Christmas With Compassion | Day 21
Day 21 - Monday, December 30
Read Matthew 4:1-11
Highlight
The three attempts to trip Jesus were the three crucial areas that we find ourselves tempted with each day. The devil went after the most basic human struggles. First, physical needs and desires - there is a difference between the things we need and what we want or desire. Satan will often trick us into confusing the two. The second area he attacked was the desire for possessions and power. It is in all of us to hold ownership over something, but it is remembering who it truly belongs to. Finally, the devil hit right in the heart with pride. It is a natural desire for us to be seen and known, but when we act upon that desire in an unhealthy way, pride can cause us to sin. For each of these temptations, Jesus has an answer straight from scripture.
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 who 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 4:1-11
Highlight
The three attempts to trip Jesus were the three crucial areas that we find ourselves tempted with each day. The devil went after the most basic human struggles. First, physical needs and desires - there is a difference between the things we need and what we want or desire. Satan will often trick us into confusing the two. The second area he attacked was the desire for possessions and power. It is in all of us to hold ownership over something, but it is remembering who it truly belongs to. Finally, the devil hit right in the heart with pride. It is a natural desire for us to be seen and known, but when we act upon that desire in an unhealthy way, pride can cause us to sin. For each of these temptations, Jesus has an answer straight from scripture.
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 who 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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