Celebrating 40 Years - Day 05
Day 05 - Friday, September 13
Read Revelation 21
Highlight
The book of Revelation can be daunting at times. There is so much imagery and symbolism that can be confusing. A lot of questions come to mind when you read the account written by John. Yet, one of the main focuses in the book is Hope. Hope in Jesus, hope in His future, hope in the plans God has to restore.
John pulls prophecies and imagery from Isaiah 60 and 65, and Ezekiel 40-48 to help bring understanding that already exists in the minds of Jewish Christians he is writing to. The connections to John’s vision and the Old Testament prophecies help solidify the hope that God is planning to restore all things. It might not be in the way originally expected in our mere human expectations. But one day, there will be “a new heaven and a new earth” (v 1), because God is restoring all creation back to Himself.
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? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
Read Revelation 21
Highlight
The book of Revelation can be daunting at times. There is so much imagery and symbolism that can be confusing. A lot of questions come to mind when you read the account written by John. Yet, one of the main focuses in the book is Hope. Hope in Jesus, hope in His future, hope in the plans God has to restore.
John pulls prophecies and imagery from Isaiah 60 and 65, and Ezekiel 40-48 to help bring understanding that already exists in the minds of Jewish Christians he is writing to. The connections to John’s vision and the Old Testament prophecies help solidify the hope that God is planning to restore all things. It might not be in the way originally expected in our mere human expectations. But one day, there will be “a new heaven and a new earth” (v 1), because God is restoring all creation back to Himself.
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? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. 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 Celebrating 40 Years