Refreshing Our Spirits With Scripture

Luke 1. And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;       for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77  to give his people the knowledge of salvation       through the forgiveness of their sins, 78  because of the tender mercy of our God,      by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79  to shine on those living in darkness      and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” 80  And the child grew and became strong in spirit [ d ] ; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.

Luke 1. 67  His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: 68  “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,      because he has come to his people and redeemed them. 69  He has raised up a horn [ c ] of salvation for us      in the house of his servant David 70  (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), 71  salvation from our enemies      and from the hand of all who hate us— 72  to show mercy to our ancestors      and to remember his holy covenant, 73       the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74  to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,      and to enable us to serve him without fear 75       in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

Luke 1. 62  Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63  He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64  Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God . 65  All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66  Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.

Luke 1. 57  When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58  Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.

We like leaders who are both gentle and strong. Strength was needed in 1836 for the officers and soldiers of General Sam Houston.  He wanted his officers to vote whether to fight or retreat.  They voted to step up and fight for their freedom even though they were outnumbered, 1200 to 900.  According to the San Jacinto  Museum of History web site: On April 21st, 1836 "Around 4:30 p.m., the Mexican soldiers awoke from their afternoon siestas to the smell of gunpowder and cries of vengeance. Flushed with victory from the siege of the Alamo, Santa Anna had failed to post sentries to monitor the Texians’ activities. Eighteen minutes was all it took for the Texians to take control of the Mexican camp. Over 600 Mexican soldiers were killed while more than 700 were allowed to surrender . Only nine Texians were killed or mortally wounded. Sam Houston had two horses shot out from under him and was himself shot in the ankle. Santa Anna was found the next day hiding in the

Luke 1. 46  And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47       and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48  for he has been mindful      of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49       for the Mighty One has done great things for me—      holy is his name. 50  His mercy extends to those who fear him,      from generation to generation. 51  He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;      he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52  He has brought down rulers from their thrones      but has lifted up the humble. 53  He has filled the hungry with good things      but has sent the rich away empty. 54  He has helped his servant Israel,      remembering to be merciful 55  to Abraham and his descendants forever,      just as he promised our ancestors.” 56  Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Luke 1. 45  Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

It's April, but May is coming. April has been a month with some hard times for America.  Waco.  Oklahoma City. Columbine. Boston. But May comes. Now each day has some positive things that overcome the negative. But the month of May contains a special holiday. One million men and women have given their lives that we can have freedom in America.   Many severely wounded say, "I would do it again in a minute for my country.  Many recover to go back into war to support their fellow soldiers and the idea called "America". So May is coming. It's April, but May is coming. Sacrifices are not only made over and over for our country, but also. Spouses. Children. Parents. Grandchildren. There are principles:  Freedom of the press.  Freedom of religion.  Free markets.  There is a pattern of voluntary generosity of Americans that we desire to help rebuild Germany, Japan and other nations after war.  We don't want their things.  We want them to b

Luke 1. 44  As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.