Luke Chapter 1 - ACC NT Study

Mary's Song
(Verses 46-55)
46 And Mary said:"My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."

In a few words:
Sing our own song to the Lord.

Mark Chapter 1 - ACC NT Study

Can you imagine the pressure?

(Verses 32-33)
32That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33The whole town gathered at the door

The whole town gathering at the door, waiting to be healed and helped. Jesus was God in the flesh, therefore he realized human limitations. He must have faced pressure and fatigue of healing and counseling others. He knew where to go afterward...

(Verse 35)
35Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

In a few words:
Share your burdens with the one who can lift them.

Matthew Chapter 1 - ACC NT Study

Matthew Chapter 1:1-17
Whenever I have read Matthew Chapter 1 in the past, I must admit I immediately became bored reading the Genealogy of Jesus in the first 16 versus. (My mind quickly gets distracted when reading.) However it strikes me now that the names in this list are people who no doubt were imperfect, made mistakes, and most likely would feel unworthy to be part of Jesus' lineage. It makes me realize that though I am imperfect, and make mistakes, (and definitely not worthy) I am thankful that God may be able to use me in some way.

Matthew Chapter 1:18-25
I can't imagine the burden Mary must have felt to tell Joseph that she was expecting a child. Even though an Angel named Gabriel came to visit her (Luke Chapter 1) and explained she was with child from the Holy Spirit, she must have been worried about telling him. Would Joseph believe that she had not been with a man? Would he be enraged? Would he leave her?
I believe God placed peace on her heart to endure. Likewise, Joseph must have felt a heavy burden as well. But even so, he chose not to expose Mary to public disgrace. He then received assurance when an angel visited him in a dream. I believe God placed a peace on his heart as well. Joseph & Mary set the example of obedience and trust in highly stressful circumstances.

Thinking about this chapter I pray that I will listen to God's leading while trusting Him, and receive His peace on my heart.