02 September: Reverse Engineer a 3D Puzzle

Jigsaw puzzles are not my forte. So a 3D puzzle is completely out of the question! I don’t even get started, if I can see the time it’ll take to get through the complexity of it all – especially when there’s many other things to be done in life…

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 dedicated our little boy, Michael, and he too grew up, just as Jesus did, 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 1,000 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 sword that pierced our own souls, eighteen years later…. But what’s my point?

The complex 3D puzzle, of the Creator God’s Global Masterplan, is a network of clues that span whole millenniums. He knew ahead of time, for example, what would happen to Jesus and, as a result, what would happen to Mary’s own heart 33 years before it happened. If this is true, and our Maker knows what’s going to happen around the corner (and 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 delivers 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

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