Morning by Morning, December 12 - “Highly Favored” Without Fear Good morning, Lord Jesus. I watch and wait for Your leading to begin my day embraced by my Father, centered in Christ, and filled with Your Holy Spirit. ... “Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, ‘Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!’ “But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end’” (Luke 1:26-33). Mary was the “highly favored” one chosen by God to be the human mother of Jesus. There’s nothing in the Word of God that she was sinless or perfect or conceived as perfect in her mother’s womb. But she was “highly favored” and “blessed ... among women” to bring forth the birth of our Savior, the Son of the Highest, the Son of David, the Son of God who would rule and reign forever and ever! Talk about pressure! Talk about the desperate need to be totally dependent upon God in deep humility and trusting faith like no other before her! No wonder the first words out of the angel Gabriel’s mouth to Mary after announcing this part of the Good News of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God was, “Do not be afraid!” Then Gabriel’s next words turned her heart from her fear to understanding her favor. It was “favor with God” that would provide all the courage and trust, all the faith, hope, and love that she would need to fulfill her miraculous assignment as the mother of God -- God with us -- she was told to name Jesus. The same way You favored Mary, You favor every one of Your children, Your sons and daughters who put their faith in God and trust in Your truth to welcome You into our hearts. Mary welcomed You into her womb by the Holy Spirit (v. 35). And we welcome You into our hearts by the same Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9). You favor us with Your grace and fill us with Your Spirit to fulfill our own unique calling and purpose and destiny to glorify You with our lives (Ephesians 5:18). You provide all the courage and trust, all the faith, hope, and love that we need. So there’s no need to give in to our fear, but only trust in Your favor. Thank You for Mary’s life and Mary’s example. As she said to the angel, let us say to You, “Let it be to me according to Your word” (Luke 1:38). In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Be encouraged today. In the love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
My friend, may you be filled with the same Holy Spirit in your heart who filled Mary's womb, with all the favor and grace you need to fulfill you unique calling and destiny in Christ, in Jesus' name. God bless you, my friend! And you have a great day!
Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries Mailing Address: 412 S. Adams Street #148 Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
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