Concerning the child she would conceive by the Holy Spirit, Gabriel said to Mary, "He shall be GREAT and shall be called the Son of the Highest." (Luke 1:32)
The annunciation filled Mary's heart with a myriad of emotions. The echo of the angelic announcement rings in our ears today - more than 2,000 years later - and fills our hearts with a myriad of emotions. We exult; for we know the outcome of Gabriel's announcement. And we know we have a GREAT SAVIOR.
Therefore . . .
We are possessors of a great salvation
- which encompasses every dimension of our human need
- and deserves to be broadcast to every circle where people hurt.
Therefore . . .
We are encouraged to expect great victories
- knowing that great battles are necessary for conquest
- but confident because He is leading us.
Can you embrace the focus of these two "therefores" with me as we think about the new year that is fast approaching?
Will you purpose with me to let the new year be a year of growth and harvest?
Because we have a great Savior Who has mightily touched us with His grace and goodness, will you
- Reach out by every means to touch our community?
- Touching the lost in the confidence His power will save?
- Caring for people who long for someone who will?
- Showing the love of Jesus in ways which gain us the right to be heard, so we can tell of His salvation?
Because we want to prepare for the great victories He has in store for us, will you purpose to
- Grow in your walk with Jesus - staying close to Him?
- Grow in the Word of God - deepening in understanding?
- Grow in faith, prayer, and boldness in giving?
- Grow in loving, serving, and helping those we can?
Walk into the New Year knowing: There is nothing too great for us to expect since we have so great a Savior and Lord!
(thoughts from Come...and Behold Him! by Jack Hayford)
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