Devo Luke 2

Chapter 2
25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and
devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was
upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not
die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the
temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what
the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God,
saying: 29”Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant
in peace.
30For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared in the sight
of all people, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people
Israel.” 33The child’s father and mother marvelled at what was said about him.
34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined
to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be
spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a
sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Meditation:
1. Simeon’s prayer is a prayer of completion. He spent a long life of hopeful
prayer and faithful witness. What he has been praying for all his life is now
present in this infant. He takes the child in his arms and blesses him, and the
parents. Simeon holds the purpose and meaning of his life in his arms. He’s
now ready to die.
2. The prayers of Mary and Simeon are complementary to each other: the
young Mary starting out in submission to God’s word; the old Simeon ending
in submission to God’s word. Mary and Simeon submissively and believingly
spoke the prayer: “according to your word”(1:38, 2:29).
3. Re-read the two prayers by Mary and Simeon (1:38, 2:29). Focus on the
words “according to your word”. Listen to what God is speaking to me. How
could I use this phrase “according to your word” in my response prayer today?

Personal Note:
Simeon and Mary are devout people who had great faith and trust in God.  They witnessed God's salvation and hope.  In my current season of my life, I am preparing to get married.

According to the Word of God, I am called to promise my deepest love to my future wife, my fullest devotion, and my tenderest care.  Eph 5:25-31.  A man is called to to the head of the household, I am called to lead our lives into a life of faith and hope in Christ Jesus through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and God's Word.

Devo Luke 1

Chapter 1
46And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47and my spirit rejoices in God
my Saviour, 48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From
now on all generations will call me blessed, 49for the Mighty One has done great
things for me— holy is his name. 50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation. 51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52He has brought
down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53He has filled the
hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54He has helped his
servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55to Abraham and his descendants
forever, even as he said to our fathers.” 56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about
three months and then returned home.

Meditation:
1. Mary, like Samuel’s mother Hannah, praises and glorifies God through
her prayer-song for God will accomplish what He has planned for the
world through her. Both prayers describe that God lifts up the poor,
comforts the oppressed, and cares for the despised. Mary’s prayer, in fact,
expands our awareness that we are grateful and joyful PARTICIPANTS
in what has been and is yet to come.
2. Prayer is our way of being attentively present to God, who is present
to us (Emmanuel) in the Holy Spirit. Our prayer is always the second
sentence. First God speaks; our response, our answer, is our prayer. From
this prayer, we learn that Mary hears and receives, believes and submits
to the Word that conceives Christ in her.
3. Have I had any experience that I was an active participant in carrying
out God’s plan for me or others? How has this experience impacted me?
4. Am I aware that I am present to God in prayer just as God is ever present
to me? What will this awareness change me in my attitude and actions
in everyday life?

Personal Note:
I experienced that I was an active participant in carrying out God's plan when I humble myself and rejoices in his leading. Pretty much this is what Crossroad is about.  The goal of Crossroad is to be a community where people can experience God's love and learn God's Words.  God's plan is to reveal his love to his people.  Overtime, I developed a sense of purpose and joy, and I pray that the brothers and sisters will experience this joy too.

God is around me everywhere.  Prayer is essential because this disciplines me to be aware of his love and guidance.  I love Vicky and I am very confident that she thinks about me often.  I long to spend time and talk to her and express my love and receive her love.  God is the only source of unconditional and unfailing love. I pray and read His Words as I desire to build a deeper relationship with God.