Isaiah 7:10-17 and Luke 2:1-7 are the inspiration for these thoughts entitled "Do Not Disturb." In the former, Ahaz wickedly says that God has a Do Not Disturb policy. In the latter, we see that the Bethlehem Inn had no vacancy. This is part of a larger pattern of Christ's rejection by His people. People often declare to God "Do Not Disturb" there is "No Vacancy" through attempts to obstruct His plans, a failure to seek Him, and a failure to repent and lead others to repent. May God disturb us.

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Labels: Christmas, exodus, isaiah, luke, rejection of Christ, repentance, seeking God

Luke 1:39-56 is the inspiration for these reflections on the blessed Mary. She was a worthy wife for Joseph, made worthy by God through faith in His word. We do not elevate her to a status of divinity or even some sort of mediator role. But we call her blessed and imitate her faith. The idea of the worthy wife arises from the poem ending Proverbs and from Ruth 3:11. Mary, like Ruth and the Worthy Wife of Proverbs, is characterized by the fear of God (we call faith).

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Labels: faith, luke, mary, proverbs, ruth, wife

Luke 11:1-13 shows us what to pray for, when to pray, and how to pray. Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray by giving them an example approaching God as Father (meaning the approach is within an intimate relationship, with honor and respect), an attitude of forgiveness toward others, and with balance (not all requests for necessities and health). He shows them that it is not disrespectful to pray at midnight (or any other time) but instead that we can pray at any time. And ultimately prayer should be asking for the Holy Spirit -- this is the primary content of prayer.

Click here or the title to listen.

Labels: forgiven, honor, luke, prayer, spirit

Luke 11:1-13 shows us what to pray for, when to pray, and how to pray. Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray by giving them an example approaching God as Father (meaning the approach is within an intimate relationship, with honor and respect), an attitude of forgiveness toward others, and with balance (not all requests for necessities and health). He shows them that it is not disrespectful to pray at midnight (or any other time) but instead that we can pray at any time. And ultimately prayer should be asking for the Holy Spirit -- this is the primary content of prayer.

Click here or the title to listen.

Labels: forgiven, honor, luke, prayer, spirit