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Ask

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.

Psalm 77:11-12
Ask Book Cover

In Luke, we find Mary leaning into curiosity as she ponders the story of the shepherds and how they came to find her and Jesus (Luke 2:19). And before that moment, she wondered how she would become pregnant as a virgin, asking the angel, “How will this be?” (Luke 1:34). Farther back in the story we read that she was troubled and discerning when the angel first greeted her and called her “favored one” (Luke 1:29). What we find in Mary is not a silent woman who is stepped all over, but a woman who thinks deeply, considers her situation, and is curious about what God is up to. She is also a woman who moves and acts, knowing that she cannot carry this calling alone. She carries it to her cousin (Luke 1:39).

not alone

Mary runs to share her reality and curiosity with Elizabeth, and Elizabeth rejoices in the magnificent and miraculous words of God. Elizabeth pours blessing out on Mary. She speaks love and truth, and she shares in the work God is doing in her as well, attesting to the reality of what Mary is going through (Luke 1:40–45). Mary is not alone.

Both women carry a physical miracle. As Elizabeth has experienced the shame of barrenness, Mary is subject to the judgment of her virgin birth and eventual pain and humiliation of her son. Elizabeth knows Mary needs her love, support, and a reminder of God’s presence with her. She offers this joyfully. Both women are in awe of God’s wondrous works, and they share in it together.

cultivating wonder

As the women shared in wonder, they cultivated curiosity and gave courage. Many of us have lost our sense of wonder. Throughout the years we were quieted, we were told we asked too many questions, or maybe we were told we should not ask questions. Questions, wonder, and curiosity were the enemies of truth. Yet these things lead to deeper and richer truth. The exploration of our doubts and voicing our questions grows in us space to receive what God may be saying in different ways through a variety of people. After all, God is a creator! His creativity is far beyond our imagination, and we will never out-question God! We are invited to stay curious, listen to God, and connect in community. In community we share, we receive, and we explore what God is doing and saying in each of us. We pay attention to how he is moving through others, remaining open to new ways he is revealing his truth. We stay curious and we see the beauty of his creativity in and through his creation. We don’t want to miss it!

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Daily Question

Who has been your source of community and connection lately? Who points you to Jesus?

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Comments (11)

My source of community is rather limited due to quarantine, but my 9 year old son often points me back to Jesus. He says simple things like “I love you! …..but I love God more.” And it just pops me back into the mindset that loving God is my primary purpose.

Thank you so much for If:Gathering; and now, If:TV. It’s been my source of community lately. I feel so connected when I hear the messages shared at the website. I also enjoy the studies, devotionals, and other resources that are provided. When I’m getting "off course" or need to refocus, it’s usually something that I’ve read from If that gets me "back on track". God’s Word is shared freely and clearly; getting to the heart of matters and always pointing to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Women, young and old, can find inspiration and growth through this community. It’s been a long search, but the fellowship for women that I’ve always wanted has finally been found through If:Gathering. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Pastor Joe. My Facebook family and friends. And my Bible. God speaks to me through His Word. He told me to "be nice". When people irritate me, be nice. And He puts up signs on billboards, be nice. He reminds me when I start to get angry or go into a bad mood, be nice.

It’s my two church groups. I have an IF table group and a group from our kids ministry that both bolster me up. Both are godly groups and both are christ and family centered.

My source of community and connection, is my church and the fellowship I get from the groups that I am in. These ladies with open arms have open up about Christ and makes me thirsty to learn and have a relationship with our Lord

Pastor Joe has been a source of community and connections with his one minute devotionals past and present on Facebook. I’m part of a womens group through my church that we communicate daily through the group me app. I am in the bible daily, I’m worshipping in my car between homes, and at home. I see examples from my husband, in my bible studies, with my clients, that remind me it point me to Jesus.

I try to stay as connected as possible with the ladies in my inner circle who point me to Christ. Im thankful for the 2 ladies who just started this study with me because I thrive off our fellowship and connection.

On this day, my Mother points me to Jesus. It has taken me a long time to realize what she was trying to teach me. I thank her for loving me & never giving up. She was taken to be with the Lord on Saturday morning. How exciting it is that she is with Jesus for her eternal life.

I am so sorry that you have lost your mom. But I am so happy that you can see her with Jesus. It is faith building.
Thank you for sharing this.

I would say that my mom in particular has been pointing me towards Jesus every single day, especially now that we’re all stuck at home. She reminds me to think and stay positive and to keep God in mind in everything I do.

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