Luke 1:26-38 – You Have Found Favor

Read Luke 1:26-38

Don’t we all desire to find favor with the LORD? Some of us may go out of our way to try harder than we need to. After all, God chose Mary for her humility and devotion. Who God chooses to do mighty things doesn’t always seem predictable, except that it will be unexpected. But just imagine hearing an angel telling you that “YOU” have found favor with the Lord. Priceless!

I loved how our pastor used this story in a sermon recently. He showed Mary’s obedience as a great role model for us. He contrasted Mary to Jonah, and while Jonah rebelled a bit, like we often do, Mary said before the angel left, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” What a beautiful dedication to the Lord. Continue reading “Luke 1:26-38 – You Have Found Favor”

Ezra 1:1-4 – Prophecy Fulfilled

Read Ezra 1:1-4

It had been seventy years, and now we see how God kept the promise he had given in Jeremiah’s prophecy. The time of captivity in Babylon was coming to an end. The new ruler, Cyrus, had been prompted by God to allow the exiles to return to their homeland. What a proclamation this is!

The Book of Ezra chronicles this return and how the people begin to rebuild their lives. We’ll read about the restoration of God’s people as they retell old stories and address new situations along the way. Would God’s promises still hold true? Had the people forgotten God during their time of exile?

Continue reading “Ezra 1:1-4 – Prophecy Fulfilled”
error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)