'So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?”'
~Genesis 18:12
I'm not nearly as old as Sarah was when she learned she would become a mother, but if someone told me that today, I'd laugh so hard and loud I'd probably choke! I don't believe Sarah's laughter was unbelief but rather shock and a very human reaction. She knew she was long past childbearing age and I'm sure the news sounded absurd. But haven't we all laughed when we heard unbelievable news?
I've heard people say, "If you'd told me a year ago (or five or ten), I'd be doing this today, I'd have laughed." In fact, I've said it myself. I can look back over the years and see events in my life that if someone had told me were going to happen, I would've laughed and thought they were crazy. Life is full of surprises!
God is full of surprises too. We may not receive news through burning bushes, or have angels visit making announcements but God still speaks to us through His Holy Spirit, through His Word, and through other people. We are never too old to be surprised by God, and we are never too old for Him to birth something brand new in us in an unexpected way.
"The righteous flourish like the palm tree
and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 They are planted in the house of the Lord;
they flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They still bear fruit in old age;
they are ever full of sap and green (Psalm 92:12-14)."
God couldn't care less about our age, infirmities, gray hair or wrinkles, all He sees is our willingness to obey His Word and calling in our lives. Whether we are 9 or 90, we are all the same in His eyes. Our righteousness lies in our faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 1:17) and not in our own abilities. We are who God says we are through our faith, and not of our own wisdom or capabilities.
Hebrews 11 says, "By faith..." seventeen times as it describes the saints from the Old Testament who did what was humanly impossible simple because God told them to. Because God is faithful, they too the steps of faith to obey and accomplish that which they were left to do.
You too can be all that God wants you to be, no matter what your situation is. God uses us for His glory right where we are, whether rich it poor, homeless or an executive, in prison it in school, young or old. He is just looking for the willing and obedient.
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10)."
Read
Genesis 25:1-4
1 Chronicles 1:32-34
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha
©2018
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6)."
Monday, January 8, 2018
Sunday, January 7, 2018
Waiting For The Lord
"Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!"
~Psalm 27:14
I am not good at waiting. I like to move through life at my own pace, and anyone who messes with that, irritates me. I can be the same way when waiting on the Lord to answer prayers or do something in my life. But if you've followed God for any amount of time, you come to realize, He doesn't run on our schedules! When I was young and a new Christian, I thought God was old and slow. In our frame of mind, He can seem to be slow, but what He's really doing is teaching us a few things along the way.
Without God's seemingly snail's pace of doing things, I would not have learned patience. I would not have learned that God always has a better plan, and that what I think would be a great path, actually had a deep hole at the end. We don't see the big picture until we're looking back; God sees the beginning, the middle, and the end all at once, and His plans are always in our best interest (Jeremiah 29:11).
Learning to think the way God does and to trust in Him completely is to grow in our relationship with Him. Accepting that an unanswered prayer doesn't always mean God said 'no', but has said 'I have something better in mind' is what also makes this journey so exciting.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6)."
Read
Genesis 22-24
1 Chronicles 1:28-31
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha
@2018
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!"
~Psalm 27:14
I am not good at waiting. I like to move through life at my own pace, and anyone who messes with that, irritates me. I can be the same way when waiting on the Lord to answer prayers or do something in my life. But if you've followed God for any amount of time, you come to realize, He doesn't run on our schedules! When I was young and a new Christian, I thought God was old and slow. In our frame of mind, He can seem to be slow, but what He's really doing is teaching us a few things along the way.
Without God's seemingly snail's pace of doing things, I would not have learned patience. I would not have learned that God always has a better plan, and that what I think would be a great path, actually had a deep hole at the end. We don't see the big picture until we're looking back; God sees the beginning, the middle, and the end all at once, and His plans are always in our best interest (Jeremiah 29:11).
Learning to think the way God does and to trust in Him completely is to grow in our relationship with Him. Accepting that an unanswered prayer doesn't always mean God said 'no', but has said 'I have something better in mind' is what also makes this journey so exciting.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6)."
Read
Genesis 22-24
1 Chronicles 1:28-31
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha
@2018
Saturday, January 6, 2018
There's Gonna Be Trouble
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
~John 16:33
Life is loaded with curve balls, and they seem to be randomly lobbed at us, especially when we are walking with the Lord. Our confession of faith is like having a target painted on our backs that the devil likes to take aim at. The difference between the trouble we have prior to salvation and the ones we have afterward may seem a lot alike, but there are differences.
We may have financial problems, marital problems, loss of jobs etc. prior to, and after, salvation. It's the motives that change. Prior to salvation, the devil couldn't care less about you or your life, but after you become a Christian, you become a threat. You are one less person the devil gets to take to hell. Whether you know it or not, the devil knows how his story is going to end.
The devil's prowls around looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8) and Christians are his favorite prey. Trying to take down a Christian, making us doubt our faith, and ultimately, getting us to slide back into our old lives, is his ultimate goal. And he uses everything he can - from finances, old habits, spouses, to illness, to name a few.
However, Jesus has already defeated the devil (1 John 3:8). When we take hold of Christ's victory, we see victory in our lives. That's not saying the devil will give up, but we will see victory after victory in our lives. And victory over the enemy grows our faith and deepens our relationship with Christ. So take heart, Jesus has already won your battle!
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (Romans 15:13.)"
Read
Genesis 19-21
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha
©2018
~John 16:33
Life is loaded with curve balls, and they seem to be randomly lobbed at us, especially when we are walking with the Lord. Our confession of faith is like having a target painted on our backs that the devil likes to take aim at. The difference between the trouble we have prior to salvation and the ones we have afterward may seem a lot alike, but there are differences.
We may have financial problems, marital problems, loss of jobs etc. prior to, and after, salvation. It's the motives that change. Prior to salvation, the devil couldn't care less about you or your life, but after you become a Christian, you become a threat. You are one less person the devil gets to take to hell. Whether you know it or not, the devil knows how his story is going to end.
The devil's prowls around looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8) and Christians are his favorite prey. Trying to take down a Christian, making us doubt our faith, and ultimately, getting us to slide back into our old lives, is his ultimate goal. And he uses everything he can - from finances, old habits, spouses, to illness, to name a few.
However, Jesus has already defeated the devil (1 John 3:8). When we take hold of Christ's victory, we see victory in our lives. That's not saying the devil will give up, but we will see victory after victory in our lives. And victory over the enemy grows our faith and deepens our relationship with Christ. So take heart, Jesus has already won your battle!
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (Romans 15:13.)"
Read
Genesis 19-21
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha
©2018
Friday, January 5, 2018
The King of Glory
"Lift up your heads, you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
the Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty—
he is the King of glory."
~Psalm 24:7-10
This is one of my favorite Psalms. Who is the King of glory? The Lord Almighty! To me, that sums up the entire Bible, and answers every question about life on planet Earth! The Lord is the King of glory, what else do we need to know? If we take that statement on faith, everything else falls into place.
In Great Britain, and a few other countries, kings and queens sit on the throne and rule their kingdoms, and unless something grave happens, it is a lifelong position. They are in charge of everything that goes on in their kingdom, and they rule over their subjects. Hopefully, they rule with kindness, fairness, honor, and justice, ensuring the well-being of everyone.
Over the centuries, history has shown us the good and bad in rulers. Some in kings and queens like Mary Queen of Scots, or Henry VIII, who ruled by murdering (or plotting to murder) the competition. And we've also seen the rise of military powers like Hitler and Stalin, who ruled with intimidation and fear, committing atrocities against anyone who disagreed. In America, we have presidents, and we've seen both the good and bad, and occasionally, even the ridiculous. People who accept positions of power, or are born into them, or even thrust into them, are only as good as their own moral character.
However, when we place our faith in Jesus Christ, who is, and who was, and who is to come (Revelation 1:8), we do not have to fear the whims of man. We can trust that He is in complete control in every situation. The Lord, the King of glory, has our best interest at heart in every matter from the smallest to the greatest.
Who is this King of glory? He is Jesus! So lift up your heads and open your hearts so the King of glory may come in!
Read
Genesis 11:27-15:21
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha
©2018
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
the Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty—
he is the King of glory."
~Psalm 24:7-10
This is one of my favorite Psalms. Who is the King of glory? The Lord Almighty! To me, that sums up the entire Bible, and answers every question about life on planet Earth! The Lord is the King of glory, what else do we need to know? If we take that statement on faith, everything else falls into place.
In Great Britain, and a few other countries, kings and queens sit on the throne and rule their kingdoms, and unless something grave happens, it is a lifelong position. They are in charge of everything that goes on in their kingdom, and they rule over their subjects. Hopefully, they rule with kindness, fairness, honor, and justice, ensuring the well-being of everyone.
Over the centuries, history has shown us the good and bad in rulers. Some in kings and queens like Mary Queen of Scots, or Henry VIII, who ruled by murdering (or plotting to murder) the competition. And we've also seen the rise of military powers like Hitler and Stalin, who ruled with intimidation and fear, committing atrocities against anyone who disagreed. In America, we have presidents, and we've seen both the good and bad, and occasionally, even the ridiculous. People who accept positions of power, or are born into them, or even thrust into them, are only as good as their own moral character.
However, when we place our faith in Jesus Christ, who is, and who was, and who is to come (Revelation 1:8), we do not have to fear the whims of man. We can trust that He is in complete control in every situation. The Lord, the King of glory, has our best interest at heart in every matter from the smallest to the greatest.
Who is this King of glory? He is Jesus! So lift up your heads and open your hearts so the King of glory may come in!
Read
Genesis 11:27-15:21
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha
©2018
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Hallelujah!
"Halleluyah!
Praise Adonai from the heavens!
Praise Him in the highest!
2 Praise Him all His angels!
Praise Him all His armies.
3 Praise Him, sun and moon!
Praise Him, all stars of light.
4 Praise Him, highest heavens,
and waters above the heavens.
5 Let them praise the Name of Adonai,
for He commanded and they were created.
6 He set them in place forever and ever.
He made a decree that will never pass away.
7 Praise Adonai from the earth,
sea monsters and all depths,
8 fire and hail, snow and vapor,
storm wind doing His bidding,
9 mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
10 beasts and all cattle,
crawling things and winged birds,
11 kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of earth,
12 both young men and maidens,
old men and children.
13 Let them praise the Name ofAdonai,
for His Name alone is exalted.
His glory is above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up a horn for His people,
a praise for all His kedoshim,
for the children of Israel—
a people near to Him.
Halleluyah!"
~Psalm 148
Much of the Book of Psalms is dedicated to praising God. In fact, depending on which version of the Bible you read, the word "praise" appears about 250 times. The original Jewish word for 'praise' is "hallel" (×”ַלְּלוּ×™ָ×”ּ), which translates as a "joyous praise in song, to boast in God." When combined with "Jah" (Jehovah) or "Yah" (Yahweh), 'Hallelujah' becomes a high praise to Jehovah God.
We praise God to give Him glory for all He has done in our lives, especially for what Jesus Christ did on the Cross at Calvary. Without that single death-defying act, humanity would be hopeless and hopelessly lost. Salvation is our only hope for a future not only on Earth but for an eternity spent with Christ in Heaven. But praising God is not just for us here on Earth - even the heavenly hosts shout praises to God!
Praise Adonai from the heavens!
Praise Him in the highest!
2 Praise Him all His angels!
Praise Him all His armies.
3 Praise Him, sun and moon!
Praise Him, all stars of light.
4 Praise Him, highest heavens,
and waters above the heavens.
5 Let them praise the Name of Adonai,
for He commanded and they were created.
6 He set them in place forever and ever.
He made a decree that will never pass away.
7 Praise Adonai from the earth,
sea monsters and all depths,
8 fire and hail, snow and vapor,
storm wind doing His bidding,
9 mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
10 beasts and all cattle,
crawling things and winged birds,
11 kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of earth,
12 both young men and maidens,
old men and children.
13 Let them praise the Name ofAdonai,
for His Name alone is exalted.
His glory is above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up a horn for His people,
a praise for all His kedoshim,
for the children of Israel—
a people near to Him.
Halleluyah!"
~Psalm 148
Much of the Book of Psalms is dedicated to praising God. In fact, depending on which version of the Bible you read, the word "praise" appears about 250 times. The original Jewish word for 'praise' is "hallel" (×”ַלְּלוּ×™ָ×”ּ), which translates as a "joyous praise in song, to boast in God." When combined with "Jah" (Jehovah) or "Yah" (Yahweh), 'Hallelujah' becomes a high praise to Jehovah God.
We praise God to give Him glory for all He has done in our lives, especially for what Jesus Christ did on the Cross at Calvary. Without that single death-defying act, humanity would be hopeless and hopelessly lost. Salvation is our only hope for a future not only on Earth but for an eternity spent with Christ in Heaven. But praising God is not just for us here on Earth - even the heavenly hosts shout praises to God!
"Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude—like the roar of rushing waters or like the rumbling of powerful thunder—saying, “Halleluyah! For Adonai Elohei-Tzva’ot reigns! Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready, She was given fine linen to wear, bright and clean! For the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the kedoshim.” Then the angel tells me, “Write: How fortunate are those who have been invited to the wedding banquet of the Lamb!” He also tells me, “These are the true words of God.” (Revelation 19:6-9)."
In the end, life as we know it will cease one way or the other. Either we will die and leave this Earth, or we will see the coming of the Lord, but no matter which it is, life here isn't all there is. We will all stand before God either for judgement or for everlasting life in Heaven shouting, "Hallelujah!"
As for me, I choose to begin now. Hallelujah to the Lord my Savior who loves me and gave His life so I will spend eternity with Him!
Read
Genesis 10:6-11:26
1 Chronicles 1:6-27
Read
Genesis 10:6-11:26
1 Chronicles 1:6-27
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha
©2018
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
The Lord's Treasure
"I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High."
~Psalm 9:1-2
As we enter this new year, let us do so with praise on our lips, and a song in our hearts. God has brought us through to a brand new year so that we can continue to spread His word to those who do not know Him. He has brought us to a new year so that we can continue to praise and worship Him in our lives.
As this Psalm continues, the author explains how the Lord has proved Himself by turning back enemies, maintaining the righteousness of others, rebuking nations, and destroying the wicked. We have to remember that the Lord continues to do those things in our lives as well.
The world around us is wicked and out of control in our narrow scope but God sees everything (Proverbs 15:3). Nothing escapes Him and as much as people like to think they've gotten away with their evil deeds, God is keeping a record.
"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 14:3)."
No matter how life looks, praise the Lord because He has it all under control. He holds us lovingly in His hands and will never let us go. We are His treasure!
“They will be my people,” says the Lord Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child (Malachai 3:17)."
Read
Genesis 7:1-10:5
1 Chronicles 1:5-7
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha
©2018
I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High."
~Psalm 9:1-2
As we enter this new year, let us do so with praise on our lips, and a song in our hearts. God has brought us through to a brand new year so that we can continue to spread His word to those who do not know Him. He has brought us to a new year so that we can continue to praise and worship Him in our lives.
As this Psalm continues, the author explains how the Lord has proved Himself by turning back enemies, maintaining the righteousness of others, rebuking nations, and destroying the wicked. We have to remember that the Lord continues to do those things in our lives as well.
The world around us is wicked and out of control in our narrow scope but God sees everything (Proverbs 15:3). Nothing escapes Him and as much as people like to think they've gotten away with their evil deeds, God is keeping a record.
"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 14:3)."
No matter how life looks, praise the Lord because He has it all under control. He holds us lovingly in His hands and will never let us go. We are His treasure!
“They will be my people,” says the Lord Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child (Malachai 3:17)."
Read
Genesis 7:1-10:5
1 Chronicles 1:5-7
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha
©2018
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
Our Brother's Keeper
Cain spoke to Abel his brother. While they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.
Then Adonai said to Cain, “Where is Abel, your brother?”
“I don’t know,” he said. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
Then He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying out to Me from the ground.
(Genesis 4:8-10)
As part of God's family, we have a duty to, in fact, be our brother's keeper. That is, to look out for one another and help each other. Providing blankets, coats, and meals for the homeless; visiting nursing homes; helping veterans; helping the poor, the fatherless, or just comforting someone in need is part of being our brother's keeper.
Often, we see helping the poor as simply donating money to charity, and while there are some excellent charities that see to those in need, there is nothing like being hands-on when it comes to helping others. Even small things like shoveling snow for an elderly neighbor, driving someone to an appointment, or taking time to chat with someone who is lonely, can go a long way in helping them and showing brotherly love.
Our lives are very busy, and between jobs, family, kids, and dogs, and other obligations, we can forget that simple acts of kindness don't have to take up a lot of our time. We can show brotherly love in every day life without a lot of effort, if only we remember to practice patience.
"But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless (Psalm 14:10)."
Read
Genesis 4-6
1 Chronicles 1:1-4
Read
Genesis 4-6
1 Chronicles 1:1-4
A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha
©2018
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