You are Highly Favored

“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1: 28

As the angel Gabriel spoke those words to Mary, she was greatly troubled and wondered what kind of greeting it could be. Gabriel assured her not to be afraid, because she had found favor with God.

As we are fixing to enter December and the Christmas holidays, take a moment and put yourself in the position of Mary. Would you have been afraid? What would you have thought about the encounter? About the message?

Now come to present day and hear God quietly whisper to you, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! I am with you.”

Just as God revealed Himself to Mary, He reveals Himself to you today. God is with you, Immanuel! Think about it, the Christ Child was born, and lived on earth. He was crucified and raised from the dead to be taken back to His heavenly home all so He could be with you, live in you, and be your Friend.

Hallelujah, YES, you are highly favored!

What are You Thankful for?

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 118:1

Have you looked at your week’s calendar yet? If it looks anything like mine it is full of to-do’s to get ready for the Thanksgiving holiday ahead. It seems somewhere in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving week I always lose the reason we celebrate this special day.

This year, I plan to slow down. I’ve made a date to sit down, think back on 2010 and give thanks to the Lord for the blessings He’s sent my way.

In remembering how God has blessed you, you then can share His goodness with others. Psalm 118:17 says, “live to tell what the Lord has done.” May you live to remember all you have to be thankful for and in so doing, tell others of His goodness and love.

Start your Thanksgiving list today.

I am thankful for _____________________________________________________!
I am thankful for _____________________________________________________!
I am thankful for _____________________________________________________!
I am thankful for _____________________________________________________!

Faith Is . . .

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Faith is connecting with God through prayer to carry out what He has called you to do. It is also sitting still until you hear Him loud and clear.

Why is it so hard to just sit still? Our world seems to be all about doing. Christ doesn't want us to be busy, just for the sake of doing something. He wants us to be with Him. Connecting with Him. Listening to Him. Trusting Him. Moving as one with Him.

Take some time to be still and wait. Crawl up in Abba Daddy’s lap and enjoy spending time with and getting to know Him. His voice. His nudge. His ways. His mission.

By sitting still, you won’t miss out. Your faith will grow.

YOU are called

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21

YOU are called. Called not to live a life of your own, but to follow in Christ steps.

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on you,
because the LORD has anointed you
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent you to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
Adapted Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV

YOU are anointed, appointed, and called!