Luke 1:68-68

His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people."

What amazing faith Zechariah had! Jesus has not even been born yet, but He is filled with the Holy Spirit and sharing the redemption of God's people! What faith...I pray for that kind of faith in my own personal life. I pray that I can stand firmly on the Rock of my salvation and trust the His Word is the satisfaction of my soul!

I want to share with you a picture of what salvation means to us...in the words of Charles Spurgeon. I read his book "Morning and Evening" each day and today was a perfect compliment to the verses we had in our family devotion this morning.

"Salvation is of the Lord." Jonah 2:9

Salvation is the work of God. It is he alone who quickens the soul "dead in trespasses and sins," and it is he also who maintains the soul in its spiritual life. He is both "Alpha and Omega." "Salvation is of the Lord."

If I am prayerful, God makes me prayerful; if I have graces, they are God's gifts to me; if I hold on in a consistent life, it is because he upholds me with his hand. I do nothing whatever towards my own preservation, except what God himself first does in me. Whatever I have, all my goodness is of the Lord alone.

Wherein I sin, that is my own; but wherein I act rightly, that is of God, wholly and completely. If I have repulsed a spiritual enemy, the Lord's strength nerved my arm. Do I live before men a consecrated life? It is not I, but Christ who liveth in me. Am I sanctified? I did not cleanse myself: God's Holy Spirit sanctifies me. Am I weaned from the world? I am weaned by God's chastisements sanctified to my good. Do I grow in knowledge? The great Instructor teaches me.

All my jewels were fashioned by heavenly art. I find in God all that I want; but I find in myself nothing but sin and misery. "He only is my rock and my salvation."

Do I feed on the Word? That Word would be no food for me unless the Lord made it food for my soul, and helped me to feed upon it. Do I live on the manna which comes down from heaven? What is that manna but Jesus Christ himself incarnate, whose body and whose blood I eat and drink?

Am I continually receiving fresh increase of strength? Where do I gather my might? My help cometh from heaven's hills: without Jesus I can do nothing. As a branch cannot bring forth fruit except it abide in the vine, no more can I, except I abide in him. What Jonah learned in the great deep, let me learn this morning in my closet: "Salvation is of the Lord."

Oh, what a good word this morning from my brother...and what a blessing to hear Zechariah's heart of faith. I pray today that each of us will understand the true meaning of our salvation. I pray that it was not simply a one time event...but we see how it weaves it's fiber into every part of our lives. What a reminder to me, that if I hunger and feed on His Word, that it is such a precious gift from Him every morning. Let's not take our salvation as common place, but rejoice in humility at the Christ who redeemed his people!

I can't even begin to thank Him for my salvation. Each day He is pouring the reality of salvation into my heart. He is breaking the bonds of unbelief and giving me wings of faith!!

On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, but his mother spoke up and said,
"No! He is to be called John."
They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who has that name." Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, "His name is John."

Many times in our lives God asks us to do things that do not make any sense to those around us. They look at the decisions we make and the ways we live, and they think we are crazy! They look at our lives through eyes of common sense and logic...while we are called to live a life of faith.
Look at the very definition of faith Hebrews 11:1 -

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Being certain of what you do not see? Our world doesn't think that is such a good idea. But, we are called to please God through our faith and not the logic we display according to the world around us.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

WOW! I want to be full of that kind of foolishness! I want to know the power of God in the foolishness of the cross. But, so many Christians want their lives to make "sense" to those around them. They want to have a logical reason for the decision they are making. They want God to "back them up" on the things they are doing. They don't want to look like a fool.

But, that is our call. Corinthians assures us when we make our life decisions based on the cross...they WILL be foolish to those who are perishing around us. But, to those who are saved...they should be seeing the power of God! Many times, we as Christians, are wearing eyes of the perishing.

Last night we had the honor of having dinner with friends who are stepping out on faith in a huge way. People around them are buzzing...and "not all of it good" is being told to them. We can understand their journey. We have had to check pride at the door more and let go of looking together in front of people. It's not fun...but God will bless you in mighty ways!

If you are not hearing Him correctly...He will change you! If you are hearing Him correctly...He will guide you in it and through it. But, focus on His voice and obey it. Zechariah heard God's voice and did not believe it at first. After months of silence, He put aside his doubts and acted in faith. He named his son John, though everyone around him could not make any sense of that decision.

I pray today that you will listen closely to the message of the cross. I pray that you and I will check pride at the door and follow this Jesus wherever He leads. May we never be found judging each other with the heart of the perishing, but embracing the foolishness of the cross!

Luke 1:57-58

When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.

Ladies, this one is for us! So many times in our lives we are so discouraged about our own lives, marriages, children, parenting, finances, jobs, and friendships that when someone sees a HUGE move of God in their lives we have a hard time sharing their joy. When a friend or family member comes to us with great news of God's amazing mercy in their lives which is blessing them beyond anything they could think or imagine...many of us tend to put on a good front of joy...but inside we are jealous.

We think about our own lives and wonder where God is in OUR lives! We huff a little and puff a little and hope that no one will notice our lack of real JOY for them. I have been a female for about 35 years...and have been around women for the past 15 years enough to know that we deal with a hefty dose of jealousy. It's not that we don't want to be happy for those around us who are seeing God's blessing shower all over them in amazing ways...it's just that WE want some of those blessings ourselves.

This all stems from the fact that we are just not satisfied in our own lives. We are not filled to overflowing. We are starving and slain with thirst...and when someone walks by with a steak and a Diet Coke from God...our tummies cramp and our mood darkens.

But, ladies there is a way that we can ALL be satisfied...every SINGLE day of our lives!!! Jesus knew the way and He shared it with all people in Matthew 4:4-

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

A healthy diet of God's Word each day will fill our souls to the fill line and even more! Then, and only then, can we truly rejoice with those around us. Because we have our identity sealed in Christ and His Word to us, we are able to rejoice with those around us and find the joy in God's great mercy! What a gift!

Today, look at your own life. Do you deal with jealousy? If you were Elizabeth's neighbors would you truly be able to SHARE in her joy? What about those around you? Are you able to share in the mercy God is showing them in their lives?

Look closely at your self today and ask God to show you any traces of jealousy. We want to be so full of God's Word in our lives and we can't wait to hear about the blessings He is sharing with those around us! What a better way to spend our time. I

Luke 1:54-56

“He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

God remembers His Word! He never forgets what He has promised…ever. Yesterday, I had the joy of talking with a lady who came over to my house in the afternoon to share the challenges that are going on in her life and ministry right now. I must admit, I had no idea what to say in the way of wisdom. But, God did!

God’s Word is the answer for all of our lives…even when we can’t even find the questions among all the chaos. As we sat together for hours, the one thing that stayed constant was God’s Words. He has made so many promises in Christ to us as believers, and He has not forgotten them…not a single one! What He has said He will do.

But, the problem arises when we start to put our own spin on His Word. We want things our way in our time frame…at least I do many times. We must be immersed in His Word each day (without an agenda) and allow it to transform our MINDS! We want to hear and apply God’s Word as He designed it, and not how WE want it.

Today, you can take comfort in the fact that God always remembers His Word and does what He says. Perhaps there are areas of your life today in which you simply don’t believe that statement. You can’t agree with Mary as she praises God for remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendents forever as He said He would. Maybe there are things in your life that you feel God just hasn’t kept His Word to you on.

Talk with God about those things. Go to His Word and surrender your timetable, opinions, and agenda. Allow God’s Word to change YOU…not the other way around. Allow God to speak Truth into those areas and I know that He will show you each day how He has and always will be true to His Word. He does remember everything that He has promised and said…forever!

Luke 1:52-53

He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

OK, I just LOVE this set of verses! It is so true that God has filled the hungry with GOOD things!!! In my life, I spent most of my time searching for things to satisfy the hunger in my soul. Jesus was my Savior, but I had not truly found that God could FILL my hunger with GOOD things. I went about my day filling myself on the acceptance of others, the love of my husband, my ministries, my children, family, stuff, books, knowledge, and the list could go on and on.

I was quite rich in my own eyes! I had gorged myself on the things of this world and even the things of the church, but found myself extremely HUNGRY every single day of my life. Then, one day almost 7 years ago I began to feast on God’s Word EVERY day! These verses finally came true in my life. I put away the “riches” of this world and began to be filled with God’s RICHEST foods.

David understood this and has been my example for years as he said:

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.

My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

He understood the richest of foods was the very presence of God in his life! He sought Him with everything he had…body and soul…and found the richest of foods for his SOUL.

Mary echoes what David says in her song. She knows that when we seek the riches of this world (and I’m not just talking money and stuff) we will not be able to truly know how God can fill your soul. My soul is filled every single day that I meet with God over His Word and seek Him in prayer. I can stand beside Mary and David and confirm once again that His Word is the satisfaction of our souls!

I pray today that your souls are satisfied in Christ. Spend time in God’s Word today and taste of the richest of foods for your soul.

Luke 1:50-51

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

Mary’s song is amazing to me. I love to hear her heart as she ponders being blessed by God to carry His Son…wow, even thinking about that blows my mind! Can you imagine being the mother of God’s Son? The Savior of the world…me neither!

Here she speaks of the mercy of those who fear God…that it extends from generation to generation. Then, she counters that with those who are proud in their inmost thoughts…they are scattered. One line of blessing we see unifies and ties together generations upon generation. The other is scattered.

That is something for us to ponder today. Do we have pride in our inmost thoughts? It doesn’t say that the ones who were scattered were simply those who were obviously outwardly prideful. It reminds us that God sees our inmost hearts and thoughts and He must be first there. It’s easy many times for us to seem humble on the outside. Many of us in church have learned to play the game really well. We seem to be full of humility.

But, God looks on the heart while man is focused on the outward appearance. I want to be humble on the inside. In those thoughts no one ever hears or sees. I can’t say that’s true of me yet. There are still so many times that my first thought is myself. When I get irritated with something silly…I am mad because it is an inconvenience for my schedule. When I get angry over a comment…I am simply offended that everyone doesn’t think highly of me. When I judge someone in my mind…I am putting myself above him or her.

Pride is a sneaky thing that most of us deal with on a daily basis. Prideful people aren’t the ones who see mercy visit generation upon generation of their families. They are scattered and alone. That is NOT the heritage that I would want for my family. Mary didn’t want that either. She praised God that He gave mercy to those who feared Him and that the mercy He gave would not only be for her…but for generations through the birth, death, and ressurection of the baby boy she was carrying.

That is where mercy is found…in the holy blood of Christ shed for a lost and dying world…a world full of pride. A world that was scattered and torn by sin. A world that hated Him and refused to give up their own agenda and pride to embrace a Messiah of lowly position here on earth.

Lord, don’t let me live in pride. May I follow closely the steps of Jesus…filled with mercy not only for myself, but mercy on the generations to come. May my life be one that draws my family and friends into mercy found only in the blood of Jesus Christ…my beautiful Savior. You are worthy of all my inmost thoughts…may they be filled with the wonder of Your mercy moment by moment. May Your mercy leave no room for petty thoughts of me. I love you Jesus!

Luke 1:46-49

And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.

In this passage, Mary understands that she is a servant of God and knows that God has been mindful of her. How wonderful to know today that no matter what is going on in your life…that God is mindful of you! I take great comfort knowing that God is mindful of me through my trials, challenges, sinful actions, and in my rejoicing. He is always there and has never turned His back or His mind away from me.

The amazing thing is that He does the same for you…all at the same time! What an amazing God we serve!!! I can’t imagine being mindful of more than one thing at a time…and many times I can’t even keep my mind of that. But, God’s mind is on each of our lives from generation to generation. That just blows my small mind away!

Today, take great comfort in the God who is mindful of you. He is mindful of our state no matter what that looks like today. Just because our lives are filled with challenges, trials, and tears it doesn’t mean that He has forgotten us or what is going on in our lives. Think about the life of Jesus. Did He ever for one moment forget about His precious Son? No way! But, Jesus’ life was filled with challenges and eventually death on a cross for our sins. We must fellowship in the trials and sufferings of our Master if we are to know what it means to be a Christian.

Take everything to Him today and know that He is mindful of you…because He loves

Luke 1:45

“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

Mary not only heard what the Lord said through the angel…but she BELIEVED that it would be accomplished. As we discussed this together this morning, we all agreed that we should make sure we are not just storing up knowledge and information about God in our minds. Many times in our daily time with God (or not so daily) we may never truly HEAR what God is saying to us. We just clock our time and move on about our day completely unchanged.

Mary not only took in the information, she truly believed that it would be accomplished in her life. There is a vast difference in just knowing and BELIEVING God’s Word. Believing changes us every single day of our lives! Believing changes the way we think, act, and feel. It never leaves us the same…ever! God is constantly using His Word and the Holy Spirit in us to make us more like Christ. There’s never a day in my life…or a moment for that matter…that God thinks I am just fine the way I am and leaves me alone for that day!!! No way!!!

Take a look at how you are interacting with God’s Words to you. Perhaps you have not made spending time with Him a part of your life at all. Jesus was the Word made flesh…and the Holy Spirit never speaks anything other than what God has already spoken in His Word. They never contradict each other! God’s Word is what Jesus told Satan that He lived on…and we should too!

Start today with the Bible. Begin making time to hear from God each day of your life. It’s awesome!!! If you already spend daily time in God’s Word…take a look and see if you truly BELIEVE what He says will be accomplished and that it is TRUTH in your life. If not, begin praying for God to show you areas of unbelief and ask Him to change that in you. He will do it!

Luke 1:39-24

“At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!

Today, as our family talked about this passage this morning we thought about how through the gift of Jesus not only was Mary blessed…but we too are blessed! What a wonderful thing to reflect on this morning. So much of our day is spent “trouble-shooting.” We must work on our marriage, parenting, our job performance, our relationships with friends and family, keeping up with our homes, homework, sports, hobbies, and on the list goes. We are flat worn out most days!

That is why it is CRUCIAL to spend time in God’s Word every morning…to place your day before Him and allow His focus for today to become yours as well. Each morning He will share TRUTH with you. The lies of this world and the values that it crams down our throats 24 hours a day must be put up against God’s Truth. When God’s Word becomes our standard and the wellspring we drink from to quench our thirst and the manna that we feast on, then we will know TRUTH from lies.

Today that TRUTH is that you are blessed beyond measure in Christ if He is your Lord and Savior today. Look at this verse in Ephesians 1:3 –

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”

Truth tells us that we are blessed with EVERY spiritual blessing IN Christ today and every day! He blesses us with lasting blessings like peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self-control, love, joy, patience…and so much more! That is TRUTH today. You are BLESSED in Christ!

Start your day with God’s Word so that His voice of TRUTH is clear to you. Perhaps a good look at our schedules, priorities, and the way we invest these 24 hours we are given each day is in order. If we are faithful in our time with Him…He promises us every spiritual blessing through Christ. What a way to start your day!!!

Luke 1:34-38

"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 called the 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.


The angel didn't give her all the answers I'm sure her mind and heart were asking. Questions like...

What do you mean I'm having the Son of God?

What about Joseph?

Doesn't God know that people will say I've committed adultery?

Does He care that I could be stoned to death?

How will I tell my parents?

What will everyone think of this baby?

What in the world is happening to me?

Those are only a FEW of the questions I would be asking in my heart and mind right at that moment...or I might just be in shock! Can you imagine hearing that you were going to have the Holy Spirit come upon you and power of the Most High OVERSHADOW you? I can't even begin to imagine what Mary's thoughts were at this moment.

But, when she asked the only question about her being a virgin...the angel reminds her that with God NOTHING is impossible! Isn't that the best news?

Today, we are all up against things in our lives that from the outside might seem impossible. There may not seem like any way out. You have more questions than answers and you wonder what in the world is going on. Take comfort today in this conversation between Mary and Gabriel. Know that God reminds each of us through this story...and the story of Elizabeth's pregnancy with John the Baptist...that NOTHING is impossible with God.

I'm so grateful for that Truth today! Even when it seems like we face the impossible...we serve the MOST HIGH GOD! Praise Him for that today...and cast your cares upon Him because He cares for you.

Luke 1:32

“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."’

I love this verse because it recounts the promises and prophesies of God about Jesus. It reminds us that He will come from the house and line of David and that He will be the ruler of the house of Jacob forever! It recounts and reminds us that God’s promised Messiah was truly to come.

In my daily life today, it will give me great comfort and assurance to be reminded of the sovereign plans of God. Even when I don’t understand how the promises all throughout God’s Word will come to pass, I can believe in faith that they will! Just as for generations, men like Jacob, Abraham, and David were told that a Messiah would come and set the people of free…they never saw it in their lifetime. But, they believed in God and placed their faith in Him and His promises! Hebrews 11:13-16 tells us…

“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”

Today’s verses remind me of the wonderful promises of God filling His Word. There are so many things that I have not seen come to pass in my own lifetime yet…but I live by faith that if God promises them it will happen…through the gift of Jesus Christ all things are possible for those who believe!

Luke 1:29-31

“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, and you are to give him the name Jesus.”

Today, I want for you to meditate on the name of Jesus. What does it mean to you? Look over these verses and allow the grace, mercy, power, and glory of the name of Jesus wash over you today. May we never tire of thinking on this name!

Matthew 1:20-23
"Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."– A Name that saves us from our sins…and allow God to be with us!

Acts 3:16
“By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.” – A Name that heals!

Acts 21:13
“Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."’ – A Name that is better than life!

Romans 8:1
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – A Name that never condemns!

Romans 10:9
“That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” – A Name that saves!

Ephesians 1:3
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” – A Name that blesses!

Philippians 2:8-11
“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” – A Name that is worthy of all praise and glory!

Luke 1:26-28

"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."

Notice here at Gabriel is the same messenger for both Zechariah and Mary! I think that is really cool! Many times we realize that Gabriel was the one who told Mary about Jesus' birth, but we fail to remember that he was also the one to tell of John's birth too!

Today as our family studied these verse together, we were again reminded that we are highly favored by God and that He is always with us! The news that Mary was about to receive would change her world as she knew it. She would hear that she, a virgin, would become pregnant by the Holy Spirit. That could be troubling news! She wasn't formally married and could be stoned for such a pregnancy! Gabriel wanted to assure her that she was highly favored by God and that He would be with her through this journey.

We all have times that are especially troubling in our lives. A child passes away, a diagnosis of cancer enters our family, an unexpected job loss happens, or financial troubles hit us and we don't feel very favored at ALL! Many times we wonder where God is at all in this situation that has rocked our lives...that has changed everything.

You see favor here simply means "grace and loving-kindness." Haven't we received such grace and loving-kindness through Jesus Christ as our Savior? What a gift of favor Mary is receiving for herself from God...but also for all of mankind! Because of God's gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, we can truly understand what it means to be favored by God and to have His presence with us.

These verses remind us that even in the midst of seemingly earth-shattering situations in our lives, God's grace and loving-kindness is always with us. That is the rock that our lives are built upon through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

Today, let's be reminded afresh of the grace and loving-kindness of our God. Take comfort in the fact that you ARE loved by God and the He IS with you at all time in every circumstance. He will never leave us or forsake us...because He can not forsake His own.

Luke 1:21-25

“Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. When his time of service was completed, he returned home. After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion.

"The Lord has done this for me," she said. "In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people."’

Elizabeth remained in seclusion for 5 months into her pregnancy. Why? I studied what some pastors thought on this subject…and they just don’t know. But, what many really think is at the heart of Elizabeth’s act of seclusion was a desire for time to truly praise and worship the Lord. She knew that the Lord is the one who did this…and He had taken away her disgrace among the people.

Elizabeth worshiped God! She knew that He alone was the One who answered her prayers. She also thanked Him for taking away her disgrace among the people. She was never disgraced before God…but He took away the disgrace she endured among those around her. But, remember that He did not do this when she was young…she was well along in years. Even though God had asked her to wait on Him timing for many years…she knew that God was the One who had answered her prayers.

Today, remember that God always hears your prayers. There may be some things you have prayed for years about that the answer has not been revealed to you yet. Perhaps you feel today that God simply isn’t listening…that He doesn’t really care about what you pray. He does hear. He does answer. Maybe not when we want Him to or how we want Him to…but He does answer. We must be like Elizabeth. She saw that God had answered her prayers and she took time to worship Him.

If it were many of us, we may have run right out into the streets to show off our answered prayer. Sometimes we are so thrilled that we never stop to worship the God who provides miracles every day. The One who shows us favor and removed our disgrace by the blood of Jesus Christ! What amazing reasons to worship!

Take some time today to worship God in answered prayers. It’s wonderful to share the answers to your prayers with those around you in joy, but never forget to take the time to worship the One who answered. Truly we should worship each day and all day, because we know God always answers our prayers. It may be with a “no” or a “wait”, but He does answer. Let’s worship the God who answered the prayer of our souls and showed us eternal favor and removed the reproach of sin in our lives! What a glorious answer to our cry from sin!

Georgia Baptist Ministers' Wives Retreat!

I had such a wonderful time this past weekend at the GBC ministers' wives retreat! I was able to go with one of my best friends and to meet another best friend there that weekend. I also enjoyed meeting lots of new friends and seeing ladies I hadn't spent time with since last year's retreat.

This retreat is so great because it really targets those ladies whose lives are very similar to my own. They understand the challenges, blessings, and in and outs of ministry life. What a blessing to have this retreat each year. I was able to cast the vision for our mission emphasis. It was great to see the excited nods of women desiring to minister outside of the US.

I will be posting my daily devotion tomorrow morning! I'm enjoying getting up extra early every day to spend lots of time studying God's Word and writing. Always feel free to comment here and let me know what God is teaching you!

Luke 1:14-17

“He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

What a wonderful description of the son Zechariah would soon have from the Lord! Look at all the descriptions of John. He would be a job and delight to his parents, he would be filled with the Holy Spirit, be great in the sight of the Lord, be filled with a spirit of power, turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

We may not be called to the same task as John literally, but as I look over this list of blessings from God I can’t help but see that we are called to many of these same things today.

We are a joy and delight to our God:
“the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” Psalm 147:11

We are filled with the Holy Spirit if we are His children:
“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory. Eph. 1:13-14

We are given a spirit of power:
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

We prepare people for the Lord:
“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Eph. 4:11-13

Today, spend some time thanking God for the blessings He has given you. Do not focus only on the physical and material blessings. But, see that God blesses you in many spiritual ways. He has spoken so many things over your life in Christ. Enjoy this time of basking in His blessing today…simply because you are His child!