Experiencing God - Day 35
Day 35 - Friday, March 22
Read 1 John 5
Highlight
If I want to experience God I must obey him, and when I obey him I can be used for His purposes. John summarizes his letter in this final chapter with some clear, simple directives. Following God doesn’t always look like accomplishing some great task in his name. Do you want to love God? Keep his commands. It won’t be easy, but it also won’t be burdensome…because an obedient life is an abundant, meaningful life that changes us and the world around us.
Blackaby cautions us, as does John, not to look for comfort in our circumstances as confirmation that we are walking in God’s will. Often when we follow Jesus we will come up against obstacles or doors that seem to close in front of us. Let us remember all of the stories we’ve unpacked over the last seven weeks. God loves to use us in surprising ways that reveal His glory. Blackaby states it this way, “Most of the time when God calls you or gives you direction, he is not calling you to do something for him. He is telling you what he’s about to do where you are”.
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 5
Highlight
If I want to experience God I must obey him, and when I obey him I can be used for His purposes. John summarizes his letter in this final chapter with some clear, simple directives. Following God doesn’t always look like accomplishing some great task in his name. Do you want to love God? Keep his commands. It won’t be easy, but it also won’t be burdensome…because an obedient life is an abundant, meaningful life that changes us and the world around us.
Blackaby cautions us, as does John, not to look for comfort in our circumstances as confirmation that we are walking in God’s will. Often when we follow Jesus we will come up against obstacles or doors that seem to close in front of us. Let us remember all of the stories we’ve unpacked over the last seven weeks. God loves to use us in surprising ways that reveal His glory. Blackaby states it this way, “Most of the time when God calls you or gives you direction, he is not calling you to do something for him. He is telling you what he’s about to do where you are”.
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