...But God

Luke 1: 34-38

Creators and Guests

Host
Chad McBeam
Business Leader, Foster Advocate and Fighter of Human Trafficking, Chad enjoys hosting this podcast channel as a way to spread and highlight the great examples of those who live out their faith daily. He can also be seen on occasion on your TV or Film Screen or be heard narrating one of your books as his love of acting has stuck with him since his childhood.
Writer
Aaron Marcarelli
After getting his under-graduate degree from Cal State University San Bernardino where he played college baseball and received all American honors. he was a graduate assistant baseball coach at both Trevecca Nazarene College in Nashville, Tennessee, and at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington.  He received his master’s degree in Teaching from Whitworth, with plans to someday be a head baseball coach at a university.  However, God had other plans.  Aaron started teaching English and History and coaching baseball and other sports at the high school level and found out how much he loves high school kids, and he has been doing that for the past 27 years.     Personally, heI has been married to his wife Sharon for 32 years, they have one daughter, Amanda Parrish, who has been married to Austin Parrish for 2 years. Aaron also has two grandsons Travis age 2 ½ and Aden who is 13 months and are blessed to have another on the way due in May. Aaron loves reading, golfing, and spending time with his wife and grandkids.
LC
Designer
Linda Cowen
Linda Cowen of San Antonio Christian School is our gracious and talented art designer for the But God, weekday morning devotional series.

What is ...But God?

A weekday morning devotional series written by Aaron Marcarelli and hosted by Chad McBeam

“But Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; for that reason also the holy Child will be called the Son of God. And behold, even your relative Elizabeth herself has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called infertile is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, the Lord’s bond-servant; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”
Luke 1:34-38 NASB2020

Mary is humble, honored and willing to do God’s will. She asks a question also but her question is not from a place of doubt, it’s from a place of actual wonderment, of how she was going actually cary this baby who would become The Messiah.
It is her nature and a form of worship for Mary to ask questions and for her to be in amazement about them. Once she knows God’s will she does it as we see in verse 38 “Behold, the Lord’s bond-servant; may it be done to me according to your word.”
Then she sings this magnificent song.
“And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. “For He has had regard for the humble state of His bond-servant; For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed. “For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name. “And His mercy is to generation after generation Toward those who fear Him. “He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their hearts. “He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble. “He has filled the hungry with good things, And sent the rich away empty-handed. “He has given help to His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, Just as He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his descendants forever.”
Luke 1:46-55 NASB2020

We see Mary in awe of God’s amazing gift. After the Shepherds come and worship Jesus she praises God and reflects on his mercies. “But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.”
Luke 2:19
Mary had a lot to be thankful for. God had favored her, God called her to raise His son. But to whom much is given, much is expected. What a responsibility. God knew that Mary was the one who could handle this. Not because of her great leadership or her great family. He chose her not just because of her willingness, or her humility. He chose because He knew she would seek Him first. She would ask God questions and seek and listen for His perfect and pleasing answers. Mary knew she was raising the Messiah, she did not always know what that entailed, but no matter what she was gonna go to God for answers. We see it when Jesus goes missing when He’s 12, then again at the wedding at Kana, then she does not leave Jesus as He is arrested, beaten, crucified and dies. Mary is part of the story of Jesus and she shows us how to be humble, praise God in the midst of great struggles and how to ask questions and have great faith that God will answer those questions as we seek Him first.
Lord, thank you that we have Mary as a great example of a youth who always seeks you first. Thank you that she shows us humility and faith. Help us, like her to always seek you first no matter the cost. For we know you will provide what we need at the exact time we need it! In Jesus Name Amen…
Shalom Blessings and Press In and Press On!