Today at Refocused Bible Study we kick off an 11 day  adventure through my son, Sam’s debut book, “Understanding God,” a journey through deep theological questions! It has been my joy and wonder to see what God has planted in his heart as I typed out the words he wrote in his book. Thank you for all the encouragement and love you have shown him by buying his book and/or words you have spoken to him in person!

How to Get The Most From This Book

1. Underline words or phrases that stick out and journal about them

When I journaled through it I underlined phrases that jumped out to me and wrote the thoughts God gave me on the journaling page we included. I encourage you to do the same. I’ll be calling these “Power Phrases” and diving deeper into them here on the blog.

2. Read Solo or Aloud together and Use Questions here on the Blog to Discuss/Journal

Read the chapter solo or with your kids and use the Power Question I pose daily to spark a discussion or journaling prompt. Let their responses lead. Ask questions to keep the thoughts moving and use it as a time to encourage them that God is way above our understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9) but that we should never stop diving deeper into knowing Him – – if we do, we are missing out!

We pray that The Lord will use this book to make you ever more certain of His Greatness and His great LOVE for YOU and YOURS!

Day 1 |Why Mary? |

Mary responded,

“I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”

And then the angel left her.

Luke 1:38 (NLT)

Maybe you have also pondered, “Why Mary?’ What are some reasons you think God chose her?

We can see from the verse in Luke above that Mary was full of faith to believe the angel’s message and her assignment.

Power Phrase 1 : Mary was faithful

Where did her faith come from? Romans 10:17 says, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. (NIV) We have proof in Luke 1:47-55 that Mary knew who God was through the Old Testament. She hadn’t just heard them; she had memorized them in her heart. Overcome with praise, at least 12 Old Testament references streamed from deep within her in a song of worship to her God. Mary wasn’t just ready to believe God’s message, she was enthusiastic to be chosen to carry the long awaited Savior. She was faith-filled.

Are you filling yourself with faith from God’s word so you are ready to follow Him faithfully when he gives you special assignments?

Power Phrase 2: Taught Joseph to be faithful

It takes great faith to keep a promise and move forward against the grain. Joseph did that. He trusted God by trusting what the angel told him. What a reward he received – being Jesus’ earthly father!

Like Joseph, there are promises that you have made or will make that require you to “go against the grain” of popularity or culture and follow God with faith instead. There will be choices to make. In those moments, trust what God is saying through His Word and Holy Spirit over your personal preferences. The rewards will be great just as they were for Joseph!

Power Phrase 3: Especially Loving 

The Word of God kept Mary’s heart soft and loving. She must have had a heart that was kind and interested in blessing God.  “Let love be your highest goal!” 1 Corinthians 14:1

Power Phrase 4: Take a Good Look 

The Lord is always “taking a good look” at us in love and will gently point to areas in our heart where He wants to work His next miracle transformation to make us more Christlike and ready for our next great assignment from Him. Lean in and listen to where He’s wanting to transform you and trust Him to lead the way! “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” Psalm 139:23-24

Power Phrase 5: Only God

Only God will ever know why He chose Mary to be the mother of our Savior, Jesus. He had his reasons. Likewise, only God knows why He has chosen you for the special assignments He has you and your family on in this season. Ephesians 2:10, says “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Only God could have made you the masterpiece that you are. Only God could be continually transforming you to be more like Jesus. Only God could have prepared you in advance for the good work He has for you to do today. Only God could have positioned you right where you are to impact and love the people around you. His reasons for your divine placement and assignment surpass our understanding. Our job is to trust Him and respond in the same manner Mary did, with praise and willingness.

Power Question: What special assignment has God given you to respond faithfully to during this season?