In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph.
— Luke 1:26–27 ESV |
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Have you ever planned an elaborate dinner party only to have your guests cancel? Or spent days anticipating a date with your spouse only to have the babysitter get sick? It's so disappointing when the best-laid plans go awry.
Women are a planning sort of people. As a whole, we tend to be less of the go-with-the-flow type. We plan births, meals, and wardrobes with great attention to detail. We research and analyze things to death. With that in mind, how can you not have compassion for Mary? The girl was planning a marriage.
Maybe she was deciding what entrée to serve and arranging seating to make sure Aunt Bertha didn't sit too close to the wine table, or maybe she was writing "Mary loves Joseph" in the dirt with a stick. Scripture makes it clear that when Gabriel showed up, Mary was a betrothed woman. She surely had some things planned, and those plans did not include giving birth to the Son of God. |
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Let it be to me according to your word. — Luke 1:38 ESV
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Let it be to me according to your word.
— Luke 1:38 ESV |
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We've all had times when our plans didn't work out. Perhaps we thought we would be married by now, yet our Facebook status still reads "single." Or we always assumed we would still be married right now. We imagined ourselves with a flourishing career, but instead we find ourselves eking out a minimum-wage existence. We thought we would be doing something else, be with someone else, be someone else. But God had other plans. Our mistake is that we want to compare our plan with God's plan. We want to see them side by side and weigh the pros and cons of each. Our best response, however, will always be the same as Mary's when the angel crashed her wedding plans. Let it be to me according to your word. — Luke 1:38 ESV
Lord, I like to think that I have everything planned out. Remind me to always leave room in my plans for Your providence.
Excerpted with permission from Devotions from the Front Porch, by Stacy Edwards, copyright Thomas Nelson. * * * |
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We all have had those years when all had plans go out the window and everything has gone haywire. Nothing has been on schedule or how we had anticipated it being. Maybe this has been a "Let it be unto me according to Your word, Lord" year for you. Maybe we need to reframe our thinking and start today. Come share your thoughts with us. We want to hear from you about being "Let it be unto me" kind of people!
~ Devotionals Daily |
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Devotions from the Front Porch |
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+ FREE shipping on all orders $35 and more |
There's nothing quite like a front porch--a place that represents the warmth of home, a simpler pace of life, and a place to welcome others. Settle into a rocking chair, take a deep breath, and spend a few quiet moments with God. The inviting photography and devotions encourage you to slow down and enjoy these God-given gifts from the comfort of your front porch. Devotions from the Front Porch is a beautiful gift with: - 90 devotions centered on the front porch
- Gorgeous photography
- Inviting and uplifting devotions
- Messages to soothe your soul and refresh your spirit
This beautiful book invites you to retreat from the busyness of everyday life and reminds you that God is with you throughout each day. Devotions from the Front Porch is perfect for women looking for rest, community, and peaceful moments in God's presence. |
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What Our Readers Are Saying |
"Really enjoying this devotional; on my porch no less!" — Darla P. |
"Pictures are excellent, artistic with all the plants and nature. Topics are in everyday life and devotional to recognize the love and cares of God the creator. Very encouraging!!!" — Cathy W. |
"Another amazing devotional. Full of beautiful pictures, devotions and Scripture. You will love this book for yourself or as a gift. Enjoy" — Linda J. | More devotions from your favorite places |
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| Devotions from the Garden: Finding Peace and Rest from Your Hurried Life |
Is the garden your happy place? Does gardening give you peace? Devotions from the Garden takes you to that place where dewdrops settle and butterflies gather to witness the miracles of God's creation bloom and grow.
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| Devotions from the Beach: 100 Devotions |
This beautiful book gives you a front-row seat to God's majestic creation. So breathe deeply and open your heart and soul to the One who shaped it all. Devotions from the Beach is the perfect gift for every beach lover, women who appreciate gentle reminders of days at the beach and the call of God's love, and anyone who finds peace standing beside the ocean.
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Don't Look Back Online Bible Study |
This is your year to shake off the past, to stop looking back and longing for what was, and to step boldly into the plans and promises God has for you in 2024! We need to fix our eyes ahead on Jesus – not keep looking back! Will you join us for the FREE Don't Look Back Online Bible Study with Christine Caine? Registration is now open and the study begins January 22nd! |
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this devotion with someone who needs it today |
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