Ponder

""I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. 'May it be to me as you have said.' Then the angel left her." Luke 1:38 NIV

I had just tucked in my two year old son and turned off the lights in his bedroom and proceeded to see my four year old. We sat talking for a few minutes when I realized that our preschool devotional book had been left in Aaron's bedroom after I read him todays entry. I said, "Liam let us read another Bible story". His little hands reached for the White Gideon New Testament that was given to me in 1979 and was a newfound treasure to him. He said, "Mommy, please read me from this copy of God's word. Can you please find and read me the story of the birth of Jesus". I smiled and turned to the book of Luke and we read the passage of Luke Chapter 2: 1-20.

It was as if I had read the passage for the first time, however, we had read it many times since my childhood and just last month as it was December. I couldn't help but be so touched by Luke 2:19, "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart".

This year I have asked God to use me, to take me to a point of growth that I have not yet experienced in my relationship with Him. When prompted by the Lord may we respond with a resounding yes, knowing that He has a perfect plan for us and we can rest assured that He is in control and we do not need to be at the helm.

Application:

1. As life is spinning around you today be sure and take the time to be still and quiet and treasure and ponder the marvelous work the Lord has done and continues to do in your life and those you love. As you read Luke 2:19 above Mary, Jospeh and newborn Jesus have just been visited by shepherds who came to see what the angels proclaimed and Mary was treasuring and pondering.

2. Is there something that you feel God calling you to do today? If so, ask God for strength for what you have been called to accomplish. It is when we obey that we can experience the true joy of our relationship with the Savior.

Mary was a young women who responded with obedience when Gabriel came to convey the good news that she would carry the Son of God (Luke 1).

Prayer:

Lord, today I want to thank you for showing me how Mary was obedient in the plan that was designed. Mary kept her eyes and heart focused on what God planned for her. Please work through me to fulfill your plan and purpose for my life.

Verses:

Luke 1:26-38

Luke 1:46-55 - Read these verses and proclaim them. God can use you today to impact someone in an amazing way.