Freed by Obedience

November 21

(Luke 1:57-64 NIV) ““When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. {58} Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. {59} On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, {60} but his mother spoke up and said, "No! He is to be called John." {61} They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who has that name." {62} Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. {63} He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, "His name is John." {64} Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God.””

Zechariah received a message from an angel of the Lord -- after decades of being unable to have children, his wife would deliver a son, and they were to name him John. Zechariah doubted God’s word, and so the angel declared that he would not be able to speak until after his son was born -- nine months of silence to contemplate the ramifications of doubting God. When the baby was born, Elizabeth declared that his name would be John. People were puzzled, as there was no history of that name in the family. But Zechariah confirmed it in writing, and to their astonishment, his tongue was freed, and he began to praise God. We can learn from Zechariah. When we doubt God, our witness is muted. But when we believe God, and our faith steps out in obedience, our tongues are freed to praise Him. It’s a simple principle to consider as we walk through the holiday season with Jesus. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Mighty and Merciful

November 20

(Luke 1:50-55 NIV) "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."

(Psalms 25:6-9 NIV) "Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. {7} Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord. {8} Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. {9} He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way."

(Lamentations 3:22 NIV) "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail."

Our God is mighty and merciful. If He weren’t, we would be reduced to soot and ashes, for we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But we are forgiven freely because of what Christ did for us on the cross. God is merciful. It is by grace we are saved. This is the good news of the Gospel. Mary saw it and sang praises to God for what would come to us because of her Son. Have you given up your sins to Jesus and asked God for His forgiveness? Have you acknowledged what the Lord has done for you? Have you changed your life to reflect his love and mercy? Don’t be too proud to ask for His help. Pride is a killer, but Christ lifts up the humble, and fills the hungry with good things. What this world offers will never satisfy. Only Jesus can take away the hunger that gnaws in our hearts. Humble yourself. Appeal to His mercy. Be filled, and be thankful. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Singing God’s Song

November 19

(Luke 1:46-49 NIV) ““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.””

(Psalms 18:46 NIV) “The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!”

(2 Peter 3:18 NIV) “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”

Mary’s song is a theological statement. She humbly glorifies, praises, and worships the Lord. She also rejoices in her Savior. Our God is both Lord and Savior -- and Jesus, like His Father, is both Savior and Lord. Many people come to Christ in times of distress, seeking a Savior. Far fewer seek to live as though Jesus is their Lord. Mary sings of the Mighty One who has done great things for her. Our God is sovereign, powerful, and in control. He does not need man’s approval to move in history. We can trust in God’s power, just as Mary did. He will do great things for us too. Mary also declares that God is holy. This means God’s Son is holy. The profane world we live in mocks and lampoons anything holy and pure. Nothing is sacred. The darkness hates the Light. But Christ is holy. Holy is His name. Lord and Savior, Mighty One, Holy One of God -- this is the Jesus we serve. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Blessing in Trials

November 18

(Luke 1:45-49 NIV) ““Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" {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.””

(Psalms 34:1-5 NIV) “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. {2} My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. {3} Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. {4} I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. {5} Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”

Mary was pregnant, without a husband, in a culture that often stoned unmarried pregnant women to death. Yet Elizabeth calls her blessed, and Mary agrees as she glorifies the Lord. Mary praised God in the face of her trial, and sang of God’s great provision for her. How does one find blessing in trials like Mary did? It takes a faith that sees beyond immediate circumstances -- a faith that believes God’s plan is grander than ours. Mary believed God. She trusted that her personal Savior, the Mighty One, was doing something great through her. She looked to the Lord, and instead of being covered with shame, her face was radiant. Her soul rejoiced and boasted in the Lord as she extolled His name. Her situation was not ideal, but God delivered her from all her fears. She was doing God’s will. Join her, beleaguered Christian. Praise God in your trials. God is doing something grand. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Recognizing Jesus

November 17

(Luke 1:39-44 NIV) ““At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, {40} where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. {41} When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. {42} In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! {43} But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? {44} As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.””

(John 1:29-37 NIV) ““The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! {30} This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' {31} I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel." {32} Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. {33} I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' {34} I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God." {35} The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. {36} When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!" {37} When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.””

Elizabeth and Mary found themselves in tough situations. One was very old. The other was very young. Both carried babies who would become extraordinary men, but for now, each had their own anxieties to deal with. Yet when Mary went to visit Elizabeth, something miraculous happened. When Mary greeted Elizabeth, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy. That baby would become John the Baptist. John the Baptist, while still in his mother's womb, was the first to recognize Jesus and be filled with joy. Even before He was born, Jesus was bringing joy to those who recognized Him. When John grew up, he was again the first to recognize Jesus. When he saw Christ nearby, he called Him "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." We too can be filled with joy if we recognize Jesus as our Savior -- the One who takes away our sins. Have you? Will you? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Submissive to God’s Plan

November 16

(Luke 1:38 NIV) ““I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said.””

(Psalms 81:11-12 NIV) “But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me. {12} So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.”

(2 Chronicles 30:8-9 NIV) “Do not be stiff-necked, as your fathers were; submit to the Lord. Come to the sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever. Serve the Lord your God, so that his fierce anger will turn away from you. {9} If you return to the Lord, then your brothers and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will come back to this land, for the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.”

When Mary came to a fork in the road, she chose the faith way. She was submissive to God's plan. Scripture does not say that she understood it completely -- she was simply submissive to God’s plan. That is the challenge for today’s Christian. Submit to God. Do not be like those in Israel’s history who developed stubborn hearts and went their own way. Ignoring God’s will, and refusing to follow His ways, can be toxic to a nation. A stiff-necked people incur stiff penalties from the Lord. Their children suffer because of their stubborn refusal to live under God’s authority. Do not be found among those who refuse to submit to God. If you are among the rebellious, repent and return to the Lord. Christ is full of grace and mercy -- but to enjoy His grace and mercy, we must be among those who say to God, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” --  Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Nothing Is Impossible With God

November 15

(Luke 1:36-37 NIV) “Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. {37} For nothing is impossible with God.”

(Matthew 17:18-20 NIV) ““Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment. {19} Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" {20} He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.””

(Matthew 19:23-26 NIV) ““Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. {24} Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." {25} When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?" {26} Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.””

(Acts 2:23-24 NIV) “This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. {24} But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.”

When Mary was told she would have a baby, she had questions. How could a virgin have a baby? Gabriel told her that God could do anything. Even Elizabeth, a relative who was beyond child bearing years could have a baby, because nothing is impossible for God. No demonic power is invincible to Jesus, for nothing is impossible with God. Mountains can be moved by “mustard seed faith”, because nothing is impossible with God. The worst of sinners can be saved, the leper can be cleansed, the drunk can become sober, the lost can be found, and the dead can be raised… because all things are possible with God. This was the God of Joseph and Mary. Is this your God? Or does your Jesus operate under limits that you have imposed upon Him? Reorient your theology to the truth of Scripture. Nothing is impossible for God. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Son of God

November 14

(Luke 1:34-37 NIV) ““How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" {35} The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.””

(Matthew 8:28-29 NIV) ““When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. {29} "What do you want with us, Son of God?" they shouted. "Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?””

(Matthew 14:29-33 NIV) ““Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. {30} But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" {31} Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" {32} And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. {33} Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God.””

(Matthew 26:62-66 NIV) ““Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?" {63} But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." {64} "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." {65} Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. {66} What do you think?" "He is worthy of death," they answered.””

(John 20:30-31 NIV) “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. {31} But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

The angel told Mary that the baby conceived in her would be no ordinary infant. This child would be the Son of God. Mary had her doubts, but the angel was not the only one to declare that Jesus was the Son of God. When Jesus grew up, the demons immediately recognized Him, and they trembled. They knew who was Lord. It took the disciples a little longer, but eventually they too confessed that Jesus was the Son of God. More importantly, Christ Himself said that He was the Son of God. The religious gestapo killed Him for saying it, but Jesus died maintaining that He was the Son of God. Later, John would declare that eternal life is found only in believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Our salvation depends upon two things: that Jesus Christ is the Son of God -- and that we put our faith in Him to save us. Do you believe this? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Kingdom That Never Ends

November 13

(Luke 1:31-33 NIV) “You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. {32} He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, {33} and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”

(Daniel 6:26 NIV) ““I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. "For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end.””

(1 Peter 1:24-25 NIV) ““For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, {25} but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you.””

The angel Gabriel not only announced to Mary that she would have a baby boy; God’s messenger also told her who the child was destined to become. This baby would grow up to be someone great. He would even be called by many the Son of the Most High God. Jesus would be given the place of his ancestor David -- He would be a King. But Christ’s kingdom would be different. This kingdom would not come and go like other kingdoms before and after it. It would have no end. It would never fall or be destroyed. This baby born to Mary would be the King of kings and the Lord of lords. His Kingdom would be an eternal kingdom. This is the Jesus we are called to follow. This is the Lord we are called to serve. This is the Kingdom in which we are invited to take part. Have you committed yourself to God’s Kingdom? Is Jesus your King? Will you live as if He were your King today? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Name Jesus

November 12

(Luke 1:28-31 NIV) ““The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." {29} Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. {30} But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. {31} You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.””

(Matthew 1:21-23 NIV) ““She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." {22} All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: {23} "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" --which means, "God with us.””

(Philippians 2:8-11 NIV) “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! {9} Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, {10} that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, {11} and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

(Romans 10:8-11 NIV) ““But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: {9} That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. {10} For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. {11} As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.””

Mary was disturbed by the angel’s visit. What the angel called “favor” seemed like big trouble to her. Being pregnant out of wedlock would bring her shame, and possibly even death. But Mary and Joseph both received the same message: “Don’t be afraid. What’s happening to you is a God thing. You will have a son and His name is to be Jesus.” The name Jesus comes from the Hebrew word "Joshua", which means “Jehovah is salvation”. In Scripture, Joshua was a great leader who saved God’s people from their enemies and led them into the Promised Land. This baby was to be given the name of “Savior”, because He would save His people from their sins. He would be the “God who saves”. Jesus is still the God who saves, and at His name, every knee will eventually bow. But only those who bow on this side of eternity will be saved. Bow before Him today. Jesus is Lord. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Virgin Mary

November 11

(Luke 1:26-27 NIV) "In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, {27} to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary."

(Matthew 1:19-25 NIV) "Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. {20} But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. {21} She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." {22} All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: {23} "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" --which means, "God with us." {24} When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. {25} But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus."

(Isaiah 7:14 NIV) "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."

The virgin birth is an essential ingredient of the Christian faith. Isaiah prophesied three things about the birth of the coming Messiah: a virgin would become pregnant, the child born to her would be a male, and that child would be called Immanuel, which means “God with us”. The power of the Most High overshadowed Mary, and the Son of God was conceived in her. It brings back the imagery of “the Spirit of God hovering over the waters” in the first chapter of Genesis. God speaks a word, and Light comes to the world. God speaks, and Life happens. The virgin birth was a necessity if Jesus was to be “the spotless Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”. If Mary was not a virgin, and Jesus had a human father, He could not have been “God with us”, and He could not “save His people from their sins”. But it is true, and because it’s true, we can be saved. Believe! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

God’s Choice Couple

November 10

(Luke 1:26-28 NIV)  "In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, {27} to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. {28} The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.""

(Matthew 1:18-21 NIV)  "This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. {19} Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. {20} But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. {21} She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.""

God chose the home where Jesus would grow up. He handpicked the Dad and Mom who would raise His Son -- the couple who would change the diapers of the Savior of the world. He chose Joseph and Mary. What did God see in these two that qualified them to be parents to the Lord of the universe? He saw a commitment to purity. He saw a couple with merciful hearts. He saw their spiritual sensitivity. They had a willingness to obey in spite of tough circumstances -- a faith that would act in spite of doubt. He saw a couple who would behave courageously in spite of adversity. They were a choice couple, and they are models for us today. We too, can make choices like they did. Recommit to purity. Hear the cries for mercy around you. Be sensitive to God’s leading. Obey God’s voice. Stretch your faith. Be courageous in adverse situations. You too, can become a “choice” disciple. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day    

Hometown to a Savior

November 9

(Luke 1:26 NIV)  "In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee…”

(Luke 4:16-37 NIV) ““He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. {17} The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: {18} "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, {19} to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." {20} Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, {21} and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." {22} All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked. {23} Jesus said to them, "Surely you will quote this proverb to me: 'Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.'" {24} "I tell you the truth," he continued, "no prophet is accepted in his hometown. {25} I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. {26} Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. {27} And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed--only Naaman the Syrian." {28} All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. {29} They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff. {30} But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way. {31} Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath began to teach the people. {32} They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority. {33} In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, {34} "Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!" {35} "Be quiet!" Jesus said sternly. "Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. {36} All the people were amazed and said to each other, "What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!" {37} And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area."

(John 1:45-46 NIV) "Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote--Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." {46} "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said Philip."

(John 19:19 NIV)  "Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS."

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, but grew up in a small town called Nazareth. Many times, our Lord was referred to as “Jesus of Nazareth”. The demons called Him this, as well as those who came to arrest Him at Gethsemane. Pilate identified Jesus with Nazareth at His crucifixion, by hanging a sign on the cross. Nazareth did not have a good reputation. When told that Jesus was from Nazareth, Nathanael, a future disciple, asked sarcastically if anything good could come out of that town. The people of Nazareth even tried to kill Jesus when He returned home and preached a message they didn’t like. What this means is that Jesus began His life and ministry as “despised and rejected”. Isaiah’s prophetic words about Christ were fulfilled, even before the cross. This is what makes it so ironic that the most famous man ever to live was none other than Jesus of Nazareth. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Dispensing With Disgrace

November 8

(Luke 1:23-25 NIV) ““When his time of service was completed, he returned home. {24} After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. {25} "The Lord has done this for me," she said. "In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.””

(Genesis 30:22-23 NIV) ““Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and opened her womb. {23} She became pregnant and gave birth to a son and said, "God has taken away my disgrace.””

(Ephesians 2:4-9 NIV) “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, {5} made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. {6} And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, {7} in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. {8} For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- {9} not by works, so that no one can boast.”

When the muted Zechariah finished serving at the temple, he went home, and the angel’s words came to be -- Elizabeth became pregnant. She hid her pregnancy for five months, probably because no one would have believed her until it became obvious. Her words portray a woman who was grateful for God’s grace. She knows God has done her a favor, and gives Him glory for the life growing inside her. There is no complaint about the timing -- only praise for a prayer answered. She echoes the words of an ancient relative, Rachel, and declares that by God’s grace, her disgrace has been taken away. God still dispenses with disgrace today. Jesus will deal with whatever has disgraced us. He can even redeem it for God’s glory. The Lord will dispense with our disgrace and replace it with joy. It is by grace you have been saved. Trust in Christ to dispense with your disgrace. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Proper Time

November 7

(Luke 1:20-22 NIV) "And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time." {21} Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. {22} When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak."

(Galatians 6:9 NIV) "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

(Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV) "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:"

(Psalms 31:15 NIV) "My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me."

The angel spoke, and Zechariah was silenced. He would be unable to speak again until the proper time. That proper time had already been determined by the Lord. Not until Gabriel’s God given words came to pass would Zechariah regain his voice. There was nothing he could do but wait for the proper time. God has a proper time for everything. Part of our rebellion against God comes in not waiting for that proper time. Often, we take action before the proper time. We run ahead of God like we know the way, but the road ends, and we crash. We grow weary and cease action before the proper time. We give up and miss the blessing that would have come in its proper time. Too often, we forget that our times are in His hands. We live as if we owned the future. Seek out God’s schedule. Accept His “interruptions”. His timing is always proper. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Muted By Lack of Faith

November 6

(Luke 1:18-20 NIV) ““Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." {19} The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. {20} And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.””

(Mark 16:11-14 NIV) “When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it. {12} Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. {13} These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either. {14} Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.”

(Matthew 21:32 NIV) “For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.”

After Zechariah recovered from his initial fear, the angel Gabriel shared some incredible news. He would become a father, and Elizabeth, in her old age, was going to be a mother. Zechariah was flabbergasted, and doubted that this could be true. Gabriel told him that this prophecy came directly from the mouth of God and that since he did not believe God’s word, he would be unable to speak until after the baby was born. We can protest that we would have had the same reaction, but the truth is this: Zechariah was muted by a lack of faith. Many today have been also muted by a lack of faith -- not by an angel, but by a fear of being ostracized for speaking the truth in love. We have hit the mute button on our witness because we doubt God’s word. We doubt His command to share the gospel, and we doubt His miraculous ability to change the hearts of lost people. Un-mute your life today! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Prepared For The Lord

November 5

(Luke 1:16-17 NIV) "Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. {17} And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

(Matthew 11:12-15 NIV) "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. {13} For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. {14} And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. {15} He who has ears, let him hear."

The angel told Zechariah that the son born to him and Elizabeth would have a role in bringing people back to God. John would grow up to be a prophet. He would go before the Lord preaching repentance as Elijah had done in ages past. His preaching would cause people to turn around -- to turn away from sin and turn toward the Lord. Instead of mocking righteousness, the disobedient would begin to see the wisdom in following God’s way. Their hearts would turn and become open to something new: a new direction, a new answer, a new covenant. John would have the privilege of preparing people for the coming Messiah, Christ the Lord. This is our calling today, believers. We were born again to proclaim with our lives the value of repentance and righteousness. In the time we have left here, we are to “make ready a people prepared for the Lord”, starting with ourselves. Are you ready? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Great in the Sight of the Lord

November 4

(Luke 1:13-15 NIV) ““But the angel said to him: “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. {14} He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, {15} for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.””

(Luke 1:5-6 NIV) “In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. {6} Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.”

(Matthew 11:11 NIV) “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

What kind of God declares in advance that the one to be born will be “great in the sight of the Lord”? Only a sovereign God could say this. God’s angel made some definitive statements about the baby to be born to Zechariah and Elizabeth. His name was to be John. His birth would bring joy to many, and he would be a delight to his parents. His righteous parents were instructed to teach him never to take wine or other fermented drinks. There would be no recovery groups in this man’s future. He would be filled with the Holy Spirit from the moment of conception. God would dwell in him from birth until death, and he would be “great in the sight of the Lord”. Will God say that about you? None of us will likely measure up to John, but in Christ we can be filled with the Holy Spirit, be declared righteous, and be great in the sight of the Lord. Are you in Christ? Does He live in you? Believe! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Your Prayer Has Been Heard

November 3

(Luke 1:8-13 NIV) ““Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, {9} he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. {10} And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. {11} Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. {12} When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. {13} But the angel said to him: “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.””

(Philippians 4:6-7 NIV) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. {7} And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

(Galatians 6:9 NIV) “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Offering incense in the temple was a most honorable task. The chosen priest would enter as the others outside offered prayers of intercession. The incense was put onto the fire, and as the aroma rose to heaven, hopefully it would make their prayers more pleasing to God. On this fateful day, Zechariah drew the lot to offer incense. Because there were so many priests, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Little did Zechariah know that he would receive a “once in a lifetime” message from God. As he entered, an angel appeared, and told him that he was going to become a father in his old age. God was saying “Yes” to the prayers he and Elizabeth had lifted up for so many years. Christians, do not give up praying when your prayers are not answered quickly. Persist in prayer. Your prayers have been heard. It’s just that God’s timing is always better than ours. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day    

Priestly Parents

November 2

(Luke 1:5-6 NIV) “In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. {6} Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. {7} But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.”

(1 Chronicles 24:1-10 NIV)  These were the divisions of the sons of Aaron: The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. {2} But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as the priests. {3} With the help of Zadok a descendant of Eleazar and Ahimelech a descendant of Ithamar, David separated them into divisions for their appointed order of ministering. {4} A larger number of leaders were found among Eleazar's descendants than among Ithamar's, and they were divided accordingly: sixteen heads of families from Eleazar's descendants and eight heads of families from Ithamar's descendants. {5} They divided them impartially by drawing lots, for there were officials of the sanctuary and officials of God among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar. {6} The scribe Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded their names in the presence of the king and of the officials: Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abiathar and the heads of families of the priests and of the Levites--one family being taken from Eleazar and then one from Ithamar. {7} The first lot fell to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah, {8} the third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim, {9} the fifth to Malkijah, the sixth to Mijamin, {10} the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah…”

Zechariah and Elizabeth became parents late in life. Their son grew up to be known as John the Baptist -- the “voice of one calling in the desert” and the forerunner of Jesus Christ. It was not an accident that John was born to Zechariah and Elizabeth. Neither was it an accident that he was born to parents who had given up on having children. His birth would be a miracle -- the first of many. God chose John’s parents with care. Both were descended from priestly lines that went clear back to Aaron’s day. They were steeped in the Scriptures and zealous for God’s glory. John’s ministry would eventually become more prophetic than priestly. His sanctuary would be the desert. His robe would be of camel hide. His message would be repentance. But he got his start in a home where God and God’s word were important. His foundation was solid. That is still a very good way to begin life. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day    

Post-Ascension Party

November 1

(Luke 24:52-53 NIV) “Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. {53} And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.”

(John 4:24 NIV) "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

(Romans 12:1 NIV) "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship."

(Revelation 4:10-11 NIV) ""The twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: {11} "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.""

After Christ’s ascension into Heaven, His followers returned to Jerusalem with great joy in their hearts. Despair and fear were behind them. Jesus had defeated darkness and death. They knew the truth now, and their response was continual worship. For a time, they were at the temple every day, praising God and proclaiming the resurrection. They were Christ’s witnesses, and they preached repentance and forgiveness of sins in His name to all who would listen. This was their “spiritual act of worship”. The church today is still called to these same behaviors. We are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices and live our lives with joy, filled with praise for God. Worship Christ in spirit and in truth, for He is worthy “to receive glory and honor and power”. He is risen, and He has ascended to sit at the right hand of God the Father. Praise the Lord! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day