Luke 1:26-33 – In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
Can you think of anything more amazing than to be told by an angel of the Lord that you meet God’s approval and He that looks upon you with very special favoritism? Follow that up with the announcement that the Creator of the Universe is WITH YOU! What could be more uplifting and encouraging? Mary found these words rather disconcerting and stunning. She’d never been greeted quite like this before! What does this mean? Gabriel apparently understood her wonderment as he began to explain it all to her. “Here’s the plan, Mary.” “You are going to bare a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.” What an incredible honor the Lord of the universe bestows upon Mary! She will become the mother of the long awaited Messiah, whose kingdom will never end.
Mary was highly high favored, and yet, we too have been given much the same esteem from God! We have been granted God’s high favor as revealed in John 3:16 (and Tim Tebow), “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Such love, such wondrous love! Along with this high FAVOR, God has also declared HIS PRESENCE with us in the Savior, Emmanuel – God WITH US! And, before Jesus departed this earth, He promised to send the Comforter, His Holy Spirit who would be with us and IN us! Can you hear the same words that Gabriel spoke to Mary? “The Lord is with YOU!” God is on your team! He has your best interests at heart! Don’t be afraid to trust Him! Don’t be afraid to embrace His plan for you! Don’t be afraid to follow where He leads you! The Lord IS WITH YOU! The Apostle Paul captures this wonder in Romans 8:28-32 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose… What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Also read Jeremiah 29:11. Yes, the Lord is with you! Now, are YOU ready to be with HIM? Think about it!
I come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
Thursday:
- Meet together with at least 1 or 2 other believers to enter the Throne Room of Grace.
- Join our 6:00pm Thursday night prayer team.
Friday:
- Thank God for His FAVOR toward us, and His PRESENCE WITH us!
- Pray for the Good News families of the week: Alberto & Kasandra Aneses (Alberto Jr.), Steve Babcock, Kathleen Bauman.
Saturday:
- Praise God for His eager willingness to walk and commune with us mortals!
Sunday:
- Worship God for His loving favor that drives out our fears!
Monday:
- Pray that you may be continually conscious of God’s presence with you.
- Attend “In Touch” Prayer meeting at GNCC at 10:30am or join in prayer at that time.
Tuesday:
- Praise God that He is continually at work in everything for our good!
Wednesday:
- Give thanks that, since God is for you, no one can prevail against you!
Prayer Challenge: Be mindful that you are sacred and precious to God – highly favored! And be aware that He is WITH YOU, wherever you go and in whatever you do! Since He is with you, you need only to call on His name, walk with Him and talk with Him. Listen to His voice as He reminds you of His loving care and plans for your life! Then, let Christ be seated on the throne of your life and let Him reign forever!