Cost of Living - Day 04
Day 04 - Thursday, January 11
Read Matthew 13:44-46
Highlight
Few parables show the genius of Jesus more than these two parables: ridiculously simple and yet extraordinarily profound. Jesus’ point is simple: the value you place on something is defined by what you would give up for it. And life with him and for him is worth more than anything else we could ever own or experience.
The key three words in these parables are ‘in his joy.’ Many of us would imagine being devastated if we had to give up everything that we had for just one thing, but the men in the parables are so convinced that what they have found is of such great worth that they are joyful even as they walk away from everything else.
That’s what God wants our relationship with Him to look like. He wants us to find our joy in Him. He wants us to be willing to joyfully leave behind anything and everything because we know life with Him is the greatest adventure we could ever embark on. He wants us to pursue Him with confidence in this truth: when it comes to sacrifices you make for your faith… You always get back more than you give up.
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 Matthew 13:44-46
Highlight
Few parables show the genius of Jesus more than these two parables: ridiculously simple and yet extraordinarily profound. Jesus’ point is simple: the value you place on something is defined by what you would give up for it. And life with him and for him is worth more than anything else we could ever own or experience.
The key three words in these parables are ‘in his joy.’ Many of us would imagine being devastated if we had to give up everything that we had for just one thing, but the men in the parables are so convinced that what they have found is of such great worth that they are joyful even as they walk away from everything else.
That’s what God wants our relationship with Him to look like. He wants us to find our joy in Him. He wants us to be willing to joyfully leave behind anything and everything because we know life with Him is the greatest adventure we could ever embark on. He wants us to pursue Him with confidence in this truth: when it comes to sacrifices you make for your faith… You always get back more than you give up.
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)