First Comes Love - Day 26
Day 26 - Monday, May 13
Read Hosea 1
Highlight
It is important to know the style in which an author wrote the original book or letter. Often it is not the simple autobiography or history or nonfiction, we might think of and read today. In fact, when reading the Bible it is even more important to consider the style and audience. The Bible consists of many different literature styles, and many different styles in one book. For example, Hosea could come across as an allegory or metaphor. But in fact, it is the actual experience of Hosea and the prophetic message God shares with him. While pieces of Hosea’s story have a deeper meaning and symbolism interwoven. The overall story is fully Hosea’s experience with God, his wife, children and the people of Israel. It is not likely anyone would make up the experiences Hosea encountered.
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 Hosea 1
Highlight
It is important to know the style in which an author wrote the original book or letter. Often it is not the simple autobiography or history or nonfiction, we might think of and read today. In fact, when reading the Bible it is even more important to consider the style and audience. The Bible consists of many different literature styles, and many different styles in one book. For example, Hosea could come across as an allegory or metaphor. But in fact, it is the actual experience of Hosea and the prophetic message God shares with him. While pieces of Hosea’s story have a deeper meaning and symbolism interwoven. The overall story is fully Hosea’s experience with God, his wife, children and the people of Israel. It is not likely anyone would make up the experiences Hosea encountered.
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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