Wednesday, November 4, 2009

"What does "Character" have to do with it?"

I'm a "planner": a person who likes to be prepared and ready. I like to see the road in front of me and have it all laid out. I like to be "in the know" so to speak. God has called me with a gift of "looking ahead". To hear Him and know what He is doing and where He is going. He called me as a "Watchman" long ago. One that "stands on the wall" to see who and what is coming.
John 10:1-5, Mark 13:35-37, and Psalm 119:148.

When I sit down to write these posts I have no "heads up" where they are going. I have asked God to let me know in advance what His plan is for the next post, but He will not let me in on it. I don't know what I'm studying or writing until I sit down at this computer. So having said that, today the Lord said to me, "Let's talk about Mary".
So in my purposeful "shortsightedness", I think we will be looking at this young woman's "call", and how we can learn from her, and incorporate her faith into our daily life.



Luke 1:26-38

Version: NAS

26. Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee, called Nazareth, 27. to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28. And coming in, he said to her, "Hail, favored one! The Lord [is] with you." 29. But she was greatly troubled at [this] statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this might be. 30. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31. "And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32. "He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33. and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and His kingdom will have no end." 34. And Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" 35. And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy offspring shall be called the Son of God. 36. "And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. 37. "For nothing will be impossible with God." 38. And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.



Matthew 1:18-19
This is how the birth of Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.



Two thousand years ago, saw a time of corrupt and evil government. The leader of the country, King Herod, was a man of evil intent and maliciousness. He was self-centered to the highest degree. Corrupt, decadent, and evil. He thought only of himself and his perpetuation of power and cared not for the betterment of his country and people. He wanted things his way, without thinking of the well being of others.
Mary was born in this time of corruption, she was a young woman who was loved by her family, as she loved them in return. Safe and secure in a small town life... insulated. I'm sure she was a devout young woman, who had been taught the ways of her Jewish roots. Undoubtedly, she was taught that some day Messiah would come and be not only the Savior, but also the leader of her country.


In this time, strength of character was what God was looking for in a woman. Character as defined in the Oxford dictionary as, moral strength, honesty, integrity and uprightness. Mary was a young woman who was willing to let God lead her, and she submitted to Him. Submission, not only of her thoughts and heart, but also of her very life. And isn't that what God is looking for still? Men and women of character, who are not afraid to bow their knee to their Heavenly Father and say "I am here for you to use, to work with, to shape and mold. Use me Father."

Today, many of us are reluctant to step out in society and share our Christian faith. Is it the times we live in, or is it our own character? This has been a question God has asked me lately. "Are you willing to step out and be used by Me?"

If you would like to read about Mary as a young woman, please do so. I think we will be talking about her for a few days. Put yourself in her place. Look at your life in the context of comparison to Mary's life. Let's see where this takes us. As I have said, I value everyone's opinion and ideas. Don't be afraid to leave a comment and put yourself "out there". This is what it's about. Interactive is what I'm going for here. Please read the comments even if you do not leave one. Many ideas, comments, and thoughts are exchanged. I really love hearing them. You can add things that I have not thought to cover. Your experience and beliefs are so valuable!
I think this study of Mary will be really thought provoking and enriching!

Blessings to you all!
Thanks for traveling the road with me.
Debra

9 comments:

  1. Oh What a wonderful Wednesday scripture to help my spirits through out the week. I love to visit and hear all the pages from the bible. This week was a tough week, with many struggles and I know the devil was dancing around me hoping he would win, and HE DIDN'T win, I did not give in to him. Times have been so hard my husband has been out of work for 3 months now and we have no money but I just kept asking God to help us out and even though it looked dark and grim, we received the call yesterday for the job interview and yup GOD did provail. I love the Lord and he does extend his hand when we need it the most.


    God bless you sweety,
    Heidi

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great sermon. I'm really enjoying your insite into the word. Thanks for being a hearer and a doer!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think every denomination walks in some truths and I think we will all be surprised about some things in heaven. If anyone has seen my paintings of "The Bride" they would know that the Catholic church was the denomination that had a grip on this truth while others ignored it.
    I am a nondenominational believer. The key to faith is... confession, repentance, and relationship... anyone can use marriage as a good example... of this intimacy... you would say to your spouse, I am sorry I hurt you and I don't want to do that again and I love you and want to be with you, spend time with you. If we are the bride of Christ and He is the Husband then it becomes more than going though the motions, marriages don't last when you pretend to be married or play house. He wants us to be genuine. He has given us guidelines to follow and His spirit to tug on our hearts... and if you are stubborn like me... he drags you part of the way... sometimes kicking and screaming. He doesn't give up on us and he won't let go... until we develop fruit in our lives and character ...HIS CHARACTER...that starts with trust like Mary had.

    He is the light the "Sun" we are the "Moon" which reflects the sun, we have no light in us yet we can reflect Him if we put our trust in Him as Mary did, she was the first believer.
    Lee
    Thanks Debra, for your sweet comments.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Heidi, PRAISE THE LORD! That is wonderful news, and God sure is good!
    And Theresa, I hope you mean "sermon" in a positive way! ha ha!
    And Lee, love the analogy of marriage, Joyce Meyer has a great "sermon" on being married to Jesus vs. just dating Him. love it!

    I'm with you, nondenominational. I have attended many different churchs and taken with me good from each one. The bad, God helped me leave behind.
    Baptist: (totally love the emphasis on God's Word)
    Methodist and Presbyterian: (attended because of wonderful godly pastors and the open door they offered.)
    Word of Faith: (kinda)
    Charismatic: (more so)
    Pentecostal:(yes)
    Four Square: (that's more my belief system. Love Jack Hayford, he is one of the most intelligent and gifted men that I have read) Enthusiastic: (totally)!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hello Everyone-

    In reading today's lesson I am struck by two things: that we are to watch- which implies waiting- and we are to be people of character while waiting.

    this is so often in the day to day, right?
    Doing the next right thing without attention and grandiosity.

    That need for recognition or people pleasing can wear down daily character faster than anything else.

    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wonderful study. I am glad I 'found' your site through browsing some of my friends friends.
    I've been hearing the very same question in my spirit lately. My answer - an immediate "Yes Lord - Here am I - send me."
    Blessings my friend,
    Deb

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Deb, thanks for letting us know you're here. I'm so glad to know you are in the same place that we are, listening and responding, looking forward to getting to know you!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Debra, Hi, I am the other half of Faded Ladies and I wanted to say welcome! Great study you did. I am with you on the non denomination thing. Been there and done that too. I just want to know the Lord and forget all the doctrines of men. God bless you!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks for spreading God's word! I am gonna check back a lot to be filled up! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete

I love to hear from you. Please leave a comment, big or small.