Christmas Day is past, but Keller has insight for how fruit can flow from our lives in 2026. It’s hidden in:
“Let it be to me according to Thy Word,”
Just think of all that came from Mary’s submission.
Free pexels RDN
One of my requests for 2026 is that I will not even want to make passive-aggressive comments to those in my life who are challenging. I am not saying sideways comments, but I am thinking them, and that shows the curvature of my soul. I have imaginary conversations with people who have hurt me, and how I could put them in their place with passive-aggressive sword thrusts. I don’t just need help, I need to want to need help, for this grieves my Lord.
When we are upset with someone, God’s Word gives us two choices: Overlook it in love or speak the truth in love. For me, one of the ways I need to say “Be it unto me according to Thy Word” is to die to the ugliness of passive-aggressive thoughts. I need my heart changed if I don’t want to have this look frozen on my face.
I know it isn’t enough to try to stop, I must start good behavior. My goal is to switch off the darkness and to pray for the person, pray for my heart, review memory verses, sing, and here’s the big thing: trust that God will do what is best! For idols cannot be removed, only replaced by the power of God — but we must trust for fruit to follow.
This was my favorite devotion for it is so packed with power.
I want you to think about this: “In your life, what might ‘Let it be according to Thy Word’ look like?” There are so many possible applications — and it’s true, submission brings beautiful fruit. And while I know New Year’s resolutions are so often broken, let us think through how the Lord might truly help us replace the bad habit with the good habit of submitting to Him — and watch and see what fruit He brings in 2026.
JUST FOR FUN: I have an extremely talented friend, Julie House, who does the best children’s Christmas pageants at her church. This is absolutely hysterical:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/19X-J5-u19xc-GFxHFhuJEID8ddHYSkLY/view
Sunday:
- How did you experience the goodness of the Lord this Christmas?
- Where do you need to submit to the Lord so that better fruit can flow from your life?
Monday: The Text
3. Read Luke 1:26-38
A. What stands out to you upon first reading? Why?
B. Why do you think Luke begins with “in the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy…”?
C. What prophecies are fulfilled in verses 26-33?
D. What is the difference between Mary’s question in Luke 1:34 and Zechariah’s question in Luke 1:18?
E. What amazing news and what confirmation is given in the angel’s words in verses 35-37?
F. Ponder Mary’s response and imagine the thoughts that might have raced, and yet, her amazing submission. What do you think was the secret of her submission?
Tuesday: A Son whose Kingdom will never end
Now at Advent we look at the texts surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ and the main point of every single Christmas text is really the same. That the immortal Son of God descended into time and space so that this world, which is so wrong, could be made right, and our hearts, which are so broken, could be made whole. And that’s the main point. Jesus Christ became a human being. The Son of God was incarnate in the flesh. And of course, that’s the main point of every one of these texts. However, it’s also helpful sometimes, to take a look at the people who are receiving that message. So, there was Zechariah and Elizabeth, and there was Joseph and Mary and the shepherds and the wise men, and there was Herod. And it’s always instructive to take a look at the people who were actually receiving the message to see what we can learn from them. And so, let’s take a look at Mary, and let’s look at the three things she is being told. And then let’s look at her response. I think we can learn a number of things from that. First of all, the three things she’s told —there’s three amazing statements here. The first one is it says that you’re going to have a son, and he will reign forever. And almost as if the angel knows that —this is almost unbelievable. I mean, it is unbelievable. He then repeats himself and says, His kingdom will never end. So that’s the first astounding thing.
4. How did these people react to the news — and why, do you think?
A. Zechariah
B. Elizabeth
C. Shepherds
D. Herod
E. Wisemen
The second thing, though, he says, which is even more stunning, is in response to what Mary says. Mary says, I’m going to have a son. She says, I’m a virgin. I don’t have a husband. How can I get pregnant? And what the angel says to Mary is, well, for this pregnancy, you’re not going to need a husband. You can imagine Mary looking at the angel and saying, what? Because what he says is, the Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. And then thirdly, and lastly, he says even the most astonishing thing, which is this person who is going to be born to you in this miraculous way is not just a holy person, but the Holy One. It says, so the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God. This is God himself that’s being born. There are lots of holy persons, but this isn’t just another holy person. This is the Son of God himself. Now that’s the message, and of course it’s the message of Christmas.
5. What is the second thing the angel tells Mary, and why might this be astonishing?
6. What is the third thing, which is the message of Christmas itself?
Wednesday: New Year’s Eve: Healthy Doubt
7. What bad habit do you need to pray you want to see changed this year? Could you pray that here?
But how does Mary respond? And that’s what’s so fascinating, I think, and so instructive. Let’s take a look at two things. She responds with healthy doubt and thoughtful surrender. Healthy doubt and thoughtful surrender. First of all, healthy doubt. You say, well, where’s the doubt? When the angel says to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” and so on, it says, Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. Now, the word wondered, the English word wondered, is not very helpful. It’s translating a Greek word that actually means to take an audit. It’s a rational word. And what it means is when the angel appeared and began speaking, she was very troubled and also, she was furiously trying to figure out what was going on. There’s no naivete here. There’s a tendency for modern people to be marked by what C. S. Lewis called chronological snobbery, almost as if everybody in ancient times had a lower IQ than we do today. Now that’s just not true. Mary had the same kind of IQ that we have today. And notice she doesn’t say, oh, like a gullible, ancient person. She doesn’t say, oh, angels, it’s great. I’ve always heard about angels. Tell me. No, she’s troubled and she’s thinking, Is this a hallucination? What’s going on here? She’s basically processing it just the way we would, the way you would. And it’s quite wrong to think religious people are people who don’t doubt. Skeptical people doubt and religious people don’t doubt. But let’s also notice something interesting here. When Zechariah, when his angel came and told him about the birth of John the Baptist, when Zechariah expressed doubt, the angel said, “Just for that, I’m not going to let you speak until the child is born.” But here, Mary expresses some doubt, but there’s nothing like that that happens. And what that means is the Bible’s understanding of doubt is incredibly nuanced. This was healthy doubt. Or think of it like this: Some doubts, some doubting people are doubting because they don’t want answers. That’s why they’re expressing their doubts. They just don’t want; they want to keep the answers where they don’t want to hear any answers. But some people doubt because they actually want more answers. They really want the truth. There is a tremendous tendency, unfortunately, on the part of a lot of secular people to think all doubt about God is good, that only smart people doubt God all the way through, all the time. And there’s a lot of, I’m afraid, Christian people who think doubts are all bad. So, if a young person in high school youth group asks some pretty strong questions, there’s a tendency to say, you, must have faith. You just have to, you can’t ask questions you shouldn’t doubt. But here is Mary, and she has healthy doubt. And it actually is very, very important as a way for us to get more and more truth and actually build up faith. That healthy doubt is a way to stronger faith. That’s the first thing we learn.
8. What does Keller say is a better translation of the word “wonder?” Why is that the way to stronger faith?
This is Dee. I had a healthy doubt that if I stopped overeating that the Lord might not meet me, therefore I didn’t truly want to stop overeating. I also had a healthy doubt that if I stopped trying to fix people and trusted God that nothing might happen. Therefore I didn’t want to stop trying to fix peoople myself. But pondering who Good was and how He had been faithful to me in the past helped me step out in faith in both cases, and indeed, He has and is meeting me in both cases. I am healthier and all my relationships are so much better.
9. If possible, share a healthy doubt you worked through that led to healthy faith and fruit in your life.
Thursday: New Year’s Day – Thoughtful Surrender
The second thing, and the last thing, probably the most important thing, is you see a thoughtful surrender. Now, the reason it’s thoughtful is because here’s Mary, and she’s asking the angel questions. She’s not saying, oh, whatever you say. She’s saying, Now, wait a minute. This doesn’t work. I’m not married. She’s troubled and she’s wondering, remember she’s thinking all this up. So, she’s thinking about it and she knows what’s going to happen. Even if she can convince Joseph of this astounding thing. People in small towns, they can add up and she will get pregnant and she will be pregnant and she will have a child before she ought to because she’s going to get pregnant before she marries. And in a small town, she knows the rest of her life she’s going to be seen as the mother of an illegitimate child. She knows how vulnerable this is going to make her. She knows all that, and yet she surrenders. And she says, I am your servant. And then she says, and I love the King James, “Let it be to me according to your word.”
What is surrender? In spite of the fact that she was not a fool, she’s not gullible, she’s not some kind of naive person, she’s thoughtful, she knows what she’s getting into, she realizes what’s going to happen, but at that point she takes her hands off her life. You know, when the angel says, You shall call his name Jesus, Mary right away knew something was up. Because, you see, parents get to name their own children. Why? When you have a child, at least for many years, you are the authority. You name the child because you have the authority over the child. But right away, this child comes into her life and you don’t name him, which means that when Jesus comes into your life, you’re not the authority. He’s the authority. He calls the shots. You have to take off your hands off your life. That means that you have to submit to him completely. It means doing whatever he says in his word, even if you don’t agree with it. And it means accepting whatever he sends into your life providentially, even if you don’t understand it. She took her hands off her life.
10. In the bad habit you want replaced, what would it look like to take your hands off your life and trust God instead?
Now, how are we going to do that? This is very hard. How are you and I going to do that? Here’s what I want you to see, though. There’s a way for us to do it. But first, I want you to know that Mary is a better person than me. And Mary’s a better person than you. You knowwhy? Because Mary did this before knowing what Jesus was going to do for her. She had no idea that whatever she was doing for Jesus, he was going to do infinitely more for her. When she took her hands off her life, it just meant a lot of misunderstanding, perhaps social opprobrium, maybe, you know, all sorts of problems that might come into her life. When he took his hands off his life, he came from heaven to earth. He became a servant. He knew he was going to experience rejection and torture and death. You see, he became vulnerable. In the Garden of Gethsemane, what did he say? I don’t want to go through this. But he said, Father. I’m your servant. Let it be to me according to your word. He did that for us. And so that’s where you get the power to do it for him. Mary didn’t even know that, but look what she did.
Oh, let us not fall lower in the test than this 15-year-old uneducated, unwed mother. Take your hands off your life. Give yourself completely to him. Dorothy Sayer said. The incarnation means that for whatever reason God chose to let us be limited, to suffer, to be subject to sorrows and death, He has nonetheless had the honesty and the courage to take His own medicine. God can ask nothing from us that He has not exacted from Himself. He has Himself gone through the whole of human experience, from the trivial irritations of family life and the cramping restrictions of hard work and lack of money to the worst horrors of pain and humiliation defeat, despair, and death. He was born in poverty, he died in disgrace, he suffered infinite pain, all for us, and he thought it well worth his while. Amen.
11. What do we know that Mary didn’t that could help you take your hands off your life?
Friday: Q and A with Kathy
Kathy Keller Like you, that’s one of my favorite verses in the Bible where Mary says, Let it be unto me as you have said. And don’t you think that in doing that and including that in the scriptural record, that’s meant to be a template or a pattern for all Christians on how we respond when God asks us to do something, anything, to just say. Be it to me as you have said, no matter what? In doing that. Mary sort of prefigures the life of the church and the believers. I mean, there’s that whole theme all the way through the Bible about Jesus as the bridegroom and the bride of Christ coming down out of heaven, et cetera.
Tim Keller As they’re all in a sense. Yeah, that we’re like Mary.
Kathy Keller That we’re all like Mary. We’re going to be the bride of Christ. Interestingly enough, a few years ago, I was in touch with Eowyn Jones-Stoddard, who, for anybody who knows who Ed Clowney is, that’s his granddaughter, that’s Eowyn. And she’s a missionary with her husband in Europe. She’s been working on a book and she’s exploring the theme throughout all of Scripture about Jesus, who’s the second Adam, is married to the church, who is the secondEve. So, the church is the second Adam’s second Eve. So that we as believers, I mean it’s right in Romans 7 where it says we put ourselves in His arms and we bear fruit. When our husband was alive, we couldn’t marry another, but now he’s dead and we are married to Jesus, all that. And we’re meant to bear fruit. So, I find that really helpful as a metaphor and as a theme through Scripture. But I wanted to know what you thought.
Tim Keller No, actually that’s a great insight and actually I. If I had one more time, I probably should have put it into the talk itself. Because Mary, when she surrenders to God, in a sense, she is, in a sense, the bride of God. And because she submits to God, Jesus is born. And therefore, salvation comes into the world. So, it’s not just that she’s submitting to him, it bears fruit. The submission bears fruit. And what that is saying to us is that whenever we surrender to God, there’s always, in a sense, redemption happening as the fruit. At the very least, you are getting more sanctified. You are becoming more like Christ. Every single time you submit to His will, salvation is growing in you. That doesn’t mean you become more saved in the sense of being forgiven, but you are becoming more saved in the sense of becoming more like Christ. But also, God does great things in other people’s lives through you. And therefore, yes, that’s right, that to submit to Him bears fruit. And just as, of course, Jesus Christ’s submission to the Father brought infinite joy and bliss and glory and salvation of the world. It’s a great point. And I really should have made it. And I’m very grateful.
12. What is the key point from their Q and A?
13. What else stands out and why?
Saturday:
14. What is your take-a-way and why?
123 comments
Julie’s Christmas play is hysterical! How creative. Is she the one who wrote the children’s book about you and your dog Chloe? The grands still love to read it. In fact, I’m glad you reminded me, as I want to buy another book of hers I saw on the back cover.
Yes, she is!
I did not realize that, Dee! Julie is so talented!
oh, the Christmas skit was great! I love when kids try to answer bible questions.
1. How did you experience the goodness of the Lord this Christmas?
We have been visiting my husband’s sisters this week. It has been nice just hanging out with no real plans. I have had time to just “be.” We saw the “Young David” movie with the grands. It was good! My SIL’s aren’t particularly practicing Christians, though I do think they believe in God. One sister went with us. She liked the movie and it was her idea to go. She said she wanted to see it! It’s hard to be around secular life and keep up our regular traditions, even things like saying the prayer at meal time. I try to keep up with my Bible study, but the grands have been focused on the gifts and feeding themselves with “stuff.” Ugh.
2. Where do you need to submit to the Lord so that better fruit can flow from your life?
I have an idea of where I need to grow. I am praying that God helps me be better with a particular bad habit
I saw David with Grands too. Very good.I was surprised to see Tim Keller on the list of Production Credits.
Oh! I am hoping to see the movie yet this week. Good to know.
I hope to get to see the movie, “David” as well!
Sunday:
How did you experience the goodness of the Lord this Christmas? We had a sermon Sunday (yesterday) that I found very helpful. Although we had a great Christmas in terms of our family all came and we had some really nice gifts and a great meal, I just wasn’t feeling joy of the season. I had many things to be grateful for but some trials were feeling very heavy. Our message yesterday was from Hebrews 12:25-28 and titled “The Unshakeable Kingdom.” It was about how the things in this world can be hard but God’s kingdom is unshakable and how we need to be grateful for this and offer God acceptable worship. There was an event that caused me to relive the death of our granddaughter and pushed me into a bit of depression for a few days when I had already been feeling the weight of some other trials. After this message at church, I felt hope again. Life can truly be tough and sometimes the holidays can cause us to think we aren’t right to be feeling so low, but I believe that those low feelings can help us see the incredible joy we can have in Christ when we remember that his kingdom cannot be shaken. Praise God.
Where do you need to submit to the Lord so that better fruit can flow from your life? Oh. This is hard. I read this yesterday and decided I needed to think about it. Can I commit to doing what I know I need to do? I know that I struggle with forgiveness and holding onto hurt. Why? Why do I want to hold onto pain? How do I get free of that? I want to forgive in my heart. My head struggles with being afraid of experiencing the pain again and with “letting them off the hook.” There is some pain that truly only the Lord can help us forgive. I don’t believe I am capable of forgiveness of this magnitude. Lord help me. I purchased Elizabeth Elliots book, “Discipline: The Glad Surrender”-I don’t know if this is what I need but it looks like a good read and seems like it will produce good fruit. God calls us to obey and this is the beginning of wisdom and love for him. Seems like a good place to start. Along with this, our church is starting a year long sermon series called “Becoming, who Christ called us to be.” They are providing a book with a journal and place for sermon notes. This promises to show us what being faithful to Christ looks like personally and as a church. I’m continually amazed to see the Lord working in our church. Side note: we have a blizzard blowing through our state today. Prayers appreciated for all. Dee, I pray you’re safely back home.
Sounds like a great message.I love the unshakeable Kingdom!
Chris, I, too, have similar feelings this past Christmas. I do love this reminder from you: Life can truly be tough and sometimes the holidays can cause us to think we aren’t right to be feeling so low, but I believe that those low feelings can help us see the incredible joy we can have in Christ when we remember that his kingdom cannot be shaken. Praise God. Amen!
I noticed you mentioned E. Elliot. I love her and her writings. She was a very wise woman who had gone through the crucible of suffering, including a 10-year battle with dementia. I have many of her quotes written in my journal.
Oh! I did not know about the dementia. My dad & MIL suffered from that but did not survive 10 years. Such a terrible disease.
Chris, Christmas can bring such mixed feelings, but so thankful for your heart’s response is that the contrast is our joy in Christ! I love you upcoming sermon series! Powerful!
Monday: The Text
3. Read Luke 1:26-38
A. What stands out to you upon first reading? Why? I find it interesting that the angel frightens Mary, though the words are a good message, it is an unusual sight! And the angel responds to her fright saying, “Do not be afraid.” I love that the angel tells her amazing things and ends with, “For nothing will be impossible with God.” And she is convinced and says let it be. I don’t think I would dare to say anything less in such a situation.
B. Why do you think Luke begins with “in the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy…”? I guess because this was the angel’s convincing argument to Mary? I’m not sure why.
C. What prophecies are fulfilled in verses 26-33? A virgin conceive by the Holy Spirit, the prophecies about the coming Messiah and eternal King
D. What is the difference between Mary’s question in Luke 1:34 and Zechariah’s question in Luke 1:18? Keller says Mary’s question is wonder and Zechariah’s question is doubt.
E. What amazing news and what confirmation is given in the angel’s words in verses 35-37? The Holy Spirit will produce the child in Mary and nothing is impossible with God, including Elizabeth becoming a mother in her old age.
F. Ponder Mary’s response and imagine the thoughts that might have raced, and yet, her amazing submission. What do you think was the secret of her submission? Mary did not let fear of man dictate her response, but rather fear of God. I wonder if being so young helped? When we are young we are not so afraid and do not allow men to dictate our decisions as easily. Clearly, the Spirit was at work in her heart.
Sunday:
How did you experience the goodness of the Lord this Christmas?
We took our grandsons to see David last Monday as well and they really enjoyed it. I especially liked the music. It played well into our Christmas Eve which is when we open gifts. Jim always reads the Christmas story from Luke 2 before we open gifts and when he was finished I turned to our oldest grandson and asked him if he noticed from whom Joseph descended? And he got this big smile on his face and said David!
Dee, really enjoyed the Christmas video…so precious!
Love your grandsons’ response!
Luke 2! This story never gets old, Sharon.
Oh, Sharon, What a wonderful week with the David movie, the Christmas story read by Jim, and your grandson’s response to your question! Thank you Lord!
3. Read Luke 1:26-38
A. What stands out to you upon first reading? Why?
I’ve never thought about the Holy Spirit coming upon Mary, just God. It is standing out to me that it was the Holy Spirit in this text. But, I thought the Holy Spirit came when Jesus left. He was present in this event.
B. Why do you think Luke begins with “in the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy…”?
I suppose it was to set the stage; give a time frame for the events. It also allows us to know how Jesus and John are related and their ages.
C. What prophecies are fulfilled in verses 26-33?
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!”
Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT
D. What is the difference between Mary’s question in Luke 1:34 and Zechariah’s question in Luke 1:18?
I thought about this as I read. She did question, but was not rebuked. In the NLT he asks, “How can I be sure…” she asks, “How can this happen…” is it the word “sure” that differentiates the two questions?
E. What amazing news and what confirmation is given in the angel’s words in verses 35-37?
The angel describes the conception and birth and tells her of the miracle that Elizabeth, in her old age, is 6 months pregnant.
F. Ponder Mary’s response and imagine the thoughts that might have raced, and yet, her amazing submission. What do you think was the secret of her submission?
Her love of God might have been her reason.
I think you hit the mark with “sure” — questioning God’s ability not wondering about how
Laura, I like your answer to B. The practicality of just knowing the time frame of events and how Jesus and John are related. Our brains like to connect those dots and the Bible makes everything so real with these types of details mixed in the miraculous.
Monday: The Text
3. Read Luke 1:26-38
A. What stands out to you upon first reading? Why? Part of the announcement concerning this baby, Jesus, stood out to me this time, “The Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David, He shall reign..,” and His kingdom will have no end. A throne, a king, everlasting kingdom; what must have been going thru Mary’s mind? Messiah, King, deliverer to be her son?
B. Why do you think Luke begins with “in the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy…”? I think it establishes a timeline and is a natural continuation of Elizabeth’s story. She was in seclusion five months, then in the sixth month, etc.
C. What prophecies are fulfilled in verses 26-33? Isaiah 7:14 “Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son..”
D. What is the difference between Mary’s question in Luke 1:34 and Zechariah’s question in Luke 1:18? Zachariah’s question showed disbelief that such a thing could happen. Mary’s question was not unbelief, but “curiosity” about how it would happen.
E. What amazing news and what confirmation is given in the angel’s words in verses 35-37? That the Holy Spirt and power of God would come upon her, and she would conceive without having any sexual intimacy with a man. The child therefore would be the “Son of God.” Then Mary was told that Elizabeth was already six months pregnant, who had been barren, proving that with God “nothing is impossible.”
F. Ponder Mary’s response and imagine the thoughts that might have raced, and yet, her amazing submission. What do you think was the secret of her submission? I think the “secret” was Mary’s childlike faith; she believed God.
Cheryl, indeed, that would have been quite a shock to Mary! She, a lowly girl, will carry the Messiah! I think your answer to D about Mary being curious ties up with your answer to F; that is, the secret of her submission is her childlike faith. And she could almost be called a child! She may have only been 14-16. No wonder Jesus loved little children. They are curious and submissive. I pray I would be like that.
The play was indeed hysterical! I love the little girl at the beginning and the end, and the lines that went “ I think that must have been from somewhere else(the boy saying that Jesus would be a father of all nations…Hahaha). I want to look up the books by Julie!
Sunday:
How did you experience the goodness of the Lord this Christmas?
For many years, I was caught up in the festivities of Christmas. Plans for Christmas programs, buying gifts, meal preparations, etc. By the end of the month, I was exhausted. And though I was celebrating Jesus’ birth, my focus was not solely on Him because of the many distractions.
This year, more so, the month of December found me more intentional and contemplative. What I have considered as hard experiences in 2025, both at work and at church has only led me to draw even closer to God, and I believe that is the sign of His goodness to me. The Surgeon’s hands were at work to bring about my wholeness. Despite the world’s siren calls, His quiet voice has brought the “peace that passes all understanding”.
2. Where do you need to submit to the Lord so that better fruit can flow from your life?
I want to submit to the Lord not to be presumptuous of people’s words or the lack thereof. There is a sense of restlessness that comes from ruminating about this, and my peace is threatened. I want to grow in the fruit of the Spirit, especially of peace.
I am reminding myself of these wise words, instead of Elisabeth Elliot:
Peace lies in trusting acceptance of His design, His gifts, His appointment of place, position, and capacity.
Find, rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. Psalm 62:5
I loved those two parts in the video too!
Dear Bing, I love this: “The Surgeon’s hands were at work to bring about my wholeness. Despite the world’s siren calls, His quiet voice has brought the “peace that passes all understanding”.
Bing, I can relate to #2 and people’s words or lack of- just last night I asked my daughter how work was when she came in the door. I got a rather short answer and she headed upstairs. I felt bad for myself that she wasn’t interested in sharing. Later her dad asked the same question and she was open to talking and then shared quite a bit. I realize that I need to not be so concerned about myself and consider others may have more going on in the moment. So selfish to think it’s all about me, instead of considering what’s going on for her in the moment. There is pain in our relationship and I tend to shade everything according to that, when I shouldn’t. Again, me not letting go of the past. The Lord is definitely doing a work in my heart to show me these things. Thank you for your insights, Bing.
Chris, my heart aches for you, as I think relationships with our grown children can be so fragile and we don’t always know why. You are loved.
Thank you, Patti. ❤️
Monday: The Text
3. Read Luke 1:26-38
A. What stands out to you upon first reading? Why?
You are to call Him Jesus, the Son of the Most High, the Son of God. Her response, “Be it to me according to thy Word”. That must have been what carried Mary through Jesus growing up years, His suffering and His death, and His resurrection. When doubts arise, Mary would remember this first visit.
B. Why do you think Luke begins with “in the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy…”?
To tie up with the previous story of Elizabeth and Zechariah, and to let us know how far along she was when Mary had a visitation from an angel. Maybe Mary would also be encouraged to hear how far along Elizabeth was? The fact that Elizabeth was very old and still was to have a baby must have been a comfort to Mary. I am not sure.
C. What prophecies are fulfilled in verses 26-33?
A virgin will conceive a son, Isaiah 7:14
D. What is the difference between Mary’s question in Luke 1:34 and Zechariah’s question in Luke 1:18?
How can this be since I am a virgin? Mary was asking for an explanation, but was submissive.
How can I be sure of this? Zechariah wanted more than just the words of the angel.
E. What amazing news and what confirmation is given in the angel’s words in verses 35-37?
The Holy Spirit will come upon Mary, and Elizabeth, her relative, is 6 months along in her pregnancy despite her old age.
F. Ponder Mary’s response and imagine the thoughts that might have raced, and yet, her amazing submission. What do you think was the secret of her submission?
May it be unto me according to thy word. Did she remember the prophecies of old: a virgin will conceive and give birth to a son…” Her submission is because she believed in the Word of God and all of his promises will be fulfilled. The angel also said, For no word from God will ever fail.” I think later, her song of praise, the Magnificat, told of her submission, nothing prideful, but only a humility brought about by the magnificent grace of God that she was chosen to be the earthly mother of the Son of God.
I’ve wondered, but could be wrong, if 6 months and then a 3 month visited is a clue that Mary might have stayed for the birth, an important mentoring experience. Not sure!
That’s an interesting thought. Just like our Lord to provide for our needs in every way.
1. How did you experience the goodness of the Lord this Christmas?
This video is so precious! I could watch it over and over! Thank you for sharing it, Dee.
I had a wonderful conversation of healing, with a young man, at a Christmas Eve family dinner. Jack is the boyfriend of my granddaughter’s cousin. He is kind, friendly, and always smiling. He has always walked with a cane, but I did not know his story. We were talking and something came up that inspires him to share his story. Jack had been injured playing LaCrosse at C6 or 7 on his back/neck area, which is a high spot on your spine. Usually, people with an injury that high become totally paralyzed, like Joni Tada Earickson. He was paralyzed after the accident, but through therapy (and I would say a miracle from God), he is walking miracle. It gave us a real bond, as my mom was a spinal cord injury nurse. I could see God’s goodness in the healing of this young man, who is living a wonderful and normal life!
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Oh, wow, Patti! What a great story of God’s goodness in the life of this man, Jack. And to tie that up with your Mom’s nursing experience! That is a God thing!
Patti! What a wonderful story and I love how you have the insight from your mom.
I agree!
4. How did these people react to the news — and why, do you think?
A. Zechariah: He responded with disbelief. He says he and his wife are old, and doubts the angels words.
B. Elizabeth: She believes God has done this to take away her shame of being barren.
C. Shepherds: They believed and hurried to see what the angels had told them about the baby in Bethlehem.
D. Herod: He responds with a troubled heart. He is troubled at the thought of his own kingdom being taken from him and uses deception, conniving and murder to try to hold onto it.
E. Wisemen: These men invest in a long journey to find this king of the Jews through their wisdom in the latest teachings of astrology and then bow to worship him when he is found.
5. What is the second thing the angel tells Mary, and why might this be astonishing? She will be pregnant by the Holy Spirit. This is a miraculous event that no one ever will experience again and I’m sure that Mary is glad an angel gave the news to Joseph.
6. What is the third thing, which is the message of Christmas itself? That her child would be God incarnate. What an amazing thing and so troubling and yet so incredible-an angel came to give the news. I love when Zechariah doubts and the angel announces his name in response-“I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God…” How could anyone doubt that? And it is good news the angels bring. It is astonishing for sure, but isn’t it how we think men will respond that shapes our reaction? As well as our own hearts-are they soft or hard? Am I ready to hear what God has to say to me?
Love this:
As well as our own hearts-are they soft or hard? Am I ready to hear what God has to say to me?
2. Where do you need to submit to the Lord so that better fruit can flow from your life?
I need to submit EVERYTHING to Him, daily. I have never felt so dependent on the Lord. That is a good thing! This is a great lesson for me, because I have been praying that the Lord will be in charge of how I REACT to everything! I need to remember that I am here on this planet to Glorify God, In All I think, do and say! When living close to my daughter, relationships can change and I want to keep our relationship good and healthy.
3. Read Luke 1:26-38
A. What stands out to you upon first reading? Why?
Elizabeth and Mary both were expecting their babies, through miracles from God. Mary was visited by an angel, yet it was Zachariah, not Elizabeth, who was visited by the angel. The baby of Zacharias and Elizabeth was the cousin of Jesus and also He prepare the way for the Lord. He was the Baptizer. Their lives were interwoven by our Father in Heaven and it was part of God’s plan. John, the Baptist, turned many sons of Israel back to God. Both men suffered terribly and they both submitted to God.
B. Why do you think Luke begins with “in the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy…”?
To show the age difference in the cousins. John was the forerunner and a few months older than Jesus. John was conceived by a miracle given to his parents. Jesus was conceived directly from the Holy Spirit. These two babies had a bond through God and His miraculous plan for all mankind.
C. What prophecies are fulfilled in verses 26-33?
Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 11:1, 2 Samuel 7:12-16
D. What is the difference between Mary’s question in Luke 1:34 and Zechariah’s question in Luke 1:18?
Mary questioned how she could conceive with no husband or man. Zechariah wondered how he could father a child at his old age and Sarah’s old age.
E. What amazing news and what confirmation is given in the angel’s words in verses 35-37?
The Holy Spirit and the power of the Most High, will come u-on you and the child shall be called the Son of God. And even your older relative, who was barren, has conceived, for Nothing is Impossible with God.
F. Ponder Mary’s response and imagine the thoughts that might have raced, and yet, her amazing submission. What do you think was the secret of her submission?
Mary knew she was the bond servant of God, and she trusted His Word and she submitted to Him. She knew in her heart this was a miracle. She had to be a most special young woman, so filled with God’s grace. I wonder about her relationship, as a child with Elizabeth. Two very special women of God.
Interesting though about showing the age difference between the two. Why do you think that’s important?
Mary demonstrates a very vulnerable age. She must have been around 15 years old and her cousin ( or aunt), Elizabeth is past the age of conceiving, seemingly overlooked, yet they both are experiencing miraculous births from God. I love Luke 1:41-45. Elizabeth’s baby leaped in the womb, when hearing Mary’s voice. She cried “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!………And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.” These verses 41-45 tell a whole story of faith!
The more I think about the details of these two births, the more I appreciate the way the Lord orchestrated all of it. Also, how heartbreaking for Elizabeth to finally have a son and then for him to suffer so much. We know the Lord kept her close and gave comfort, but our minds cannot reconcile this.
So true, Chris! It is hard to reconcile this. God allowed His Son and John to suffer unimaginable pain and suffering. He has asked no more of us than He was willing to suffer Himself. It is a bit of a scary thought, but something to ponder.
4. How did these people react to the news — and why, do you think?
A. Zechariah The angel Gabriel told Zechariah many things about John, one of which is that he would go before the Lord to prepare the people. Zechariah responded with incredulity and doubt that he and his wife could have a son, he was too old and Elizabeth was past child bearing age (menopause). After the birth of John, Zechariah filled with the Spirit rejoiced and prophesied about Jesus.
B. Elizabeth When Mary visited Elizabeth, and she first heard Mary’s greeting, the babe leaped for joy in her womb. Elizabeth filled with the Spirit rejoiced, blessed Mary, and confirmed that all Gabriel told Mary would happen.
C. Shepherds After the angel’s announcement and appearance of the heavenly host, the shepherds immediately went to Bethlehem to seek out the babe lying in a manger, Christ the Lord. There was no doubt in their minds that this was true.
D. Herod When the wise men told Herod that the King of the Jews had been born, he was jealous, fearful, and wanted to kill the child. He pretended that he, too, wanted to worship this king, in order to find out where Jesus was and kill Him. Herod had all male children under the age of two murdered, in the hopes of killing Jesus.
E. Wisemen The wisemen traveled thousand of miles to find the babe who was prophesied to be the King of the Jews. They brought with them precious gifts to lay at His feet, and they worshipped Him. I don’t know why they would be interested in the King of the Jews, let alone worship Him.
5. What is the second thing the angel tells Mary, and why might this be astonishing? Gabriel tells Mary that she won’t need a husband for the conception of this child. The Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the power of God would overshadow her. This was totally unheard of, unimaginable, and incomprehensible.
6. What is the third thing, which is the message of Christmas itself? The babe born to Mary will be the Holy One, the Son of God. God will take on human flesh, Emmanuel.
Interesting about “past menoopause.” Yes — a miracle!
4. How did these people react to the news — and why, do you think?
A. Zechariah
He reacts with disbelief. He and his wife are old. He lets the world get the best of him.
B. Elizabeth
Elizabeth reacts with excitement and belief in God. He can do anything!
C. Shepherds
The shepherds are stunned and excited that the Messiah they have long awaited is finally here.
D. Herod
Herod is angry and worried that he will be replaced.
E. Wisemen
The wisemen are willing to learn. They have heard about the new king and wish to know more. They probably are also curious about the star.
5. What is the second thing the angel tells Mary, and why might this be astonishing?
She will become pregnant and won’t need a husband to do so. This was astonishing because it had never happened before to anyone! It was amazing!
6. What is the third thing, which is the message of Christmas itself?
The third thing was that her baby would be the One! The Holy One…the Son of God Himself. He came to Earth to live as we do. To know us. To teach us. To die for us. Thank You Lord.
How did you experience the goodness of the Lord this Christmas? There have been a lot of potentially stressful things going on in my life in the last few months. We have a large medical bill from my surgery, I totaled my car (and found out that I should have had GAP insurance, I didn’t know that since the car was 5 years old), my husband’s vehicle died the same week as my accident so transportation was an issue, and the company that my husband works for was bought out, he found out a couple of weeks ago that he was not being retained and he will no longer have a job as of tomorrow. At his age, he worries about whether anyone will employ him. This could have been my worst Christmas, but surprisingly it was one of my most peaceful and it could only be because of the Lords mercy. The focus really was on our Savior.
Where do you need to submit to the Lord so that better fruit can flow from your life? In what I spend my time on.
Wow, Dawn — so much all at once.
Father, please be this family’s Provider in some wonderful ways. In Jesus Name I pray.
I agree with, Dee, dear Lord, for Dawn, her husband, and family.
Dawn, what a load to carry this Christmas season! But you are right -we can still have God’s peace because of His mercy and faithfulness. Praying for God’s provision for you and your husband.
Wow, Dawn… you have had a rough time. I’m sorry to hear about all this in your life. I will pray for you and your family. I’m glad you had a peaceful Christmas. He will provide. I’m confident of that
Oh, Dawn. What a praise that you had a peaceful Christmas. Whenever I am hit with so much at once, I find myself feeling like things are falling apart, but then I pray, “Okay, Lord, what work are you doing in my life?” Things might be out of my hands, but they are never out of the Lord’s. I’m excited to see how He provides for your family in all of these things. Much love and prayers to you.
Oh, Dawn! So much at once. Thanking God for your great faith and that He is comforting you in such a real way, with His peace. I join the others in praying for God to provide for you and your family in miraculous ways.
Lord, I pray that You will continue to give Dawn your peace and comfort. May You provide all that they need and give them wisdom and direction in the coming days. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, I pray.
The video of the children was hilarious!
4. How did these people react to the news — and why, do you think?
A. Zechariah ~ He was in disbelief and questioned the angel, because he was an old man, and Elizabeth was old and barren.
B. Elizabeth ~ Elizabeth was full of joy and gratitude, and felt that the Lord had looked upon her with favor.
C. Shepherds~At first they were afraid when the angel of the Lord stood before them. After a multitude of angels appeared praising God, they acknowledged that this was a message from the Lord and they went quickly to Bethlehem. It must have be such an unbelievable, yet powerful experience. I can’t imagine how excited they must have been!
D. Herod ~ He was plotting. He consulted the Wiseman and wanted them to let him know where the child was, but Herod’s motive was not worship, it was to kill the baby who was prophesied to be the Messiah.
E. Wisemen ~ The wisemen rejoiced when they saw the star. They followed the star and when they came to the house where Jesus was, they saw the Child with Mary His mother and they fell on their knees and worshiped Him. They were warned by God to return home a different way, so not to encounter Herod.
5. What is the second thing the angel tells Mary, and why might this be astonishing? Just having a conversation with the angel must have been astonishing! The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. It had never happened before in all of history. Mary must have been overwhelmed and honored. She had to be a very special young woman that God chose her for this privilege. She trusted God.
6. What is the third thing, which is the message of Christmas itself? The Child will be The HOLY ONE. Mary said “Behold, the bond slave of the Lord; may it be done according to your WORD.” Mary knew the scriptures well. She trusted God’s will for her life.
Just a conversation with an angel must have been astonishing! True!
Wednesday: New Year’s Eve: Healthy Doubt
8. What does Keller say is a better translation of the word “wonder?” Why is that the way to stronger faith? He says the greek word means to “audit,” to take an account, The KJV uses the words, “cast in her mind,” which indicate that she was searching for what Gabriel’s words might mean. “Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.”
Searching anything out, instead of doubting and denying it, leads to greater understanding. When it involves Scripture, for a believer, that searching is for truth involving time spent in the Word reading and studying it. As knowledge and experience grows, so does faith become stronger. The Biblical examples that come to mind are the Samaritans in John 4 and the Thessalonians in Acts 17. The Samaritan woman told them of Jesus, and they went to see/hear for themselves, doubting/searching, and some came to believing faith. Paul spoke in the synagogue about Jesus and, doubting/searching, the Thessalonians searched the scriptures, some coming to believing faith.
9. If possible, share a healthy doubt you worked through that led to healthy faith and fruit in your life. I thought I had to control everything around me. Being an adult child of an alcoholic, I wanted order/structure in my life, everything needed to be just so. I put tremendous pressure on myself trying to be an excellent wife/mother/college student. I reached a breaking point and was seeing a counselor who asked, “What would happen if you did not get an A on a paper?” and said, “Your children’s relationship with your husband, is theirs and his.” Speaking to my sister, I said, “I can’t help it, our father was an alcoholic,” to which she replied, “You have a different Father with a different inheritance.” That is when I really started to let go and trust the Lord with my family and personal life. I didn’t always have to be perfect and in control. The fruit was a greater trust in the Lord and peace in my life because of that increased trust.
This was a huge thing, because it was only a few years later that my daughter was killed in the car accident. I was overwhelmed with grief, but my faith stood firm.
Wonderful testimonies from Cheryl. Life is so hard, yet He holds us.
Great testimony, Cheryl. That letting go is hard-I’m still working on it. Funny how we can think we have learned our lesson and then the Lord shows us there is more to let go of, more to trust Him in.
I love your entire post, Cheryl. What a beautiful testimony to God’s love and grace. I especially love your sister’s response that you have a different Father with a different inheritance! His lessons can be hard. Amen to Chris “there is more to let go of and more to trust Him in.”
Sunday:
How did you experience the goodness of the Lord this Christmas?
—Our Christmas was fairly quiet this year and simpler because we were together over Thanksgiving with our children since we alternate Christmas & New Years in their time with their in-laws.
We spent Christmas Day at our granddaughters home and in answer to much prayer it was a fairly pleasant day. Her husband’s family are unbelievers and ungodly people in their lifestyle and habits. In our earlier experiences with them they were drinking heavily and a rough bunch but on Christmas day that didn’t happen and they were more subdued and actually friendlier. We just trust the light of Christ somehow was shining through.
Where do you need to submit to the Lord so that better fruit can flow from your life?
—I have several areas of discipline that I struggle to employ in my life. From what I eat to what I say needs to be tempered. My need is to be more quiet and practice listening as others speak. I just need to be more quiet in my spirit and my demeanor in an effort to be more pleasing to my husband. After all these years it is still a struggle in this flesh.
An encouragement from the Lord this morning was this thought and scripture.
“So name your greatest fear for the coming year and place it in his hands. Then claim his promise: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).”
Thinking of you Bev as I’ve been in Nebraska!
Bev, I am so blessed by your posts. There is much in this world that weighs us down, but you always put such a bright outlook on things. That is the light of Christ in you and I’m sure you helped your granddaughter’s family just by being you. I do love the Isaiah 41:10 verse. ❤️
So thankful for the joyful time with your granddaughter’s family, dear Bev. Thank you for this verse. It is the perfect verse for my life going forward this new year.
Wednesday: New Year’s Eve
7. What bad habit do you need to pray you want to see changed this year? Could you pray that here?
I have asked for the Lord’s help and the Spirit’s guidance, and that has happened. The problem is that I don’t really WANT this habit to totally disappear, and so it keeps creeping back. I have made excuses, sometimes even saying “it’s not that bad anyway.” The way Dee has phrased the question using the words, “want to see changed,” has brought me up short and forced me to really look into my heart.
Dear Father, please forgive my selfishness. Forgive me for ignoring all the promptings of thy Holy Spirit when I choose my own desire above You. I have deceived myself into thinking I was okay, but I’m not. No outside pressure or Satan’s tempting, just my own selfishness; forgive me. Thank you for this study blog which has helped me see myself more honestly. Do whatever is necessary to break this habit, Lord. I willingly place myself under Your loving hand. In Jesus name and for His sake, amen.
Thank you so for your honesty. I phrased the question that way as I need to want it!
7. What bad habit do you need to pray you want to see changed this year? Could you pray that here?
Oh dear Lord, You know my bad habit. I want to change this aspect of my life so I can be healthier and more faithful to You. You want me to be the best me I can be. Please help me remember this. I want to please You. Thank You for helping me Lord. You have done it before and I know You can do it again. Amen.
Good prayer.
What a sweet prayer, Laura. Oh, He knows our hearts so well. I love how He helps us remember and always wants the best for us.
7. What bad habit do you need to pray you want to see changed this year? Could you pray that here?
I need to give things to God immediately, instead internalizing them, especially my hurts, sorrow or fears.
I look back at answered prayer, where I Let Go and God answered and I know that is what I need to do.
I pray every morning, that my thoughts, words and actions will Glorify God. My “self” may feel hurt, sad, angry, upset, but I need to clothe myself in the Holy Spirit and ask HIM to rearrange my heart, my thoughts, my attitude, my words and focus on glorifying God in everything.
This verse has a different application, yet it still makes applies to my response to anyone:
Matthew 25:40 “And the king will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of Mine, you did it for Me.’ I need to look at others, even if they hurt me and see them as Jesus sees them.
Lord, I ask you to cleanse my heart of any bitterness or hurt that a family member may have caused me. Help me to see how I can handle situations in a godly way, the way that would be pleasing to you. Help me to not try to “fix” something, but to go to your in prayer, before I mess it up. Give me pure thoughts and help me to express myself in kind words and ways that are not sideways comments, but are sincere and loving. Help to to stand up for myself, yet not be selfish. Heal my heart when it hurts and turn my eyes upon You and away from myself. In Jesus’s Name I pray.
Patti, I love this.
Tuesday:
4. How did these people react to the news — and why, do you think?
A. Zechariah- He doubted because he and Elizabeth were very old. He did not reflect or “wonder” just like Mary did.
B. Elizabeth. She responded with joy when Mary came, and she discerned that Mary was pregnant and who the latter was carrying in her womb. Even John (in the womb) responded with joy by moving inside his mother’s womb when Mary came.
C. Shepherds, they were overjoyed when they heard the news from the angels and responded by telling others about the Christ Child. “Tell the Good News” song came to mind.
D. Herod. He was troubled and felt threatened.
E. Wisemen. They worshiped Jesus and brought gifts to him.
5. What is the second thing the angel tells Mary, and why might this be astonishing?
That the Holy Spirit will overshadow her-there is no need for a husband.
6. What is the third thing, which is the message of Christmas itself?
That her son is the Son of God.
I like the contrasting responses: wonder, doubt, joy, overjoyed, troubled, worshiped.
7. What bad habit do you need to pray you want to see changed this year? Could you pray that here? Rather than something I’m doing, it’s something I’m not doing. I want to be more intentional in goal setting and planning around family, friends, and household tasks. Currently, I tend to “fly by the seat of my pants.” I may have the week and even the month roughly sketched out, but it’s all short term stuff. I find myself, like this week with a holiday, and I have no plans made. I end up trying to make plans last minute and some work out and some don’t and I find I’ve lost opportunity to have a bigger impact on my family and friends or even to do something really impactful for the Lord. I struggle to plan ahead, partially because my husband hates to be locked into plans and partially because I don’t know if I’ll have the energy with my health struggle. I think there can be a good change in this area that would help me trust the Lord and build faith into my plans. I’m praying, Lord, for wisdom in this area. I feel a lack of peace about my situation and would like to know I’m doing what I can to please you and do what is best to build your kingdom.
8. What does Keller say is a better translation of the word “wonder?” Why is that the way to stronger faith? Keller says it should be translated “take an audit.” He says Mary is trying to figure out what is going on. Rather than just replying with yes to everything, she is thinking it through. How will this work rather than this cannot work. This leads to a stronger faith because she is able to surrender her life joyfully, not ignorantly. She will know, the Lord has this plan and he can do it rather than not understanding the plan or how it will come about, which could lead to doubt or discontent.
9. If possible, share a healthy doubt you worked through that led to healthy faith and fruit in your life. I would say the death of our granddaughter and my doubt about how the Lord could both be good and allow this in our lives. I continue to grow in this area and probably will as long as I am on earth. God is good, but is he still good when we are hurting with this kind of pain? Not only did our granddaughter die, but I was witness to her taking her last breath, twice. Once naturally and then after life support was removed. I heard my DIL’s screams and cries when she stopped breathing both times. The heart wrenching pain of watching your children suffer this kind of loss is beyond description. I was blown away when they decided the loss of her little life was going to be used to share the gospel with as many people as possible. Doubting God’s goodness in this terrible situation, pushed me to search his word for his goodness in scripture. Of course, there are many, many places to find God’s goodness in hard circumstances throughout scripture. The Lord gave me Nahum 1:7 to hold onto. “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him…” The fruit is in the trust I am gaining in the Lord and the opportunity I have had to share our journey with others who are struggling with this sort of grief. Our family has been able to support one another as well as hard things come up. This hardship has formed a bond that would not be there without having gone through it.
Chris, Thank you for sharing this heart wrenching, yet beautiful answer to 9. Oh, the process of pain and the “whys” of God’s way. Thank you for sharing this powerful story of immense pain and God’s healing hand. It will live in my heart for a very long time.
Thank you, Patti. My husband has recommended the book by CS Lewis, “The Problem of Pain.” I may try that one this year as well. I’m trying to get better at reading more for growth in my faith this year.
So often a tragedy so terrible tears families apart — soo thankful it has been the opposite for you.
10. In the bad habit you want replaced, what would it look like to take your hands off your life and trust God instead? Hmm. Since I am trying to create a good habit, I’m trying to think about whether I have not trusted God by being negligent in this area? I don’t think so, though it will require some trust to make the plans and follow through. I think it’s just not my nature to plan long term goals. On the other hand, there is an area of forgiveness that I need to trust God in. I mentioned this earlier this week and wouldn’t you know, the Lord gave me a direct link to an encouraging testimony of someone who struggled to forgive. I’ll share it here in case anyone else would like to listen. It’s from Voice of the Martyrs. Very good and I believe the Lord will use this in my life. This sweet woman had to forgive her husband’s murderer. It took her five years to surrender, but when she did it was with the Lord’s help. She says forgiveness is a decision and it can’t be done in our own strength. https://www.vomradio.net/Pauline
Thank you for sharing this story of forgiveness, Chris. I love Voice of the Martyrs.
I just listened to this story of forgiveness, Chris! Such a testimony to the power of God’s strength in forgiveness. Wow! Thank you!
Yes! It was so encouraging because she experienced some of the same things I have with thinking she had forgiven and then still having to work through it more. I love how she defines forgiveness as a decision and then gives it to God in prayer. And she prayed for a year for real forgiveness and then found her forgiveness at a conference titled REAL Forgiveness! God meets us where we are at ❤️
Truly, a beautiful and very honest testimony, from her heart. What a journey she has had.
11. What do we know that Mary didn’t that could help you take your hands off your life? We know that the Lord suffered for us, taking our punishment so that we would be spared. We can trust Him because he surrendered himself for us. Mary’s surrender of her life for the Lord was done without knowing what he would suffer for her and the world-hard to fathom. We still need to pray for the Lord’s help in order to surrender because in our flesh we cannot.
8. What does Keller say is a better translation of the word “wonder?”
It comes from a word that means to “take an audit.”
Why is that the way to stronger faith?
It’s a reflection about what is happening. We are asking questions because there is a healthy doubt. This makes us better Christians because we understand more by asking the questions.
9. If possible, share a healthy doubt you worked through that led to healthy faith and fruit in your life.
I’m going to try this, but I’m not sure if I’m on the right track. I doubted that ANYTHING could help me with my second oldest son as a teen. When I gave up and gave it to God, I was happier and he survived. In fact, he is the one who is reading the Bible and open to learning. He seems to appreciate me more than the others also. I believe that God can do anything.
10. In the bad habit you want replaced, what would it look like to take your hands off your life and trust God instead?
I would be happier, healthier, and more productive.
11. What do we know that Mary didn’t that could help you take your hands off your life?
We know that Jesus gave His life to save us from our sins. To take our hands off of our life means that He gets to put His hands on our life and make it what it should be for us.
Your answer to 9 has me thinking. When Zechariah doubted God it was out of understanding of the human ability to carry a child. He and his wife were past child bearing years-what the angel was saying made no human sense. Did Zechariah doubt God could do what man cannot? He must have. With your son, I’m understanding you to say that you could see no human means to help him and so you turned the problem over to the Lord and THIS bore fruit. It gave you peace and saved your son. Praise God. It’s a great example of taking your hands off your life.
Love Chris’s reflection to you, Laura.
Absolutely correct! Bringing Zechariah into the mix was perfect. Thank you for making me a little clearer 😉.
I love how you gave your son to the Lord, Laura! What a great example of trusting Him and letting go! He is able, when we are not! I agree with Dee, on Chris’s lovely reflection to you!
Friday
12. What is the key point from their Q and A? Submission to God bears fruit. As we submit and obey God the fruit of the Spirit grows in our lives; we become more like Jesus.
13. What else stands out and why? When Keller said, “God does great things in other people’s lives through you.” On this blog we have discussed this topic before, how the Lord works through us. But it has occurred to me that our disobedience, not submitting to Him, can also affect other people, in a negative way. The question then arises, which would I rather be: obedient producing in my life and those around me, or disobedient stunting my own growth and hurting those around me? Which leads me back to the brokenhearted Bridegroom, hurting the Lord with my disobedience.
I love all that you have written here, Cheryl. I so agree! So true that my disobedience hurts the Lord! I love all of you dear friends on this blog. Thank you for sharing your pain, your wisdom and your love of God, dear Cheryl ! Iron sharpens iron!
I agree. Great thoughts and I am thankful for a group so willing to share vulnerably.
Thank you for this Cheryl. I needed a nudge tonight and you gave it to me!
“But it has occurred to me that our disobedience, not submitting to Him, can also affect other people, in a negative way. The question then arises, which would I rather be: obedient producing in my life and those around me, or disobedient stunting my own growth and hurting those around me?”
8. What does Keller say is a better translation of the word “wonder?” Why is that the way to stronger faith?
Keller uses the term “ take an audit”. I think of her trying to process what the angel is saying. In Keller’s book Hidden Christmas, he says Mary finds this hard to believe, but she doesn’t stop the conversation, she asks for more information. He says “It doesn’t all make sense to me, but I will pursue, I will follow.” I think that is key that Mary is willing to follow. She does not know what everything, but she has a deep trust in God. She knows the angel is real and the angel tells her what the child will be called. Can I do this in my life? Not have all the information, but trust Him, knowing the scriptures and God are trustworthy. I wish I could be better at that!
9. If possible, share a healthy doubt you worked through that led to healthy faith and fruit in your life.
I have to look back at all that God has done in my life. His choices always had purpose. I have made some bad choices and had regrets. Bad choices open the door to sin. Having healthy doubt turns my heart to Him. When I am living in His will, my healthy doubt, has led to His directing my life. After losing my husband, I had healthy doubt about moving and waited a year, praying and waiting on the Lord. I feel he led me to this specific place. I feel that still, though I cannot see the whole picture. It led to me to a healthy faith. I pray that I can be fruitful for Him. I pray I will not fail Him.
Awe. Patti, I love your time in prayer after losing your husband and before moving. Whenever I have done this it has really helped me through times of fear and doubt to know that my place in life was thoroughly prayed about. No matter the trials that come, I can be confident in knowing the Lord brought me to that place for a reason. I love your heart for the Lord.
Me too, Patti. You are a model of waiting on God and trusting Him.
Patti, You are an encouraging voice in my life in what you shared here as we look to make a major move in our lives. I don’t doubt God because He has settled in our hearts that this is His will for us but there are so many decisions needed and it can look so overwhelming on this side of it. I desire to have a healthy faith and be fruitful for Him.
I will pray for your decisions, as you have many changes in your lives, Bev. I had some days where I was overwhelmed, but the miracles God gave me were so amazing. It is in the looking back, that I see more clearly how powerful and detail oriented God is! I ask so thankful for the prayers of the sisters on our blog.
Patti, I love that you prayed and waited on God for a whole year! That must have been hard. Meeting you and visiting your lovely home makes me think you are indeed in the right place for yourself now. I hope the dogs are well and you had a nice Christmas with your family! Happy New Year!
Oh, Laura, it was so fun to have you, Cooper and Grace visit me! I hope we can do that again. We had a nice Christmas and the dogs are both doing well. They love having you visit too!
I am sorry to have been pretty much absent this week on the blog. Last weekend we were packing up to come down to Texas for a few months now and be with our son and his wife and the three married grandchildren and their little ones. We left on Monday to travel down which is a two day trip. And for the last few days we have been getting settled into our little space in the Casita.
Also before leaving we worked to have our house staged with the plan of now selling it and moving to Lincoln. We have been working with a realtor looking at our options for buying a home there. It is a time consuming project and at times feels pretty overwhelming.
But we know we have to trust all of it to be in God’s hands and find the need to keep surrendering it to Him.
Friday: Q and A with Kathy
12. What is the key point from their Q and A?
—Submission bears fruit. Surrendering to God makes us more Christlike and to submit to Him bears fruit. Jesus Christ’s submission to the Father brought infinite joy and bliss and glory and salvation of the world and that was the ultimate fruit.
13. What else stands out and why?
—I found this to be a particularly meaningful presentation on submitting to God. Keller’s teaching here is insightful to the fact that Mary was not a naive girl just being nice and respectful to an angel so to speak but rather she was a very thinking person and at this point troubled by what she was hearing from him and that she had healthy doubt. Her healthy doubt when weighed out in her mind led her to make a concrete decision of submission to God. She was counting the cost of that decision when she said “Let it be unto me as you have said”.
Just for me to be reminded of my own personal need to submit myself to God and his plans for my life is very needful as part of the sanctifying work of God in my life. As I struggle with the practice of personal discipline in my own life I am challenged here by the need of submitting to the Lord and how He might choose to work in my life. I need to resolve some things in my own heart with the Lord that in my older age I know are not going to be easy. Health needs and relational needs that I need Him to orchestrate for my good and his glory. At this age in life I make no bold claims.
It sounds like a huge endeavor, Bev! I will pray for you through this moving trial. My husband and I are considering selling our house when we retire in a couple of years. Do you have family in Lincoln? Our challenge is that family is in Texas and NJ. We don’t want to pay the high taxes in NJ, and we aren’t sure we can handle the heat anymore in Tx (although there is plenty of air conditioning in the south!). Staying in NH as we age, means we only have our friends, not family, and we really don’t have many of them here. So many decisions. Take care and hope the next few months go well.
Our home has so much importance to it and we need to see the Lord’s hand in helping us find that place. It is a big decision. Praying you both find God’s peace.
Dee, my son and granddaughter wanted to read the story of you and your pup again. When I read about you living in Door County, they both, amazed said, “What?!” We live in Dorr Township. They thought for a minute that you lived here. Haha. Love that story of you and your dog. ❤️
That’s cute, Chris!
Laura, Thank you for your prayers. We had planned to move from Broken Bow after Terry retired in 2014 but that was when our youngest son and his family moved back to Broken Bow and he served as the pastor for our church for 10 years. He has five children and one of his daughters has spina bifida. I was a big part of helping with her care so they could get away for breaks occasionally. She is now 12 and has been trained to handle her own particular needs. They just moved to Lincoln this past summer. Our son that lives here in Texas and our daughter who is in Montana both said if we moved to Lincoln it would be easier for them to fly there and get to see all of us. It is about a four hour drive out to Broken Bow in the middle of the state. So by us moving to Lincoln it would make our family gatherings easier. Also there are more services like doctors and elderly living facilities in the Lincoln area. Broken Bow is pretty rural with little to offer. Terry is 77 and I will be in a couple of months so we considered that as well. We lived in Lincoln for the first 4 years of our marriage while my husband was in college and have always had friends and family there over the years. We are born and bred Cornhusker fans and have always liked it there. I really don’t like the intense heat of Texas but we do enjoy our few months here in the winter. But the intense cold of Nebraska winter is getting hard to take as well. There are just simply tradeoffs either place. The bottom line for us has been seeking God’s will and to follow his leading to be and serve where he wants us. He has settled it in our hearts that Lincoln at least for now is the right place.
Father, please guide Bev and her husband soo clearly!
I will be praying for your decisions on your upcoming move. I know how overwhelming it can feel. So thankful you are settled in your Casita in Texas with family, for now.
12. What is the key point from their Q and A?
The key point is that Mary submitted to God and bore fruit. We are to do the same.
13. What else stands out and why?
This whole idea of Mary being the “bride” of God. Would Catholics find this statement to be heresy? I get it in a literal sense, and I can find meaning in it…connecting the dots of course. It makes me wiggle inside though; kind of like Song of Solomon makes me uncomfortable.
12. What is the key point from their Q and A? Faith without works is dead. Romans 7: 5-6 make this clear-maybe this is the verse they were referring to in the video. “For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.”
I’m not sure there was more to the metaphor of everyone being the bride of Christ-I think it is a mindset they are trying to get across.
13. What else stands out and why? I like how Tim and Kathy compliment one another while speaking. She knows what she wants to say and he clarifies her thoughts for her with clear speech. Sometimes I see that in my marriage.
Saturday:
14. What is your take-a-way and why? The verse from John 14:15 comes to mind. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Our love for the Lord is directly shown in our actions. As we struggle with our adopted son’s behaviors, my husband has quoted this verse to him, telling him that his love for us needs to be seen in his actions, not just his words. In essence we are pounding the gospel into this kid everyday-haha. We have a chart with stickers. He can get a sticker if he behaves. He doesn’t have to be perfect but he has 3 chances everyday to “mess up” and as long as he corrects his mistakes with genuine apology and restoring relationships, he can still earn the sticker. But if he messes up 3 times in one day, he loses the sticker. And if he can’t restore relationships or apologize, he loses his sticker. If he gets 5 or more stickers in a row, he gets a reward. It’s been a tough couple of months since he last had a reward. He can do it, but he has to stay focused on the reward to help motivate him and I guess the gospel can in a way be the same for us. We know what Christ suffered on the cross for us and we know our reward in heaven because of his sacrifice. I am so thankful for the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us navigate this sinful world.
Appreciate all your faithfulness during the holidays.
I’m beginning the 15 hour drive home and right now the roads are icy so trying to be patient and wise. Appreciate prayers!
Oh, Dee. I will be praying! I wondered if you were home yet.
Lord, please do the driving for Dee, place a hedge of protection around her and keep her in Your care. Give her patience and wisdom. Please keep her car running well, give her good weather, clear roads and keep her alert on her drive. Lord be with her. I pray all this in the Name of Jesus.
Yes, prayers!
Praying for safe travels sweet Dee🙏
Dee! 15 hours?! I hope you are staying overnight somewhere. Please be safe. I will pray 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you all — made it safely 2/3’s of the way!
Oh what a long drive alone. Love you’re checking in here on the way 😊
Oh, Chris! What a blessing for your son to have such consistent and loving parents. Training children in the way they should go, is truly a full time job. I pray that he loves and appreciates you both! Yes, we can be the same way with the gospel. Such a great example of our need to truly love and how our love to our Heavenly Father.
Thank you, Patti. It is good for me to think about my actions, too! It’s a struggle sometimes. I like to think I’m good, but in reality my thoughts and words are not always good. Do I mess up 3 times everyday? Probably.
🙂
Saturday:
I had cataract surgery on my left eye last Tuesday, and my reading and typing abilities are not so good. So I am going to have to wait and go over the comments at another time. I did catch some of the prayer requests here and hope to add them to my journal. I did listen to Tim and Kathy’s exchanges. I never thought about Mary being the bride of God, though it makes sense.
That submission to God brings fruit reminds me of Colossians 1:10 “…so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,”
Happy New Year, everyone!
Bing, I missed that you were to have surgery. I am guessing it all went well. Praying for a quick recovery. Have missed you.
Bing, praying for your eyes to heal 🙏🏻