“Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God” (Luke 1:64)

March 15, 2011

Zechariah had been mute for 9 months, when God opened his mouth. In today’s OT reading, God opened the mouth of Balaam’s donkey. God speaks. He even uses doubting daddys and disinclined donkeys.

“I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me” (Psalm 57:2)

March 14, 2011

Rather than asking for God to help me with my plans, I’m crying out for His. Fulfill Your purpose in/for me.

“The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” (Luke 1:25)

March 13, 2011

Literally, “He looked on me.” The Lord sees our need. By His grace He removes our disgrace.

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall” (Psalm 55:22)

March 12, 2011

Turn your worrying into prayer, your wasted self-talk into Divine petition. Then, rest. The LORD will “never” let you fall.

“At the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me'” (Mark 15:34)

March 11, 2011

This cry was not a mark of failure, but one of prophecy fulfilled and the human condition felt. Jesus said the very words of Psalm 22:1 prophesied for Him. He who knew no sin became sin for us. He suffered separation so that we might be brought near to God.

“You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62)

March 10, 2011

So Jesus answered the High Priest. Since that generation has passed now, how will Jesus’ statement be fulfilled? Will the living and the dead bear witness to this glorious coming? Apparently. Get ready.

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” Proverbs 11:2)

March 9, 2011

Are you teachable? Will you humble yourself and learn from one who has wisdom? The know-it-all will lose it all, but the humble learner will gain wisdom. Great leaders are life-long learners.

“Is the LORD’s arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you” (Numbers 11:23)

March 8, 2011

Is there an area of your life where you doubt God’s reach? God’s Word will not fail. His mighty arm will accomplish what His Word has declared.

“Whenever the cloud lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites set out” (Numbers 9:17)

March 7, 2011

“No man can redeem the life of another…But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself” (Psalm 49:7, 15)

March 6, 2011

To redeem is to purchase by paying the price in exchange for another’s life. Who can afford the cost of eternal life? Only One who has such life to give.