1 Samuel 17 NIV

Most of us are very familiar with the story of David and Goliath. In this story, God filled David with the courage and strength to defeat the giant, Goliath. 

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

“I’m calling on the God of David, who made a shepherd boy courageous. I may not face Goliath but I’ve got my own giants.” 

What giants are you facing today? Are you calling on God to help you be courageous? Do you realize you are calling on the same God David called on to face Goliath?

If you have read the entire story of David’s life, you know that David went on to be an adulterous murderer, but God used him to be a great leader of His people. In Acts 13:22 NIV God even called David a “man after my own heart.” Through the life of David, God shows us that no matter our faults and sins, when we confess our sins, repent, and surrender to Him, He can use each of us for His good.

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.

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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. 

Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.

Weekly Reflection From Ju Ju!

Ebb is the recurrent or rhythmical pattern of coming and going. This past week my father-in-law passed away. Our coming and going came to a forced pause. Instead of our ebb being focused on the busyness of life, we have spent time with family and reminisced over the years. We have mourned while celebrating life. God always gives us what we need. My writing this week has been a great reminder to find rest, look for joy, to give myself and others grace.
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Weekly Reflection From Debs!

Among the business at home and work, this week’s blog posts have helped me to stay focused on Christ instead of the circumstances around me. I especially appreciated Tuesday’s post that encouraged us to choose one word from the featured scripture to focus on. I was reminded that years ago, our daily post were just that — choosing a word from a particular scripture and then elaborating on that word. We have certainly come a long way from that practice and have become even more intentional about our writing, but focusing on a word from scripture each day is a wonderful way to stay focused on Christ.

My biggest takeaway this week was the reminder on Friday to give ourselves grace. Oftentimes we are quicker to extend grace to others than we are to ourselves. By allowing ourselves grace, we are more able to be present in the moment instead of concentrating on all the “would haves” and “should haves.” During the upcoming holiday season, let’s not place unnecessary expectations on ourselves. Instead, let’s be present in each day, each activity, and each moment. 

Now, let’s go walk on water!