Monday, November 30, 2015

The Vineyard- November 29, 2015


I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Luke 1:26-38
Pray for God to speak to you through the reading of His word. 
Read the passage. 
-          Who, Me?
o   Mary wonders why the angel Gabriel would address her by saying “the Lord is with you.” 
o   Mary was not whom most people would choose to be an instrument of God’s grace, a single woman, likely poor, from out in the country. 
o   God’s choice of Mary is evidence of his penchant for using people not because they are likely candidates or perfect people, but faithful ones. 
o   What about your own life might cause you to be surprised at God’s use of you in his plans?
-          Yes, Me!
o   Once Mary understands her chosen role, and the grace that God has shown her in inviting her into his plan, she enthusiastically proclaims herself to be God’s servant, or slave. 
o   Do you see being used by God has a form of God’s grace?
o   When you realize that God can use you, that he wants to use you, what is your response?
o   Do you give yourself over to God’s calling as enthusiastically as Mary did?
-          Who, Us?
o   Sometimes we read the Bible as if the people in it lived in a special time.  While they did witness many things we would love to see for ourselves, God expects as much of us as he did of them. 
o   Mary made great sacrifices, daily sacrifices, to fulfill God’s plan.  What sacrifices do you make to fulfill God’s plan? 
Praise God for allowing us, even us, to take part in his divine plan. 
Pray for the ability to enthusiastically embrace God’s calling in your life. 
Pray for discernment to discover God’s calling in your life. 



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