Do You Believe?

Daily Reading:  Luke 1

Scripture Focus: In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah... “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (Luke 1.39, 45)

Devotional Thought: When Mary said, “Yes,” to God, the Holy Spirit came upon her and the power of the Most High overshadowed her.  God did not wait a moment.  She became pregnant with the Son of God. 

Two things that we can learn from this:

·       When we say yes, God is ready to begin his work.  Though the timing does not always work this way, we should take a lesson from Mary.  She "made haste" to go her aunt’s home in Judea.  Has God given you instruction to which you have agreed?  If so, get ready!  He will begin working right away to fulfill his purpose.

·       Belief disrupts our lives.   If we really believe the instructions and promises of God, our lives will reflect that belief – even if it comes at the cost of great inconvenience, hardship, or change.  It has always been that way for those who would obey God.  I remember when God called me into the ministry.  As is usually the case for beginning ministers, I realized that I was probably going to have to pastor bi-vocationally.  But I had it all figured out!  I was going to stay right where I was living and working and would pastor the church I was already a member of. Nope.  God had other plans.  And, we found ourselves selling our home and moving across the state.  Our obedience disrupted our lives.

Do you believe that what the Lord has said will be accomplished?  If so, you better get ready – God is!

Prayer: Lord, this Christmas season, what miracle would you like to "birth" in my soul:  Help me to be ready.  Even now, I say Yes! to you.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 132.13-18

13 For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place:

14 “This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.

15 I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread.

16 Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy.

17 There I will make a horn to sprout for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.

18 His enemies I will clothe with shame, but on him his crown will shine. ”