Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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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.
 
Luke relates the story of Zechariah not as a timeless legend, but as a historical event. "Zechariah" means Yahweh remembers.   "Elizabeth" means God is my oath, that is, a worshipper of God. Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. For the offering of incense, two priests had to help the officiating priest who was chosen in this above manner for the office.

Are you sensitive to what God would say to you? It is not your religious qualifications that matter, but your heart's openness to God that counts. I believe this spiritual seeking is an important qualification for those who would follow Jesus as His disciples. What can we do to nurture an attitude of faith, of belief, of spiritual sensitivity and openness? I think it begins with humility, repentance, and prayer. When we see unbelief in ourself, don't excuse it, but seek God's forgiveness.

Fortunately, God does not leave Zechariah mute forever -- though I expect those nine months must have seemed like an eternity.  When the baby is born, God releases something new and wonderful in his spirit.  We are disciples on a journey with Jesus.  As we walk with Jesus, He is refining and nurturing us to be worthy disciples. God can make a wonderful disciple out of any one who surrender to His call. 

PRAYER

Father, forgive us for our incidents of unbelief.   Sometimes we have mistaken our religious belief for genuine faith.  Replace our unbelief with boldness and assurance in God.  In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
The best way to know God’s will is to say, “I will” to God.

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