Mary and Elizabeth painted by Carl Heinrich BlochLuke 1:39-55
(Today's New International Version)
39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!"
46 And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for He has been mindful
of the humble state of His servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
Holy is His Name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear Him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and His descendants forever,
just as He promised our ancestors."
The communion of saints, Matthew Henry says, "It is very good for those who have the work of grace begun in their souls, to communicate one to another." How wonderful for a teenage girl to be able to have someone who believes her and lives the same goal to honor the Lord. It must have been difficult for Mary, no biblical recognition is given to Mary's family except Elizabeth and, later, Joseph.
Matthew 18:20
For where two or three come together in My Name,
there am I with them.
Hebrews 10:25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,
but let us encourage one another
—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Colossians 3:12-15
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
since as members of One body
you were called to peace.
And be thankful.
John 13:34-35
"A new command I give you: Love one another.
As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another."
Today, is the day I fast as part of diet I have been mostly following for quite some time. I feel empty and scattered. Dieting is not a joy maker, yet Scriptures say to fast. I do fast for myself and the body to be in better shape. Fasting can seem like alcohol in the way they make a person seem off: slowed thinking, worse coordination, and slurred or less organized speech. With fasting, the main drivers are usually reduced fuel availability and fluid/electrolyte imbalance rather than intoxication.
Although many fast for prayer. I am asking for prayers of strength, collected words and thoughts. Not so much suffering, please pray for me. I started noticing this as I began fasting.
Today we walked and saw all kinds of VBS. Such a good service for mothers who work. VBS is volunteers but how wonderful for children to have VBS and not just a day care camp. My family is made up of all kinds of people, and I know several who have all the knowledge they have of God, Jesus or Scripture from the opportunity to be in a Church place. And this has blessed their lives. Maybe one day Churches will offer all summer child services. Holiday Child Care. Day Care for the Lord.
Several of the Churches we attended for decades had schools. And really the parents did not join the Churches, but the people and family I know who Love the Lord because someone gave of their time to tell of God's Love. To introduce the Scriptures. Worthy, worthy. worthy to the Lamb that was slain. Doesn't this remind us all, of the loving Monasteries of the Renaissance teaching farming, hospital care and feeding the village to avoid a (physical) starvation. That is indeed Missionary work and feeds those in the communities.
A lot of Churches have expensive Schools, all well and Good! Wouldn't it be wonderful to have affordable Child Care.
We walked yesterday in a new neighborhood and saw many family homes completely empty for the summer. The children are not home and would probably love a change from school or day care. This would be a labor of love for the Churches but lives will be changed.
And would give College aged Youth Group a lasting and more adult memory of their Church. Some of these former Youth Group never had younger brothers and sisters to know small children. Families are far flung these days. The opportunity for Youth Groups to reconnect.
If the Congress hopes to improve housing for the Nation, perhaps the Churches could plan for summer to be total opportunity for the children. Childcare is vastly expensive. And this would be a new form of Civil Soul Rights. Knowing God and the Gospel. Having the opportunity to hear all of this freely by enthusiastic Christians also comfortable in their environment.
Open as the Family of God.
Oh, the places Jesus has gone.
Hebrews 2:14
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood,
He Himself likewise partook of the same things,
that through death
He might destroy
that one
♔ Lord Jesus Saves †
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