Truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel. Jeremiah 3:23
 
Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in 
God my Savior." Luke 1:46-47
 
Mary was a young teenager, pregnant, unmarried, and maybe even an embarrassment to her family. And yet, her belief in what God had planned for her made her rejoice and be glad. What faith she had! There was no question in her mind that God was her salvation. Therefore, she would only serve God.
 
If only we could each day have such faith and hope in the Lord our God. There are times when we get distracted from focusing of God by accumulating wealth, looking for praise from those around us, or even seeking personal accomplishment. What the world recognizes as gain is not viewed through the same lens as the one God uses. God gives the more important gifts in abundance, but he wants us to recognize that blessings come from him. Also, he asks us to come to him in repentance.  
 
The greatest blessing is that God is our salvation and is waiting always for each of us to ask forgiveness and to return to him. When we humbly praise and serve God he grants the peace that passes all understanding.
 
Dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,
Our spirits rejoice in you, O Lord, the provider of all that we need. Even in the darkest times in our lives, you know our deepest sorrows and our sins. You ask that we repent and turn to you. Give us the knowledge to know you and to turn from that which is not in your plan for each of us. Help us to love and serve only you. Amen. 
 
Florence Smallfield
 
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Teaching Mission Party