Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule:
Luke 1-2
Luke 1:11-15
11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.
The story of the birth of John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus, is fascinating. Zacharias was praying, much like the way we pray, and yet God graciously answered his prayer. We know God is able and we know it is our privilege to ask; however, we often lack faith. When Zacharias’ prayer was answered, he did not believe it was possible. I ask myself the obvious question, “Then why was he praying?” but often we find ourselves in the same place and praying the same way. We need to pray in faith, believing, and we do! That is why we are praying in the first place; however, I fear that we often think in the back of our mind that this will never happen.
The story of Zacharias and Elisabeth, and the glorious demonstration of God’s power, purposes, and program, should motivate all of us to pray more, trust more, and obey more. We must realize that God is at work and delights in answering our prayers. He will answer yes, no, or wait! He always knows best and He is always in control. There is never a time for more rejoicing then when God unfolds His program for us to see and embrace. The angel makes a bold proclamation, “Thou shalt have joy and gladness…” Christians can rejoice when we see the power of God, the purposes of God, and the program of God unfolding before our eyes. May your faith grow and blossom today!
Prayer Requests:
Personal
- Lord, please help my faith to grow regarding your power.
- Lord, please help my faith to grow regarding your purposes.
- Lord, please help my faith to grow regarding your program.
Political
- Representative Sarah Anthony
- US Representative Justin Amash
- Senator Jim Ananich