Matthew 1
Mary and Joseph were not "blinded by their self-centered understanding of what should come next in the story." Mary's pregnancy was Spirit-conceived. Is this the good news that the people of that day expected?
Matthew 3
John's Message: "Change your life. God's kingdom is here." Life is not about being a descendant of someone with status. "What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? ... God will ignite the Kingdom Life within you, a fire within you, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the indside out.
What keeps the fire burning within me? What snuffs it out? What rules my heart as I open the pages of the New Testament? What am I giving to my world? Am I broken over the sin in my life? In his book, 66 LL, Larry Crabb writes about a friend "who has not come to the end of his rope. When he does, there will be less stubborn self-protection in his motives and more room for the Spirit of My Son to take over. My Son made that exact point in His first sermon. 'You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and His Rule' (Matt. 5:3)." What's happening in my heart as I share with others this day, as I move about my world?
As I read Jesus' family tree, I thought of all those stories we read in the O.T. How we kept anticipating the One to come. And now: Immanuel, God with us! Isaiah's prophecy fulfilled.
ReplyDeleteNot just for us but WITH US!
Micah: A leader will come and shepherd-rule. He's here!
Hosea: The prophecy, "I called my son out of Egypt," fulfilled.
Jeremiah: His prophetic words concerning Jesus' move to Nazareth, fulfilled.
John the Baptist 'thundering' Isaiah's words: "Prepare for God's arrival."
I know there were some who held on to the promises of all those prophets. Can you imagine their joy, excitement and hope. Jesus, the one who would save them from their sins and put things right, now dwelt among them. The Tabernacle "pitched His tent" right in their neighborhood!
Jesus quotes from the O.T. when tempted in the wilderness. Isaiah is quoted again: those sitting in darkness have seen a great light.
So now we will see events that have been concealed in the O.T. revealed in the N.T.
"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." (Isaiah 40:8 KJV) AMEN and AMEN!
I'm in N.C. for a wedding but my thoughts are with you in Texas. Hope you have a wonderful time of sweet fellowship!
FG
Just read the invite to Skype on the comment page. When do yall plan to do this(if you are)?
ReplyDeletedonna
Hi, We're having technical difficulties getting skype here, so sorry. We are having a great time getting to know each other, but sad for those who could not attend. Annette is a gracious hostess, the ranch is beautiful and peaceful.
ReplyDeleteHey it's Bev and I'm not sure whose computer I am really on!!!
ReplyDeleteA few days ago, we read about how God wanted to "pour over us a spirit of grace and prayer." HE is so pouring here at Rock Lake! Oh my!
Wish we could skype you in!!!
So grateful for God to bring us people who give us hope and courage! Psalm 131