DRAWING ON THE GRACE OF GOD — NOW

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We . . . plead with you not to receive
the grace of God in vain
—2 Corinthians 6:1

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The grace we had yesterday will not be sufficient for today. Grace is the overflowing favor of God, and you can always count on it being available to draw upon as needed. ". . . in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses"—that is where our patience is tested (2 Corinthians 6:4). Are you failing to rely on the grace of God there? Are you saying to yourself, "Oh well, I won’t count this time"? It is not a question of praying and asking God to help you—it is taking the grace of God now. We tend to make prayer the preparation for our service, yet it is never that in the Bible. Prayer is the practice of drawing on the grace of God. Don’t say, "I will endure this until I can get away and pray." Pray now—draw on the grace of God in your moment of need. Prayer is the most normal and useful thing; it is not simply a reflex action of your devotion to God. We are very slow to learn to draw on God’s grace through prayer.

". . . in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors . . ." (2 Corinthians 6:5)—in all these things, display in your life a drawing on the grace of God, which will show evidence to yourself and to others that you are a miracle of His. Draw on His grace now, not later. The primary word in the spiritual vocabulary is now. Let circumstances take you where they will, but keep drawing on the grace of God in whatever condition you may find yourself. One of the greatest proofs that you are drawing on the grace of God is that you can be totally humiliated before others without displaying even the slightest trace of anything but His grace.

". . . having nothing . . .." Never hold anything in reserve. Pour yourself out, giving the best that you have, and always be poor. Never be diplomatic and careful with the treasure God gives you. ". . . and yet possessing all things"—this is poverty triumphant (2 Corinthians 6:10).

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

THE BIRTH OF JESUS FORETOLD

A SAVIOR IS BORN! Glory to God, Peace to Man - The Child to Be Born Will Be Called Holy – The Son of God – From Little Bethlehem Will Come a Ruler in Israel- The Word Was Made Flesh

MATTHEW 1: 18-25 KJV

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

The name JESUS comes from the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Joshua" and means "The Lord is Salvation."

Faithful Mother: Obedient Disciple (Mary), WOMEN. There is a wonder surrounding Mary, the mother of Jesus, that transcends traditional religious thought. That she was a privileged vessel, chosen to bear God’s Son, is wonder enough, for she is a participant in the miracle of the Incarnation at a level no other human being can comprehend. 

It is clear that she did not claim to understand it herself, but simply worshiped God in humble acknowledgment of the phenomenon engulfing her existence: "My soul doth magnify the Lord," she exclaims. We can hardly fathom the bewildering moments she experienced 1) when Simeon prophesied future mental/emotional suffering (Luke 2:35); 2)when she and Joseph spoke with Jesus after they thought He was lost in Jerusalem (Luke 2:49,50); 3)when Jesus gently rebuffed her at the wedding in Cana (John 2:4); 4)when Jesus seemed to reject her and His brother’s efforts at helping Him, though they clearly misunderstood Him at that time (Matt. 12:46-50). These instances prompt our learning the wisdom of persistence and obedience in following God’s basic directive on our lives even when the details of the outworking of His will are unclear or mystifying.

Mary is also a study in the pathway forward in God’s will. She might have sought elevation in position among those who saw Jesus for who He was – Messiah-but instead 1) she remained steadfast with Him all the way to the Cross rather than protect herself (John 19:25); and 2) she obediently joined other of Jesus’ disciples in the Upper Room, waiting as He commanded for the coming of the Holy spirit (Acts 1:14).

Mary is a model of responsive obedience, one who lived out her own directive to the servants at Cana-timeless advice for all ages: "Whatsoever he [Jesus] saith unto you, do it" (John 2:5).

In Christ,

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

THIS IS HIS DAY

This is the day the LORD has made.We will rejoice and be glad in it.

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PSALM 118:24 NLT

G

od gives us this day; He fills it to the brim with possibilities, and He challenges us to use it for His purposes.  The 118^th Psalm reminds us that today, like every other day, is a cause for celebration. The day is presented to us fresh and clean at midnight, free of charge, but we must beware: Today is a non-renewable resource-once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. Our responsibility, of course, is to use this day in the service of God’s will and according to His commandments.

Today, treasure the time that God has given you. Give Him the glory and the praise and the thanksgiving that He deserves. And search for the hidden possibilities that God has placed along your path. This day is a priceless gift from God, so use it joyfully and encourage others to do likewise. After all, this is the day the Lord has made….

In Christ,

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

ASKING FOR DIRECTION

If you need wisdom-if you want to know whatGod wants you to do – ask him, and he will gladly tell you.He will not resent your asking.

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James 1:5 NLT

Genuine, heartfelt prayer produces powerful changes in us and in our world. When we lift our hearts to God, we open ourselves to a never-ending source of divine wisdom and infinite love. Jesus made it clear to His disciples: they should petition God to meet their needs. So should we.

Do you have questions about your future that you simply can’t answer? Do you have needs that you simply can’t meet by yourself? Do you sincerely seek to know God’s unfolding plans for your life? If you, ask Him for directions, for protection, and for strength-and then keep asking Him every day that you live. Whatever your need, no matter how great or small, pray about it and have faith. God is not just near; He is here, and He’s perfectly capable of answering your prayers. Now, it’s up to you to ask.

In Christ,

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

PRAYER CHANGES THINGS AND YOU

And everything – whatever you ask in prayer,
Believe – you will receive.

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MATTHEW 21:22 HCSB

I

s prayer an integral part of your daily life, or is it a hit-or-miss habit? "Do you pray without ceasing," or is your prayer life an afterthought? Do you regularly pray in the solitude of the early morning darkness, or do you lower your head only when others are watching?  The answer to these questions will determine the direction of your day-and your life.

So, here’s your challenge: during the next 100 days; make yourself a prayer warrior. Begin your prayers early in the morning and continue them throughout the day. And remember this: God does answer your prayers, but He’s not likely to answer those prayers until you’ve prayed them.

In Christ,

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

HIS PROMISES

Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going.He always keeps his word.

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HEBREWS 10:23 MSG

T

he Christian faith is founded upon promises that are contained in a unique book. That book is the Holy Bible. The Bible is a roadmap for life here on earth and for life eternal. As Christians, we are called upon to study its meaning, to trust its promises, to follow its commandments, and to share its Good News. God’s Holy Word is, indeed, a transforming, life-changing, one-of-a-kind treasure. And, a passing acquaintance with the Good Book is insufficient for Christians who seek to obey God’s Word and understand His will.

God has made promises to you, and He intends to keep them. So take God at His word: trust His promises and share them with your family, with your friends and with the world.

In Christ,

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

JESUS IS THE LORD OF THE SABBATH

CONTROVERSY OVER SABBATH-LABOUR

Matthew 12: 1-8

English Standard Version (ESV)

12 At that time Jesus went through the grain fields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.” 

3 He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? 5 Or have you not read in the Law how on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? 

6 I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. 7 And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

12:1 The growing opposition to the ministry of Jesus by the religious leaders finds its fullest expression in the observance of the Sabbath, the most sacred institution among the Jews. 

12:3 Jesus supports His disciples’ action by His appeal to David’s example (1 Sam. 21:1-6), verifying that normal Sabbath regulations may need to yield to human need.  

12:4,5 Human need takes precedence over a strict interpretation of the Law, which misses its broadest intent.

12:6-8 In claiming to be greater than the temple and Lord even of the Sabbath, Jesus was claiming deity. Since He gave the Sabbath, He can do with it what He wills. 

In Christ,

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

MAKING PEACE WITH OUR PAST

The Lord says, “Forget what happened before, and do not think about the past.  Look at the new thing I am going to do. It is already happening. Don’t you see it? I will make a road in the desert and rivers in the dry land.

            ISAIAH 43:18-19 (NCV)

Because you are human, you may be slow to forget yesterday’s disappointments. But, if you sincerely seek to focus your hopes and energies on the future, then you must find ways to accept the past, no matter how difficult it may be to do so.

Have you made peace with your past? If so, congratulations. But, if you are mired in the quicksand of regret, it’s time to plan your escape. How can you do so? By accepting what has been and by trusting God for what will be.

So, if you have not yet made peace with the past, today is the day to declare an end to all hostilities.

In Christ,

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

THE LESSONS OF TOUGH TIMES

 

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and

heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of

the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave

me a firm place to stand.  He put a new song in my

mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.

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PSALM 40:1-3 NIV

Life can be difficult at times. And everybody makes mistakes. Our job is to make them only once.

Have you experienced a recent setback? If so, look for the lesson that God is trying to teach you. Instead of complaining about life’s sad state of affairs, learn what needs to be learned, change what needs to be changed, and move on.

We ought to view failure as an opportunity to reassess God’s will for our life. View life’s inevitable disappointments as opportunities to learn more about ourselves and our world.

In Christ,

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

UNDER SURVEILLANCE

Can anyone hide himself in secret places,
so I shall not see him?" says the Lord.

 —Jeremiah 23:24

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Imagine that you're visiting a foreign country when you realize that you're being followed. Your every move is watched. Your every conversation is monitored. Your hotel room is bugged and the restaurant tables are electronically rigged to pick up every word you speak. It's as if at all times someone wants to know what you are doing, saying, thinking, and planning. You are constantly under the scrutiny of another, and it seems there is no place to hide.

Fortunately, most of us don't know what it's like to live under that kind of surveillance. Yet in reality, we do live every moment of every day under the watchful eyes of the Lord. He sees everything we do; He hears everything we say; He knows every thought we think.

For those who love and trust the Lord, this is an awesome yet comforting truth. But for those who are determined to resist Him, it's a different story. Amos told Israel that God was pleading with them to turn from their sins (5:4-15), and he warned them that there would be no hiding place for those who refused to repent (9:1-6).

Father, have mercy on us when we are rebellious. We lift our heart to You in behalf of all who think they can somehow elude Your constant surveillance and final judgment.

They shall not stand the judgment test
Who live for self today,
For God sees all and He will judge
The evildoer's way! —Bosch

Live today as you will wish you had lived when you stand before God.

 

In Christ,
Playwright Janet Irene Thomas
Founder/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of
Fine & Performing Arts
www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

THE DAUGHTERS OF ZELOPHEHAD

A GODLY QUEST FOR EQUAL RIGHTS

Numbers 27:1
King James Version (KJV)

27 Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and these are the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.

Zelophehad, of the tribe of Manasseh, had five daughters, and no sons. Their names were: Mahlah, meaning "Sickness or Disease"; Noah, meaning "Rest or Comfort"; Hoglah, meaning "Partridge or Boxer"; Milcah, meaning "Queen or Counsel"; and Tirzah, meaning "Pleasantness,"

If we accept these women’s names as pictures of their abilities, natures, or the adversities they had overcome, we see all the qualities necessary for the tenacity, tact, courage, wisdom, and grace they needed to request – and receive – an inheritance for themselves.

Their presentation of their case to Moses and the leaders of Israel (v.2), when the land was being divided to the tribes, is the Bible’s first instance of an appeal for equal rights for women The power of their example is in their wisdom of trusting God to see that they were not denied.

All five daughters manifest a balance between a spirit of confrontation and a spirit of cooperation. The former is illustrated by their attack on injustice and the latter by their compliance with the elder’s decision (36:2-12) that they should marry within their trib. God defended them (v.7) when they allowed Him to be their Deliverer/Provider.

They reveal a contemporary pathway to overcoming inequality while sustain a godly spirit.

In Christ,

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas
Founder/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of 
Fine & Performing Arts
www.biblestoriestheatre.org
info@biblestoriestheatre.org

SHOUTING THE GOOD NEWS

                                   As you go, preach this message:                                    "The Kingdom of heaven is near."

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MATTHEW 10:7 NIV

The Good News of Jesus Christ should be shouted from the rooftops by believers the world over. But all too often, it is not. For a variety of reasons, many Christians keep their beliefs to themselves, and when they do, the world suffers because of their failure to speak up.

As believers, we are called to share the transforming message of Jesus with our families, with our neighbors, and with the world. Jesus commands us to become fishers of men. And, the time to go fishing is now. We must share the Good News of Jesus Christ today – tomorrow may indeed be too late.

In Christ,

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

TAKING IT BY FORCE

CONFLICT AND THE KINGDOM

Jesus asserts the "violence" of the kingdom. The unique grammatical construction of the text does not make clear if the kingdom of God is the victim of violence or it as the kingdom advances in victory, it does so through violent spiritual conflict and warfare. 

But the context does, Jesus' references to the nonreligious style of John and the confrontive, miraculous ministry of Elijah teach that the kingdom of God makes its penetration by a kind of violent entry opposing the human status quo. It transcends the "softness" (v.8) of staid religious formalism and exceeds the pretension of child’s play (vv. 16, 17). It refuses to "dance to the music" of society’s expectation that the religious community provide either entertainment ("We played the flute") or dead traditionalism ("We mourned").

Jesus defines the "violence" of His kingdom’s expansion by defining the "sword" and "fire" He has brought as different from the battle techniques of political or military warfare (compare Matt. 10:34-39 and Luke 12:49-53 with John 18:36). 

The upheaval caused by kingdom of God is not caused by political provocation or armed advance. It is the result of God’s order shaking relationships, households, cities, and nations by the entry of the Holy Spirit’s power working in people. (See also Luke 16:16)

In Christ,

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

TOO BUSY?

Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run;Hurry and scurry puts you further behind.-PROVERBS 21:5 MSG

Has the hectic pace of life robbed you of the peace that might otherwise be yours through Jesus Christ? Are you one of those people who is simply too busy for your own good? If so, you’re doing a disservice to yourself and your family.

Through His Son Jesus, God offers you a peace that passes human understanding, but He won’t force His peace upon you; in order to experience it, you must slow down long enough to sense His presence and His love.

Today, as a gift to yourself, to your family, and to the world, be still and claim the inner peace that that is your spiritual birthright – the peace of Jesus Christ. It is offered freely; it has been paid for in full; it is yours for the asking.

So ask. And then share.

In Christ,

 Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

CONTAGIOUS FAITH

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.

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COLOSSIANS 3:23 NIV

Are you genuinely excited about your faith? And do you make your enthusiasm known to those around you? Or are you a "silent ambassador" for Christ? God’s preference is clear: He intends that we stand before others and proclaim our faith.

Genuine, heartfelt Christianity is contagious. If we enjoy a life-altering relationship with God, that relationship will have an impact on others – perhaps a profound impact.

Does Christ reign over your life?  Then share your testimony and your excitement. The world needs both.

In Christ,

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

A SERIES OF CHOICES

The thing you should want most is God’s kingdom

and doing what God wants.

Then all these other things you need will be given to you.

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MATTHEW 6:33 NCV

O

ur lives are a series of choices. From the instant we wake up in the morning until the moment we nod off to sleep at night, we make countless decisions – decisions about the things we do, decisions about the words we speak, and decisions about the way that we choose to direct our thoughts.

As a believer who has been transformed by the love of Jesus, we have every reason to make wise choices. But sometimes, when the daily grind threatens to grind us up and spit us out, we may make choices that are displeasing to God. When we do, we’ll pay a price because we’ll forfeit the happiness and the peace that might otherwise have been ours.

So, as we pause to consider the kind of Christian we are – and the kind of Christian we want to become – we should ask ourselves whether we’re sitting on the fence or standing in the light. 

The choice is ours…and so are the consequences. 

In Christ,

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

YOU ARE PRECIOUS TO ME

Self-esteem – built on God’s esteem!

A

 re you able to look in the mirror today and say, "Thank You Lord, You did a good job?"  If you can’t you’ll settle for anyone who can give you what you’re incapable of giving yourself – a sense of worth! 

Listen, we can not become arrogant, but we do have to find a healthy balance somewhere between martyrdom and narcissism.  Until we do everybody else’s needs and opinions will be more important than ours.  We must not allow this; when that happens we end up annoyed, living without things we don’t have enough self-esteem to ask for because we don’t think we deserve them.

LOW SELF-ESTEEM is everywhere.  There is not a place that we don’t see evidence in this. If we don’t believe in ourselves and respect our own opinions we’ll finish up living to please everyone else.  One wrong look or one critical word from them and we’ll say, "I’ll never do that, say that, or wear that again."  Talk about feeling worthless and insecure!  Thank God we don’t have to live that way.  Peter writes, "The God of all grace… [will], make you perfect, establish, strengthen, [and] settle you” (1Peter 5:10).  

God wants to give us a sense of self-esteem – built on His esteem. 

Will we let Him?  Once others have heard us sing confidently they’ll want to hum along.  We just have to make sure they’re in harmony when they do.  WE train others to treat us by how we treat ourselves.  

The buyer will pay no more than the seller demands.  So today we go to God and, we ask Him to tell us who we are, and what we’re worth.  He will say, "You are precious to me.  You are honored, and I love you."  That’s God’s opinion – make it yours!

In Christ,

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas
Founder/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of
Fine & Performing Arts
www.biblestoriestheatre.org
info@biblestoriestheatre.org