Experiencing God - Day 33
Day 33 - Wednesday, March 20
Read 1 John 3
Highlight
Discerning God’s will and direction for our lives is not always as clear as we hope it will be. Most of us have a desire to obey Jesus, but may wonder how. John simplifies our expectations here. We may not always feel confident in knowing where God is leading us, but the roads of obedience will all lead to sacrifice and love for one another the way Jesus loved us.
If we’re not confident in whether we are being obedient to the Father we can test ourselves by looking at the fruit of our lives. Is the path I’m on leading me to love those around me? Is it leading me to live open handedly with what God has given me for the sake of others? Is it leading me to confront the darkness of the world around me, maybe even into conflict with that darkness? Is following Jesus costing me something?
Centering my life around obedience to Jesus does not mean that I will live perfectly, or that I will not face hardship or opposition…but it will mean a radical, extravagant kind of love that changes me and the world I live in.
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 1 John 3
Highlight
Discerning God’s will and direction for our lives is not always as clear as we hope it will be. Most of us have a desire to obey Jesus, but may wonder how. John simplifies our expectations here. We may not always feel confident in knowing where God is leading us, but the roads of obedience will all lead to sacrifice and love for one another the way Jesus loved us.
If we’re not confident in whether we are being obedient to the Father we can test ourselves by looking at the fruit of our lives. Is the path I’m on leading me to love those around me? Is it leading me to live open handedly with what God has given me for the sake of others? Is it leading me to confront the darkness of the world around me, maybe even into conflict with that darkness? Is following Jesus costing me something?
Centering my life around obedience to Jesus does not mean that I will live perfectly, or that I will not face hardship or opposition…but it will mean a radical, extravagant kind of love that changes me and the world I live in.
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)
Posted in Experiencing God