June Caedmon's Blog, page 25

Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture XIII

Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture XIII

Scripture Pictures - Cindee Snider Re

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luk 2:1-7)

And so, Jesus came to be born in Bethlehem. The prophecy from day one fulfilled. 

As you might imagine, this was not an easy time for Mary. Pregnant. Riding for days on a donkey. Giving birth in such mean circumstances. 

My friend, Mary Geisen, in her 2nd Sunday of Advent post, considers Mary and Joseph's journey toward Bethlehem and what it might mean for us as we journey these last days before Christmas, waiting to celebrate His birth.

It's worth taking the time to read. Just click either of the links in the paragraph above.

Shalom,
The series:
A Season in Scripture I
A Season in Scripture II
A Season in Scripture III 
A Season in Scripture IV
A Season in Scripture V 
A Season in Scripture VI
A Season in Scripture VII
A Season in Scripture VIII
A Season in Scripture IX
A Season in Scripture X
A Season in Scripture XI
A Season in Scripture XII

Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture XI

Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture XI

And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is for those who fear Him from generation to generation. (Luk 1:46-50)

Mary's world had been turned upside down by the visit from the angel and she had just arrived at her cousin's house after an arduous journey. This was far from a quiet and reflective time for her. Yet she praises God for the blessing she has received.

During the next two weeks, which are likely the busiest of the year, you will hear many calls to "slow down."

Rather than being stressed about trying to de-stress our lives, let us, like Mary, learn to praise God amidst the craziness. Let us invite Him to be present in our moments of rushing to the cousin's house, rushing to pick up the turkey, rushing to get ready for the Christmas play. Rushing, rushing.

By all means, grab the moment of peace if you can but the wonder of His coming is that He is Immanuel; God with us.

He is with us everywhere - may we simply be aware.

Shalom,
The series:
A Season in Scripture I
A Season in Scripture II
A Season in Scripture III 
A Season in Scripture IV
A Season in Scripture V 
A Season in Scripture VI
A Season in Scripture VII
A Season in Scripture VIII
A Season in Scripture IX
A Season in Scripture X

Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture X

Inspired by . . .  A Season in Scripture X

In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."  (Luk 1:39-45)

These two women are beautiful examples of humility. There is no doubt they were strong women. Elizabeth endured nearly a lifetime of unanswered prayer. She was likely viewed by others as unfavored because of her barrenness. And we can easily imagine the scorn Mary endured for being with child before the "official" wedding ceremony.

Strong women, yes, but we see no evidence that they were bold or pretentious. Rather it is their humility that shines through in these early murmurings of the Christmas story.

We saw yesterday Mary's humble response to the angel's message. She was terrified and likely confused about all that was about to happen, yet she doesn't question God about His timing. (Couldn't You wait until I'm married, Lord?) She knows the message is from God and she responds with acceptance and humility: "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." 

For nine months she was blessed to carry our Lord inside of her womb; in nine days we greet Him once again!

Those of you who have had children know the joy of the quickening of the baby within you. Elizabeth's joy was doubled! She had waited her whole life for this child. And now, her child leapt for joy at the voice of Mary, the mother of the long-awaited Messiah.

Unlike her husband, Zechariah, she doesn't grouse at God for taking so long. I imagine that her joy and thankfulness overshadowed any bitterness or resentment that might have grown in her heart as she waited those long years.

Two women receive the gift of a child. One is barely a child herself and one is in the autumn of her life. Elizabeth's baby would change her life. Mary's Son would change the world.

As we wait to celebrate the birth of Jesus let us consider all those other things for which we wait. Let us view them in the light of His coming. In the light of His "already but not yet". Let us remember that the truth of the waiting is that His timing is perfect. So is the gift.

Shalom,


The series:
A Season in Scripture I
A Season in Scripture II
A Season in Scripture III 
A Season in Scripture IV
A Season in Scripture V 
A Season in Scripture VI
A Season in Scripture VII
A Season in Scripture VIII
A Season in Scripture IX

Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture IX

Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture IX

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of his father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the Child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God." And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. (Luk 1:26-38)

The city of Nazareth today is a very different place than it was at the time Gabriel appeared to Mary. Against the backdrop of these miraculous verses, a mere man announcing that he is canceling Christmas seems very silly indeed.

The truth is you can't cancel Christmas.

Christmas is much more than an event. It is a Person. And He is eternal.

Shalom,

The series:
A Season in Scripture I
A Season in Scripture II
A Season in Scripture III 
A Season in Scripture IV
A Season in Scripture V 
A Season in Scripture VI
A Season in Scripture VII
A Season in Scripture VIII

Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture VIII

Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture VIII


A Psalm. Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done marvelous things! His right hand and His holy arm have worked salvation for Him. 
   The LORD has made known His salvation; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations. 
   He has remembered His steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. 
   All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. 
   Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD! 
   Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it! Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together before the LORD, for He comes to judge the earth. 
   He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity. (Psa 98:1-9)

Psalm 98 reads like a Christmas song to me this morning. Maybe it's just me or maybe its because this time of year every song seems to say, "Merry Christmas"

Or, perhaps, its because these verses reveal the very heart of what we are waiting for, what we are celebrating this time of the year.

Jesus is the marvelous thing that the Lord has done! For us! 

The little baby boy is His righteousness revealed! For us!

In the arrival of the Magi we see that, indeed, all the ends of the earth have seen this salvation.

And then the singing begins! The first CHRISTmas carols! Songs of the season are fun, in fact, Silver Bells is one of my favorites, but the true carols of CHRISTmas feed our souls even as our raised voices bring Him honor and glory!

Even the little boy with the drum knew that he stood before the King. He gave Jesus his best. In all our comings and goings this season, let us remember to do the same.


Shalom,

The series:
A Season in Scripture I
A Season in Scripture II
A Season in Scripture III 
A Season in Scripture IV
A Season in Scripture V 
A Season in Scripture VI
A Season in Scripture VII


Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus

Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture VII

Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture VII


Scripture Pictures

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isa 9:6-7)

I can't read this scripture without the measure of Handel's Messiah accompanying the words in my mind. The wonderment of these verses makes it difficult to remain silent. How the earth must have struggled not to bloom under the feet of our Lord!

If we, mere humans, can feel thus about the Gift, imagine what moved the heart of the Giver.

The scripture tells us: "The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this."

The Hebrew word is qin'âh and can also be translated as jealousy. Now please do not be confused. God is not jealous OF us, He is jealous FOR us. We are His and He is ours and He is determined that nothing shall come between us.

Webster clarifies this a bit with his definition of zeal: fervor or ardor for a person or cause

God's love for us is a jealous love. Hannah Hurnard describes it this way:

Love is beautiful but it is also terrible - terrible in its determination to allow nothing blemished or unworthy to remain in the beloved.

Christ is the personification of God's terrible love for us. He is the instrument by which everything blemished is healed and everything unworthy is made honorable.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!


Shalom,
The series:
A Season in Scripture I
A Season in Scripture II
A Season in Scripture III 
A Season in Scripture IV
A Season in Scripture V 
A Season in Scripture VI




Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus

Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture VI

Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture VI

Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall He eat, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good. (Isa 7:14-15)

Isaiah 7:14 is probably the best-known prophecy concerning the birth of the Messiah. Yet what feeds my soul this morning are the preceding verses. What the "therefore" is there for.

Here in Isaiah chapter seven, we find King Ahaz and the city of Jerusalem besieged. Scripture tells us, "the king and people shook like forest trees shaking in the wind."

Now before you feel too sorry for King Ahaz the backstory here, given to us in 2 Ch 28:5, is that they were in this situation because of their sin. They had forsaken the Lord their God and God, in His sovereignty, had given them over to their enemies. 

King Ahaz was a wicked man. Yet he was of the house of David and as such, an heir to the Promise.

So here it is in the preceding verses of Isaiah seven that we see not only the foretelling of God's grace and mercy to mankind but we witness His grace and mercy to one, wicked, individual. 

God sends the prophet Isaiah to encourage King Ahaz. He tells him that those who have laid siege to Jerusalem will never rule. He tells the quaking king, "Have firm faith, or you will fail to stand firm."

This is God's mercy on King Ahaz and the kingdom of Judah.

But God doesn't stop there. God also extends grace to the king. 

Remember, King Ahaz had forsaken God. Instead of serving and trusting in the Lord, he worships idols and other gods. He relies on the strength of man to help him rather than the Lord. God knows this. He knows Ahaz has no faith to believe in the prophecy.

So God goes beyond mercy and graciously offers King Ahaz confirmation of the prophecy by a sign of the king's choosing. How does the King respond?

He rudely refuses God's offer! He would rather persist in his unbelief that be beholden to God.

God reveals His plan to save all of mankind to a faithless, rebellious king in the midst of a besieged city.  Seems a bit odd, doesn't it? A bit pathetic maybe? What's the point?

God. God is the point. God's character, the truth of Who He IS.

This is what speaks to my soul this morning.

His immeasurable grace and mercy. His sovereignty over all.

It is revealed in this passage of scripture as He looks down from heaven on His city, Jerusalem. Besieged because of sin.

It is revealed 700 years later as He looks down from heaven on a lowly manger in Bethlehem.

It is revealed today as He looks down from heaven and continues to extend His grace to a world still besieged by sin, content to persist in their unbelief.

It will be revealed one day soon when He comes down from heaven to rule and reign in Glory.

Let us sit quietly, savoring these truths and cherishing Him as we wait.


Shalom,


The entire series:
A Season in Scripture I
A Season in Scripture II
A Season in Scripture III 
A Season in Scripture IV
A Season in Scripture V










Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus

Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture V

Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture V

And again Isaiah says, "The root of Jesse will come, even He Who arises to rule the Gentiles; in Him will the Gentiles hope." 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Rom 15:12-13)

Hope is a powerful thing. Our hope, as Believers, is in Christ. In His power to save. In His return.

Our hope is not a wishful thinking kind of hope, as some may think. Our hope is set on Christ and the expectancy of receiving in Him all that is promised. [click to tweet]

The hope set before us. Christ, the anchor of our lives. (Heb 6:19)

Our hope is assured and the substance of our hope produces faith.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Heb 11:1)

Our hope is the evidence of things not yet seen. What is this evidence? Christ Himself. In us, the hope of glory!

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (Col 1:27)

What mystery! What glory! What wonder! What grace!

That Christ came first as a babe and died as a man to redeem us. That Christ came then into our hearts to guide us. That He will come again to make all things right.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope in your hearts this Christmas.

Shalom,

The entire series:
A Season in Scripture I
A Season in Scripture II
A Season in Scripture III
A Season in Scripture IV



Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus

Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture IV

Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture IV

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.  He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber.  Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.  The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.  The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul.  The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. (Psa 121:1-8)

Psalm 121 is one of my favorite psalms. The idea of looking, physically seeking help from the Lord, is a powerful attitude. The true and only help we really need is fulfilled in the salvation that only He offers. 

Salvation. Being saved from the penalty of my actions. The penalty of death.

Wow, that sounds a lot like personal accountability. My wrong actions have a penalty. That penalty is death. 

Not death as in the end of this life.

But death as in eternal death. Separation from God.

You think you are separated from God now. But that is not so. The worst of this life doesn't begin to compare to the reality of eternal death.

Only Jesus can guard us against this death.

Only His life, His death, His blood can protect us.

Only He, as One Who suffered, as One Who was tempted as we are but did not sin, can take unto HImself the penalty we have earned.

This is the promise of Psalm 121. This is the HOPE of Christmas.

The promise of help from an all-sufficient, all-powerful God. Jesus is the promised Help.

The promise of protection. Jesus is the promised Protector. He intercedes for us at the right-hand of God.

The promise of surety against temptation. Jesus is the promised Guardian. He will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability. (1Co_10:13)

The promise of eternal salvation. Jesus is our Savior.


Shalom,
The entire series:
A Season in Scripture I
A Season in Scripture II
A Season in Scripture III

Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus

Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture III

Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture III

There is much more of the knowledge of God to be got by the gospel of Christ than could be got by the law of Moses; and, whereas then in Judah only was God known, now all shall know Him, (Heb_8:11). But that is knowledge falsely so called which sows discord among men; the right knowledge of God settles peace. ~ Matthew Henry

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.  (Isa 11:1-6)

Sitting in the early morning darkness of my home hope is stirred once more as I read the promise of this scripture. 

We see, as with other prophecies, that the Messiah comes from the stem of Jesse. The house and line of David. He is, in every way, qualified to do the work for which He was sent. He will be righteous in His judgment and the exercising of His power will be exact. He will bring peace and tranquility to all. Not only unity between men but safety and security for those who would have none.

As I sit pondering these truths I can't help but wonder why anyone would reject such a Savior. But then, I think most people first see a set of rules before they see redemption.

Don't fall into that trap, Beloved. Don't think you have to be a certain kind of person or follow a set of rules before God will accept you. He loves you as you are. Truly.

Give Him that part of you that snaps at the world before the third cup of coffee. Those selfish ambitions and secret loathings. Give Him the shame and the habits you just can't seem to stop. He judges rightly. But here's the best part: If you're found wanting the deal isn't off.

Whatever we lack, God provides. He cleanses, He redeems. Whatever is broken is mended, whatever is wrong is made right. Whatever pieces of you that have been picked apart and taken by others are remade by Him.

Only the One Who made you whole can remake you whole.

Don't believe the lies - go to the source. Open a bible and read His promises. Learn Who He really IS, not who the world wants you to believe Him to be.

Prepare your heart to receive Him. He is coming soon . . .


Shalom,





Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus