Christmas With Compassion | Day 01
Day 01 - Monday, December 02
Read Matthew 1:1-17
Highlight
The Old Testament ends with the book of Malachi, which is one of Israel's minor prophets that wrote around 430 B.C. While he, Haggai, and Zechariah were prophets around the same time, those canonizing the Bible chose to place Malachi as the last book of the Old Testament, because of the last verses. God proclaims to Malachi “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes”” (4:5).
Then more than 400 years later, the New Testament burst onto the scene with John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus. Matthew’s Gospel opens with Jesus’ genealogy showing that He is both son of David and son of Abraham. The promised Messiah is arriving and fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies.
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 Matthew 1:1-17
Highlight
The Old Testament ends with the book of Malachi, which is one of Israel's minor prophets that wrote around 430 B.C. While he, Haggai, and Zechariah were prophets around the same time, those canonizing the Bible chose to place Malachi as the last book of the Old Testament, because of the last verses. God proclaims to Malachi “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes”” (4:5).
Then more than 400 years later, the New Testament burst onto the scene with John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus. Matthew’s Gospel opens with Jesus’ genealogy showing that He is both son of David and son of Abraham. The promised Messiah is arriving and fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies.
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).
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