Christmas with Compassion | Day 25

Day 25 - Friday, January 03
Read Deuteronomy 6

Highlight
Monotheism - belief in one God. History tells us over and over that the ancient religions had many gods. Any material item or skill had a god. For the Israelites to say and believe that there was only one God was odd. It set them apart, which is exactly what God called them to be. God proved Himself over and over to be more powerful than their many gods. Jesus quotes sections of Deuteronomy to remind Himself, and later us, of this truth. It is not by our own hands or the works of “the universe,” God has orchestrated all things to come to pass.


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).