Experiencing God - Day 28
Day 28 - Wednesday, March 13
Read Jonah 2
Highlight
Here we see a remarkable turn of events…and it's not just the fish. What’s even more amazing than the circumstances Jonah finds himself in is his repentance. Here is a man who was willing to die in order to avoid the discomfort of following God. He has no idea how this story ends, for all he knows he could spend the remainder of his days in the stomach of a massive sea creature. And yet in a moment of clarity, that often comes when we reach the rock bottom of our faith, Jonah acknowledges the sovereignty and goodness of God.
Why does God ask us to make adjustments to our life to follow him? Often because it is for our own good. Jesus says it this way in John 15:4-5, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” What seems good to us in the moment will often lead to our own destruction. Our loving Father will not allow us to continue in our disobedience for long before confronting us with the truth, and offering an opportunity to correct our course. Sometimes, in His mercy, He sends us to the belly of the fish.
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 Jonah 2
Highlight
Here we see a remarkable turn of events…and it's not just the fish. What’s even more amazing than the circumstances Jonah finds himself in is his repentance. Here is a man who was willing to die in order to avoid the discomfort of following God. He has no idea how this story ends, for all he knows he could spend the remainder of his days in the stomach of a massive sea creature. And yet in a moment of clarity, that often comes when we reach the rock bottom of our faith, Jonah acknowledges the sovereignty and goodness of God.
Why does God ask us to make adjustments to our life to follow him? Often because it is for our own good. Jesus says it this way in John 15:4-5, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” What seems good to us in the moment will often lead to our own destruction. Our loving Father will not allow us to continue in our disobedience for long before confronting us with the truth, and offering an opportunity to correct our course. Sometimes, in His mercy, He sends us to the belly of the fish.
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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