Posts Tagged: god lifts the lowly

Advent Devotional: Third Week of Advent: Monday, December 17

  Leaps of faith Do not fear, for I am with you … — Isaiah 41:10 He has shown strength with his arm … — Luke 1:51 The climb up the tree wasn’t hard; it was the climb down that had me fearful. My brother stood with his arms outstretched, telling me to jump. I… Read more »

Advent Devotional: Third Sunday of Advent, December 16

  He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. — Luke 1:51–53 When love takes over When… Read more »

Advent Devotional: Second Week of Advent: Saturday, December 15

  Front row saints Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. — Matthew 5:5 I was once senior pastor of a church that had a longstanding Bible study for special-needs adults. Its faithful teacher, Helen, was nicknamed “Sunshine” by its members, a recognition of her radiant compassion. During worship, the class sat… Read more »

Advent Devotional: Second Week of Advent: Friday, December 14

  Passion play … the mystery … hidden throughout the ages and generations … has now been revealed to his saints. — Colossians 1:26 … from generation to generation. — Luke 1:50 Mary had a prophetic premonition that her role in God’s passion play would reverberate for generations. As we celebrate seasons like Advent, we… Read more »

Advent Devotional: Second Week of Advent: Thursday, December 13

  Reverence, not fear … let all the ends of the earth revere him. — Psalm 67:7 His mercy is for those who fear him … — Luke 1:50 The Hebrew word yare’ and the Greek word phobeo are consistently translated as “to fear.” A more nuanced rendering would be “to revere.” As we celebrate… Read more »

Advent Devotional: Second Week of Advent: Wednesday, December 12

  Holiness surrounds us Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth. — Psalm 108:5 … and holy is his name. — Luke 1:49 Mary’s song has so many powerful levels of meaning, but it is ultimately an act of worship, ascribing glory to the Holy One… Read more »

Advent Devotional: Second Week of Advent: Tuesday, December 11

  God’s mighty presence I will meditate on all your work, and muse on your mighty deeds. — Psalm 77:12 … for the Mighty One has done great things for me … — Luke 1:49 Mary recognizes that her new status as the mother of God is not based on her own righteousness. It is… Read more »

Advent Devotional: Second Week of Advent: Monday, December 10

  The lavish love of God … who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing … — Ephesians 1:3 Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed … — Luke 1:48 In her Song of Praise, Mary recognized — and treasured — her blessedness. Do you also treasure the blessings God… Read more »

Advent Devotional: Second Sunday of Advent, December 9

  Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. — Luke 1:48–50 Guardian of peace The angel sent a message of joy from God of Heaven… Read more »

Advent Devotional: First Week of Advent, Saturday, December 8

  A lesson in humility … clothe yourselves with humility … —1 Peter 5:5 On a trip to Mexico, I joined a local pastor, his wife and their four children for lunch. Their home was little more than a shanty; no water or electricity, situated along the Colorado River canal, its water highly polluted from… Read more »