that kind of packed}. there are sooo many common sense-frugal-simple tips for living. and let me tell you ~ not living like a beggar but living well or as she says "extravagantly"! o & she is also on fb. so go on there and "like" simply frugal living
she will be having more classes & trust me, you will want to be there. i will keep you posted here and on fb about dates & times.
happy extreme saving & God bless you sistas ~ laurie kay
ps ~ i learned soo much that to start writing what i learned i would end up writing you all a book. sooo, hope i didn't disappoint ya & if i did ~ hugs to you & i'm sorry
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
me ~ a bouncer & about today
o my gravy, i have been so excited to share with you what i have been up to the past few days ~ today i am going to talk about my rockin' friday night & today!!
*friday night ~ i volunteered at the SHE event at my home church ~ rebecca st james; evie tornquist; & rebecca's brothers ~ joel & luke were our entertainment for the evening
my job was to be the "bouncer" of the good seats ~ o my gravy! i was pumped ~ bring it, bring it!! *kidding*
OK, let me start with a funny thing {well, to me at least} ~ the good seats were called the "gold seats" and the tickets for that section were pink. the "general seats" had purple tickets ~ i thought that was comical & so, i threw my head back and laughed loudly "hahaha!!" for simplicity, i think we should have called them pink seats & purple seats ~ but that's just my cRaZy idea!!
there were at least 20 ladies that i had to "bounce out" of the good section because they had "general seats". some were gracious & some not ~ hopefully they knew it wasn't personal, but, that i was just doing my job {God bless you dear ladies!} i think we needed more signage ~ i don't think that they were "stealing" seats ~ but, if they were, they got bounced!! i did what i was told to do ~ do i get a star sticker or smiley faced sticker for that????? nah ~ they gave me a few pieces of chocolate ~ divine reward indeed!!!
next, a few women came late {a lot actually, but i didn't count} ~ poor things got stuck in construction traffic! {can you believe that there would be construction traffic that would cause delays in the 'burgh??} well, they were very upset that there was no seat available for them in my "gold seats" ~ see, we were told {by the ticket powers that be} that we should allow for x amount of seats in the "gold seats" section and they {the blessed ticket powers that be} said they sold x amount plus some ~ yikes!!
also, the seats/tickets weren't marked {like: Row 4 Seat 4} so, ladies sat as close to the front as possible & as close to the other dear ladies as i instructed them ~ see, i had a feeling that we would have some late comers and i didn't want too many people being disturbed by having someone step over them. who likes that??!!??
well, even with our very good planning {tx AB, LY, TB} i still had quite a few women yell at me that there was no where for them and the ladies in their party to sit. they were mAd. now, dude, i don't want to separate a mom and a daughter at an event that is for moms with their daughters!!! totally not groovy, right!!??!! so, i understood their plight and took action!
guess what happened??!!??
i bet you can't ~ i grabbed a mic and jumped up on the platform steps and gave a hello shout out and please in the name of our dear sweet Jesus can you shift your seats!! see, some rows had one seat on the one end and one seat on the other that were each empty ~ and as graciously as i could i asked them to shift down to help the sistas out ~ and they did ~ great job ladies!!! 'burgh hospitality at work!
OK, so there still wasn't enough seats {remember the plus from above??} i had to move seats around. o baby, i was rockin' n a rollin' alright and in my sparkly high heels ~ 4 penny-sized blisters later and i am still smiling about the night!! i grabbed loose "general seats" and put them into the "gold seats" section.
*a funny* i was movin' around the seats and a dear older lady helped me and i "thanked her soo much for offering to help serve these other women" and she said ~ o, hunny no problem! well, insert foot into mouth ~ it was none other than evie!! i am so sorry to say, i didn't know who she was ~ she just laughed about that when i "officially" met her at the end of the night!! she rocks!!!
so, yeah, there i am ~ multi-award-winning artist rockin' on the stage n me movin' around chairs!! but hey, i drug some over and made room. everyone had their seats. tickets were not seat numbered so some rows had odd amounts of people in them. but hey, when we come as a group we are going to stay together ~ i totally get that and so did the gals who needed a seat. it became ~ all good.
*serious note* i got yelled at about this ~ apparently i made a few fire hazard moves. the isles got smaller. i thought it was the lesser of 2 evils ~ because the worst would have been to ask the "general seat" ladies to move back even further. i am sorry for making a few fire hazard moves. they paid for the "gold seats" i felt inclined to give them to them & never thought i was endangering someone ~ again, i am so very sorry.
Dear Jesus, i thank you that we didn't have a fire or another emergency that night. thank you for your protection ~ Amen!!
at the end of the night, i helped to clean up the sanctuary & the foyer. then the autograph lines went down and i went over to meet rebecca & evie. evie remembered me ~ i guess that is groovy :o) and i asked them each to sign my bible. they said yes, and i opened to the almost empty page and they each said "ruth graham signed your bible!!" and i said "the daughter". and they giggled. ~ i spoke to them separately as there were 2 autograph lines ~ one for each woman ~ so, i thought it was really funny that they each said the same thing and then giggled!!!
when i met ruth at our church years ago we hung out before her talk and after. she was so inspiring and at the end of the day, i confessed to her that prior to that day i had no idea who she was and she thought that was comical. i told her about how much i was blessed by her mom's writings and then she called herself ruth graham "the daughter". so that is what i lovingly call her. still moved & motivated by that sweet sister & i can say "the daughter" rocks too!!
so, those are my funnies about friday night ~ it was so great to see my sistas out in numbers fellowshipping and praising our God!!
*today ~ i was supposed to exercise with AK ~ but her lil one was ill-ish ~ so, we did it together alone! so, i spent the morning exercising, cooking lunch and baked a few cookies for the kiddos. then i blogged to you. tonight: family time ~ sign on door will read ~ do not disturb unless you need us ~ cuz we are chillin'!! *kidding ~ again*
God bless you sistas ~ i hope you have a great day ~ laurie kay
*friday night ~ i volunteered at the SHE event at my home church ~ rebecca st james; evie tornquist; & rebecca's brothers ~ joel & luke were our entertainment for the evening
my job was to be the "bouncer" of the good seats ~ o my gravy! i was pumped ~ bring it, bring it!! *kidding*
OK, let me start with a funny thing {well, to me at least} ~ the good seats were called the "gold seats" and the tickets for that section were pink. the "general seats" had purple tickets ~ i thought that was comical & so, i threw my head back and laughed loudly "hahaha!!" for simplicity, i think we should have called them pink seats & purple seats ~ but that's just my cRaZy idea!!
there were at least 20 ladies that i had to "bounce out" of the good section because they had "general seats". some were gracious & some not ~ hopefully they knew it wasn't personal, but, that i was just doing my job {God bless you dear ladies!} i think we needed more signage ~ i don't think that they were "stealing" seats ~ but, if they were, they got bounced!! i did what i was told to do ~ do i get a star sticker or smiley faced sticker for that????? nah ~ they gave me a few pieces of chocolate ~ divine reward indeed!!!
next, a few women came late {a lot actually, but i didn't count} ~ poor things got stuck in construction traffic! {can you believe that there would be construction traffic that would cause delays in the 'burgh??} well, they were very upset that there was no seat available for them in my "gold seats" ~ see, we were told {by the ticket powers that be} that we should allow for x amount of seats in the "gold seats" section and they {the blessed ticket powers that be} said they sold x amount plus some ~ yikes!!
also, the seats/tickets weren't marked {like: Row 4 Seat 4} so, ladies sat as close to the front as possible & as close to the other dear ladies as i instructed them ~ see, i had a feeling that we would have some late comers and i didn't want too many people being disturbed by having someone step over them. who likes that??!!??
well, even with our very good planning {tx AB, LY, TB} i still had quite a few women yell at me that there was no where for them and the ladies in their party to sit. they were mAd. now, dude, i don't want to separate a mom and a daughter at an event that is for moms with their daughters!!! totally not groovy, right!!??!! so, i understood their plight and took action!
guess what happened??!!??
i bet you can't ~ i grabbed a mic and jumped up on the platform steps and gave a hello shout out and please in the name of our dear sweet Jesus can you shift your seats!! see, some rows had one seat on the one end and one seat on the other that were each empty ~ and as graciously as i could i asked them to shift down to help the sistas out ~ and they did ~ great job ladies!!! 'burgh hospitality at work!
OK, so there still wasn't enough seats {remember the plus from above??} i had to move seats around. o baby, i was rockin' n a rollin' alright and in my sparkly high heels ~ 4 penny-sized blisters later and i am still smiling about the night!! i grabbed loose "general seats" and put them into the "gold seats" section.
*a funny* i was movin' around the seats and a dear older lady helped me and i "thanked her soo much for offering to help serve these other women" and she said ~ o, hunny no problem! well, insert foot into mouth ~ it was none other than evie!! i am so sorry to say, i didn't know who she was ~ she just laughed about that when i "officially" met her at the end of the night!! she rocks!!!
so, yeah, there i am ~ multi-award-winning artist rockin' on the stage n me movin' around chairs!! but hey, i drug some over and made room. everyone had their seats. tickets were not seat numbered so some rows had odd amounts of people in them. but hey, when we come as a group we are going to stay together ~ i totally get that and so did the gals who needed a seat. it became ~ all good.
*serious note* i got yelled at about this ~ apparently i made a few fire hazard moves. the isles got smaller. i thought it was the lesser of 2 evils ~ because the worst would have been to ask the "general seat" ladies to move back even further. i am sorry for making a few fire hazard moves. they paid for the "gold seats" i felt inclined to give them to them & never thought i was endangering someone ~ again, i am so very sorry.
Dear Jesus, i thank you that we didn't have a fire or another emergency that night. thank you for your protection ~ Amen!!
at the end of the night, i helped to clean up the sanctuary & the foyer. then the autograph lines went down and i went over to meet rebecca & evie. evie remembered me ~ i guess that is groovy :o) and i asked them each to sign my bible. they said yes, and i opened to the almost empty page and they each said "ruth graham signed your bible!!" and i said "the daughter". and they giggled. ~ i spoke to them separately as there were 2 autograph lines ~ one for each woman ~ so, i thought it was really funny that they each said the same thing and then giggled!!!
when i met ruth at our church years ago we hung out before her talk and after. she was so inspiring and at the end of the day, i confessed to her that prior to that day i had no idea who she was and she thought that was comical. i told her about how much i was blessed by her mom's writings and then she called herself ruth graham "the daughter". so that is what i lovingly call her. still moved & motivated by that sweet sister & i can say "the daughter" rocks too!!
so, those are my funnies about friday night ~ it was so great to see my sistas out in numbers fellowshipping and praising our God!!
*today ~ i was supposed to exercise with AK ~ but her lil one was ill-ish ~ so, we did it together alone! so, i spent the morning exercising, cooking lunch and baked a few cookies for the kiddos. then i blogged to you. tonight: family time ~ sign on door will read ~ do not disturb unless you need us ~ cuz we are chillin'!! *kidding ~ again*
God bless you sistas ~ i hope you have a great day ~ laurie kay
Friday, March 25, 2011
wandering mind interrupted
i was at bible study the other week...we were doing priscilla shirer's ~ discerning the voice of God ~ we just had our small group time and went into our large group - watching the dvd time...we settled in and priscilla started teaching...about 10 min later my mind wandered!!
i was thinking about nothing ~ no-thing ~ and yet i wasn't hearing her. so being the good christian girl that i am...i started to yell at myself in my head ~ hey, you better pay attention young lady...this is important stuff here...it's God's Word...we take this very seriously...get one solid truth from this lesson and walk in it. God wants to talk to you laurie kay!!
BOOM ~ thunder n lightning baby!!
priscilla's next words were something like this - as she looked directly into the camera- there are some of you out there who are in ministry and you are thinking you should just stop because the numbers are so low...it seems to you that this really isn't what God wants you to be doing...and then she went on teaching...i looked around like - did that really just happen here!!??!!
i was in shock
her point in the study was that when it seems like we are in "desert times" we need to keep doing what we are doing because God is equipping us with dedication. He wants me to be dedicated to Him...His plan...His destiny for me. He will lead me to what i can not see...then she shared with us the scripture below and i felt Him say to me...go back out there again!
Luke 5:4-6 (nkjv) When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.
so what does that have to do with me...or thunder or lightening you may ask??? well, just a few weeks prior i was thinking those exact words about namesake ministries. now, i have always said that i didn't care about the numbers...so why is it that everyone around me judges success by numbers...people would ask how an event went - i would answer - and then they would say - so how many people showed up?? and no matter the number i gave their response was always - o, maybe it will be better next time.
f r u s t r a t i o n ~ from the people n their words
great "c o m f o r t" in my interruption
i always said - i have a lot to learn and am thankful to be learning what i am now while i am young - that i should not despise humble beginnings - this is a time of growth for me and the ministry
i needed to hear that word spoken in due season from her bcuz it WAS due season indeed!
so, no matter the numbers - i will do what i feel Daddy wants me to do - may i live dedicated to Him!
i am so glad this girl was interrupted
grace & peace ~ laurie kay
i was thinking about nothing ~ no-thing ~ and yet i wasn't hearing her. so being the good christian girl that i am...i started to yell at myself in my head ~ hey, you better pay attention young lady...this is important stuff here...it's God's Word...we take this very seriously...get one solid truth from this lesson and walk in it. God wants to talk to you laurie kay!!
BOOM ~ thunder n lightning baby!!
priscilla's next words were something like this - as she looked directly into the camera- there are some of you out there who are in ministry and you are thinking you should just stop because the numbers are so low...it seems to you that this really isn't what God wants you to be doing...and then she went on teaching...i looked around like - did that really just happen here!!??!!
i was in shock
her point in the study was that when it seems like we are in "desert times" we need to keep doing what we are doing because God is equipping us with dedication. He wants me to be dedicated to Him...His plan...His destiny for me. He will lead me to what i can not see...then she shared with us the scripture below and i felt Him say to me...go back out there again!
Luke 5:4-6 (nkjv) When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.
so what does that have to do with me...or thunder or lightening you may ask??? well, just a few weeks prior i was thinking those exact words about namesake ministries. now, i have always said that i didn't care about the numbers...so why is it that everyone around me judges success by numbers...people would ask how an event went - i would answer - and then they would say - so how many people showed up?? and no matter the number i gave their response was always - o, maybe it will be better next time.
f r u s t r a t i o n ~ from the people n their words
great "c o m f o r t" in my interruption
i always said - i have a lot to learn and am thankful to be learning what i am now while i am young - that i should not despise humble beginnings - this is a time of growth for me and the ministry
i needed to hear that word spoken in due season from her bcuz it WAS due season indeed!
so, no matter the numbers - i will do what i feel Daddy wants me to do - may i live dedicated to Him!
i am so glad this girl was interrupted
grace & peace ~ laurie kay
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Where in the world has LK been??
i haven't blogged since january 1st of this year...yikes...not groovy at all.
i have been too preoccupied with life to get on here and chat about it...and i had a few gals ask me on facebook why aren't you bloggin'??
well, cuz i've been facebookin'!
actually, i haven't done much of either lately. i have been writing more tho ~ bible studies and "real book" kinds of stuff.
let me be honest...blogging has seemed like a chore...i was told i should do it...then i thought that it needed to be "formally" done as if it was going to be critiqued or something. that doesn't make me want to write anything.
so, i have decided if i'm going to blog...i'm doing it my way...no formal english/grammar rules applying here...just what is on my mind n heart & then just how i feel like writing it at the time!
so that is where i've been...here but not "here".
**i also want to say...i have many dear sistas who read this blog and they are english/grammar guru's...i know these things may bug you "big time"...i am so sorry...i need to write it how i feel it and not worry about formality...please excuse my "weirdness" and read as if you are talking to me face to face over a cup of warm java and we are enjoying each others company immensely and don't want to leave...that is how i want to write to you...i love you my brilliant & beautiful & blessed sistas of mine!!
grace 2 u and peace from our God & Father and our dear Lord Jesus Christ
love u ~ laurie kay
i have been too preoccupied with life to get on here and chat about it...and i had a few gals ask me on facebook why aren't you bloggin'??
well, cuz i've been facebookin'!
actually, i haven't done much of either lately. i have been writing more tho ~ bible studies and "real book" kinds of stuff.
let me be honest...blogging has seemed like a chore...i was told i should do it...then i thought that it needed to be "formally" done as if it was going to be critiqued or something. that doesn't make me want to write anything.
so, i have decided if i'm going to blog...i'm doing it my way...no formal english/grammar rules applying here...just what is on my mind n heart & then just how i feel like writing it at the time!
so that is where i've been...here but not "here".
**i also want to say...i have many dear sistas who read this blog and they are english/grammar guru's...i know these things may bug you "big time"...i am so sorry...i need to write it how i feel it and not worry about formality...please excuse my "weirdness" and read as if you are talking to me face to face over a cup of warm java and we are enjoying each others company immensely and don't want to leave...that is how i want to write to you...i love you my brilliant & beautiful & blessed sistas of mine!!
grace 2 u and peace from our God & Father and our dear Lord Jesus Christ
love u ~ laurie kay
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year
It's a new year. Are you excited? Are you dreading it? Or...does it feel like "just" another day?
I am very excited. There is something about a fresh calendar that reminds me that God makes all things new ~ Rev 21:5.
I have some big goals for this year, well, improvements that I would like to make ~ be healthier physically & spiritually; be a better mom; be a better wife; be a better friend. As for the rest of life, I pray God gives me wisdom for each thing as it comes up and discernment & then strength to walk in it!
I pray you all have a healthy & happy new year in Him!!
Laurie Kay
I am very excited. There is something about a fresh calendar that reminds me that God makes all things new ~ Rev 21:5.
I have some big goals for this year, well, improvements that I would like to make ~ be healthier physically & spiritually; be a better mom; be a better wife; be a better friend. As for the rest of life, I pray God gives me wisdom for each thing as it comes up and discernment & then strength to walk in it!
I pray you all have a healthy & happy new year in Him!!
Laurie Kay
Merry Christmas ~ Day 31
December 31
Please read today’s scriptures out loud. I inserted the Old Testament scriptures for you to go back and read.
Matthew 2:13-23 (NKJV) Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” (Hosea 11:1) Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: “ A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more.” (Jeremiah 31:15) Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.” Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”
Jesus is the fulfillment of all the law and prophets (See John 1:45; Acts 28:33; Matthew 5:17). Our amazing God became Man to save, rescue, heal, deliver, preserve and help you and me. This makes me so thankful ~ stop right now and thank Him for all He has done for you.
Tonight is New Year’s Eve ~ a time of celebration. Many people tell their loved ones, “If you are going out tonight, please, be safe.” Did you see the great lengths God went to to provide safety for His Son? He knew what was going to happen when His Son came into the world. He knew all this before the foundation of the world and He planned out every detail then ~ none of this is a “Plan B”. (See 1 Peter 1:20) He told the prophets.
In dreams He warned Joseph (Three times in this section of scripture) about what they needed to do right when they needed to do it. Our God is great and greatly to be praised!
Let this New Year be a year of seeking God’s wisdom and direction for you and your family. Then walk in it, praising and thanking Him every step of the way.
He will lead you and guide you into all truth and make known to you the way you should go ~ because He loves you so much!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year ~ Laurie Kay
Please read today’s scriptures out loud. I inserted the Old Testament scriptures for you to go back and read.
Matthew 2:13-23 (NKJV) Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” (Hosea 11:1) Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: “ A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more.” (Jeremiah 31:15) Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.” Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”
Jesus is the fulfillment of all the law and prophets (See John 1:45; Acts 28:33; Matthew 5:17). Our amazing God became Man to save, rescue, heal, deliver, preserve and help you and me. This makes me so thankful ~ stop right now and thank Him for all He has done for you.
Tonight is New Year’s Eve ~ a time of celebration. Many people tell their loved ones, “If you are going out tonight, please, be safe.” Did you see the great lengths God went to to provide safety for His Son? He knew what was going to happen when His Son came into the world. He knew all this before the foundation of the world and He planned out every detail then ~ none of this is a “Plan B”. (See 1 Peter 1:20) He told the prophets.
In dreams He warned Joseph (Three times in this section of scripture) about what they needed to do right when they needed to do it. Our God is great and greatly to be praised!
Let this New Year be a year of seeking God’s wisdom and direction for you and your family. Then walk in it, praising and thanking Him every step of the way.
He will lead you and guide you into all truth and make known to you the way you should go ~ because He loves you so much!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year ~ Laurie Kay
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Merry Christmas ~ Day 30
December 30
Luke 2:36-38 (NKJV) Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
This is an amazing section of scripture in so many ways. This is the only scripture in which the Prophetess Anna is mentioned, but it speaks volumes about her.
Notice the scripture says she was “of a great age”…and the math equals about 91 years past her virginity…so she’s gotta be older than 100, right!!??!! Our culture is very disrespectful of the elderly in our communities. We don’t want to “hangout” with them, learn from them, or even think they do anything fun or important. It is so sad. I have a lot of sweet sistas who are of retirement age.
If you are an older woman I hope you are encouraged that your best days are not necessarily behind you, but they can be in the now and also in the future. If God can bless Anna in her “greater” years ~ He can and wants to bless you as well! We do not hit a certain age and then poof we are no longer valuable or useful in His kingdom…that, my sistas, is a lie from the enemy ~ so don’t listen to it or think it!
From what this scripture says about her and from what I have read about biblical widowhood, Anna is a faithful woman of the Lord. She lived her life in His service ~ for His glory. It says, “…who did not depart from the temple”. From that I take that she clung to God ~ He really was her life and length of days ~ her all in all.
“And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord,” …this makes me think that the Spirit told her who Jesus was. He was Who she was looking and longing for. She was blessed to live and see Him.
It also says, “and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” Can you imagine all the people she would tell? It says she was at the temple serving God day and night. I have to think, with her being a woman, that she could not contain herself but told everyone she saw.
Can you even imagine it, you are going about your day, serving God and then there He is, the One prophesied about is right before you. She was blessed indeed!!
So, where are you right now? What might you need to do with this lesson? Has God convicted you of anything? Have you been encouraged by this scriptural glimpse into the life of Anna? If you have been convicted, then be quick to repent and obey what He is saying to you. If you are encouraged ~ bless Him.
Let’s all praise Him for His goodness, faithfulness and love. He is so good to us and just like Anna ~ we are blessed indeed!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Luke 2:36-38 (NKJV) Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
This is an amazing section of scripture in so many ways. This is the only scripture in which the Prophetess Anna is mentioned, but it speaks volumes about her.
Notice the scripture says she was “of a great age”…and the math equals about 91 years past her virginity…so she’s gotta be older than 100, right!!??!! Our culture is very disrespectful of the elderly in our communities. We don’t want to “hangout” with them, learn from them, or even think they do anything fun or important. It is so sad. I have a lot of sweet sistas who are of retirement age.
If you are an older woman I hope you are encouraged that your best days are not necessarily behind you, but they can be in the now and also in the future. If God can bless Anna in her “greater” years ~ He can and wants to bless you as well! We do not hit a certain age and then poof we are no longer valuable or useful in His kingdom…that, my sistas, is a lie from the enemy ~ so don’t listen to it or think it!
From what this scripture says about her and from what I have read about biblical widowhood, Anna is a faithful woman of the Lord. She lived her life in His service ~ for His glory. It says, “…who did not depart from the temple”. From that I take that she clung to God ~ He really was her life and length of days ~ her all in all.
“And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord,” …this makes me think that the Spirit told her who Jesus was. He was Who she was looking and longing for. She was blessed to live and see Him.
It also says, “and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” Can you imagine all the people she would tell? It says she was at the temple serving God day and night. I have to think, with her being a woman, that she could not contain herself but told everyone she saw.
Can you even imagine it, you are going about your day, serving God and then there He is, the One prophesied about is right before you. She was blessed indeed!!
So, where are you right now? What might you need to do with this lesson? Has God convicted you of anything? Have you been encouraged by this scriptural glimpse into the life of Anna? If you have been convicted, then be quick to repent and obey what He is saying to you. If you are encouraged ~ bless Him.
Let’s all praise Him for His goodness, faithfulness and love. He is so good to us and just like Anna ~ we are blessed indeed!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Merry Christmas ~ Day 29
December 29
Luke 2:25-35 (NKJV) And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.” And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
I love Simeon.
This portion of scripture is such comfort for me. There is so much to share and you need to do a lot of work today, so, start out in prayer. Ask God to enlighten the eyes of your understanding so that you would see wonderful things in His Word. Ask Him to help you gain a heart of wisdom from His Word. Ask Him to speak fresh and new to you during this time.
Things to notice and ask for God’s wisdom and guidance:
*Simeon was just and devout ~ what does that mean?
*He was waiting for the Consolation of Israel ~ what does that mean?
*The Holy Spirit was upon Him ~ why is this specifically mentioned?
*The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would see the Lord’s Christ before he died ~ how does that make you feel?
*He went to the temple that day led by the Spirit ~ do you think that the Spirit told him that Jesus would be there or just that he needed to go; and why do you think that?
*Simeon took Jesus up in his arms and blessed God ~ he held Him…it makes me cry…how precious that is to me…to hold Him ~ embrace Him…did he hold Him like we do with our little baby…nuzzling Him in love and affection ~ what do you think about this?
*To thank God for letting him depart in peace ~ what a way to live before you die…he beheld God’s Son ~ what are your thoughts?
*Salvation for all peoples ~ all peoples ~ light of revelation for Gentiles and glory of Israel ~ what does that mean to you?
*Simeon’s words made Joseph and Mary marvel ~ how much marveling can one person take ~ think about all the Lord had done for them.
*He says to Mary ~ not Joseph ~ about the piercing of your own soul…I would love to know why not Joseph too ~ what are your thoughts?
These will be great things to learn from Him face to face! Praise Him for His Word, girls, and the time you spent with Him!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Luke 2:25-35 (NKJV) And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.” And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
I love Simeon.
This portion of scripture is such comfort for me. There is so much to share and you need to do a lot of work today, so, start out in prayer. Ask God to enlighten the eyes of your understanding so that you would see wonderful things in His Word. Ask Him to help you gain a heart of wisdom from His Word. Ask Him to speak fresh and new to you during this time.
Things to notice and ask for God’s wisdom and guidance:
*Simeon was just and devout ~ what does that mean?
*He was waiting for the Consolation of Israel ~ what does that mean?
*The Holy Spirit was upon Him ~ why is this specifically mentioned?
*The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would see the Lord’s Christ before he died ~ how does that make you feel?
*He went to the temple that day led by the Spirit ~ do you think that the Spirit told him that Jesus would be there or just that he needed to go; and why do you think that?
*Simeon took Jesus up in his arms and blessed God ~ he held Him…it makes me cry…how precious that is to me…to hold Him ~ embrace Him…did he hold Him like we do with our little baby…nuzzling Him in love and affection ~ what do you think about this?
*To thank God for letting him depart in peace ~ what a way to live before you die…he beheld God’s Son ~ what are your thoughts?
*Salvation for all peoples ~ all peoples ~ light of revelation for Gentiles and glory of Israel ~ what does that mean to you?
*Simeon’s words made Joseph and Mary marvel ~ how much marveling can one person take ~ think about all the Lord had done for them.
*He says to Mary ~ not Joseph ~ about the piercing of your own soul…I would love to know why not Joseph too ~ what are your thoughts?
These will be great things to learn from Him face to face! Praise Him for His Word, girls, and the time you spent with Him!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Merry Christmas ~ Day 28
December 28
Matthew 2:1-12 (NKJV) Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘ But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’” Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
Today is a fun lesson!!
We are just going to raise questions for you to think about and answer…so have fun! If you need help, do searches on the internet…use a variety or sources – put in the questions; look up this section of scripture in commentaries. You will not be disappointed in the time you spend searching for answers.
*Do you notice that this scripture uses the term wise men and not kings ~ they were Magi ~ which are astrologers. Why do people think they are kings? Who are they really?
*They go to Herod thinking that they would find the newborn King. Do you think that they may have thought that Herod had a son who was to rule?
*It says men but no number is given…many people believe there to be three because there were three gifts given. What do you think?
*They came to worship Him. Why?
*Why didn’t Herod send any of his own men with the wise men?
*The star is not still…"it went before them and stood”, why was the star moving?
*At some point they did not see the star because it says, “when they saw the star they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy"? Why are these Magi so joyful?
*It says, “they had come into the house,” why not stable, cave or barn?
*Why are gold, frankincense and myrrh the gifts?
*Who warned them in a dream and why?
I hope you had a great time thinking through this scripture. Did it come alive in a new way for you? I pray it did and I hope you have a great day!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Matthew 2:1-12 (NKJV) Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘ But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’” Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
Today is a fun lesson!!
We are just going to raise questions for you to think about and answer…so have fun! If you need help, do searches on the internet…use a variety or sources – put in the questions; look up this section of scripture in commentaries. You will not be disappointed in the time you spend searching for answers.
*Do you notice that this scripture uses the term wise men and not kings ~ they were Magi ~ which are astrologers. Why do people think they are kings? Who are they really?
*They go to Herod thinking that they would find the newborn King. Do you think that they may have thought that Herod had a son who was to rule?
*It says men but no number is given…many people believe there to be three because there were three gifts given. What do you think?
*They came to worship Him. Why?
*Why didn’t Herod send any of his own men with the wise men?
*The star is not still…"it went before them and stood”, why was the star moving?
*At some point they did not see the star because it says, “when they saw the star they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy"? Why are these Magi so joyful?
*It says, “they had come into the house,” why not stable, cave or barn?
*Why are gold, frankincense and myrrh the gifts?
*Who warned them in a dream and why?
I hope you had a great time thinking through this scripture. Did it come alive in a new way for you? I pray it did and I hope you have a great day!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Monday, December 27, 2010
Merry Christmas ~ Day 27
December 27
Luke 2:21 (NKJV) And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
Today lets focus on Jesus…who is He? Start in prayer and ask God to open your eyes so that you would see wonderful things from His Word today. Read these scriptures out loud ~ sometimes we “see” new things when we read and hear them at the same time. Then let the Words sink into your soul.
John 1:1-5 (NIV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
Isaiah 60:1(AMP) ARISE [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you--rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!
Psalm 119:105 (AMP) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
John 8:12 (AMP) Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life.
Isaiah 9:2 (NIV) The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
Isaiah 42:6 (AMP) I the Lord have called You [the Messiah] for a righteous purpose and in righteousness; I will take You by the hand and will keep You; I will give You for a covenant to the people [Israel], for a light to the nations [Gentiles],
Isaiah 60:3 (AMP) And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Luke 2:21 (NKJV) And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
Today lets focus on Jesus…who is He? Start in prayer and ask God to open your eyes so that you would see wonderful things from His Word today. Read these scriptures out loud ~ sometimes we “see” new things when we read and hear them at the same time. Then let the Words sink into your soul.
John 1:1-5 (NIV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
Isaiah 60:1(AMP) ARISE [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you--rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!
Psalm 119:105 (AMP) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
John 8:12 (AMP) Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life.
Isaiah 9:2 (NIV) The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
Isaiah 42:6 (AMP) I the Lord have called You [the Messiah] for a righteous purpose and in righteousness; I will take You by the hand and will keep You; I will give You for a covenant to the people [Israel], for a light to the nations [Gentiles],
Isaiah 60:3 (AMP) And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Merry Christmas ~ Day 26
December 26
Luke 2:8-20 (NKJV) Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
I really love that God chose to announce His only Begotten Son’s birth to shepherds first. These shepherds were “living out in the fields”. They were not the wealthiest people; they were also not in the most sought after job position. What are your thoughts about God’s choice?
We have seen a lot of encounters where an angel appeared to a human…but here it also adds that “the glory of the Lord shone around them”. After the angel gave the news and what the sign was to be ~ it says, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” It was not just one angel that came down for this announcement…but a multitude of heavenly host.
I love that, after the angel and multitude of heavenly host leave, the shepherds make haste to see this Babe that they are told about in such a dramatic and fabulous way. They make it all known and all marvel. “Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.”
Oh my gravy, what a night they had! I would be on cloud nine for years from that experience…it would consume my thoughts…how amazing to even try and imagine it all! I can be pretty creative in my day-dreams, and I still think that even what I imagine can’t compare with what really happened…I don’t think Hollywood could even come close to illustrating this scene…what do you think? Can you even imagine this majestic scene?
Glory to God in the highest!!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Luke 2:8-20 (NKJV) Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
I really love that God chose to announce His only Begotten Son’s birth to shepherds first. These shepherds were “living out in the fields”. They were not the wealthiest people; they were also not in the most sought after job position. What are your thoughts about God’s choice?
We have seen a lot of encounters where an angel appeared to a human…but here it also adds that “the glory of the Lord shone around them”. After the angel gave the news and what the sign was to be ~ it says, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” It was not just one angel that came down for this announcement…but a multitude of heavenly host.
I love that, after the angel and multitude of heavenly host leave, the shepherds make haste to see this Babe that they are told about in such a dramatic and fabulous way. They make it all known and all marvel. “Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.”
Oh my gravy, what a night they had! I would be on cloud nine for years from that experience…it would consume my thoughts…how amazing to even try and imagine it all! I can be pretty creative in my day-dreams, and I still think that even what I imagine can’t compare with what really happened…I don’t think Hollywood could even come close to illustrating this scene…what do you think? Can you even imagine this majestic scene?
Glory to God in the highest!!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas ~ Day 25
December 25
Luke 2:1-7 (NKJV) And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Merry Christmas!! It is Christmas Morning! All our devotional time has been working up to this very day. I pray you have a very merry and blessed day in Him, beloved. As you face your day, remember the greatest gift ever given ~ Jesus.
We have spent so much time in His Word and in prayer ~ seeking Him for help, wisdom and strength ~ that you should be “armored up” and ready to face anything that comes your way. When you are faced with “that relative” who may be a thorn to you ~ be a blessing. Show the love and grace that you have been shown. All the patience He has had with you ~ give that out.
In fact, pray for your day right now. Pray for the things/people/situations that have been difficult in the past. Pray that those people come to know Jesus and live for Him. Pray that today would be so different from every other time your family gathered that it be a “day only God could have made” kind of day.
Seek peace. Seek love. Seek Jesus.
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Luke 2:1-7 (NKJV) And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Merry Christmas!! It is Christmas Morning! All our devotional time has been working up to this very day. I pray you have a very merry and blessed day in Him, beloved. As you face your day, remember the greatest gift ever given ~ Jesus.
We have spent so much time in His Word and in prayer ~ seeking Him for help, wisdom and strength ~ that you should be “armored up” and ready to face anything that comes your way. When you are faced with “that relative” who may be a thorn to you ~ be a blessing. Show the love and grace that you have been shown. All the patience He has had with you ~ give that out.
In fact, pray for your day right now. Pray for the things/people/situations that have been difficult in the past. Pray that those people come to know Jesus and live for Him. Pray that today would be so different from every other time your family gathered that it be a “day only God could have made” kind of day.
Seek peace. Seek love. Seek Jesus.
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas ~ Day 24
December 24
It’s Christmas Eve ~ it’s finally here! All that we have been working towards is coming tomorrow. So today we are going to have another Selah Day. Please take as much time as you can to go and reread each Day from Day 1 to Day 23. You can read just the scriptures that we looked at, or read the whole BLOG.
Please remember: don’t skip over today. Yes, this is a busy time of year for all of us and, yet, taking intentional pauses and reflecting or meditating on His Word can yield great profit for your inner man.
It is very helpful to take this time and allow it to be a checking point for you…how are you doing with applying what you are learning to your life? How is the stress level in your daily life? Are you finding yourself talking more with God and listening to what He is trying to tell you as you go about your days? Are you being revived and blessed in Him?
Spend some time in prayer with God ~ thank Him for all the things you have learned and seek Him about how you answered your check point questions.
Ask Him for the help you need…He is a good Daddy and wants to help you and lead you in the way you should go.
Enjoy this new day in Him!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
It’s Christmas Eve ~ it’s finally here! All that we have been working towards is coming tomorrow. So today we are going to have another Selah Day. Please take as much time as you can to go and reread each Day from Day 1 to Day 23. You can read just the scriptures that we looked at, or read the whole BLOG.
Please remember: don’t skip over today. Yes, this is a busy time of year for all of us and, yet, taking intentional pauses and reflecting or meditating on His Word can yield great profit for your inner man.
It is very helpful to take this time and allow it to be a checking point for you…how are you doing with applying what you are learning to your life? How is the stress level in your daily life? Are you finding yourself talking more with God and listening to what He is trying to tell you as you go about your days? Are you being revived and blessed in Him?
Spend some time in prayer with God ~ thank Him for all the things you have learned and seek Him about how you answered your check point questions.
Ask Him for the help you need…He is a good Daddy and wants to help you and lead you in the way you should go.
Enjoy this new day in Him!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Merry Christmas ~ Day 23
December 23
Micah 5:2 (NIV) "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
John 7:42 (NIV) Does not the Scripture say that the Christ will come from David's family and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?"
1 Samuel 16:1 (NIV) The LORD said to Samuel, "How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king."
I can’t help but think of the Christmas carol O little town of Bethlehem.
O little town of Bethlehem / How still we see thee lie / Above thy deep and dreamless sleep / The silent stars go by / Yet in thy dark streets shineth / The everlasting Light / The hopes and fears of all the years / Are met in thee tonight / For Christ is born of Mary / And gathered all above / While mortals sleep, the angels keep / Their watch of wondering love / O morning stars together / Proclaim the holy birth / And praises sing to God our King / And Peace to men on earth / How silently, how silently / The wondrous gift is given! / So God imparts to human hearts / The blessings of His heaven. / No ear may his His coming, / But in this world of sin, / Where meek souls will receive him still, / The dear Christ enters in. / O holy Child of Bethlehem / Descend to us, we pray / Cast out our sin and enter in / Be born in us today / We hear the Christmas angels / The great glad tidings tell / O come to us, abide with us / Our Lord Emmanuel.
I like that this song mentions the real reason we celebrate Christmas. I do not see this song as “worshipping the town”; rather, it is just an acknowledgement that, though Bethlehem was small, it was chosen by God to be the city for the birth of His only begotten Son.
It also reminds me that God does not pick out only the rich of the world, the wisest, or the sharpest dressed to become His children ~ He opens the invitation for us all to come to Him. We all can bend our knee to Him ~ believing in our heart and confessing with our mouth the Lord Jesus ~ and, by so doing, we shall {not might or maybe, but shall} be saved.
Look at David, he was the youngest and not in the line-up of sons before Samuel, the prophet; he was out tending the flock. God says none of the sons in the line-up are to be the new king ~ but, when David comes in; God says he is the one.
How does this make you feel that God is not looking at things the way that we sometimes do…or that He doesn’t pick things the way that we would?
He is amazing in His love for us all. Praise Him for calling you out of your sinful life to be His daughter…I am so glad that you bent your will to follow His. Keep seeking God’s will & walking in His path.
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Micah 5:2 (NIV) "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
John 7:42 (NIV) Does not the Scripture say that the Christ will come from David's family and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?"
1 Samuel 16:1 (NIV) The LORD said to Samuel, "How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king."
I can’t help but think of the Christmas carol O little town of Bethlehem.
O little town of Bethlehem / How still we see thee lie / Above thy deep and dreamless sleep / The silent stars go by / Yet in thy dark streets shineth / The everlasting Light / The hopes and fears of all the years / Are met in thee tonight / For Christ is born of Mary / And gathered all above / While mortals sleep, the angels keep / Their watch of wondering love / O morning stars together / Proclaim the holy birth / And praises sing to God our King / And Peace to men on earth / How silently, how silently / The wondrous gift is given! / So God imparts to human hearts / The blessings of His heaven. / No ear may his His coming, / But in this world of sin, / Where meek souls will receive him still, / The dear Christ enters in. / O holy Child of Bethlehem / Descend to us, we pray / Cast out our sin and enter in / Be born in us today / We hear the Christmas angels / The great glad tidings tell / O come to us, abide with us / Our Lord Emmanuel.
I like that this song mentions the real reason we celebrate Christmas. I do not see this song as “worshipping the town”; rather, it is just an acknowledgement that, though Bethlehem was small, it was chosen by God to be the city for the birth of His only begotten Son.
It also reminds me that God does not pick out only the rich of the world, the wisest, or the sharpest dressed to become His children ~ He opens the invitation for us all to come to Him. We all can bend our knee to Him ~ believing in our heart and confessing with our mouth the Lord Jesus ~ and, by so doing, we shall {not might or maybe, but shall} be saved.
Look at David, he was the youngest and not in the line-up of sons before Samuel, the prophet; he was out tending the flock. God says none of the sons in the line-up are to be the new king ~ but, when David comes in; God says he is the one.
How does this make you feel that God is not looking at things the way that we sometimes do…or that He doesn’t pick things the way that we would?
He is amazing in His love for us all. Praise Him for calling you out of your sinful life to be His daughter…I am so glad that you bent your will to follow His. Keep seeking God’s will & walking in His path.
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Merry Christmas ~ Day 22
December 22
Matthew 1:22-23 (AMP) All this took place that it might be fulfilled which the Lord had spoken through the prophet, Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel--which, when translated, means, God with us.
Isaiah 7:14 (AMP) Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us].
John 1:14 (NIV) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Emmanuel or Immanuel means God with us. Let these words sink in. God with us ~ He is not far off ~ He is not with us sometimes ~ He is not with certain believers or special Christians ~ He is God with us.
According to some dictionaries, the word “with” is a function/action word and so He is not just present with you, in you, or being with you. He is for you ~ actively working or participating with you. You are the object of His attention and affection because of Jesus ~ not just for your good but for His glory. He is over you ~ your ruler and watchman. He is on your side. You are in His possession and in His care. He is with us in spite of us.
Now, you may be asking how can you get all that out of that phrase…well, that is what the blessed dictionaries and concordances are for, my friends…I took what I found in them and reworded it here for you. All of these statements can be backed up with scriptures. He is not just present or dwelling inside us…He is active in us for our good and for His glory!!
What does that do for you? Does it make your heart sing? Does it give you hope, peace, or strength? Since God is with you ~ present and active, how might that affect your present situation? How can these scriptures become alive in your daily life?
Find some other scriptures that confirm these truths. Ponder them as you go about your day.
Praise Him today that He is with you ~ He is in you and actively moving in your life! Glory to His name!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Matthew 1:22-23 (AMP) All this took place that it might be fulfilled which the Lord had spoken through the prophet, Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel--which, when translated, means, God with us.
Isaiah 7:14 (AMP) Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us].
John 1:14 (NIV) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Emmanuel or Immanuel means God with us. Let these words sink in. God with us ~ He is not far off ~ He is not with us sometimes ~ He is not with certain believers or special Christians ~ He is God with us.
According to some dictionaries, the word “with” is a function/action word and so He is not just present with you, in you, or being with you. He is for you ~ actively working or participating with you. You are the object of His attention and affection because of Jesus ~ not just for your good but for His glory. He is over you ~ your ruler and watchman. He is on your side. You are in His possession and in His care. He is with us in spite of us.
Now, you may be asking how can you get all that out of that phrase…well, that is what the blessed dictionaries and concordances are for, my friends…I took what I found in them and reworded it here for you. All of these statements can be backed up with scriptures. He is not just present or dwelling inside us…He is active in us for our good and for His glory!!
What does that do for you? Does it make your heart sing? Does it give you hope, peace, or strength? Since God is with you ~ present and active, how might that affect your present situation? How can these scriptures become alive in your daily life?
Find some other scriptures that confirm these truths. Ponder them as you go about your day.
Praise Him today that He is with you ~ He is in you and actively moving in your life! Glory to His name!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Merry Christmas ~ Day 21
December 21
Luke 1:67-80 (NKJV) Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:“ Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David, As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began, That we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us, To perform the mercy promised to our fathers And to remember His holy covenant, The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. “ And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.” So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.
John 1:6-8 (NIV) There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
Isaiah 40: 3 (AMP) A voice of one who cries: Prepare in the wilderness the way of the Lord [clear away the obstacles]; make straight and smooth in the desert a highway for our God!
Yesterday we talked about what it might have been that Zacharias shared with the people that they then discussed…I gave a few thoughts about this. Now let’s look at what happens next.
The wording within these two sections of scripture makes me think that “the sayings” and “Zacharias’ prophesying” are two different things. Yesterday, it said, “and he spoke, praising God. Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings (so what did he speak??) were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him. (And today) Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied,” (emphasis mine)
If we think about this it is awesome that the story of God reaching down in Elizabeth and Zacharias’ life touched so many people and brought people closer to God. Elizabeth and Zacharias’ reproach among the people was taken away so much so that God then used Zacharias to prophesy about his son who would eventually testify to the Light.
Praise your God that you are His child and He is your God. Reread the scriptures and have a blessed day!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Luke 1:67-80 (NKJV) Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:“ Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David, As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began, That we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us, To perform the mercy promised to our fathers And to remember His holy covenant, The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. “ And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.” So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.
John 1:6-8 (NIV) There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
Isaiah 40: 3 (AMP) A voice of one who cries: Prepare in the wilderness the way of the Lord [clear away the obstacles]; make straight and smooth in the desert a highway for our God!
Yesterday we talked about what it might have been that Zacharias shared with the people that they then discussed…I gave a few thoughts about this. Now let’s look at what happens next.
The wording within these two sections of scripture makes me think that “the sayings” and “Zacharias’ prophesying” are two different things. Yesterday, it said, “and he spoke, praising God. Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings (so what did he speak??) were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him. (And today) Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied,” (emphasis mine)
If we think about this it is awesome that the story of God reaching down in Elizabeth and Zacharias’ life touched so many people and brought people closer to God. Elizabeth and Zacharias’ reproach among the people was taken away so much so that God then used Zacharias to prophesy about his son who would eventually testify to the Light.
Praise your God that you are His child and He is your God. Reread the scriptures and have a blessed day!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Monday, December 20, 2010
Merry Christmas ~ Day 20
December 20
Luke 1:21-22 (NKJV) And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.
Luke 1:57-66 (NKJV) Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her. So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.” But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called. And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.
I used to be puzzled as to why Zacharias was made mute…and then it hit me…God was not just punishing his unbelief…He was using it for His Glory and to bless those who knew Zacharias and Elizabeth. Notice it says that, after he wrote down what the baby was to be called, everyone marveled. Then God opened his mouth and loosed his tongue.
The first words out of his mouth were praises to God…then fear came on all. Also notice that the sayings Zacharias shared were discussed throughout all the hill country. It seems to me that they truly understood all that had happened and that is why fear came upon them. Could this be what Zacharias shared with them?
1. That all the things that had happened in Elizabeth and Zacharias’ life leading up to the birth of their son had happened for a reason.
2. That their son was the one to prepare the way of the Lord and that he had been prophesied about over 400 years before.
3. Every detail of the angel’s announcement.
4. That the Messiah was coming.
God used Zacharias’ muteness and his “sayings” as the means to spread the news that the Messiah was near. God was on the move again. It had to be an exciting time for them…something to be talked about and discussed. I can see people asking questions like this, “So what exactly was prophesied about this child and the Messiah?”
What are your thoughts about this portion of scripture? Spend time in prayer and rejoice in God for today and for the blessed fortune that you have to be able to read His Word and learn from Him ~ He loves you.
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Luke 1:21-22 (NKJV) And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.
Luke 1:57-66 (NKJV) Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her. So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.” But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called. And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.
I used to be puzzled as to why Zacharias was made mute…and then it hit me…God was not just punishing his unbelief…He was using it for His Glory and to bless those who knew Zacharias and Elizabeth. Notice it says that, after he wrote down what the baby was to be called, everyone marveled. Then God opened his mouth and loosed his tongue.
The first words out of his mouth were praises to God…then fear came on all. Also notice that the sayings Zacharias shared were discussed throughout all the hill country. It seems to me that they truly understood all that had happened and that is why fear came upon them. Could this be what Zacharias shared with them?
1. That all the things that had happened in Elizabeth and Zacharias’ life leading up to the birth of their son had happened for a reason.
2. That their son was the one to prepare the way of the Lord and that he had been prophesied about over 400 years before.
3. Every detail of the angel’s announcement.
4. That the Messiah was coming.
God used Zacharias’ muteness and his “sayings” as the means to spread the news that the Messiah was near. God was on the move again. It had to be an exciting time for them…something to be talked about and discussed. I can see people asking questions like this, “So what exactly was prophesied about this child and the Messiah?”
What are your thoughts about this portion of scripture? Spend time in prayer and rejoice in God for today and for the blessed fortune that you have to be able to read His Word and learn from Him ~ He loves you.
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Merry Christmas ~ Day 19
December 19
Luke 1:46-56 (NKJV) And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.” And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house.
This is Mary’s response to Elizabeth after she said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” Luke 1:42b-45 (NKJV)
Elizabeth ends by saying, “blessed is she who believed”. Then Mary goes right into praising God for who He is not just for what He had done for her. To be used by God in such a way, Mary must have had a humble spirit and strength of character because those attributes shine forth in Mary’s response. She says who she is ~ His maidservant and, by praising God first, she shows that her heart’s desire is for Him to be magnified. She is blessed, happy, and fortunate ~ because He who is mighty has done great things for her.
Mary models how we should respond to the mighty acts that God does for His children. Praise Him…give Him the glory and honor due His name…tell others what He has done with humility so that He alone is magnified. This is such a good lesson for me…I want all I do and say to bring Him glory and honor…I want Him to be praised by my life ~ through my deeds and my words & for Him alone to be magnified.
Help us, O Lord, to live lives that are worthy of You ~ fully pleasing to You. Help us to walk in the path You have laid out for us and be glorified. Help us to learn and grow in You for Your glory and honor, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Luke 1:46-56 (NKJV) And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.” And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house.
This is Mary’s response to Elizabeth after she said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” Luke 1:42b-45 (NKJV)
Elizabeth ends by saying, “blessed is she who believed”. Then Mary goes right into praising God for who He is not just for what He had done for her. To be used by God in such a way, Mary must have had a humble spirit and strength of character because those attributes shine forth in Mary’s response. She says who she is ~ His maidservant and, by praising God first, she shows that her heart’s desire is for Him to be magnified. She is blessed, happy, and fortunate ~ because He who is mighty has done great things for her.
Mary models how we should respond to the mighty acts that God does for His children. Praise Him…give Him the glory and honor due His name…tell others what He has done with humility so that He alone is magnified. This is such a good lesson for me…I want all I do and say to bring Him glory and honor…I want Him to be praised by my life ~ through my deeds and my words & for Him alone to be magnified.
Help us, O Lord, to live lives that are worthy of You ~ fully pleasing to You. Help us to walk in the path You have laid out for us and be glorified. Help us to learn and grow in You for Your glory and honor, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Merry Christmas ~ Day 18
December 18
Luke 1:39-45 (NKJV) Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”
I love that Mary goes with haste to see Elizabeth. Is she running off to see someone who might understand her situation and encourage her? Or maybe she just wants to see for herself that Elizabeth is indeed with child and rejoice with her that she is no longer barren. Or is she just staying there a while to be out of sight while she is pregnant? We will see tomorrow that Mary stays with Elizabeth about three months and leaves right before Elizabeth delivers. So, whatever the “exact” reason…Mary goes in haste and stays to help for a while. As a woman, I like that she goes and I have to think it is a good thing for both women. What are your thoughts about this?
Now let’s look into this part: when Elizabeth hears Mary, the baby leaps in her womb. This is so sweet to me. If you are a mother you can relate to the excitement over your baby moving inside of you. Did your baby ever move at the sound of someone’s voice as if they were happy to hear from him or her? I am thinking of the times when my husband could finally feel the baby’s movement and it seemed that the baby was “playing” with him as he talked and touched my belly.
Think about this for a moment. This is the first time that Mary sees Elizabeth while she is pregnant, and so, little John moves to the voice of a stranger. Now that makes the whole event even more miraculous to me. It’s as if God-inspired knowledge was given to this developing 6 month old baby in utero.
Recall with me it says Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit at her greeting as well. What are your thoughts about this? What do you make of this greeting, their first encounter after being with child? Talk out your thoughts prayerfully with God and pray for this new day ahead of you…I hope it is amazing for you, beloved!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Luke 1:39-45 (NKJV) Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”
I love that Mary goes with haste to see Elizabeth. Is she running off to see someone who might understand her situation and encourage her? Or maybe she just wants to see for herself that Elizabeth is indeed with child and rejoice with her that she is no longer barren. Or is she just staying there a while to be out of sight while she is pregnant? We will see tomorrow that Mary stays with Elizabeth about three months and leaves right before Elizabeth delivers. So, whatever the “exact” reason…Mary goes in haste and stays to help for a while. As a woman, I like that she goes and I have to think it is a good thing for both women. What are your thoughts about this?
Now let’s look into this part: when Elizabeth hears Mary, the baby leaps in her womb. This is so sweet to me. If you are a mother you can relate to the excitement over your baby moving inside of you. Did your baby ever move at the sound of someone’s voice as if they were happy to hear from him or her? I am thinking of the times when my husband could finally feel the baby’s movement and it seemed that the baby was “playing” with him as he talked and touched my belly.
Think about this for a moment. This is the first time that Mary sees Elizabeth while she is pregnant, and so, little John moves to the voice of a stranger. Now that makes the whole event even more miraculous to me. It’s as if God-inspired knowledge was given to this developing 6 month old baby in utero.
Recall with me it says Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit at her greeting as well. What are your thoughts about this? What do you make of this greeting, their first encounter after being with child? Talk out your thoughts prayerfully with God and pray for this new day ahead of you…I hope it is amazing for you, beloved!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)