Christmas with Compassion - Day 19
Day 19 - Thursday, December 28
Read Colossians 1:15-23
Highlight
Yesterday we heard the writer of John try to explain the ‘how’ of the Messiah. Here, Paul, tells us the ‘why’. The Gospel hinges on these facts. Our sin separated us from God because He is Holy and blameless. God did for us what we could not do for ourselves. Jesus came from heaven to live among us and pay the price required for our sin so that we too would be blameless before him and could return to dwell with Him forever.
This was the plan from the very beginning, from Creation itself. God who always has been and always will be was already working out a plan of redemption. How great the love of our Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6) is for His children.
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 Colossians 1:15-23
Highlight
Yesterday we heard the writer of John try to explain the ‘how’ of the Messiah. Here, Paul, tells us the ‘why’. The Gospel hinges on these facts. Our sin separated us from God because He is Holy and blameless. God did for us what we could not do for ourselves. Jesus came from heaven to live among us and pay the price required for our sin so that we too would be blameless before him and could return to dwell with Him forever.
This was the plan from the very beginning, from Creation itself. God who always has been and always will be was already working out a plan of redemption. How great the love of our Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6) is for His children.
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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