Luke 1:45-56 NIV

If you are not familiar with the backstory to the birth of Jesus, I encourage you to read all of Luke 1 that is about the miracle of His conception. Today’s highlighted scripture is often referred to as the “Magnificat” which is Mary’s proclamation which reflects Mary’s humbleness, God’s favor, and God’s uplifting of the lowly. 

The story is highlighted in the third verse of Same God by Elevation Worship:

“I’m calling on the God of Mary. Whose favor rests upon the lowly. I know with You all things are possible.”

Are you in a seemingly impossible situation? Call on God, lay your troubles at His feet, step back and wait. Allow Him to work in ways only He can and give Him the praise and glory for His favor.

As you celebrate Thanksgiving today, reflect on the goodness of God. Think about your ancestors who worshiped the same God you have the privilege to worship now. Your heritage goes back as far as Jacob, Moses, and Mary.

Let’s pray the chorus of the song: “O God, my God, I need You. O God, my God, I need You now. How I need You now. O Rock, O Rock of Ages, I’m standing on Your faithfulness.” In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

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Exodus 14:19-31 NIV

If you are not familiar with the story of Moses parting the Red Sea, I encourage you to read the chapters of Exodus leading up to Exodus 14. The short story is Moses was leading God’s chosen people, the Israelites, to freedom from slavery. They had been enslaved to the Egyptians. 

The story is highlighted in the second verse of Same God by Elevation Worship:

“I’m calling on the God of Moses. The One who opened up the ocean. I need You now to do the same thing for me.”

Who or what enslaves you? Are you calling on God to lead you to freedom from something? Do you realize you worship and pray to the same God that Moses called on to open the sea? Do you need God to do the same thing now for you?

Let’s pray the chorus of the song: “O God, my God, I need You. O God, my God, I need You now. How I need You now. O Rock, O Rock of Ages, I’m standing on Your faithfulness.” In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

@youversion

Genesis 28:10-22 NIV

This week let’s examine the lyrics of Same God by Elevation Worship. Each day we will reflect on a verse of the song and we will use the chorus as a prayer. As we approach Thanksgiving, take time to reflect and realize that you are worshiping the same God your ancestors worshiped. Recognize and be thankful for the promises of God that unite us all.

The words of the first verse focus on Jacob: 

“I’m calling on the God of Jacob, whose love endures through generations. I know that You will keep Your covenant.” 

Spend some time reflecting on your life. Jot down some times you have seen God’s love endure through generations. When have you seen God keep His covenant?

Let’s pray the chorus of the song: “O God, my God, I need You. O God, my God, I need You now. How I need You now. O Rock, O Rock of Ages, I’m standing on Your faithfulness.” In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

@youversion

Take some time to read through the scriptures that will be featured in this week’s blog post.

Genesis 28:10-22 NIV Jacob’s dream at Bethel

Exodus 14:19-31 NIV Moses parting the Red Sea

Luke 1:45-56 NIV Mary’s song

1 Samuel 17 NIV David and Goliath

Worship with us by listening to Same God by Elevation Worship. 

Let’s finish this week spent on reflection by reading a devotion from Our Daily Bread titled Reflecting the Light of the Son. As you read, allow God to shape your thoughts, words, and actions so that you too will be reflecting the light of the Son.

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, may I be a “joyful light of hope and peace”. May I “look more and more like Jesus every day.” In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@ourdailybread 

Colossians 3:10 ESV — Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

How can we become more like the image of God? Read Colossians 3:12-17 ESV for guidance on ways to grow more in His image. 

One way to begin is to practice gratitude. As we have shared before, Julie and I each have a gratitude journal that we record daily gratitudes. This habit has proven to be a game changer in my attitude and focus. Focusing on the blessings in each day helps create a spirit of thankfulness. Take a moment now to look around and thank God for the blessings around you. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for all the blessings of today. Create in me a spirit of gratitude and thankfulness and as a result may I reflect You in my words and actions. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

@youversion