Mary

March 7th – Luke 24:6-7

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Luke 24:6-7

Oh how Mary’s heart must have overflowed with joy as she discovered the empty tomb and encountered her beloved risen Savior. A joy that would ignite hope in the hearts of believers for generations to come. How wonderful to be greeted not with the lifeless body of Jesus, but by an angel happily declaring, “He is not here; He has risen!” This miraculous event stands as the cornerstone of our faith, a triumphant declaration of Christ’s victory over sin and death. Through His resurrection, Jesus shattered the chains of sin and conquered the grave, securing eternal life for all who believe in Him. The empty tomb is not a symbol of defeat but of unparalleled victory, and a beacon of hope that illuminates the darkness of despair. In Christ’s resurrection, we find assurance that death has been defeated and that new life is available to all who place their trust in Him. Let us all rejoice in the resurrection of our Savior. For in His triumph, we find hope, redemption, and the promise of eternal life.

March 7th – Luke 24:6-7 Read More »

December 6th – Luke 2:7

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Luke 2:7

I love the saying that true greatness is not found in majesty, but in the tender embrace of humility. In the quiet humbleness of the manger, we see that the mightiest of miracles often unfolds in the gentlest of places. That’s why Christmas is all about humility. Mary and Joseph found themselves in a humble stable, welcoming the Savior into the world. The King of Kings, born not in a palace,  but in a feeding trough, reflects a profound humility that marks the heart of Christ’s mission. In this modest setting, the Creator of the universe enters humanity with an unparalleled humility. Demonstrating to the world that true greatness lies in selfless service and a willingness to embrace the lowliest of circumstances. The humility of Jesus at Christmas is a powerful reminder that God often reveals Himself in the most unassuming moments. This invites us to approach the festivities with a spirit of humility and gratitude for the love and joy brought forth in the humblest of beginnings.

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April 30 – John 20:16

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John 20:16

I love the imagery of Jesus as our Good Shepherd. And how each of us knows His voice when He calls our name. It was Mary’s name, spoken by the Lord, which opened her eyes to the truth. And upon seeing the truth, she fell at the feet of Jesus holding tightly and refusing to let go. For she wasn’t about to lose Him again! But gently Jesus rebuked Mary. Telling her not to cling to Him for He had not yet ascended to the Father. Not trying to be harsh, the Lord was teaching Mary, and us, that no longer would He be known by sight or by touch. But rather by faith. From them on, all who followed Christ were to rely on their trust and belief in Him and His teachings to guide their hearts and lives. Oh how wonderful it would to see Jesus in person. And one day we will. But until then we rely on our deep faith that He is who He says He is, His promises are true, and His love everlasting.

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December 24th – Luke 1:45

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Luke 1:45

We all want to be chosen by God to do great things. But if He did appoint a task for us alone to fulfill, how would we feel? I often imagine how Mary must have felt hearing the glorious news she was to carry the Savior of the world. Was she scared, excited, overwhelmed? Did she laugh, cry, or stand frozen in shock? Of the many emotions Mary must have felt, the one she didn’t feel was disbelief. For after asking how this miracle would come to be and hearing, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35), Mary simply replied, “may it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) The example of strength and obedience shown by Mary is something to behold. Her unshakable faith led to God to bless her greatly. And just as He did for Mary, God will bless our faith as well!

 

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December 10th – Luke 1:45

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Luke 1:45

When I think of Mary, a young girl of 12 or 13, I’m always blown away by her faith and obedience. The angel Gabriel came to her saying she would soon become pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit. And without blinking an eye, she believed and obeyed. Because of her faithful actions, Mary received God’s great blessing of being the one to bring His precious Son into the world. We too will have times when God calls us to do something great. And our response is everything. Because our heavenly Father wants to bless us as greatly as He did Mary. And all we have to do is have the same faith as a young girl, believing and obeying. As followers of Christ, like Mary, we too are favored by God. So with the heart of Mary, be brave, faithful, and open to His calling. Because if we are, watch how God, through us, will do awesome and amazing things! Things greater than we could ever imagine.

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April 21st – John 19:25-27

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John 19:25-27

Jesus is in a terrible agony, with a deep concern in his heart. Concern not for Himself, but for His mother Mary and His devoted followers. Because He sees how they’re suffering at the feet of His cross. The Lord wants His loved ones to be cared for as only a family can. So as one of His last gifts, He asks His beloved John to care for Mary, accepting her as his own mother. And in turn, asking Mary to accept John as her own son. Of this gift of family John Piper once said, “ One of the gifts Jesus gave to us from the cross was the church. A loving, caring, sustaining, encouraging family beyond family. And it is a great encouragement to our faith that He illustrates the meaning of the church the way He did in the relationship between John and Mary. If Jesus could provide for the needs of His own in the moment of His greatest weakness and humiliation, how much more can He provide for your need in His present wealth of power and exaltation!” A great encouragement indeed!

Blessings,

Mari

April 21st – John 19:25-27 Read More »

April 20th – Luke 2

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Luke 2

I can’t imagine what it would have been like to be the chosen mother of the Savior of the world. Most of the time she probably saw him as just an ordinary child. But then there were those special times. Times when Mary was reminded that Jesus was destined for so much more than her heart could fathom. It can be a hard thing to trust God’s plans for our loved ones. Naturally we want to protect them from hardship, trials and pain. And Mary was no different. Yet she was wise enough to trust God and His ultimate plan, “treasuring all these things in her heart.” We too have to trust God and His plans for our lives and the lives of our loved ones. We may not understand all of the whys in this life. But we can trust that God can make something beautiful out of every heartache. Because He always has a higher purpose and a plan of salvation for us all.

Blessings,

Becky

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December 24th – Isaiah 53:1-5

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Isaiah 53:1-5

I love the song, “Mary did you know?”. And my favorite lyric is, “Did you know that your Baby Boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb? The sleeping Child you’re holding is the Great, I Am.” As a baby lying in a manger, Jesus came as the perfect, unblemished Lamb of God. The only One who can take away the sin of the world and reconcile us back to God, Christ came to suffer and die for us. The Lord knew all He would endure at the hands of the very people He came to redeem. Yet He came anyway. And Jesus He did all of this to perfectly fulfill the will and plan of the Father, walking in perfect obedience and surrender to Him. And because of Christ’s perfect obedience, even to the death on a cross, we can be counted free. “Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your Baby Boy has come to make you new? This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.”

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December 11th – Luke 1:46-56

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Luke 1:46-56

Many are the carols and songs we sing at Christmas, and we each have our favorites. But one of the greatest Christmas songs, and probably least known, is the song sung by Mary. The young mother blessed by God to birth the Savior of the world, sang the very first Christmas song. Called the Magnificat, Mary’s song resulted from a visit to her cousin Elizabeth in the Judean hill country. Elizabeth had blessed Mary greatly, causing the young pregnant mother to burst out in praise and thanks to God. The word “Magnificat”, means to glorify or magnify. And that’s what this humble, young servant of God did. Mary sang of the glory of God. Of His holiness, mercy, and great power. A song we too should sing not just at Christmas, but every day of the year!

 

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December 10th – Luke 1:30-45

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Luke 1:30-45

During the time of Jesus’ birth, the customary age for betrothal was 13 or 14. And Mary was probably around this young age when Joseph asked her to marry him. Think about that! And at her tender age not only did Mary get a proposal, she was also visited by the angel Gabriel. God’s angel came to the young girl to announce that Mary would give birth to the Savior of the world. Now Jewish tradition demanded harsh treatment for unmarried pregnant women. Religious leaders would have dealt with her severely. Yet Mary remained strong in her faith responding, “…may it be done according to your word.” (Luke 26:38. Mary was an ordinary girl with extraordinary faith. A faith tested constantly as she watched her beloved child suffer, and lay down His life for the whole world. A good and faithful servant, she is an model and inspiration to us all.

 

 

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