Holy and Joyful Night!
By Shirley Mitchell
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’ ”
Luke 2:8-10
Tonight is the night of Christmas Eve masses and services around the world. 2,000 years ago angels came from heaven’s realms to a field in Bethlehem. We do not know what time of day Christ was born. It is probably because the angels appeared to the shepherds at night that I have always thought the shepherds came to see Jesus after midnight on Christmas Eve, but before sunrise on Christmas Day.
For me, Christmas Eve night is the most holy night of the year. It is a time to remember when God became a man, an infant. It is a time to remember the angels appearing to the shepherds and how the glory of the Lord shown all around them. It is a time to read Luke 2 with the family – or if they have memorized it for them to say it. It is a time to gather around the piano while my mom plays and to sing every Christmas carol. It is a time to worship just like the shepherds did so long ago.
The angels brought news of great joy. It was mega joy that caused an annual celebration that has lasted for two millennium! The angels carried God’s message, the best news of all time. It was not just for Jews. It was for all races. It was for people of that time, for people in every generation, and for the people yet to be born.
My dear friend, as I have written these devotions to prepare our hearts for Christ’s birth, I have prayed for you and me to have a Christmas like no other. May we not focus on the gifts that we are giving, but rejoice in the greatest gift given to everyone in the world. Through Jesus, we have salvation and everlasting joy! Through any circumstance...Through any situation...Make this a night of worship as we focus on giving praise for God sending His one and only Son.
Pray with me: Father God, we give You glory! Thank You for sending Your Son Jesus as a baby. We worship You and praise You for Your infinite wisdom and everlasting love to redeem us! Bless this time with family and may we open our doors to the lonely and alone so that everyone knows Your love and joy. It’s in Your precious Son’s Name, Yeshua’s Name, we pray. Amen.
"For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
Friday, December 24, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Birth of a King
Birth of a King
By Shirley Mitchell
"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Luke 2:1-7
Joseph and Mary barely knew each other months ago. Now they were quickly learning about each other. The 90-mile journey through the hills and over the mountains aided that process - nothing like a road trip to get to know someone. I imagine Joseph was patient and gentle with Mary as she was full with child. Since they were both trusted by God with an unprecedented, huge responsibility, they had to trust each other.
From this Scripture, we see that Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of the city of His birth. In order to fulfill prophecy, the Messiah must be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2.) God who holds the future willed for the Roman ruler Caesar Augustus to call a census that required each man to return to the town of his ancestors. Joseph was from the line of David. David’s hometown was Bethlehem, which means “house of bread.” The Bread of Life was born in the city of bread.
Also in this Scripture, we see the glory of heaven enter the world through a lowly stable. His birthplace was not a palace…No designer clothes for a King here…No bassinet from the best store in the village…He was born into the rough, calloused hands of a Jewish carpenter. His first smells were animal manure. Nothing looked to human eyes to be divine here.
It makes me wonder how many times I have experienced the majesty of God’s hand in my life in the mundane days of my life. I have experienced God in the commonness of my life - not with angels proclaiming the way or a holy glow to settle in the room that is visible to my eyes. God has never worked in the grand way of a Hollywood movie in my life. I’ve had to train my spiritual eyes to see Him. The little bit that I have seen makes me long for more of His presence in the ordinariness of my life. I pray that you and I are willing to worship Him in our daily lives. I pray that we grab hold of all the time available to spend with God – while we vacuum, drive, wash the dishes, apply our make-up, bathe the children, or mow the yard. May we have the spiritual eyes to recognize when the divine wants to pervade our lives. May we recognize that this baby who came as the lowest of servants came to bring hope to every man of every economic and social status. May we also recognize that He is coming back in all of His splendor as the King of Kings! One day everyone will see Him in all of His glory.
Pray with me: Dear Heavenly Lord, what a wonderful story of Your Son’s birth. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, help us to remember why we celebrate - because 2,000 years ago, You so loved the world that You sent Your one and only Son. He came as a human to be just like us. The human eye could not detect all that You had divinely arranged. He was born into poverty. His first smells were the stench of the stable. He was a lowly servant. He experienced everything that we experience so He would be acquainted with our sufferings and our temptations. You know what it is like to hurt, to be hungry, to be wronged, to be treated unfairly, and to fight our flesh nature that leads us to sin. You overcame all of these things and redeemed us! Hallelujah! Thank You so much, Jesus, for all that You have done! It’s in Your Name that we pray, Yeshua’s Name. Amen.
Excerpt from the Jesus Lives Bible study
Copyright ©2010 Christ Compels Ministry
By Shirley Mitchell
"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Luke 2:1-7
Joseph and Mary barely knew each other months ago. Now they were quickly learning about each other. The 90-mile journey through the hills and over the mountains aided that process - nothing like a road trip to get to know someone. I imagine Joseph was patient and gentle with Mary as she was full with child. Since they were both trusted by God with an unprecedented, huge responsibility, they had to trust each other.
From this Scripture, we see that Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of the city of His birth. In order to fulfill prophecy, the Messiah must be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2.) God who holds the future willed for the Roman ruler Caesar Augustus to call a census that required each man to return to the town of his ancestors. Joseph was from the line of David. David’s hometown was Bethlehem, which means “house of bread.” The Bread of Life was born in the city of bread.
Also in this Scripture, we see the glory of heaven enter the world through a lowly stable. His birthplace was not a palace…No designer clothes for a King here…No bassinet from the best store in the village…He was born into the rough, calloused hands of a Jewish carpenter. His first smells were animal manure. Nothing looked to human eyes to be divine here.
It makes me wonder how many times I have experienced the majesty of God’s hand in my life in the mundane days of my life. I have experienced God in the commonness of my life - not with angels proclaiming the way or a holy glow to settle in the room that is visible to my eyes. God has never worked in the grand way of a Hollywood movie in my life. I’ve had to train my spiritual eyes to see Him. The little bit that I have seen makes me long for more of His presence in the ordinariness of my life. I pray that you and I are willing to worship Him in our daily lives. I pray that we grab hold of all the time available to spend with God – while we vacuum, drive, wash the dishes, apply our make-up, bathe the children, or mow the yard. May we have the spiritual eyes to recognize when the divine wants to pervade our lives. May we recognize that this baby who came as the lowest of servants came to bring hope to every man of every economic and social status. May we also recognize that He is coming back in all of His splendor as the King of Kings! One day everyone will see Him in all of His glory.
Pray with me: Dear Heavenly Lord, what a wonderful story of Your Son’s birth. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, help us to remember why we celebrate - because 2,000 years ago, You so loved the world that You sent Your one and only Son. He came as a human to be just like us. The human eye could not detect all that You had divinely arranged. He was born into poverty. His first smells were the stench of the stable. He was a lowly servant. He experienced everything that we experience so He would be acquainted with our sufferings and our temptations. You know what it is like to hurt, to be hungry, to be wronged, to be treated unfairly, and to fight our flesh nature that leads us to sin. You overcame all of these things and redeemed us! Hallelujah! Thank You so much, Jesus, for all that You have done! It’s in Your Name that we pray, Yeshua’s Name. Amen.
Excerpt from the Jesus Lives Bible study
Copyright ©2010 Christ Compels Ministry
Thursday, December 16, 2010
As You Say, Lord
As You Say, Lord
By Shirley Mitchell
“ ‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’
The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be calledthe Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.’
‘I am the Lord's servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Then the angel left her.”
Luke 1:34-38
While this was monumental news that sprung up on her in one day, God always knew this day was coming. God had chosen Mary before she was born. He waited until the time was right. He chose the time after her betrothal so her husband would be preparing for her. Yet, if she had been fully married, then she would not be a virgin. The virgin birth was the only possible way that God could become human and at the same time remain God. Mary gave Him His human flesh and human nature.
Did you notice how Mary reacted to Gabriel’s message? This message would make the strongest knees knock and mightiest legs tremble. Yes, it was glorious news, but think about it. The Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Most High will overshadow her. My first thought would be “could I live through it?” I would wonder if I was dreaming. How did she get her mouth to move to say anything at all?
She simply said, “I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." The Greek word for “handmaiden” in verse 38 is the female version of the word doulos which means “slave, bondswoman. One who is in a permanent relation of servitude to another. One who gives service to be used by Jesus to advance His cause among men. One who gives herself up to another’s will. Devoted to another to the disregard of one’s own interests.” Mary was able to give her interests to God, knowing that He had something much better for her. We will know we have finally accepted this fact when we submit to God’s will fully and live like God’s interests are for our good. Mary was able to say to the angel, “May it be to me as you have said” because she knew her life belonged to God. She was His servant, and He could do with her whatever He pleased.
Instead of reacting with a counter plan including a few “tweaks” to God’s plan to make it more convenient for her, Mary reacted with worship. Sadly, many times, God has told me to do something, and I have purposely tweaked it or have had a casual attitude toward total obedience. Remember, partial obedience is not what God requires. I am learning to accept His plan completely and to leave my hands off. What about you? Have you ever tried to tweak God’s plan for your life? Do you reject God’s plan or fully accept and totally obey? Or are you still lobbying for modifications to His plan?
My precious friend, Mary’s reaction reveals to us much about her so we could understand why God chose her. She simply obeyed His Word - fully and completely. Let’s have her heart to obey Him, too, for whatever He calls us to do even if it stretches us and complicates what we have planned. We are not the master of our lives, and if we want the best life possible on this side of heaven, it is time to the let the Master have His way and for His servants to follow.
Pray with me: Father God, You chose the right generation, the right lineage from David, the right woman, and the right timing in her betrothal process with Joseph. How beautiful that You chose for Jesus to be born by a woman, taking our flesh. Help us to remember that nothing is impossible with You!
Lord, help us to accept Your complete plan for our lives. We don’t want our tweaks and resistance to rob us of Your best plan. We know Your character and that You have great things in store for us. You don’t desire to harm us but to prosper us with Your spiritual blessings. Teach us to live by, “As You say, Lord. As You say.” It’s in Your precious Son’s Name, Yeshua’s Name, we pray. Amen.
By Shirley Mitchell
“ ‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’
The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be calledthe Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.’
‘I am the Lord's servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Then the angel left her.”
Luke 1:34-38
While this was monumental news that sprung up on her in one day, God always knew this day was coming. God had chosen Mary before she was born. He waited until the time was right. He chose the time after her betrothal so her husband would be preparing for her. Yet, if she had been fully married, then she would not be a virgin. The virgin birth was the only possible way that God could become human and at the same time remain God. Mary gave Him His human flesh and human nature.
Did you notice how Mary reacted to Gabriel’s message? This message would make the strongest knees knock and mightiest legs tremble. Yes, it was glorious news, but think about it. The Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Most High will overshadow her. My first thought would be “could I live through it?” I would wonder if I was dreaming. How did she get her mouth to move to say anything at all?
She simply said, “I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." The Greek word for “handmaiden” in verse 38 is the female version of the word doulos which means “slave, bondswoman. One who is in a permanent relation of servitude to another. One who gives service to be used by Jesus to advance His cause among men. One who gives herself up to another’s will. Devoted to another to the disregard of one’s own interests.” Mary was able to give her interests to God, knowing that He had something much better for her. We will know we have finally accepted this fact when we submit to God’s will fully and live like God’s interests are for our good. Mary was able to say to the angel, “May it be to me as you have said” because she knew her life belonged to God. She was His servant, and He could do with her whatever He pleased.
Instead of reacting with a counter plan including a few “tweaks” to God’s plan to make it more convenient for her, Mary reacted with worship. Sadly, many times, God has told me to do something, and I have purposely tweaked it or have had a casual attitude toward total obedience. Remember, partial obedience is not what God requires. I am learning to accept His plan completely and to leave my hands off. What about you? Have you ever tried to tweak God’s plan for your life? Do you reject God’s plan or fully accept and totally obey? Or are you still lobbying for modifications to His plan?
My precious friend, Mary’s reaction reveals to us much about her so we could understand why God chose her. She simply obeyed His Word - fully and completely. Let’s have her heart to obey Him, too, for whatever He calls us to do even if it stretches us and complicates what we have planned. We are not the master of our lives, and if we want the best life possible on this side of heaven, it is time to the let the Master have His way and for His servants to follow.
Pray with me: Father God, You chose the right generation, the right lineage from David, the right woman, and the right timing in her betrothal process with Joseph. How beautiful that You chose for Jesus to be born by a woman, taking our flesh. Help us to remember that nothing is impossible with You!
Lord, help us to accept Your complete plan for our lives. We don’t want our tweaks and resistance to rob us of Your best plan. We know Your character and that You have great things in store for us. You don’t desire to harm us but to prosper us with Your spiritual blessings. Teach us to live by, “As You say, Lord. As You say.” It’s in Your precious Son’s Name, Yeshua’s Name, we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
The Name Jesus
The Name Jesus
By Shirley Mitchell
“You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
Luke 1:31-33
God’s account of the birth of Jesus being foretold to Mary is so short. It seems like Gabriel’s visit only lasted a matter of minutes. Yet, it was the defining moment of Mary’s life – as well as an important point on the time line for all mankind, including you and me.
God doesn’t tell us much about her pregnancy. If this had happened in our time, publishers would be fighting to get the five-book deal on Mary’s pregnancy, labor, and motherhood experiences. We don’t know if God spared her from morning sickness. We don’t know how she felt when her stomach started to pouch or when Baby Jesus kicked the first time. We don’t know if she experienced pre-labor pains or if it was a quick labor. All of these small details that women love to know were not recorded.
Instead of all these details, God chose to tell us only the most important details. We know that Mary was greatly troubled; yet, He highly favored her. Additionally, God fulfilled the Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament through Jesus by giving Him the throne of his father David and declaring that He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end. Lastly, for the first time the Savior of the world is given the Name of Jesus.
Throughout the Old Testament, He is called Messiah, Deliverer, Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, and Immanuel, but He has never been given a personal name. Now, Gabriel reveals Messiah’s Name. Jesus is the English derivative from the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua. It is a contraction of “Jehovah Savior” or “the LORD saves.” Mary and Joseph would have pronounced the Son of God’s Name as Yeshua which means salvation and deliverance.
What is in a name? Hebrew names were rich with meaning. A person’s name characterized him. The angel did not say He would save His people from Rome or other governmental oppression. The angel did not say to give Him a name related to His kingship. The primary name of God’s Holy Son is Jesus because He came to save us from our sins and redeem us to fellowship with the Holy God.
This precious Name is the Name that holds so much power. By believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, we have life in His Name (John 20:31). Those who believe in His Name, He gives the right to become children of God (John 1:12). Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no there name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). By His Name, people are healed (Acts 3:16), and demons are cast out (Mark 9:38-39). In His Name, the nations put their hope (Matthew 12:21). Believers are baptized and discipled in His Name (Matthew 28:19-20). It is the Name that one day every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11).
It is the Name that I hang all of my hope on. It is the Name that I love to roll off my tongue. It is the Name that I cling to through every dark trial of life. There is no other name with such power and might. There is no name that brings such comfort and assurance. I cherish that Name, and it delights me to hear it said by someone who loves Him, too. Grab hold of that Name today for whatever it is that you need in your life.
Pray with me: Father God, thank You for giving Jesus His precious Name. Even His Name brings glory to You, reminding us that You save! You save us from our sins, from destruction, and from ourselves. We cling to the Name of Jesus that holds so much power.
Lord God, You gave Jesus the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end! It’s in Your precious Son’s Name, the Name above all names and the Name that someday every knee will bow and every tongue will confess, in Yeshua’s Name, we pray. Amen.
By Shirley Mitchell
“You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
Luke 1:31-33
God’s account of the birth of Jesus being foretold to Mary is so short. It seems like Gabriel’s visit only lasted a matter of minutes. Yet, it was the defining moment of Mary’s life – as well as an important point on the time line for all mankind, including you and me.
God doesn’t tell us much about her pregnancy. If this had happened in our time, publishers would be fighting to get the five-book deal on Mary’s pregnancy, labor, and motherhood experiences. We don’t know if God spared her from morning sickness. We don’t know how she felt when her stomach started to pouch or when Baby Jesus kicked the first time. We don’t know if she experienced pre-labor pains or if it was a quick labor. All of these small details that women love to know were not recorded.
Instead of all these details, God chose to tell us only the most important details. We know that Mary was greatly troubled; yet, He highly favored her. Additionally, God fulfilled the Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament through Jesus by giving Him the throne of his father David and declaring that He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end. Lastly, for the first time the Savior of the world is given the Name of Jesus.
Throughout the Old Testament, He is called Messiah, Deliverer, Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, and Immanuel, but He has never been given a personal name. Now, Gabriel reveals Messiah’s Name. Jesus is the English derivative from the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua. It is a contraction of “Jehovah Savior” or “the LORD saves.” Mary and Joseph would have pronounced the Son of God’s Name as Yeshua which means salvation and deliverance.
What is in a name? Hebrew names were rich with meaning. A person’s name characterized him. The angel did not say He would save His people from Rome or other governmental oppression. The angel did not say to give Him a name related to His kingship. The primary name of God’s Holy Son is Jesus because He came to save us from our sins and redeem us to fellowship with the Holy God.
This precious Name is the Name that holds so much power. By believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, we have life in His Name (John 20:31). Those who believe in His Name, He gives the right to become children of God (John 1:12). Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no there name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). By His Name, people are healed (Acts 3:16), and demons are cast out (Mark 9:38-39). In His Name, the nations put their hope (Matthew 12:21). Believers are baptized and discipled in His Name (Matthew 28:19-20). It is the Name that one day every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11).
It is the Name that I hang all of my hope on. It is the Name that I love to roll off my tongue. It is the Name that I cling to through every dark trial of life. There is no other name with such power and might. There is no name that brings such comfort and assurance. I cherish that Name, and it delights me to hear it said by someone who loves Him, too. Grab hold of that Name today for whatever it is that you need in your life.
Pray with me: Father God, thank You for giving Jesus His precious Name. Even His Name brings glory to You, reminding us that You save! You save us from our sins, from destruction, and from ourselves. We cling to the Name of Jesus that holds so much power.
Lord God, You gave Jesus the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end! It’s in Your precious Son’s Name, the Name above all names and the Name that someday every knee will bow and every tongue will confess, in Yeshua’s Name, we pray. Amen.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Highly Favored
Highly Favored
By Shirley Mitchell
“In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son.’ ”
Luke 1:26-31a
God Himself sent Gabriel to Nazareth to a virgin pledged to be married. He summoned His angel Gabriel who stood in His presence to approach His throne. In the holy place where lightning flashes, seraphs continuously give Him praise, and colors unparalleled to this world dazzle and dance, He imparted to Gabriel another message to be delivered. So Gabriel torn back the veil once again between the spiritual realm to the natural realm.
Previously, Gabriel was sent to the temple where Zechariah was serving or to Daniel, who was a ruler over an entire province of Babylon (Daniel 2:48). They were both men in high positions. Now, Gabriel was being sent to a young teenage girl in a small village in the hill country. This common girl received the most majestic message from the holy throne room of God.
The Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth is a modern Catholic church built over the remains of Byzantine and Crusader churches. It incorporates the cave where the Catholic Church believes that the Virgin Mary received the news from Gabriel that she would give birth to Jesus. However, we are not certain of the true location. Was she in this cave? Was it her home? Was she cooking dinner? Was she sweeping the floors? Or was she still in bed and in her night clothes? Or was she outside getting water from the well or some other chore?
Likewise, we could think of many questions about her reaction to the angel Gabriel’s appearance. It is doubtful that she was giddy and ecstatic, wondering what an angel looked like. She was not thinking about how she couldn’t wait to tell all of her friends. She probably was not relaxed and welcoming the angel because she was not expecting his visit. She knew about the angel’s news to Zechariah and how Elizabeth’s barren womb was open with the child who would “go on before the Lord” (Luke 1:17). However, she could not have guessed that Elizabeth’s baby would go on before the Son of God who had come as the Son of Man born from her womb.
Mary was bestowed with the highest honor among women. We know that God esteemed her because Gabriel said that she was highly favored in verse 28, and then, he said it again in verse 30. God was pleased with her. Then, the angel goes on to say, “The Lord is with you.” Oh, what words of comfort! When God assigns someone a mission in the Bible like Moses or Joshua, He also assured them with these precious words, “I am with you.” Remember He is Immanuel, the with-us God. The angel had not told her yet her assignment. He first told her that she was able to do what God had called her to do. Then he told her what was going to happen.
In a matter of moments on an ordinary day, the entire direction of this teenager’s life had changed. The angel told this young girl that she would be responsible for the precious Son of God. He told her to accept this unprecedented miracle. He told her to embrace motherhood, which was not the life stage for which she was preparing. He told her to endure scandal. The community would know that this baby was not Joseph’s child. She would have to endure their cupped whispers in their friends’ ears as she passed them on the roads. She would have to tell Joseph, and yes, she would have to tell her parents!
But God gave her two encouragements so she would know that even though she was called to a hard road, all would be alright for she had won the favor of God! Even though she was not perfect and made some mistakes, she knew that she was living right and that her heart was for the Lord. Secondly, she had the promise that the Lord was with her. With God on her side, she could endure whatever the neighbors said and find the wisdom needed to raise the Son of the Most High.
Precious one, with God on our side, we also can endure whatever He has called us. If we set ourselves apart for Him, then we are also highly favored and have placed ourselves in a position for Him to work in our lives. Our Lord will be with us through whatever life throws at us. He will never leave us nor forsake us. Others may forsake us, but He won’t! O, how we praise You, LORD!
Pray with me: Father God, what an amazing story! You sent Your messenger with a divine message that had waited throughout all time to be uttered. The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary on such an ordinary day. We also desire to be highly favored by You, too. Teach us how to be favored by You. Convict us in areas that do not please You. We never want to go anywhere without You. We want every path of our lives to be marked by “The LORD was with us.” Show us Your way. It’s in Your precious Son’s Name, Yeshua’s Name, we pray. Amen.
By Shirley Mitchell
“In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son.’ ”
Luke 1:26-31a
God Himself sent Gabriel to Nazareth to a virgin pledged to be married. He summoned His angel Gabriel who stood in His presence to approach His throne. In the holy place where lightning flashes, seraphs continuously give Him praise, and colors unparalleled to this world dazzle and dance, He imparted to Gabriel another message to be delivered. So Gabriel torn back the veil once again between the spiritual realm to the natural realm.
Previously, Gabriel was sent to the temple where Zechariah was serving or to Daniel, who was a ruler over an entire province of Babylon (Daniel 2:48). They were both men in high positions. Now, Gabriel was being sent to a young teenage girl in a small village in the hill country. This common girl received the most majestic message from the holy throne room of God.
The Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth is a modern Catholic church built over the remains of Byzantine and Crusader churches. It incorporates the cave where the Catholic Church believes that the Virgin Mary received the news from Gabriel that she would give birth to Jesus. However, we are not certain of the true location. Was she in this cave? Was it her home? Was she cooking dinner? Was she sweeping the floors? Or was she still in bed and in her night clothes? Or was she outside getting water from the well or some other chore?
Likewise, we could think of many questions about her reaction to the angel Gabriel’s appearance. It is doubtful that she was giddy and ecstatic, wondering what an angel looked like. She was not thinking about how she couldn’t wait to tell all of her friends. She probably was not relaxed and welcoming the angel because she was not expecting his visit. She knew about the angel’s news to Zechariah and how Elizabeth’s barren womb was open with the child who would “go on before the Lord” (Luke 1:17). However, she could not have guessed that Elizabeth’s baby would go on before the Son of God who had come as the Son of Man born from her womb.
Mary was bestowed with the highest honor among women. We know that God esteemed her because Gabriel said that she was highly favored in verse 28, and then, he said it again in verse 30. God was pleased with her. Then, the angel goes on to say, “The Lord is with you.” Oh, what words of comfort! When God assigns someone a mission in the Bible like Moses or Joshua, He also assured them with these precious words, “I am with you.” Remember He is Immanuel, the with-us God. The angel had not told her yet her assignment. He first told her that she was able to do what God had called her to do. Then he told her what was going to happen.
In a matter of moments on an ordinary day, the entire direction of this teenager’s life had changed. The angel told this young girl that she would be responsible for the precious Son of God. He told her to accept this unprecedented miracle. He told her to embrace motherhood, which was not the life stage for which she was preparing. He told her to endure scandal. The community would know that this baby was not Joseph’s child. She would have to endure their cupped whispers in their friends’ ears as she passed them on the roads. She would have to tell Joseph, and yes, she would have to tell her parents!
But God gave her two encouragements so she would know that even though she was called to a hard road, all would be alright for she had won the favor of God! Even though she was not perfect and made some mistakes, she knew that she was living right and that her heart was for the Lord. Secondly, she had the promise that the Lord was with her. With God on her side, she could endure whatever the neighbors said and find the wisdom needed to raise the Son of the Most High.
Precious one, with God on our side, we also can endure whatever He has called us. If we set ourselves apart for Him, then we are also highly favored and have placed ourselves in a position for Him to work in our lives. Our Lord will be with us through whatever life throws at us. He will never leave us nor forsake us. Others may forsake us, but He won’t! O, how we praise You, LORD!
Pray with me: Father God, what an amazing story! You sent Your messenger with a divine message that had waited throughout all time to be uttered. The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary on such an ordinary day. We also desire to be highly favored by You, too. Teach us how to be favored by You. Convict us in areas that do not please You. We never want to go anywhere without You. We want every path of our lives to be marked by “The LORD was with us.” Show us Your way. It’s in Your precious Son’s Name, Yeshua’s Name, we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Christmas Grief
Christmas Grief
By Shirley Mitchell
“Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.”
Psalm 31:9
“My eyes are dim with grief. I call to you, O LORD, every day; I spread out my hands to you.”
Psalm 88:9
My father died in November many years ago. I remember being so sad the Christmas following his tragic death. The grief was so heavy that I felt continuously pressed down. My exact thoughts as we opened up the presents were “Christmas will never be the same again without Daddy.” My father and I would play games all day. He loved to laugh and tell stories. Now that was all gone.
I was right. Christmas has never been the same again. I still miss my father every year, and it has been over a decade. However, God is so loving to have filled that hole left behind by the loss of my father through other people. Our family has grown. My parents have been blessed with ten grandchildren. I now have a family of my own.
Now, I understand this as a different season in my life. It is the season to share with my young daughters, husband, sisters as adults, sweet mother (who is now sitting, instead of working!), and precious friends. Just as my time being young and being able to play with my father all day was limited, so is this time, too. Believe me, I would have kept Christmas the same way forever and never made room for any new idea or to enjoy Christmas someone else’s way on my own. Since there is only one of me, I realize that every year I run out of time to spend with the ones I love. I couldn’t possibly do it all. I’m enjoying this season of my life while longing for the day that we are all united together once again. In heaven, we’ll receive our new bodies, and earthly limitations will be gone. We won’t be spread so thin and constricted by limited time.
The holidays can be a very sad time for some people. It exposes the emotional buttons that they have desperately tried to hide. Some people dread the holidays because their loved ones are gone, or maybe they never have had a true loved one to share this time. Some people are bitter about their families and whine about the dysfunction that they have had to endure.
This Christmas season, I’m asking God for opportunities to reach out to the lonely, the grieving, and the depressed. I want to have God’s eyes to see those who are grieving and need to know it is okay to miss their loved ones. When our love outlasts our loved one, we have to realize that it is because our hearts are subject to eternity. Ecclesiastes 3:11b says, “He has also set eternity in the hearts of men...” Since lives are changed one person at a time, let’s ask God to give us all at least one person this Christmas season for whom we can make a difference in his or her life.
If you are dealing with grief, then my heart hurts for you. Know how much I care about you, but more important than me, know that our Sovereign God loves you so much. He has heard your cries when you thought no one heard. He understands what it is like for a loved one to die. Some day, He will wipe away every tear, and you will know eternal joy. O, how I long for that day!
Pray with me: O Lord, even when we grieve, give us a heart to praise You! You hear us when we cry. You comfort us. Thank You for our loved ones You have given to us. This Christmas bring us someone to extend Your loving arms to her or him. May we be willing to reach out to this person in comfort. Bring joy back to his or her life that only You can do. One day, we’ll see You face to face. Our saved loved ones will all be together. How we pray for Your Spirit to move over every one of our loved ones so we will all be there together. It’s in the Name above all names, in Jesus’ Name, Yeshua’s Name, we pray. Amen.
By Shirley Mitchell
“Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.”
Psalm 31:9
“My eyes are dim with grief. I call to you, O LORD, every day; I spread out my hands to you.”
Psalm 88:9
My father died in November many years ago. I remember being so sad the Christmas following his tragic death. The grief was so heavy that I felt continuously pressed down. My exact thoughts as we opened up the presents were “Christmas will never be the same again without Daddy.” My father and I would play games all day. He loved to laugh and tell stories. Now that was all gone.
I was right. Christmas has never been the same again. I still miss my father every year, and it has been over a decade. However, God is so loving to have filled that hole left behind by the loss of my father through other people. Our family has grown. My parents have been blessed with ten grandchildren. I now have a family of my own.
Now, I understand this as a different season in my life. It is the season to share with my young daughters, husband, sisters as adults, sweet mother (who is now sitting, instead of working!), and precious friends. Just as my time being young and being able to play with my father all day was limited, so is this time, too. Believe me, I would have kept Christmas the same way forever and never made room for any new idea or to enjoy Christmas someone else’s way on my own. Since there is only one of me, I realize that every year I run out of time to spend with the ones I love. I couldn’t possibly do it all. I’m enjoying this season of my life while longing for the day that we are all united together once again. In heaven, we’ll receive our new bodies, and earthly limitations will be gone. We won’t be spread so thin and constricted by limited time.
The holidays can be a very sad time for some people. It exposes the emotional buttons that they have desperately tried to hide. Some people dread the holidays because their loved ones are gone, or maybe they never have had a true loved one to share this time. Some people are bitter about their families and whine about the dysfunction that they have had to endure.
This Christmas season, I’m asking God for opportunities to reach out to the lonely, the grieving, and the depressed. I want to have God’s eyes to see those who are grieving and need to know it is okay to miss their loved ones. When our love outlasts our loved one, we have to realize that it is because our hearts are subject to eternity. Ecclesiastes 3:11b says, “He has also set eternity in the hearts of men...” Since lives are changed one person at a time, let’s ask God to give us all at least one person this Christmas season for whom we can make a difference in his or her life.
If you are dealing with grief, then my heart hurts for you. Know how much I care about you, but more important than me, know that our Sovereign God loves you so much. He has heard your cries when you thought no one heard. He understands what it is like for a loved one to die. Some day, He will wipe away every tear, and you will know eternal joy. O, how I long for that day!
Pray with me: O Lord, even when we grieve, give us a heart to praise You! You hear us when we cry. You comfort us. Thank You for our loved ones You have given to us. This Christmas bring us someone to extend Your loving arms to her or him. May we be willing to reach out to this person in comfort. Bring joy back to his or her life that only You can do. One day, we’ll see You face to face. Our saved loved ones will all be together. How we pray for Your Spirit to move over every one of our loved ones so we will all be there together. It’s in the Name above all names, in Jesus’ Name, Yeshua’s Name, we pray. Amen.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Gabriel's Message
Gabriel's Message
By Shirley Mitchell
"Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth."
Luke 1:11-14
Zechariah was priest from the division of Abijah, from the line of Aaron. He was married to Elizabeth. Zechariah and Elizabeth were both upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commands. However, she was barren.
They were in their old age. I imagine their bodies had some aches and pains that reminded them their time was ticking away. To not have children in the Jewish society was looked upon as a stigma. How many times had they called out to God for a child? How many prayers seemed to be unanswered? Had Zechariah agonized over hearing Elizabeth's soft sobs? Through it all, they both remained blameless. Even though their lives had not turned out like they had hoped, they trusted in God.
When Zechariah's division was on duty, he was chosen by lot to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense at the altar. His responsibility was to pray for the nation of Israel and for Messiah to come while the worshippers assembled outside to pray. But this was the only time in his life he would be able to minister before the Lord like this. It was his only chance. This day only happened once in a man's lifetime, if at all.
While in the temple, the angel Gabriel suddenly appeared to him. He was standing at the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah had already expected for this to be a sacred moment in this sacred place. But he never expected a heavenly visitor. I think this was one time the unexpected drop-in was more than okay.
It had been 400 years since God had spoken to the prophet Malachi. Israel had rejected God and turned to other gods. So God obliged the people of Israel and stopped speaking to them. God broke the 400-year silence by sending the angel Gabriel to breach through the barrier between heaven and this world to appear to Zechariah. Gabriel declared the good news of the birth of the forerunner to Jesus, John the Baptist.
Gabriel's name means "Mighty One of God." He describes himself as one who stands in the presence of God. He was stating his authority for delivering this message. However, his first words to Zechariah were "Do not be afraid." It was because Zechariah was startled and gripped with fear! I imagine that it was not only the sudden appearance of someone he didn't know inside the sacred part of the temple, but also that Gabriel must not have looked like a mere mortal man.
Gabriel's next words were "Your prayers have been answered." It makes us wonder if Zechariah was more than interceding for Israel and for Messiah. Was he also requesting his life-long prayer? While he was lifting up sweet smelling incense to the Lord was he also lifting up his heart's deepest desire? Or had his heart protected itself and it no longer dared to hope for such a thing?.
Gabriel told him that his wife Elizabeth would bear him a son and he was to give him the name John. Gabriel said his son would be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. He would go in the spirit and power of Elijah. He would bring the people of Israel back to God. He would make ready a people prepared for the Lord. I think this was a son worth waiting for!
His son would be one who stirred up Israel and set the stage for Jesus to enter. Isaiah prophesied about him 700 years before his birth. When the Pharisees question him about his identity, he quotes Isaiah 40:3 which says he is "A voice of one calling: 'In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.' " In ancient times a forerunner would go before a dignitary to announce his coming and clear the way before him. Highways were made straight only for a king. John would be the one who announced this dignitary that was much higher than he.
While his parents praised God for letting them be his parents and for blessing them with him in their old age, the religious leaders thought he was crazy. Numerous people were baptized by him. Herod hated him. Some of Jesus' disciples followed him before they followed Jesus. He preached boldly and showed no fear. He was chosen by God to be the one who prepared the way for Jesus. You see, precious one, God's plan for Jesus' first coming had been given much forethought. God knew there needed to be a forerunner to prepare the hearts of the people to receive Jesus. God sent John to be the one to make straight for the King of kings to come!
Pray with me: Almighty God, we praise You for Your divine plan. John the Baptist was well planned out We see that You used time to prepare the earth and You used a man to bring the hearts of the people back to You. You prepare. You are methodical. You give careful consideration to Your plans for man. Youknew what You were going to do long before You did. You proved again that You are the one true God by giving the prophecy to Isaiah hundreds of years before You fulfilled it.
Thank You for the reminder of the angels that serve You and worship You. They believe You. They can not fathom not trusting You or doubting what You say like Zechariah did. Give us that some unquestionable faith where we don't doubt who You are. It's in Your precious Son's Name, Yeshua's Name, we pray. Amen.
Follow Up: Dear friend, do you know Jesus? Do you know of Him? Have you heard about this God and this Jesus, but you really want to get to know Him more deeply and more intimately? If you want to know Him today, visit us online at www.christcompels.com or email us at info@christcompels.com. We would love to go with you on this journey into a new life with the Father, the Holy Spirit, and the Son!
By Shirley Mitchell
"Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth."
Luke 1:11-14
Zechariah was priest from the division of Abijah, from the line of Aaron. He was married to Elizabeth. Zechariah and Elizabeth were both upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commands. However, she was barren.
They were in their old age. I imagine their bodies had some aches and pains that reminded them their time was ticking away. To not have children in the Jewish society was looked upon as a stigma. How many times had they called out to God for a child? How many prayers seemed to be unanswered? Had Zechariah agonized over hearing Elizabeth's soft sobs? Through it all, they both remained blameless. Even though their lives had not turned out like they had hoped, they trusted in God.
When Zechariah's division was on duty, he was chosen by lot to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense at the altar. His responsibility was to pray for the nation of Israel and for Messiah to come while the worshippers assembled outside to pray. But this was the only time in his life he would be able to minister before the Lord like this. It was his only chance. This day only happened once in a man's lifetime, if at all.
While in the temple, the angel Gabriel suddenly appeared to him. He was standing at the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah had already expected for this to be a sacred moment in this sacred place. But he never expected a heavenly visitor. I think this was one time the unexpected drop-in was more than okay.
It had been 400 years since God had spoken to the prophet Malachi. Israel had rejected God and turned to other gods. So God obliged the people of Israel and stopped speaking to them. God broke the 400-year silence by sending the angel Gabriel to breach through the barrier between heaven and this world to appear to Zechariah. Gabriel declared the good news of the birth of the forerunner to Jesus, John the Baptist.
Gabriel's name means "Mighty One of God." He describes himself as one who stands in the presence of God. He was stating his authority for delivering this message. However, his first words to Zechariah were "Do not be afraid." It was because Zechariah was startled and gripped with fear! I imagine that it was not only the sudden appearance of someone he didn't know inside the sacred part of the temple, but also that Gabriel must not have looked like a mere mortal man.
Gabriel's next words were "Your prayers have been answered." It makes us wonder if Zechariah was more than interceding for Israel and for Messiah. Was he also requesting his life-long prayer? While he was lifting up sweet smelling incense to the Lord was he also lifting up his heart's deepest desire? Or had his heart protected itself and it no longer dared to hope for such a thing?.
Gabriel told him that his wife Elizabeth would bear him a son and he was to give him the name John. Gabriel said his son would be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. He would go in the spirit and power of Elijah. He would bring the people of Israel back to God. He would make ready a people prepared for the Lord. I think this was a son worth waiting for!
His son would be one who stirred up Israel and set the stage for Jesus to enter. Isaiah prophesied about him 700 years before his birth. When the Pharisees question him about his identity, he quotes Isaiah 40:3 which says he is "A voice of one calling: 'In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.' " In ancient times a forerunner would go before a dignitary to announce his coming and clear the way before him. Highways were made straight only for a king. John would be the one who announced this dignitary that was much higher than he.
While his parents praised God for letting them be his parents and for blessing them with him in their old age, the religious leaders thought he was crazy. Numerous people were baptized by him. Herod hated him. Some of Jesus' disciples followed him before they followed Jesus. He preached boldly and showed no fear. He was chosen by God to be the one who prepared the way for Jesus. You see, precious one, God's plan for Jesus' first coming had been given much forethought. God knew there needed to be a forerunner to prepare the hearts of the people to receive Jesus. God sent John to be the one to make straight for the King of kings to come!
Pray with me: Almighty God, we praise You for Your divine plan. John the Baptist was well planned out We see that You used time to prepare the earth and You used a man to bring the hearts of the people back to You. You prepare. You are methodical. You give careful consideration to Your plans for man. Youknew what You were going to do long before You did. You proved again that You are the one true God by giving the prophecy to Isaiah hundreds of years before You fulfilled it.
Thank You for the reminder of the angels that serve You and worship You. They believe You. They can not fathom not trusting You or doubting what You say like Zechariah did. Give us that some unquestionable faith where we don't doubt who You are. It's in Your precious Son's Name, Yeshua's Name, we pray. Amen.
Follow Up: Dear friend, do you know Jesus? Do you know of Him? Have you heard about this God and this Jesus, but you really want to get to know Him more deeply and more intimately? If you want to know Him today, visit us online at www.christcompels.com or email us at info@christcompels.com. We would love to go with you on this journey into a new life with the Father, the Holy Spirit, and the Son!
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