Mary

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”  Luke 1: 46-55
Lord God,

I’m just Mary.

All of my life I’ve listened to stories

of Your miraculous “right arm”

–battles won, babies born to barren women,

seas parted, sick people healed,

the dead brought back to life.

Pondering them fanned my hope

that You are still with my people,

that you still love us and have not forgotten us.

You have not forgotten!

I don’t know what lies ahead,

but I know that You will be with me,

just Mary,

your bondservant,

forever.

To You I give all my thanks and praise.

Amen.

We remember Mary, the mother of God and give thanks for the miracle of motherhood that came to her– a virgin– chosen and blessed.

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May 21 Humble Extravagance

Image from Photo Bucket

1 Samuel 29:1-31:13;  John 11:54-12:19;  Psalm 118:1-18;  Proverbs 15:24-26

“Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.  So they gave a dinner for him there.  Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining at table.  Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair.  The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”  John 12:1-3

 

Holy Spirit filling

Word fulfilling

utter devotion

and love

came spilling from

Mary’s gift of self,

poured on Jesus’ feet.

 

Humbly kneeling,

self forgetting

realizing all of life

pours out of Him.

Her own life redeemed,

sin forgiven

like that of her brother,

Lazarus

not even death

could separate

from the love

of their Lord and Savior,

Friend and Brother,

Jesus Christ.

 

Not forgotten

but written,

remembered,

extravagant by man’s standards,

a gift whose fragrance

lingers

yet today

in the hearts and minds

of believers

and beckons us to show

our love for Him

no matter how costly

or foolish

to honor Him

and kneel before Lord.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for this story of Mary and of her humble extravagant love that pales in light of yours.  You tenderly received what she offered to you–herself and material token of her devotion to you.  She honored you and demonstrated her love for you in the sight of all.  Lord, may I do the same, that others may know how much you have done for me–that you deserve pure devotion and praise.  On my own I am unable to do this.  May your Spirit within me move me to demonstrate my love for you with the gifts you have given me-Amen.

March 14 Nothing Is Impossible

Image by Lauren Boebinger

Numbers 21:1-22:20;  Luke 1:26-56;  Psalm 57:1-11;  Proverbs 11:9-11

“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

 

Simple faith,

though afraid,

Mary’s life

would change.

 

Face to face

with Gabriel

words of praise

seemed strange.

 

“Who am I?

How can this be?

What will happen

next?”

 

Power from God

on High

will plant

the precious seed.

 

Learn of Elizabeth

of great age,

expects a child

as well.

 

Go to her,

share you news

and dwell on holy words,

“Nothing is impossible with God.”

Lord God, create in me a willing spirit like Mary’s, so that when you direct me to go and do and serve, I will gladly do so.  May I remember Mary’s boy-child, Jesus, who gave His life as a ransom for me–and who now reigns with you in Heaven.  In the little things of life may I be found faithful as wife, mother, friend, sister, daughter.  And when it seems you’re asking the impossible, may I remember those holy words–“With God nothing is impossible.”  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

“I will praise you, O Lord,

among the nations;

I will sing of you among the peoples.

For great is your love,

reaching to the heavens;

Your faithfulness reaches

to the skies.”

Psalm 57:9-10

 

March 14 Let It Be

Numbers 21:1-22:20;  Luke 1:26-56;  Psalm 57:1-11;  Proverbs 11:9-11

Prince William and Princess Kate are having a baby!  The entire world knows about it and is given as much information as the royal couple will allow.  Everyone wants to know the latest news.  We all wait.  We all wish them the very best!

I’m glad that the news of Jesus’ birth came quietly and gently down through the ages–through the prophets and finally to a young woman named Mary.  No headlines screamed out a royal announcement.  Photographers didn’t hound her.  No speculations filled the tabloids.

It’s such a beautiful story.

The angel Gabriel came to Mary and said, “Greetings, o favored one, the Lord is with you.”  Luke 1:28

Those words caused Mary’s brow to wrinkle.

“Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God.  And behold you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.  And he will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.”  vs. 30-32

How?

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you.”  vs. 35

Wow.

“For nothing is impossible with God.”  vs. 37

Now.

“Let it be to me according to your word.”  vs. 38

Mary heard God’s word and believed.

Lord God, you call us to take your Word to all peoples.  May we be like Mary, humbly willing to do what you’ve called us to do.  We praise you as Mary did–“For he who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is his name.!”  Mary’s eyes were always on you and on what you had done for her–and were doing through her.  Knowing who you are and that nothing is impossible with you we pray-Let it be–for Jesus’ sake.  Amen

“My heart is steadfast, O God,

my heart is steadfast;

I will sing and make music.

Awake, harp and lyre!

I will awaken the dawn.

I will praise you, O Lord,

among the nations;

I will sing of you among the peoples.

For great is your love,

reaching to the heavens;

your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;

let your glory be over all the earth!”  Psalm 57-7-11