Category: 90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Our Scripture text today in found in Luke 4:31-37

Beth’s questions today: Have you ever observed clear demonic activity? What were its most noticeable indications and characteristics?

What are some things you know about satan from the Scripture? (If nothing comes to mind, read Ezekiel 28:11-17, Isaiah 14:12-15, and Revelation 12:3-12).

We are reminded today of the early days of the ministry of Christ. The role of the accuser in His life. On day 16 we covered the temptation of Christ in the wilderness.

Okay, you know the enemy doesn’t stop if you overcome him once…right? Well, I know he doesn’t me. He knows exactly the vulnerable places of our lives.

I want to remind you of something that Beth shares, “No matter what authority satan and his subjects have been temporarily allowed in this world system, Christ can pull rank any time He wants.” (page 93)

There have been many times I have seen Christ pull rank. I remember once, many years ago at my home church, a woman entered and sat on the back row. No fuss –no muss. A few Sundays later, she is back. But sitting on the second row. I think this was during a revival at our church. She came as the tool of the enemy. She came to divert attention, cause confusion and through the tactics of the devil, she performed quite a show. The Spirit filled elders or “deacons” as we call them, of the church gathered round her and prayed until there was peace once again restored to the service. I was not up front where this happened and did not get a first hand look, but the presence of Almighty God was so real in that church it was an unmistakable moving of the Holy Spirit—and an unmistakable battle for control by the enemy. But his plan was thwarted.

Whether we wish to believe it or not, the powers of darkness do hover in any area of our lives —when we give them access. They gain access through any part of our lives left uncovered by the blood of the Lamb. I am not saying that we become “possessed”. We are washed in the blood of Christ, freed from sin and the devil cannot pass the bloodline! Do I hear an Amen!? But what I am saying is that we can become oppressed—and when we neglect our prayer lives, our Bible reading, even our fellowship with like minded believers, that is an open access if ever I saw one. How do I know? Well—from experience.

Girls, it’s everywhere. And the closer we get to the trumpet sounding (yes, Denise—I am listening for it too!), then the more he (the devil) will work to wreck havoc on our lives. Wherever he can get a toehold. Wherever he can gain access. But I’ve read the last page of the Bible. His days are numbered! Let me share this from the Amplified Version—Revelation 12:10 “Then I heard a strong (loud) voice in heaven, saying, Now it has come–the salvation and the power and the kingdom (the dominion, the reign) of our God, and the power (the sovereignty, the authority) of His Christ (the Messiah); for the accuser of our brethren, he who keeps bringing before our God charges against them day and night, has been cast out! (emphasis mine)

Do you know who the “them” are? Them is us. Poor grammar—but you get the point. We are those that the accuser is “tattling” on day and night. What he don’t get—what he can’t possibly understand—is when we repented of our sins—and gave Christ full control of our hearts and lives—He took our sins and washed them clean—with the blood shed on Calvary. Our sins have been cast into the depths of the seas! Never to be remembered again!

“He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19

Father in heaven, thank You—for You for the promise of a future—for protection –for deliverance from sin–through the life, death and resurrection of Your Son Jesus Christ! We are truly listening for the trumpet! Give us wisdom and knowledge to act on what we know is truth from Your Word. Please touch the lives of the dear sisters that have joined with us for this journey of faith in every aspect of their days. Give them strength and peace—bless them and open up Your Word to their hearts and ours. In the precious name of Jesus I pray~Amen.

Girls, don’t forget to read your weekend days! I have peeked ahead—-this weekend is as good as last weekend! I took my book to Barnes & Noble today at lunch and shared with two friends over tea and coffee some awesome things we had been reading! I pray that the Lord will open up more doors for each of us to share His Word and His love!

Keeping the Faith,

Angie

See ya’ll on Monday!

The scripture text for today is found in Luke 4:22-30. Beth’s two questions are: 1.) “Why do people in the religious world make idols, stars, and celebrities out of Christian singers and speakers? 2.) In what situations do you face the adult version of “peer pressure,” having to make the choice between being yourself and being who others want you to be?”

These are timely questions – Beth didn’t know, how timely they were going to be for us, but God did! Many times we put our eyes on man and God wants us to turn our eyes upon Him. We live in a sin-stricken generation, but Christ is our regeneration! Man will fail us and let us down, but we must put our faith and trust in God alone. He alone is worthy of our praises.

I had to dig a little deeper in this segment of our study, but it’s good! My husband and I were going down the road and I asked him, why did he think Jesus made the statement, “a man is without honor in his own country”? And he said, “People don’t give them the same respect, because they think of them as just a “home boy.” Just like they said about Jesus, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” In other words, “Isn’t this just old Joseph’s boy?” They didn’t know who He really was. Our King… our Saviour….the Great I AM!!!

Beth recognized the fact, they were amazed, in vs. 22, at His dynamic delivery of His words, but their hearts didn’t seem to receive it. When we hear His word, do we say, “That must be for someone else”, or do we say, “What are you saying to me?” I pray, “Order my steps in your word.” Further on down in the verses, Beth points out their mood changes. The crowd goes from “admiration to murderous fury.” Do we do that? Allow our emotions to ride on that same rollercoaster? I read Patsy Clairmont’s book “Sportin’ a Tude”, and she “hit the nail on the head,” when she said, “our tude-ometer’s needle might be stuck on the hot side, and we need to park ourself in His presence until we cool down and wise up. We might need to look under our attitude to the hole in our heart.” (Okay, I climbed off the soapbox and I’m back in my chair. Hope everyone stayed with me.?)

When I read how the crowd treated Him, it made me wonder, “Does our attitudes sometimes run Him away from us?”

Beth’s prayer from God’s word:

“Lord Jesus, as we see You driven by the angry mobs to the edge of town, threatened with death by those who once gave you flattery and praise, we are reminded that You suffered outside the the gate so that You might sanctify us by Your blood. Therefore, we come to You outside the gate, bearing Your disgrace. For here we do not have an enduring city; instead, we seek the one to come (Heb. 13:12-14).” Amen!

Have a blessed day!

Keeping the Faith,

Circumcision —Redemption —Purification.

Aimee would be the one I would choose to talk about this first one. First of all…she’s a nurse. Having worked in a hospital closely with newborns, she knows about the circumcising process. I remember clearly when my oldest daughter’s second baby boy was born. Weighing in at a whopping 2 pounds and 7 ounces, with his heart condition, he was not considered healthy enough for the procedure until he was well over one year old. He was then old enough to know that he was hurting when he woke up. The pain he felt had to be excruciating. I know his cries were excruciating to my heart.

The cutting away of flesh is painful. Especially since there is sensitivity–or feelings in the skin. Isn’t it that way with us? Painful when we are under the circumcising knife of the Holy Spirit. As it cuts away the unnecessary of our lives to reveal a heart more tender toward Christ than ever before.

I love the way this read in the New Living Translation: When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. It was a spiritual procedure—the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ. He forgave all our sins. He canceled the record that contained the charges against us. He took it and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ’s cross. Colossians 2:11-13 (emphasis mine)

I really wanted to end that with a huge exclamation point!!! Or maybe three!!! I am so unworthy of any thing He has done…2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV says, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” That verse popped in my heart and I searched it out (not knowing exactly where it was) and the tears that had already poured from yesterday’s devotion…started up again!

I don’t know if Mary and Joseph could have possibly understood what the ritual of their customs could possibly mean for me, today, living in Florida, a sinner. Saved by the very grace that God’s only Son offered through His shed blood.

I guess before reading this particular devotion, I had always assumed that the circumcision of Christ and the presentation of Christ at the temple happened at the same time. But according to Levitical Law, this was not so. Beth sites Leviticus 12:1-8; “waiting thirty-three days” and not touch anything sacred or go to the sanctuary until the days of her purification were over–at first glance might seem a bit extreme. However, one commentary mentioned that “possibly” the young mother was thankful for this time of rest and peace from the normal hustle bustle of daily activities and rituals.

I can’t help but compare it to our lives today and wonder for the life of me—how in the world would she get what she needed from Wal-Mart or Target? Surely Joseph wouldn’t know the exact type of personal items, nor the brand of diapers and ointment she preferred…sorry, my mind strayed a bit.

Reading of redemption and purification is what brought the tears out today. Of all that God made provisions for. The plans–the extreme He was willing to go to for a lost world. Though a lamb was the preferred sacrifice, provision was made in the law for those who were unable to afford a lamb. Joseph and Mary brought, as Beth said, “the poverty version of sacrifice”. I think they were watching every single coin. Not knowing how long they would be there, nor if he could find work if they needed to stay longer, he would provide for his family to the best of his ability. Nothing would be wasted. He purchased the best he could afford on the budget that he had, for the sacrifice to offer the priest for Mary’s purification. (Leviticus 12:6-8)

I have to share this last passage of scripture for today. I cannot tell you what has rolled over and over in my soul in studying this. I have pondered many aspects of the circumcision, redemption and purification today, but when I was reading the scripture that Beth highlighted at the end, I went just above it—and oh the sweetness of the the LORD God watered my eyes and soul.

“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God, while we look forward to that wonderful event when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing what is right.” Titus 2:11-14 NLT

I leave you to think on the Gift. The blessed HOPE. The life of redemption from sin. It belongs to each of us. Ours for the asking. And receiving. Bless you girls! I love you all!

Keeping the Faith,

Angie

Beth titled this devotion “A Night of Nights.” Text: Luke 2:15-20. I’m so glad I have this one to share Angie . Sisters, I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and had some time to do the other two studies on your own. (Day 6 & 7) If not, take some time today and catch up.

I will tell you now, the tears streamed down my face as I read Beth’s breath-taking view of the “holy night.” My favorite scripture in this text is vs. 19: “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” For me, this would have been very hard to do, because many times I ponder out loud – you can just ask my husband or Angie for that matter. When I’m worried I want to talk about it, sort of get it off my chest. If I’m excited I can’t hardly keep it in. I’m not quite as bad as Angie though. Let me give you an example, but don’t tell her I said this, but sometimes she might get me a surprise and she just can’t wait to give it to me. She’ll say things like: “Do you want to know what it is?” And I might say, “No just keep it a surprise, because I like surprises.” She can’t stand for me to say that, but she just can’t hardly wait! Now on the other hand if I get her a surprise, I won’t tell her. I like to keep her guessing, but I’m really dying to tell her, too. But Luke writes, “Mary kept all these things in her heart.” To be so young, Mary was very wise.

When the shepherds came to visit with their wide-eyed stories about the angels, I doubt if it startled Mary and Joseph. Somehow, they were prepared in their hearts for His birth, for His coming. They did not know the exact day or hour, but none-the-less, they were ready. I may be getting on another topic here, but it’s a good thought, you probably know what I’m about to ask. Are you ready? As a little girl, I remember hearing my grandmother, a.k.a. “Mamo,” testify in church and her last sentence would be, “Pray for me that I’ll be ready should He come or call.” She was! He did call her home, and I’m praying that same prayer, that I will be ready.

The movie screen kept rolling while I read today’s devotion, I pictured in my mind so clear a young mother holding her infant with that sweet look in her eyes, as she tenderly caresses the thin, delicate skin of her newborn. I worked in a nursery of a hospital on the night shift for two years, and I saw a lot of babies born. It was always a privilege to take the infants to their mother’s room for their first visit. Before I would take them out to their mommies, I would give them a good bath and put a little Johnson & Johnson baby lotion on them. They would always smell precious. I loved to watch the mom’s faces after I placed their sweet- smelling newborn in their arms. The first-time mom’s are always full of questions, and I would answer them all, the best I could. To me they were all beautiful, no matter if they were red and wrinkled. My favorite part of all was when the mother’s would hold them in their arms and look into their little faces and kiss them. I imagine Mary had that look in her eyes, too. It is hard to fathom she delivered her son / her Saviour! Oh, how I would have loved to been her nurse!

Father, thank you for sending your beloved Son to this earth so we could have eternal life. Thank you for planning a future with us in mind. You are so awesome! I pray for everyone that joins us today that you can remind them of your love. If someone is weighted down with heavy burdens, Lord help them cast them on you- lighten their load. If someone has decisions to make and they don’t know what to do, Lord brighten their path. Most of all, help us be ready should you come or call. I give you all the glory, honor, and praise. In Christ’s name – Amen!

Keeping the Faith,

Aimee

Can you feel the excitement in Mary’s words? When I was reading the scripture text Luke 1:46-55, I could sense Mary realizing the blessings God had given her. Notice: Mary stopped to praise. In verse 46 she said”My soul doth magnify the Lord.” She may have been a humble handmaiden, but she had a way of expressing her praise and gratitude to the Lord that surpasses any teenager I have heard today, let alone any adult. She had a profound ability of edifying her Lord and Saviour.
The words in verse 48 speaks volumes to me as Mary said, “For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” Within herself, she recognized she was a “lowly handmaiden,” but in Him she was “blessed.” I too am nothing without Him! Today is “Thankful Thursday,” and I’m thankful “He Looked Beyond My Faults and Saw My Need.” – I guess this could be my song!
As I was thinking about everything Mary was saying to Martha, it dawned on me this thought: God provided someone to believe Mary’s story and someone to share in her excitement, that would understand. It is so special to have a friend that you can tell your secrets to, someone that accepts you. I’m sure Mary felt rejection from some in her family and others probably doubted her story, but God gave her Elizabeth. God understands a woman’s needs and provided for her. Ain’t God good?!
Beth stated, “Mary’s song reflects twelve different Old Testament passages.” His word was in her heart. What song is in your heart- one of hurt, one of despair, or one of praise? Let’s sing praise!

Keeping the Faith,

When I read Beth’s first question posed to us…I sort of laughed. I mean, we probably all have the same answer there. Or, maybe not. Since I am from a small community, I answered according to the way things were (are). 1) Everyone knows everyone; and 2) Everyone knows everything. There is good and not so good in both of those. I say that with a grin on my face.

2 Corinthians 1:4 “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” NLT

Beth uses the above scripture reference and I like it in the New Living Translation, but the word “troubles” in the KJV is “tribulation” and in several other translations it is “afflictions”. If I were to put that same verse in “Angie” vernacular it might read something like this (pardon the paraphrase please): He comforts us in all our stuff, the issues that we can’t seem to overcome, but by His miraculous grace in our lives, we do—we “get” it. So by His example of comforting us —He wants us to give that same comfort and love to another when we see them dealing with the same stuff. The same problems. Don’t judge, just help.

I love the picture that Beth paints for us with her words describing Mary, her possible age, her characteristics, etc. In verse 35 of Luke 1 the angels words bear a surprising jolt to Mary’s senses, and then verse 36 offers Mary the solution to any (and you know there were some) possible questions she might have.

I have typed what seems like a kazillion letters at the law office where I work. Almost always after giving the description of the “enclosed” documents, we end it with a sentence, much like Gabriels “hint” to Mary was in his statement regarding Elizabeth. Our sentence reads: “Please call us should you have any questions or concerns.” I just know little Mary had some questions. And without a doubt—some big time concerns!

I love the quote from Beth’s book that she used on page 16. Re-read it now if you have your book handy. I especially love the last sentence, “Women are like that, aren’t they? We long to find someone who has been where we’ve been, who shares our fragile places, who sees our sunsets with the same shades of blue.” I can tell you from my experience, I wanted to KNOW what it was like, what I could expect and just exactly how long will this last? This would encompass not only birthing babies, but in every aspect of child rearing and life events…I wanted to KNOW!

I am glad that although the answer to those questions may not be exactly spelled out in the Word, there are those that have blazed the trail of faith before us written therein of which we can read, learn and be encouraged that by the faith they had—their complete trust in the LORD, they made it…showing me that I can and will too!

Before we leave Mary today, I want to point out something that I have missed in my reading before. Probably because it’s not spelled out. It is in the unwritten of the story of Mary. Her bravery. Can you imagine (I will continue to say that a lot), leaving your mother (the one who you have learned EVERYTHING from) and traveling a distance on foot, in a completely unexpected pregnancy, to a village or town where, most likely, she had never gone to alone before. They probably always traveled as a family. But for this journey, Mary is alone.

I imagine she looked to the heavens for comfort at night, sought solitude, perhaps even hoped that by some chance the angel Gabriel might appear again to give further instructions. I liked what Bernadine and Aimee said about Mary being alone. In our solitude, where we seek God in our complete honesty and wide open heart—He can best meet our needs and minister to the brokeness and the questions that maybe we have in our own lives.

When the greeting between Mary and Elizabeth had passed, and warmth and family was felt, I am like Beth. I believe that they shared tender conversations. I love what she pointed out that while Elizabeth was expecting her son, Mary was expecting her LORD. This completely blows me away. Totally. That takes me back to the Christmas song by Mark Lowry, “Mary Did You Know?”

In all the excitement of the visit between the two, I know they must have conversed in hushed tones. The secret of Mary’s pregnancy was not out for public knowledge yet. But for Elizabeth to be able to keep that—oh, it must have been hard! Surely her face gave her away when she looked at Mary? Do you think?

I remember when I found out that Wanda and Mark were to adopt a newborn. They wanted to surprise everyone. (I sort of found out before hand.) But I was sternly instructed, “you cannot let them know that you know!” Know what? Right. I was good. But when the day came for the unveiling, or in this case, the unwrapping of the little pink blankets, my heart nearly burst and my eyes flooded. As did everyone else in the house that day. What an incredible joyous time! That was better than standing outside the delivery room and hearing a new cry for all of us. For this infant miracle came to a couple that could not have children. This miracle of life came to a young woman who prayed daily to have the blessing of motherhood. And like Elizabeth, her prayer was answered. Wanda wasn’t as old as Elizabeth when Victoria was born, but it was miraculous, nonetheless.

The love between Mary and Elizabeth is more than likely greater than many Aunts and Nieces. For good reason. I am glad that this story was not overlooked. I am thankful that we have it to read and learn from. When the Lord lays a job at your feet, or places a passion in your heart, He will also put someone in your path or life, who at sometime has felt or gone on the same journey.

Father God, Your unlimited love and mercy amazes me daily. As You pour blessings into our lives, help us to pour them right back out on others! Oveflow our hearts and lives with the Holy Spirit as never before. Give us wisdom and knowledge as we continue in Your Word. In the holy name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, I pray~Amen.

I am loving this study! See ya’ll soon!

Keeping the Faith,

Angie