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Praying God's Word

Simeon's Song

12/23/2021

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Read: Luke 2:25-35
 
Devoted to God – verse 25
    We are introduced to Simeon as a man who is a just man devoted to God.  I wonder what that looked like 2000 years ago. What did he do differently from others around him? He was also waiting for the promised One who would bring consolation (comfort) to a world in turmoil. His total belief in God's promises indicates that Simeon knew these promises well. He believed that God had revealed them through the prophets.  He was a man who loved and served God so thoroughly that the Holy Spirit filled him.
  • Ask yourself this question: Do I believe, follow and obey God fully so that the Holy Spirit indwells me and works through my life?
 
In Tune with God – verse 26
     Simeon was in such a close relationship with God that the Holy Spirit spoke directly to him. He listened and understood the message.  I doubt this was the first time Simeon put action to what God was telling him. Following God's directions was a natural part of Simeon's character. We need to be in tune with God and live so that we can hear and understand His messages.
  • When was the last time God spoke to you with a message you heard, understood and obeyed?
 
Prompted by God – verses 27 - 28
When the Spirit of God prompted Simeon, he acted immediately. He didn't wait or ask for an explanation. We need to immediately respond when God speaks to us, with no questions or excuses. 
Ø Write down something that God has asked you to do.  Did you respond correctly? What was the result?
 
Waiting for God – verse 29
    God kept His promise to Simeon. Simeon saw the Messiah before he died and then had peace, knowing it would soon be time to leave this world.  Simeon faithfully waited for God's promise to be fulfilled, honouring God in all he did as he waited.   
  •  What promise has God made to you? How have you honoured Him while waiting for this promise to be fulfilled?
 
Shinning for God
– verses 30-32
    Simeon lived to see "the salvation" just as God promised.  He saw Jesus.  How thrilled he must have been.  He held the promised Messiah, Saviour, and Light of the world.  Jesus, the One worthy of all praise, honour, and glory; for Israel and the Gentiles. I need to shine the light of Jesus to all of those God brings into my life.  I need to give Christ honour and glory for the things He does in my life.
  •  Ask yourself: When was the last time I shared the gospel message with someone? When was the last time I praised God for just being God?
 
Guided by God – verse 33
Jesus' parents listened carefully to Simeon's song and all he said. They were amazed! Because Mary and Joseph only had a small idea of what God had planned for this child, they needed to walk by faith daily, one step at a time.
  • Is God leading you through an uncharted course?  Are you trusting Him one step at a time? Discover a Bible verse or passage you can claim and recite when those steps seem particularly precarious. Find a song you can sing with confidence claiming God's presence with you each day.  
Suggestions: (Psalm 23) (Day by Day or Step by Step)
    
Surrender to God – verses 34-35
    Simeon ended the visit with Mary & Joseph by proclaiming a blessing over them. But then he spoke directly to Mary.  His message was not a happy one.  Mary was warned that she would suffer great sorrow. Mary was given a warning of the sadness she would endure in the future.
  • How do you respond to deep sadness?  Are you able to honour God no matter what the circumstances?  I need to surrender to the Lord and allow His Spirit to control me during these times. 
 
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The Angel's Song

12/22/2021

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Read: Luke 2:8-20
 
An Ordinary Audience – verses 8-9
     There was a group of very ordinary men and boys given the task of caring for the sheep of several families. On a quiet, typical night, they were faithfully tending their flock. The Amplified Bible describes the scene this way. "And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone around them…" They had their own fireworks display!
  • God may not provide you with a private fireworks display to speak to you, but while tending to your ordinary tasks, God has a message for you from His Word. What is God saying to you today?
 
An Extraordinary Message – verses 10-12 
      We all love to receive good news, news that brings true joy.  But too often, our lives are filled with fear and circumstances that deplete us of our happiness. The angels assured the shepherds there was nothing to fear, and they were directed to the source of joy, the promised Saviour, Jesus.  
  • What is depleting you of joy? Take some time to remember why Jesus came to earth, what He did through His life, death and resurrection. Thank Him for the seemingly small and ordinary things in your life; they may become the Extraordinary. You will find your joy will grow.
 
A Heavenly Song – verses 13-14
      Each song we have looked at begins by singing praise to our God.
 This song then moves into a declaration of peace to those who please our Heavenly Father.  Joy and peace go hand in hand.  When we find contentment and joy, we find peace in our souls. Philippians 4: 4-7 gives excellent advice on finding that peace.   We are instructed to Rejoice in everything, don't be Anxious about anything, Pray about everything, Give Thanks always. 
  • Read those verses and the instructions from Philippians again.  Is there one area in which you need to work?   
 
An Eager Heart – verse 15
     The shepherds had immediate faith, trust and obedience in the Angel's song and God's message. The shepherds responded quickly to the astonishing and unexpected message from God.  With anticipation, they said, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us."
  • I need to ask myself: Do I respond to God's leading immediately, with complete trust and faith in what He has told me to do.  Am I eager to obey?
 
A Willing Proclamation – verses 16-18
     The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem and found the young family and Jesus in the manger just as the angels described. However, many did not believe the shepherds as they repeated what the angels had told them and what they themselves saw in Bethlehem. 
  • Do you find it difficult to tell others about the Lord Jesus.  Does it seem like the message of the Good News falls on deaf ears?  We are commanded to proclaim the good news; we are not responsible for those who do not believe.  We never know when the message we have shared will find its way into the heart of our friends and family.   
 
A Full Heart – verse 19
    We each have precious memories that we treasure, moments with loved ones now in heaven, and hard-earned accomplishments are just a couple of the memories we may cherish.    Mary seemed to recognize the importance of each moment she was experiencing. 
  • Ask God to help you to treasure the moments in your life. Some will be difficult; some will be joyous.  But all will help grow our faith and our character.     
    
Back to an Ordinary Life – verse 20
    These ordinary men and boys had experienced an extraordinary evening full of the unexpected.  We can only imagine how these events shaped their future.  What we do know is that they returned to their ordinary life glorifying and praising God.  Their careers may not have changed, nor their responsibilities. However, they now understood how well God knew them, that He cared for them, and that He would always be with them. They would continue to glorify Him.
  • Is there an area in your life where you need assurance that God cares? Acknowledge Him in that area today.  Strive to glorify and praise Him daily and watch what will happen in your life.   
 
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Zechariah's Song

12/21/2021

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Read: Luke 1:67 - 79
Personal Filling – verse 67
     It appears Zechariah didn't believe the angel's message that they would have a son, so he asked for proof. Zechariah's doubting heart resulted in his muteness while waiting for the child's birth. During those months, God seems to have worked in his heart.  When asked what the child's name should be, he affirmed Elizabeth's declaration; his name would be John. Scripture tells us that Zechariah was immediately able to speak again. It seems he had grown closer to God during his quiet time, evidenced by being filled with the Holy Spirit.
  • Take a few minutes to quiet your heart before the Lord.  Are you listening to His message? Are you growing closer to God so that He can fill you daily with His Spirit and use you for His glory?
 
Powerful Praise – verses 68-69
      Like Mary, Zechariah begins his song as one of praise. He acknowledged and thanked God for visiting and redeeming His people. God paid the ransom to release His people from bondage.  Of course, the horn of salvation referred to is the coming Jesus Christ.
  • How often do you praise God for being with you and caring enough for you to pay for your release from the consequences of your sin?
 
Personal Protection – verses 70-71
 God has been using prophets to speak His messages to us since "the world began."  Through those prophecies, God assures us many times that He will keep us from the harm others want to bring upon us.
  • Ask yourself: When I think about God's promise to protect me, are there times when I have taken the situation into my own hands?  Do I depend upon God's protection and guidance in difficult times, or do I forge ahead with my own plans and schemes to fight against the enemy?  
  • Ask God's forgiveness and surrender to His leading if this is you.
 
Practicing Mercy – verse 72
     There are reasons God wants to keep us from harm.  Two of those reasons are spoken of in these verses. He keep us from harm so that we can show mercy to others, and so that we remember the covenant God made with us. (the promised blessing) 
  • Ask Yourself: How do I show mercy to others? Are there times when it is hard to show mercy? Remember to lean on God's strength in those times.
 
Powerful Defeats – verse 73-75
     God promised Abraham that He would bless His people. God promised to defeat their physical and emotional enemies, whether real or perceived. He gave them the power to serve Him in holiness and righteousness all of their days.  Those promises are also ours to claim.
  • Ask yourself: What are my physical or emotional enemies? Do I depend on God to defeat those enemies? Does my life reflect the power of God in holy and righteous living?
 
Prophecies Fulfilled – verses 76-77
     Zechariah begins to speak to his newborn son, John, in these verses. He prophesied that John would go before the Messiah and prepare people to recognize and accept Jesus as the Messiah and Saviour from the punishment of their sins.
  • Ask yourself: what am I doing to help others accept the message of Salvation that Jesus brings to broken lives and hearts?
     
Tender Mercy – Verses 78-79
    God's tender mercy will then shine upon us like a sunny new day. This mercy is available for all who are in dark and difficult situations.  This mercy can lead them into everlasting peace.
  •  Do I acknowledge the mercies that God shines on me daily?
  •  How do I live as an example to others so they can find God's peace?
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Mary's Song

12/20/2021

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Music and song have been part of the life of God's people, the Jews, since their recorded history. It is documented that the early Jewish Temple music consisted of an orchestra with twelve instruments and a choir of twelve male singers. Some of the orchestra instruments included a lyre, harp, shofar, ram's horn, cymbal and a type of pipe organ.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_music#Religious_Jewish_music_in_the_biblical_period
    Over the following days, we will look at four songs we find in Luke's account of that first Christmas. May I suggest you read the scripture several times?  It might be helpful to record any thoughts God brings to you in a journal.  These may be a truth God reinforced or a new lesson God has for you.   
Let us begin:  


Mary's Song
Read: Luke 1:46-55

 An Accurate Focus of Praise - verse 46
     Mary begins her song as one of praise with her focus on God, her creator, and Lord. She seems to gain strength and confidence as she declares God's splendor, grandeur, and magnificence. Such a worshipful way to begin her song. Her prayer is simple and to the point but powerful.
    How do you begin your prayers and praise to God?  When I come before Him, I must confess that I too often present my "laundry list" of items that I ask Him to clean up and repair.  I rarely begin by acknowledging who He is. 
I rarely start by basking in His glory alone.
        *  Take a few minutes to quiet your heart before the Lord.  Think about who He is and what He has done for others in your life. Then write out a prayer of praise to God. 
 
The Proper Source of Joy – verse 47 
      Today's culture tries to confuse us and make us believe that our joy and happiness come from owning things or participating in certain activities. Mary found her joy in the simple act of focusing on her Saviour.
          *Think about where you spend your time, money and thoughts. These are often indicators of where we find happiness, but do they bring true joy? Ask God if there is something else you should be looking to that will give you joy and contentment. Write down things that come to mind that bring you true joy.
 
A Balanced View of Self – verses 48 - 49
     Achieving a healthy balanced view of self-worth can be tricky.  Sometimes it is hard to see one's self-worth. It's easy to feel worthless because of social standing, education or physical appearance. Some folks don't know the value they bring to their friends and family.
    Some people, however, have too much self-confidence. Mary seems to have found a balance.  She did not see herself as more important than others; Mary was humble.  But Mary also realized she had been chosen for the most crucial role in human history; she would care for the God/man growing inside of her. Mary acknowledged her humble position in life but accepted God's task without pride. She also admitted that God was working in and through her.
   Where is God working in your life?  How has He used you? 
* Take time to write out your thoughts and feeling and thank Him for working through you. 
 
An Appropriate Fear of God – verse 50
     There are two definitions of fear; to be afraid of something or someone and to have respect and reverence for someone.  We can understand the fear Mary would have had when she first saw the angel and heard the message given to her.  Soon her behaviour reflected reverence and respect for the message, her God, and the task ahead of her.
    Are you able to point to a time when you were afraid of what God was asking you to do, but through God's mercy, you surrendered and were able to respect and revere what God was doing in your life?
* Record those events in your journal.  Write a prayer of dedication of your life for the future God brings to you.
 
A Fitting Outcome of Pride – verses 51-51
     In Mary's song, these verses remind us that God will eventually show His almighty strength by bringing down those who think too highly of themselves. Their proud thoughts will be humbled, and they will be removed from their positions of importance.
God has given each of us an area of responsibility.  He has given each of us a position of importance in Kingdom building. 
*Write down the task He has given you, and ask God to help you to
keep a humble attitude. 
 
A Suitable Treatment of the Rich & Poor – verse 53
    We may initially believe that God talks about material poverty and riches when reading this verse, but that is not the case.  God is talking about the spiritual state of people.  Those who come hungry for God will be filled, and those who come full of themselves will go away empty. 
* Are you able to pray this verse as your prayer to God?   
      "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." Psalm 42:1
 
Memories of Mercy and Help – verses 54-55
    Through Mary's song, God reminded Israel that He had always taken care of them and showed them mercy many times. He reminded them of the promised Messiah with a hint that the time had come.
* How has God given you help?  How has He shown you mercy? Write a prayer of acknowledgement for these things.




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Should I Celebrate?

12/4/2019

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Picture

​Should followers of Jesus and believers of God’s Holy Scriptures celebrate Christmas?  Sometimes I wonder.  Should we celebrate December 25 as a special day? This week, my devotional reading brought me to a very convincing observation.

​The Journey to the Manger, is a 25-Day Advent Guide from InTouch Ministries.  My sister and I are following it together using the YouVersion Bible App.  The writers addressed this very topic on the first day of the study. They reminded the readers that “God loves commemoration.”  The devotional reminded me that all through the Bible God commands His people to mark important days and events with celebrations. The old testament describes feasts for specific occasions in detail.  Psalm 145:7 declares “They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness and will shout joyfully of your righteousness.” The New Testament reinforces the spirit of thanksgiving and praise to our God for His care and gifts.

The commemorations in scripture included a variety of elements such as worship, singing, and thanksgiving. We read of music with all types of instruments, and choirs.  I believe, with this in mind, the celebration of the birth of God’s Son Jesus, and then also His Death and Resurrection, should be observed wholeheartedly. Jesus is a gracious gift from God to be remembered every day of the year and choosing one day to celebrate His birth is in keeping with the principles God teaches us through His Word. We all understand that Jesus was probably not born on December 25.  The date is not important.  The purpose for our praise and thanksgiving to God is what is important.  Our celebrations are to honour Christ Jesus, the one for whom we celebrate.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 
Col 3:16 – 17

 
Enjoy the music that proclaims God’s goodness, grace and the gift of Christ’s Birth.  Take delight in the lights that remind us of the Light of Jesus. Appreciate fellowship with family and friends.  Amidst it all, Worship Jesus, who came to be our Saviour and Lord.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
​Luke 2:13 - 14

 
Celebrate! After all, on that very first Christmas there was quite a celebration.   God sent a choir of angels to rejoice and proclaim the birth of God’s Son.

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  • Blog
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  • Home
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