Jigsaw puzzles are not my forte. So a 3D puzzle is completely out of the question! However, there is a matrix behind all of LIFE: what we see or experience; and, like reverse engineering a 3D puzzle, if I take the time to get through the complexity, the result will not just be fascinating, it actually answers some of Life’s most perplexing questions…
READ LUKE 2 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
It’s on a day like this – just one month after our only son passed away – that my attention is caught in a profound way, as my eyes pass over the story of Jesus’ dedication. [v22-24] We also had dedicated our little boy Michael, and he too grew up just as Jesus had done, in “…wisdom and statue and in favour with God and man”. [v40&52] The only other place in HIStory where that saying is used, is about a boy called Samuel 1,400+/- years earlier.[a] His mum prayed for a boy – like I had done. She dedicated her boy (just as we did), and then at the appointed time, she gave up her only son – just as we did. And the sword that pierced Mary’s soul, in today’s chapter [v35], was the same sword that pierced our own souls when our boy was eighteen…. But what’s my point?
The complex 3D puzzle of the Creator God’s Global Masterplan, is a network of threads that span whole millenniums. 33 years before it happened, for example, our Maker knew ahead of time what would happen to Jesus in adult life; and as a result, what would happen to Mary’s own heart . If this is true, and the Creator of All Things knows what’s going to happen around the corner (on the road ahead of us), then surely this has to be incredibly Good News for us! “Don’t be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people!” [v10]
Read More? CLICK to follow “02 September – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Wanting to speak personally with the Author of HIStory? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[b]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”
Blessed be the Lord, from everlasting even to everlasting. May I say “Amen” and praise the Lord along with His people. [1 Chronicles 16:36]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
- The World: The People of Moldova[c] and Monaco[d]
- Your Country: Gospel-based charities in your country
- Yourself: Deeper love for your Maker
- Your concerns for today
As for me, Father God, help me not to sin against You by ceasing to pray for those around me. May I be useful by helping to shine light on the good and right way. [1 Samuel 12:23]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
Thank-you Lord, that You’re Your own “atoning sacrifice” for my sins, and not only for mine but also for the sins of the whole world. [1 John 2:2]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”
Vindicate me, O Lord, for I’ve walked in integrity. I’ve trusted in You, Lord, without wavering. [Psalm 26:1]
“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”
When questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, Jesus spoke what was previously written in God’s Word.[e] So, the final section on this page is about memorizing the script through 10 topics. Following these will help you learn 52 portions from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Prayer
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” [Matthew 7:7]
[a] 1 Samuel 2:26
[b] Matthew 6:5-15
[c] http://www.operationworld.org/country/mold/owtext.html
[d] http://www.operationworld.org/country/mona/owtext.html
[e] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31