Greetings, Favored Woman

November 12, 2013  **Thursday.  NHCC Library. 8:53 am**

Luke 1:28-31

"Gabriel appeared to her (Mary) and said, 'Greetings, favored woman!  The Lord is with you!"  Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean.  'Don't be afraid, Mary," the angel told her, "for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth o a son, and you will name him Jesus."

It's Christmas time again; the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus!  Christmas has been changed from a day of celebration, to a materialistic holiday.  Many has forgotten the purpose of Christmas and many people is more excited about Black Friday sales more than the real reason for the season.  In this passage,  Mary is approached from Gabriel with good news of Jesus' birth.  She was afraid, confused, and disturbed but did not stop believing the truth of what was about to happen to her and Joseph.

I know this year, I have been thinking more about buying presents than the purpose of the season.  I am guilty of being materialistic as I go shopping at the nearest mall.  I need and want to remember that Jesus is the reason.

Heavenly Father,
I'm sorry that I have been more focused on presents than the birth of your son.  Please forgive me and point out anything that is not of you, and fill me with the goodness of you.  I pray that I will remember your son and all that He sacrificed for us.  You are an amazing God and created the best plan for us all.  I love you.... In Jesus name I pray,
Amen

Greetings, favored woman!  The Lord is with you.

Prayers of God's People

November 11, 2013  **Wednesday. NHCC library. 1:09 pm**

Revelation 8:3-4

"Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar.  And a great amount of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God's people as an offering on the gold altar before the throne.  The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of God's holy people, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out."

Revelation is also known as the book of the End Times.  The full revelation of God is revealed, which talks of plagues, destruction, and hope of the future.  In the beginning of chapter 8, the Bible talks about the breaking of the Seventh Seal.  After the seal has been open, there was a time of silence within Heaven.  It is said that the silence are due to the hearing of the Prayers of God's people.  In the Jerusalem temple, the ritual is to be silent as people says their prayers.  It is a Jewish tradition.

From the first time I heard these verses, it helps me to understand one aspect of how God deals with our prayers.  It amazes me because it increases my hope in God and that hope is a spring board to increased faith.  I've always imagined that as God sits on his throne, the aroma of our prayers delights him as our Heavenly Father.  He loves us as his children and cares so deeply about each and every one of us.  These verses encourages me as I pray my prayers and that God really does hear or smell them.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for loving us in that our prayers brings you sweet aromas to you.  I pray that you cleanse me and forgive me for the wrongdoings that happen daily.  I pray that each one of your children will find you and embrace the goodness of your love.  You are wonderful to me and I offer myself up to you that you will shine through my life to be a living sacrifice for your kingdom.  I love and adore you for you are wonderful to me.  In Jesus name,
Amen

The Prayers of your people are a sweet aroma to you.