July 23 Faith

Luke 2:36-40 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
 
AS we conclude Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth, here is one thought I ‘d like to leave with you. You can live the same kind of faith life Jesus did. Jesus lived in the power of the Holy Spirit. That same Spirit is available to change your life. How does this happen?
     As you seek God in the Spirit’s power, you will come to know and believe God through his Word and good teachers. In this greater knowledge, you will more personally experience his reality in your life. Faithfully walk in step with him, and God’s general will for mankind and his desire for your own life will become clear.
     In faith, then, you will be more purposeful to follow God to the place(s) he is pointing you to go. Faithful to be in God’s will, you will see how the Spirit is faithful to you. He will protect you in the Father’s eternal care. He will help you see what is right. In the Bible’s promise, the Lord will shepherd you to “lie down in green pastures”, and “surely goodness and love will follow (you) all the days of (your) life,
and (you) will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (from Psalm 23)
     That’s the kind of life Anna experienced with her Lord. Surely she grieved her husband’s death. But she went to the Lord’s pastures and followed him into his abiding presence. She found his peace and proclaimed his Word to all who came to the temple.
     No, God doesn’t expect everyone to spend a lifetime in ministry to pray and fast each day. That was Anna’s particular calling. But he does call his own to be faithful to know him, love him, follow him, and offer his saving comfort to others.
     As we begin tomorrow to examine the next steps in Jesus’ life, pray the Spirit will reveal new and wonderful ways you can live more lovingly with the Holy God.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Holy Spirit, for empowering my life to know and to love God. I pray I follow you all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.