School was just beginning. One morning I went out to start my car to go to church. Flat tire. Luckily, I had a spare. I changed the tire quickly and was on my way. I didn't think to drop the spare off to be fixed. "I'll get around to it." Within five days I went out to my car to go to school. Another flat. Only this time no spare! I had to roll it to the nearest service station and wait while it was fixed. When something breaks, fix it now. Don't wait until you need it and then don't have it! (Source Unknown)
“And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17—KJV).
When John the Baptist sent messengers to question Jesus, He said, “Among those born of women no one is greater than John” (Luke 7:28). No mere human being was greater than John at that time because John was born to parents well past the child bearing age. Similar to Isaac being born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age, people expected great things from John.
Furthermore, similar only to Sampson and Samuel, John was a Nazirite from birth. People became Nazirites for life when their parents dedicated them to a life of abstinence from wine or strong drink. Nazirites consecrated themselves to living separate from the world in order to give special service to God. John, for example, preached in the wilderness rather than in the cities and towns.
Unlike others, John was filled with the Holy Spirit before his birth (Luke 1:15). When Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visited Elizabeth, the Holy Spirit within John inspired him to jump for joy within Elizabeth’s womb (Luke 1:39-45). The Holy Spirit gave John the spirit and power of Elijah, enabling him to preach and prepare the way for the Messiah to come and begin His ministry.
We still need to act on the truths John preached. Between now and Christmas, the Advent Season helps us prepare to receive the presence of Jesus. Some parents will need to turn their hearts to their children and love them. Disobedient people will need to become wise and live rightly.
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15; Romans 13:11; Proverbs 6:6-8; Matthew 24:44; Hebrews 11:7; 1 John 5:19; 2 Peter 3:3-4; Acts 3:19; Galatians 1:4; Romans 10:13; Acts 17:30-31 -Thanks to L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
Now, let's pray...
“And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17—KJV).
When John the Baptist sent messengers to question Jesus, He said, “Among those born of women no one is greater than John” (Luke 7:28). No mere human being was greater than John at that time because John was born to parents well past the child bearing age. Similar to Isaac being born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age, people expected great things from John.
Furthermore, similar only to Sampson and Samuel, John was a Nazirite from birth. People became Nazirites for life when their parents dedicated them to a life of abstinence from wine or strong drink. Nazirites consecrated themselves to living separate from the world in order to give special service to God. John, for example, preached in the wilderness rather than in the cities and towns.
Unlike others, John was filled with the Holy Spirit before his birth (Luke 1:15). When Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visited Elizabeth, the Holy Spirit within John inspired him to jump for joy within Elizabeth’s womb (Luke 1:39-45). The Holy Spirit gave John the spirit and power of Elijah, enabling him to preach and prepare the way for the Messiah to come and begin His ministry.
We still need to act on the truths John preached. Between now and Christmas, the Advent Season helps us prepare to receive the presence of Jesus. Some parents will need to turn their hearts to their children and love them. Disobedient people will need to become wise and live rightly.
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15; Romans 13:11; Proverbs 6:6-8; Matthew 24:44; Hebrews 11:7; 1 John 5:19; 2 Peter 3:3-4; Acts 3:19; Galatians 1:4; Romans 10:13; Acts 17:30-31 -Thanks to L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
Now, let's pray...
O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for in thy name's sake. Amen
Until next time...
Have a blessed week!
Bibi
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