December 12
Isaiah 9:6-7 (NKJV) For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Today we are going to finish up the second half of verse 6 and, girls, it is pretty deep and oh so good for us to hear!
*Wonderful ~ Judges 13:18 (AMP) And the Angel of the Lord said to him, Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?
*Counselor ~ Romans 11:33-35(NIV) Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?” Isaiah 28:29 (AMP) This also comes from the Lord of hosts, Who is wonderful in counsel [and] excellent in wisdom and effectual working.
*Mighty God ~ Rev 4:8 (NIV) Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." Zephaniah 3:17 (AMP) The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing.
*Everlasting Father ~ Psalm 90:2 (NIV) Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Isaiah 63:16 (AMP) For [surely] You are our Father, even though Abraham [our ancestor] does not know us and Israel (Jacob) does not acknowledge us; You, O Lord, are [still] our Father, our Redeemer from everlasting is Your name.
*Prince of Peace ~ Ephesians 2:14a (NKJV) For He Himself is our peace, 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (AMP) Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace (the peace of His kingdom) at all times and in all ways [under all circumstances and conditions, whatever comes]. The Lord [be] with you all. Hebrews 7:2 (AMP) And Abraham gave to him a tenth portion of all [the spoil]. He is primarily, as his name when translated indicates, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, which means king of peace.
You covered a lot today in your devotional time…praise Him for who He is ~ He loves you.
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Christmas Time Is Here ~ Day 11
December 11
Isaiah 9:6-7 (NKJV) For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
I love this scripture. So much hope wells up in me when I read it ~ every time I hear it! As we break down this scripture over the next few days it will look like this: my comment on a specific portion of this scripture, then one or more supporting scriptures. May these words be stepping stones for God to reveal His Word to you in a deeper way.
*For unto us ~ a Child is born, a Son is given ~ that “us” is you and me ~ See John 3:16 (AMP) For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
*Government upon His shoulder ~ Matthew 2:6 (AMP) And you Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, you are not in any way least or insignificant among the chief cities of Judah; for from you shall come a Ruler (Leader) Who will govern and shepherd My people Israel.; Matthew 28:18 (AMP) Jesus approached and, breaking the silence, said to them, All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.; Revelations 12:5 (AMP) And she brought forth a male Child, One Who is destined to shepherd (rule) all the nations with an iron staff (scepter), and her Child was caught up to God and to His throne.
*His name will be called ~ notice it says name, not names…think about what is wrapped up in that one name ~ Jesus…here are a few things that are said about “that one name” ~ John 20:31 (AMP) But these are written (recorded) in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of God, and that through believing and cleaving to and trusting and relying upon Him you may have life through (in) His name [through Who He is].; Philippians 2:10 (AMP) That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,; 1 Corinthians 6:11 (AMP) And such some of you were [once]. But you were washed clean (purified by a complete atonement for sin and made free from the guilt of sin), and you were consecrated (set apart, hallowed), and you were justified [pronounced righteous, by trusting] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the [Holy] Spirit of our God.
For unto you, beloved, God gave Jesus. That is reason to rejoice.
Spend some time in prayer thanking God for who He is, for what He has done, and then seek Him for help in your daily life and any trials or hardships you may be in. He cares about each detail of your life…take it to Him and seek His will ~ He loves you so much ~ so very much!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Isaiah 9:6-7 (NKJV) For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
I love this scripture. So much hope wells up in me when I read it ~ every time I hear it! As we break down this scripture over the next few days it will look like this: my comment on a specific portion of this scripture, then one or more supporting scriptures. May these words be stepping stones for God to reveal His Word to you in a deeper way.
*For unto us ~ a Child is born, a Son is given ~ that “us” is you and me ~ See John 3:16 (AMP) For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
*Government upon His shoulder ~ Matthew 2:6 (AMP) And you Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, you are not in any way least or insignificant among the chief cities of Judah; for from you shall come a Ruler (Leader) Who will govern and shepherd My people Israel.; Matthew 28:18 (AMP) Jesus approached and, breaking the silence, said to them, All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.; Revelations 12:5 (AMP) And she brought forth a male Child, One Who is destined to shepherd (rule) all the nations with an iron staff (scepter), and her Child was caught up to God and to His throne.
*His name will be called ~ notice it says name, not names…think about what is wrapped up in that one name ~ Jesus…here are a few things that are said about “that one name” ~ John 20:31 (AMP) But these are written (recorded) in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of God, and that through believing and cleaving to and trusting and relying upon Him you may have life through (in) His name [through Who He is].; Philippians 2:10 (AMP) That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,; 1 Corinthians 6:11 (AMP) And such some of you were [once]. But you were washed clean (purified by a complete atonement for sin and made free from the guilt of sin), and you were consecrated (set apart, hallowed), and you were justified [pronounced righteous, by trusting] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the [Holy] Spirit of our God.
For unto you, beloved, God gave Jesus. That is reason to rejoice.
Spend some time in prayer thanking God for who He is, for what He has done, and then seek Him for help in your daily life and any trials or hardships you may be in. He cares about each detail of your life…take it to Him and seek His will ~ He loves you so much ~ so very much!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Christmas Time Is Here ~ Day 10
December 10
Luke 1:26-38 (NKJV) Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
We are going to look at a different aspect of this scripture today…angels…and, in particular, Gabriel. Does it seem to you that Gabriel was very excited to be sharing this news with Mary? With his first word being “rejoice,” I get the feeling that he was; also, blessed is used, and his news is all summed up with an exclamation point ~ which is not something you see just thrown about in scriptures.
All this then makes me wonder: do angels have feelings…Think about it: they longed ~ according to the NIV; the NKJV says desires ~ to look into these things (1 Peter 1:12); there is joy in the presence of angels…over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10 NKJV); and Devil…is said to have great wrath (Rev 12:12 NKJV) ~ remember he was a fallen angel. The angels in heaven worship God day and night…and I don’t think that they are robots “just doing their job”…or why would so many have sided with Lucifer and become “fallen angels”? Just makes me think…does it make you think too?
Anyway, back to Gabriel…he was sent to Mary to tell her that she was to carry the “Son of God” ~ did you notice that he “came in” and “departed”. When he came to see Zacharias…it doesn’t mention that he came in or departed…it just said appeared (see December 6). This wording today seems so mannerly and respectful. It just leapt off the page at me and it inspired me! Gabriel had the blessed privilege of giving the news to Mary that she was to carry the “Holy One” and the “Son of God”. I get the feeling that Gabriel is showing reverence for His God. What are your thoughts about his behavior?
I just have to praise Him ~ we serve a great, loving, and mighty God! He is so good to you, beloved…enjoy this day that He has made…rejoice and be glad in it!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Luke 1:26-38 (NKJV) Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
We are going to look at a different aspect of this scripture today…angels…and, in particular, Gabriel. Does it seem to you that Gabriel was very excited to be sharing this news with Mary? With his first word being “rejoice,” I get the feeling that he was; also, blessed is used, and his news is all summed up with an exclamation point ~ which is not something you see just thrown about in scriptures.
All this then makes me wonder: do angels have feelings…Think about it: they longed ~ according to the NIV; the NKJV says desires ~ to look into these things (1 Peter 1:12); there is joy in the presence of angels…over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10 NKJV); and Devil…is said to have great wrath (Rev 12:12 NKJV) ~ remember he was a fallen angel. The angels in heaven worship God day and night…and I don’t think that they are robots “just doing their job”…or why would so many have sided with Lucifer and become “fallen angels”? Just makes me think…does it make you think too?
Anyway, back to Gabriel…he was sent to Mary to tell her that she was to carry the “Son of God” ~ did you notice that he “came in” and “departed”. When he came to see Zacharias…it doesn’t mention that he came in or departed…it just said appeared (see December 6). This wording today seems so mannerly and respectful. It just leapt off the page at me and it inspired me! Gabriel had the blessed privilege of giving the news to Mary that she was to carry the “Holy One” and the “Son of God”. I get the feeling that Gabriel is showing reverence for His God. What are your thoughts about his behavior?
I just have to praise Him ~ we serve a great, loving, and mighty God! He is so good to you, beloved…enjoy this day that He has made…rejoice and be glad in it!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Christmas Time Is Here ~ Day 9
December 9
Luke 1:26-38 (NKJV) Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Notice with me some key points: Gabriel is the angel sent by God; a city in Galilee named Nazareth is the destination; Gabriel is going to a virgin who is betrothed or promised to a man named Joseph; this man Joseph is of the house of David; the virgin’s name is Mary; she is troubled by the manner of greeting; Gabriel tells her that she will have a Son; this Son will be great and reign forever; she is confused because she has not been with a man; Gabriel explains that this Child will be called the Son of God.
Something that hit me in a new way was that Gabriel did not stop there with those things. To further encourage Mary he told her that her relative who once was barren or unable to conceive had indeed conceived and was in her sixth month. He then said, “For with God nothing is impossible.” He was encouraging her that if God was able to open Elizabeth’s womb then God could fulfill what he had just spoken to her.
She may not fully understand what was happening to her or recall all the prophesies of old, but she knew Elizabeth could not have a child and this angel, Gabriel, said she was now with child. What she says next now makes sense to me…it’s like saying, “I do not understand, but I trust the Lord and so then let it be how you have said.” She yields to God’s will without needing to understand it all.
Is there anything that you have been trusting God for that seems miraculous? Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path…He is faithful and trustworthy ~ and He loves you! Give thanks and praise Him!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Luke 1:26-38 (NKJV) Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Notice with me some key points: Gabriel is the angel sent by God; a city in Galilee named Nazareth is the destination; Gabriel is going to a virgin who is betrothed or promised to a man named Joseph; this man Joseph is of the house of David; the virgin’s name is Mary; she is troubled by the manner of greeting; Gabriel tells her that she will have a Son; this Son will be great and reign forever; she is confused because she has not been with a man; Gabriel explains that this Child will be called the Son of God.
Something that hit me in a new way was that Gabriel did not stop there with those things. To further encourage Mary he told her that her relative who once was barren or unable to conceive had indeed conceived and was in her sixth month. He then said, “For with God nothing is impossible.” He was encouraging her that if God was able to open Elizabeth’s womb then God could fulfill what he had just spoken to her.
She may not fully understand what was happening to her or recall all the prophesies of old, but she knew Elizabeth could not have a child and this angel, Gabriel, said she was now with child. What she says next now makes sense to me…it’s like saying, “I do not understand, but I trust the Lord and so then let it be how you have said.” She yields to God’s will without needing to understand it all.
Is there anything that you have been trusting God for that seems miraculous? Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path…He is faithful and trustworthy ~ and He loves you! Give thanks and praise Him!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Christmas Time Is Here ~ Day 8
December 8
Today we are doing something a little different. We’ve covered so many things on this journey together (through Christmas Time Is Here) that I think it would be greatly beneficial to go back and do a review. So, today we are having a Selah Day! For us girls, a Selah Day is a holy pause where we intentionally stop, reflect, and meditate on His Word. Please take as much time as you can to go and reread each Day. You can read just the scriptures that we looked at, or read the whole BLOG for that Day.
Don’t skip over today. Yes, this is a busy time of year for all of us but taking a Selah Day 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
Today we are doing something a little different. We’ve covered so many things on this journey together (through Christmas Time Is Here) that I think it would be greatly beneficial to go back and do a review. So, today we are having a Selah Day! For us girls, a Selah Day is a holy pause where we intentionally stop, reflect, and meditate on His Word. Please take as much time as you can to go and reread each Day. You can read just the scriptures that we looked at, or read the whole BLOG for that Day.
Don’t skip over today. Yes, this is a busy time of year for all of us but taking a Selah Day 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
Monday, December 7, 2009
Christmas Time Is Here ~ Day 7
December 7
Luke 1:18-20 (NKJV) And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”
Zacharias ~ you just have to love him! His response reminds me of Abraham and Sarah…they too were “older than baby age” and were blessed with a child. And the angel’s response is so funny to me…can I say it like this? “Dude…don’t you know who I am…I’m Gabriel…I live in the presence of God. If I say it is so…it’s gonna be so…cuz I get my orders straight from God and He happens to be The Omniscient One!! And just so there isn’t any question in anyone else’s mind…you’re gonna be mute till it happens! Glory Be to God ~ Peace ~ Out!” And now He’s gone…he came fast and is gone fast!
Yesterday we learned that Zacharias was frightened when he first saw Gabriel. So one has to think that angels don’t look “just like humans” or why would he have been frightened. So I have to wonder, why didn’t he think it would be possible to have a baby? He just beheld an angel! Both are pretty amazing; it’s not every day one sees an angel and it is not every day someone older has a baby. Remember, from what we know in scripture God had been essentially silent for 400 years ~ not sending angels or men to prophesy.
Can you see how the birth of John is so important to the Story of Christmas? His destiny is amazing and vital…I just had to share it with you for these devotions, because I feel this section often gets overlooked. This was important to God. He had it to be prophesied about and then sent Gabriel to tell John’s parents that they had been chosen to parent this child…instead of letting it just happen and them finding out later on…God chose to do it all in an amazing and awe inspiring way.
Let God amaze you today, beloved. He is amazing! He is awe–full ~ or should I say what He does and who He is makes my heart full of awe and wonder! Praise Him, thank Him, and enjoy this day!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Luke 1:18-20 (NKJV) And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”
Zacharias ~ you just have to love him! His response reminds me of Abraham and Sarah…they too were “older than baby age” and were blessed with a child. And the angel’s response is so funny to me…can I say it like this? “Dude…don’t you know who I am…I’m Gabriel…I live in the presence of God. If I say it is so…it’s gonna be so…cuz I get my orders straight from God and He happens to be The Omniscient One!! And just so there isn’t any question in anyone else’s mind…you’re gonna be mute till it happens! Glory Be to God ~ Peace ~ Out!” And now He’s gone…he came fast and is gone fast!
Yesterday we learned that Zacharias was frightened when he first saw Gabriel. So one has to think that angels don’t look “just like humans” or why would he have been frightened. So I have to wonder, why didn’t he think it would be possible to have a baby? He just beheld an angel! Both are pretty amazing; it’s not every day one sees an angel and it is not every day someone older has a baby. Remember, from what we know in scripture God had been essentially silent for 400 years ~ not sending angels or men to prophesy.
Can you see how the birth of John is so important to the Story of Christmas? His destiny is amazing and vital…I just had to share it with you for these devotions, because I feel this section often gets overlooked. This was important to God. He had it to be prophesied about and then sent Gabriel to tell John’s parents that they had been chosen to parent this child…instead of letting it just happen and them finding out later on…God chose to do it all in an amazing and awe inspiring way.
Let God amaze you today, beloved. He is amazing! He is awe–full ~ or should I say what He does and who He is makes my heart full of awe and wonder! Praise Him, thank Him, and enjoy this day!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Christmas Time Is Here ~ Day 6
December 6
Luke 1:11-17 (NKJV) Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
This section of scripture shares God’s plan for John the Baptist’s life ~ he was to turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God; he was to go before Jesus in the spirit and power of Elijah; to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children; and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; and to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
The angel of the Lord essentially tells Zacharias that his son is the fulfillment of the prophecy in Malachi 4:5-6. It is amazing to me that not only was God granting Zacharias a son…He chose to tell him about it through an angel…and also that his son ~ would not be just any son ~ but would be a fulfillment of prophecy. If he wasn’t frightened by “seeing an angel”…how about “hearing” that he had to raise a child who is the fulfillment of a prophetic word that people had been waiting for ~ for over 400 years…now that might be frightening.
The prophecy was given 400 years before and the people of God were watching and waiting for the One who had been promised. To be Zacharias and to receive this announcement from the angel, it would become clear to him that the One promised is coming ~ The Messiah.
What do these truths spark in you? Do they spark thankfulness to God for His fulfilling of promises? Do they comfort you in that, just as He was faithful to send The Messiah all those years ago, He will be faithful in your life today?
Spend the remainder of your time in prayer ~ praise Him for who He is ~ thank Him for what He has done ~ thank Him for speaking to you through His Word ~ ask for any help you may need from Him. He loves you so much and He is faithful to you.
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
Luke 1:11-17 (NKJV) Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
This section of scripture shares God’s plan for John the Baptist’s life ~ he was to turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God; he was to go before Jesus in the spirit and power of Elijah; to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children; and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; and to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
The angel of the Lord essentially tells Zacharias that his son is the fulfillment of the prophecy in Malachi 4:5-6. It is amazing to me that not only was God granting Zacharias a son…He chose to tell him about it through an angel…and also that his son ~ would not be just any son ~ but would be a fulfillment of prophecy. If he wasn’t frightened by “seeing an angel”…how about “hearing” that he had to raise a child who is the fulfillment of a prophetic word that people had been waiting for ~ for over 400 years…now that might be frightening.
The prophecy was given 400 years before and the people of God were watching and waiting for the One who had been promised. To be Zacharias and to receive this announcement from the angel, it would become clear to him that the One promised is coming ~ The Messiah.
What do these truths spark in you? Do they spark thankfulness to God for His fulfilling of promises? Do they comfort you in that, just as He was faithful to send The Messiah all those years ago, He will be faithful in your life today?
Spend the remainder of your time in prayer ~ praise Him for who He is ~ thank Him for what He has done ~ thank Him for speaking to you through His Word ~ ask for any help you may need from Him. He loves you so much and He is faithful to you.
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
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