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 – Devotional Week 5

DAY ONE

THE CHARACTERS:  Elizabeth

Read Luke 1:57-66 and take note of how Luke describes Elizabeth.

  • What event begins this section of text?
  • How does the text describe the Lord’s actions in giving her a son?
  • How does Elizabeth respond, emotionally, to John’s arrival?
  • What is the point of conflict which arises between Elizabeth and her neighbours?
  • How do you think she knows that the baby should be named John? (note: the answer is not in the text – it’s just something for you to think about!)

Pray in Adoration / Confession / Supplication

DAY TWO

THE CHARACTERS:  The Neighbours and Relatives

Read Luke 1:57-66 and take note of how Luke describes Elizabeth’s neighbours and relatives.

  • What kind of response do the neighbours and relatives have to this baby’s birth
  • What actions are initiated by the neighbours and relatives?
    • Would your neighbours and relatives assume they could be involved in these same activities in your life?
    • What does the level of involvement by neighbours and relatives in naming and circumcising a child tell you about the differences between their culture and ours?
  • What seems to be the criteria by which people are named, according to this text?

Pray in Adoration / Confession / Supplication

DAY THREE

THE CHARACTERS:  Zechariah

Read Luke 1:57-66 and take note of how Luke describes Zechariah.

  • In 1:62, Luke says that the friends and neighbours “made signs” to him to find out what he would name the child. Why do you think they “made signs” to him, rather than simply asking him the child’s name?
  • Review Luke 1:19-20. When did the angel say that Zechariah would be able to speak again?
  • How many days after John’s birth is today’s text taking place?
    • Do you think Zechariah was wondering why he was not yet able to talk?
  • What event ‘set his tongue free’?
  • What were the first words out of his mouth?

Pray in Adoration / Confession / Supplication

DAY FOUR

For the Lord’s hand was with him

In Luke 1:66, Luke concludes the section with the words, “For the Lord’s hand was with him.” By using this memorable phrase, Luke is likely inviting his readers to reflect on other times this phrase has been used in the biblical story. 

Look up the following texts: Who is being referenced, and what is the result of God being with this individual?

  • Genesis 39:1-6
  • 2 Samuel 5:6-12
  • 2 Chronicles 1:1
  • 2 Chronicles 15:1-16

Joseph, David, Solomon, and Asa were all used by God to preserve his people and to turn his people back to himself.

As you pray today, thank God for the way he has consistently raised up leaders for his people. Which leader(s) are you thankful for today?

DAY FIVE

For the Lord’s hand was with him

Read Luke 1:57-66, and then re-read Luke 1:13-17.

  • “The Lord’s hand was with him.” This phrase alludes to the idea that John the Baptist is following in the footsteps of Joseph, David, Solomon and Asa.
  • What does Luke 1:13-17 tell us about the specific things John the Baptist will do to preserve God’s people and to turn them back to himself?

As you pray today, thank God for the way He faithfully fulfilled all his Old Testament promises, by sending John the Baptist to prepare the way for his son, Jesus.