Experiencing God - Day 08
Day 08 - Wednesday, February 14
Read John 6
Highlight
There are two phrases that regularly pop up in John’s Gospel account of Jesus’ life. The first and most often used is “very, truly I tell you,” other translations say “I tell you the truth” or “truly, truly.” This phrase is an indicator that Jesus is about to say something that often offends or surprises his audience. Here in chapter 6, Jesus says it four times. And each time it is not received well by the people. Yet, Jesus continues to use this phrase, because He is the truth and part of His mission was to share the truth with all people.
The second phrase Jesus uses is “I am” statements. He makes seven “I am” statements. These are not just casual statements. The phrase He is actually using comes from the Old Testament, when Moses asks God what he is supposed to say when others ask who sent him. God replies that his name is “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3 for the full story). Therefore, when Jesus makes the statement “ I am,” He is referring to this “I AM.” He is declaring himself to be God. That is why these statements are not made lightly, they each reveal a piece of His character and heart for His people.
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 John 6
Highlight
There are two phrases that regularly pop up in John’s Gospel account of Jesus’ life. The first and most often used is “very, truly I tell you,” other translations say “I tell you the truth” or “truly, truly.” This phrase is an indicator that Jesus is about to say something that often offends or surprises his audience. Here in chapter 6, Jesus says it four times. And each time it is not received well by the people. Yet, Jesus continues to use this phrase, because He is the truth and part of His mission was to share the truth with all people.
The second phrase Jesus uses is “I am” statements. He makes seven “I am” statements. These are not just casual statements. The phrase He is actually using comes from the Old Testament, when Moses asks God what he is supposed to say when others ask who sent him. God replies that his name is “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3 for the full story). Therefore, when Jesus makes the statement “ I am,” He is referring to this “I AM.” He is declaring himself to be God. That is why these statements are not made lightly, they each reveal a piece of His character and heart for His people.
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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