day one { praising God despite the circumstances }

Study Luke 1:57-75: It would have been easy for Elizabeth to complained, after all she was pregnant and pregnancy is hard even in your twenties. Not only was she pregnant she was well in years, with a husband who had been muted because of his fear. Think about it, achy bones, sleepless nights, and a husband unable to give comforting words…yep she had a right to complain but she didn’t. Instead she trusted God’s bigger plan and praised him in it; same with Zacharias. Have you ever hoped for something to go one way and it goes another? Where you mad at God or did you doubt God’s plan for you when it didn’t happen the way you planned?. The key is to praise God despite the circumstances, because His plan is the best. Today give God the praise for the stress in your life. And while you are doing that, lay it at His feet and be silent/mute, while He continues His work in you.

day two { God's will }

Read Luke 1:59-63.  What was unusual about the baby about to be born to Zacharias and Elizabeth?  If you were his parents and had received a message from an angel of God about the child you would soon hold, would you have expected their life to turn out the way John’s did?  Think about how John lived, his message, the way he died.  Would you think a blessing from God would result in isolation and suffering?  Read Isaiah 55:8-9.  Can we understand God’s ways?  Are you suffering today because of your faith?  Read Matthew 5:10-12.  God’s will is not always what we expect, but He does promise to reward us for our faithfulness.

day three { Look ahead! }

Luke 1: 67 & 68  says “And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:  ‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has…”   As you look at this verse what do you understand the word prophecy to mean?  What is the purpose of prophecy in our lives today?  A key word in this section of scripture is the word redemption.  Verse 68 speaks of “accomplishing redemption for His people.”  Look up the word redemption and consider its application to your life and to this world today.  When do you think this redemption is completed?  In a world in such great need, pray for redemption of nations and individuals the Lord puts on your heart!

day four { break the silence }

Study Luke 1:57-75: It happens to all of us, fear. We are just like Zacharias; we question God when He gives us an answer. And just like Zacharias we are muted by our fear and deafened by our doubt.  Do you praise God despite the storms? Despite the fear? Do you trust that He is the driver and you are the passenger? Imagine nine months of silence, what would your first words be? One can guess that during His silence Zacharias continued to praise God for the work He was doing. Today, take time to praise God for that co-worker just drives you nuts, because you have a job. Praise God that you are struggling financially that you may grow stronger in your reliance on His grace. Praise that although you are not where you thought you would be at this age…you are where He wants you, so He can grow you. Today instead of looking at things from human eyes, eyes that see faults. Look at things from Heavens eyes, eyes that see growth. Break the silence…praise Him.

day five { what a Savior! }

Luke 1:69 says “and (God) raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David His servant – ” the words horn of salvation is used as a metaphor which means “a powerful savior.” As we think about God’s plan of redemption, list some of the key points verses 70 – 75 gives us about the dimensions of God’s grace. As we seek to live our lives today as being redeemed, praise God for His compassion for this world, for His plan for redemption, and for the “powerful savior” He provided through His Son Jesus Christ!  Psalm 18:1 says “I love You, O Lord, my strength.  The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”  Pray this back to God.  What a Savior we have!

a word from the writers

This daily devotional and a weekly bible study for Life Groups that coincides with the current sermon is also available on the church website:  ccc.org.  We loved to hear your comments or suggestions.  Email the writing team at lampr@ccc.org.

 

To download a PDF of these daily devotionals, click here.

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