Category: Mindful Bible Reads

Exodus 15:1–18 is a triumphant poetic song sung by Moses and the Israelite’s celebrating God’s miraculous victory over the Egyptians at the Red Sea.

“I will sing to the Lord! He has done great things. He threw horse and rider into the sea. The Lord is my strength. He saves me, and I sing songs of praise to him. He is my God, and I praise him. He is the God of my ancestors, * and I honor him. The Lord is a great soldier. The Lord is his name. He threw Pharaoh’s chariots* and soldiers into the sea. Pharaoh’s very best soldiers drowned in the Red Sea. The deep water covered them, and they sank to the bottom like rocks. “Lord, your right hand is amazingly strong. With your right hand, Lord, you broke the enemy to pieces. In your great majesty you destroyed those who stood against you. Your anger destroyed them, like fire burning straw. The wind you sent in anger piled the water high. The flowing water became a wall, solid to its deepest parts. “The enemy said, ‘I’ll chase them and catch them. I’ll take all their riches. I’ll take it all with my sword. I’ll take everything for myself.’ But you blew on them and covered them with the sea. They sank like lead into the deep sea. “Are there any gods like the Lord? No, there are no gods like you— you are wonderfully holy*!

You are amazingly powerful! You do great miracles! You raised your right hand to punish the enemy, and the ground opened up to swallow them. But with your kindness you led the people you saved. And with your strength you led them to your holy land. “The other nations will hear this story, and they will be frightened. The Philistines will shake with fear. The commanders of Edom will tremble. The leaders of Moab will be afraid. The people of Canaan* will lose courage. They will be filled with fear when they see your strength. They will be as still as a rock, Lord, while your people, the ones you made, pass by. You will lead your people to your mountain. You will let them live near the place that you, Lord, prepared for your throne. You will build your temple. “The Lord will rule forever and ever!”

Luke 1:46–55, is a joyful hymn of praise spoken by Mary upon visiting her cousin Elizabeth. “I praise the Lord with all my heart. I am very happy because God is my Savior. I am not important, but he has shown his care for me, his lowly servant. From now until the end of time, people will remember how much God blessed me. Yes, the Powerful One has done great things for me. His name is very holy. He always gives mercy to those who worship him. He reached out his arm and showed his power. He scattered those who are proud and think great things about themselves. He brought down rulers from their thrones and rose up the humble people. He filled the hungry with good things, but he sent the rich away with nothing. God has helped Israel—the people he chose to serve him. He did not forget his promise to give us his mercy. He has done what he promised to our ancestors, * to Abraham* and his children forever.”

Philippians 2:6-11 describes Jesus’ being like God in every way, but he did not think that his being equal with God was something to use for his own benefit. Instead, he gave up everything, even his place with God. He accepted the role of a servant, appearing in human form. During his life as a man, he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death— death on a cross. So God raised him to the most important place and gave him a name that is greater than any other name. God did this so that every person would bow down to honor the name of Jesus. Everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth will bow. They will all confess, “Jesus Christ is Lord,” and this will bring glory* to God the Father.

1 Samuel 2:1-10 is a song of praise (Hannah’s Prayer) celebrating God’s sovereignty, holiness, and power to reverse fortunes. Hannah gives thanks by saying, “My heart is happy in the LORD. I feel very strong in my God. I laugh at my enemies. I am very happy in my victory. There is no holy God like the LORD. There is no God but You. There is no Rock* like our God. Don’t continue bragging. Don’t speak proud words, because the LORD God knows everything. He leads and judges people. The bows of strong soldiers break, and weak people become strong. People who had plenty of food in the past must now work to get food. But those who were hungry in the past now grow fat on food. The woman who was unable to have children now has seven children. But the woman who had many children is sad because her children are gone. The LORD causes people to die, and He causes them to live. He sends people down to the grave,* and He can raise them up to live again. The LORD makes some poor, and He makes others rich. He humbles some people, and He honors others. He raises the poor from the dust, and He takes away their sadness. He makes them important and seats them with princes and at the places for honored guests. The LORD made the whole world, and the whole world belongs to Him. The LORD protects His holy people. He keeps them from stumbling. But evil people will be destroyed. They will fall in the darkness. Their power won’t help them win. The LORD destroys His enemies. God Most High will thunder in heaven against people. The LORD will judge even the lands that are far away. He will give power to His king. He will make His chosen king strong.”