Did you hear me, God?

In this story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, I’m pleased with what God reminded me again today regarding prayer.

Zechariah a priest was serving in the temple.  Gabriel the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.” (v13)

There are a lot of specifics in this announcement!

A child is coming. A son! He will be a joy & delight to you.  Other people are going to rejoice at his birth. The details of his life are given, “no fermented drink” for him. He will be great and filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.

Was that Zechariah and Elizabeth's prayer? 

I think they just asked for a baby! 

New parents often say, “Children don’t come with instructions.”

Yet this child will arrive with instructions!  Details ordained by God!

Do we realize that praying to the Lord is more than a request? God doesn’t grant wishes. 

He is a Sovereign, Powerful, All-knowing God who inclines, bends, comes low, and turns his ear to the righteous for his purposes. (Psalm 116:2)

The book of James says the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.  The power and effectiveness lie in the One that can answer our heart’s concerns, burdens, and requests.

Answers to our prayers are intertwined with God’s sovereign plan.  Do you want his plan to unfold?

It wasn’t just Zechariah praying; Elizabeth was also calling on Yahweh!

Even when Zechariah questioned God’s message, God's mercy fulfilled it.  God’s plan unfolded and the forerunner to the Savior was born.  

Scripture reminds us to acknowledge the Lord in all our ways.  We can approach God, ask anything according to his will and he hears us.  (1 John 5:14-15)

There is so much to learn from Luke 1. 
But today it’s simple for me. 
Trust in God.  Keep calling on his Name.  Don’t give up.  Knock, knock knock! 
Don’t be surprised how he answers. 

Prayers don't vanish.  Time doesn't negate an answer. God hears us!
The answer is in His Perfect Plan!

God bless you!~Liz

CHANGE, WELCOME IT!

 Acts 9:32-34

As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up.

Do you see all that's happening as this man is being healed? 

This is a grown man who at one point could walk.  Scripture reads that at this point in his life he was paralyzed.  He was bedridden meaning he could not get out of bed on his own.  He lived in a bed. He was restricted, confined because of this sickness.

In these two short verses in the Book of Acts, Peter who is traveling to Lydda stumbles upon this man Aeneas, whose name by the way means "praiseworthy."  

I pay close attention when I see numbers in the Bible.  These are details that don't have to be there but they are!

The number eight in the Bible can represent new beginnings.  It can represent a new order if you will.  

Peter comes in contact with Aeneas and tells him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up.

Do you know what happens to muscles and ligaments when they are not used? The medical term is contracture.  The muscles become weak. Muscles can become permanently shortened and joints can become deformed and bent.   Ligaments and tendons stiffen over time.  There is  a loss of skeletal mass.  Because of the lack of use, weakness sets in.  

When Peter said, "Jesus Christ heals you, Get up and roll up your mat." the POWER of God went to work.  Imagine the body's shock when it encountered the power of the Lord!  Every ligament, muscle, bone had to obey its Creator.  Everything came to order!  Hallelujah!

This is a new season for Aeneas!  After eight years, something new has happened.

It seems impossible for this to occur.  A man bedridden for eight years, legs unable to move, yet at the command of Peter, the Power of the Lord raises this man to his feet. 

Aeneas is not doubting.  He's not questioning if Jesus can heal him.  He obeys the command, "Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” 

He is not wobbling!  He actually bends down again and picks up his mat.  Now, that is praiseworthy!!

I want to believe the Lord for all the healing he wants to do in my body regardless of the time lapse. Whether its illness or atrophy that has settled in my relationships, mind, finances, or even my relationship with the Lord.  Father, command life to return and do a new thing!

The Lord loves change!  He takes dead things and brings them to life. Yes, my very life transformed.
I have been born-again!  Jesus is still working in my life.

Lord, those things that have been damaged over time; the relationships that have been impaired, speak over me Lord!

Here they are Lord.  All that I have is at your feet.  Command new life.  Let my heart bend toward you and bring glory to your name, Jesus.  

Stimulate new life at the beginning of the new year.  Let everything counterfeit come into the light of your presence.  Strengthen what has been weakened due to compromise or neglect.  

Let any illness of the heart encounter your LOVE. 

God I am yours!   

Happy New Year!
He is still working miracles!

God bless you!~Liz