December 22
Scripture of the day: "And Mary said: 'My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; for behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name. And His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him. He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble. He has filled the hungry with good things; and sent away the rich empty-handed. He has given help to Israel His servant, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever.'" Luke 1:46-55
Thought of the day: Mary was a young girl in Galilee ... married to Joseph the carpenter. But her words show great depth of spiritual knowledge and wisdom. She understood God's mercy and mighty deeds ... and His judgment of the proud and of rulers. She knew that He exalts the humble ... as He had done for her. She knew of His mercy toward the hungry ... and of His judgment of the rich. She understood His mercy, provision, and unending relationship to Israel.
Challenge of the day: A young person is capable of a deep and knowledgeable relationship with God. Being young is no excuse for limiting your relationship with God. And if you are older, don't stifle the spiritual growth of those who are young. What about you? Do you spend enough time with God and His Word to be as spiritually knowledgeable and wise as Mary was? Maybe it is time for you to make an early New Year's resolution.
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