Christmas with Compassion - Day 05
Day 05, Friday, December 08
Read Micah 5
Highlight
“And he will be our peace” (v. 5a). In the midst of an exile and fighting, this statement probably would have been welcomed by the audience. Because the Hebrew word for peace is Shalom. It is about a state of wholeness or completeness, not just the absence of fighting or conflict, but about truly repairing and working together – have wholeness with those around you.
While this peace or shalom did not fully come to pass in the time of Micah. We often see it show up in the Old Testament when prophets describe the Messiah. The Messiah himself even gives the promise of peace in John 14:27. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” Because He is the only and true source of shalom.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Micah 5
Highlight
“And he will be our peace” (v. 5a). In the midst of an exile and fighting, this statement probably would have been welcomed by the audience. Because the Hebrew word for peace is Shalom. It is about a state of wholeness or completeness, not just the absence of fighting or conflict, but about truly repairing and working together – have wholeness with those around you.
While this peace or shalom did not fully come to pass in the time of Micah. We often see it show up in the Old Testament when prophets describe the Messiah. The Messiah himself even gives the promise of peace in John 14:27. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” Because He is the only and true source of shalom.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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