We know that Northview people love to be in God’s Word and often ask for direction on different devotional apps and reading plans.

While there are several good options available through various sources, we’d like to encourage you to join in our Northview Devotional Plan which will guide you to read and reflect on the passages preached in our weekend sermons!

We hope this will unite our congregation around the study of God’s Word, and help us to more readily absorb and apply the great teaching provided by our preaching pastors.

Each week we’ll be providing a suggested schedule for working through a passage slowly (15 minutes a day). You’ll need a Bible and a notebook or blank paper to record your observations.

Each day we include a reminder to pray. If you are new to the Adoration / Confession / Supplication method, here are some questions to help guide you as you pray:

  • Adoration: What can you praise God for today?
  • Confession: What thoughts / attitudes / actions might you need to confess to God today?
  • Supplication: What will you ask God for today?

Click here to print this week’s devotional: Printable Version – Luke Devotional Week 4

DAY ONE

THE SETTING 

Read Luke 1:39-56 and look for words that indicate the setting of the story.

  • When did this scene take place? (Verse 39 begins with “at that time”, so we need to remember what “time” it is. See Luke 1:26 for help.)
  • What is the mood or atmosphere of the scene?
  • How long did Mary stay with Elizabeth?

Pray in Adoration / Confession / Supplication

DAY TWO

THE CHARACTERS: MARY AND ELIZABETH

Read Luke 1:39-56 and take note of how Luke describes Mary and Elizabeth and their actions.

  • If you want to refresh your memory about who these women are, check back to Luke 1:5-7 and 26-27.
  • Elizabeth:
    • What happens when she hears Mary’s greeting?
    • How is she described in this passage?
    • How does she describe Mary, and what does she call her?
    • What do her responses tell you about how she views God?
  • Mary:
    • What does the opening of Mary’s song (1:46-50) tell you about how she views
      herself and her situation.

As you pray today, reflect on the example of these women and how they viewed themselves with humility and praised God for His Mighty works. How can you pray in adoration/confession/supplication in light of this text?

DAY THREE

THE CHARACTERS: GOD

Read Luke 1:46-55 and note all names and descriptions of God.

  • What are the names/titles Mary uses for God and what do these convey about Him?
  • List the things that Mary says God has done.
  • How does this song expand your view of God?

As you pray today, reflect on all that Mary’s song reveals about God. What can you praise/confess/ask Him for in light of these things?

DAY FOUR

THE OLD TESTAMENT PSALMS

Read Luke 1:46-55. Mary’s song is steeped in Old Testament references and theology.

Look up the following verses and note how they connect to Mary’s song:

  • Read Luke 1:49 in conjunction with Psalm 111:1-10.
    • How does the Psalmist describe the great things God has done? Why does he call God holy?
  • Read Luke 1:50 in conjunction with Psalm 103:13-18
    • Why is God merciful to those who fear him?
  • Read Luke 1:47-48 and 54-55 in conjunction with Genesis 12:1-3 (note: the Israelites were descendants of Abraham) and Psalm 98:1-3.
    • How is God’s salvation connected to remembering Israel? How are the other nations involved?

As you pray today, reflect on how God remains faithful through all generations and never changes.

DAY FIVE

THE UNEXPECTED

Read Luke 1:39-56, note especially verses 52 and 53.

  •  In her song, Mary highlights the fact that God works in unexpected ways. What contrasts does she specifically mention in 1:52-53?
  • Why might it be important for Mary to remind herself of how God works in unexpected ways?
  • How does Mary’s song encourage you or challenge your worldview?

Pray in Adoration / Confession / Supplication