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Light for Living began as a writing ministry of Pastor Gary Click while pastoring the Calvary Baptist Church in Clinton, IN. His articles were published in the local newspaper, The Daily Clintonian. They were also distributed to email subscribers and several were posted on this website. Shortly after assuming the pastorate of the Fremont Baptist Temple, Fremont, OH, he was approached by Pastor James Lewis and chief operator, Brian Benedict about providing a two thirty-minute Radio Programs for the weekend. (WHVT 90.5 fm) At this point, Pastor Click's writing ministry transformed into a radio ministry. Due to time constrains, the weekly devotional gave way to the radio ministry. However, these devotionals are still available online through the Light for Living Archives. Pastor Click is still active in writing bible studies, dramas and devotional articles for other applications. We hope to make those resources available soon. Click here to learn more about becoming a Christian. Listen to the "Light for Living" broadcast live on whvtfm.com Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00 pm.
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Mary's Song Luke chapter one verses forty-six through fifty-five contains most of what we know about the heart and mind of Mary. She is only mentioned five times in Scripture and this is longest of three instances that we read of her speaking at all. Here we find Mary’s heart filled with joy and praise over the blessing that is being bestowed upon her. Notice first of all that her praise is directed towards God. Often we are tempted to exalt ourselves. We want to take credit for what is truly God’s blessing in our lives. Mary was not so. In verse 48, she acknowledges her "low estate." She was humble rather than boastful. We see in the previous verse that she acknowledged her need for a Savior. Although Mary was a virtuous woman and an excellent example, she too was a sinner in need of a Savior. In the following verses, we find six wonderful attributes that she praises God for. I hope you will take the time to meditate on each of these. We see in verse forty-nine that he is both mighty and holy. The word holy implies that He is unique and set apart. Can you see how she finds herself in perfect agreement with the prophet Jeremiah? He also recognized that He is mighty and holy. "Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might." (Jeremiah 6:10) Mary’s next thought is of his mercy. How wonderful it is that we have a merciful God! He forgives our sins and bestows upon us His richest blessings. Have you ever read Psalm 136? It is a beautiful Psalm. Each verse concludes with the thought, "his mercy endureth forever." She uses the next two verses to tell us of His great strength. I’m so glad that we do not have a weak God. We do not have a God with limitations to His strength. We do not have a God who says, "I wish I could, but I can’t." Instead, Isaiah says, "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save." (Isaiah 59:1) No one ever walks away from God hungry. Mary praises Him because He is a God that brings great satisfaction. She says that He "fills the hungry." (v. 53) One day this child that she was bearing would echo those words with great authority. "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6) As her beautiful song draws to a close, Mary reminds us that He is our help. Two verses come immediately to my mind. Psalms 46:1 says, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Then we look to Hebrews 4:16 and read "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Is He your help today? He should be and He will be. Will you trust Him? Mary praises God for His might, His holiness, His mercy, His strength, His satisfaction and His help. Should we not praise for these same six wonderful attributes? Yourare the
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Send an email to Pastor Click. Thanks for stopping by.
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