“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” Luke
1:46-55
This morning, my focus is DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, where John Piper seeks for believers to prepare our hearts for Christmas. Today's Solid Joys daily devotion marks day 2 of Advent where John Piper seeks for us to focus on Mary (Luke 1:48) and Elizabeth's (Luke 1:43) "lowliness and cheerful humility...as they submit to their magnificent God." Piper remarks how Mary "sees" the significance of what God is doing in her life in this moment as she prepares to be the mother of Jesus. These verses (Luke 1:46-55) are also known as The Magnificat - the song of praise Mary sings in this moment - she just cannot fathom how such a great God can do something so extraordinary in her, as she sees herself as unworthy of such a blessing. It is this humility that drives Mary to praise God. Both Mary and Elizabeth demonstrate something all believers should do in response to seeing the glory of God in their lives - out of the overwhelming feeling of humility how God uses ordinary people such as ourselves - we are to respond with worship and praise of the One True God - Jesus Christ.
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of compassion and grace that You would reach down from Heaven and save me! Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such a blessing. My sin is great and it continues. Help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
