This is your devotional guide for reading Blogging Through the Gospels on Monday, April 4.
Read through Matthew Chapter One on Monday, but first pray, asking God to guide your reading. You might consider a prayer like this one:
Heavenly Father,
Please guide my reading today. Help me to keep my mind and heart focused on your Word and keep it from wandering to other things. I want this time to be for us alone. Guide me in hearing not only all the words on the page, but especially those messages you have specifically for me today. Thank you, Lord, for this opportunity to learn and to be with you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen
As you are reading, think about what God is specifically sharing with you so that you can journal about it using SOAP.
Here is what I heard after I read, prayed some more, and then listened some more:
Scripture: Matthew 1:24
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
Observation:
Joseph had other plans, which were probably well thought out, yet when he heard the instruction given him by the angel of the Lord he followed them directly. He didn’t question or wrestle. He just did as he was instructed.
Application:
This scripture strikes me for two reasons:
1. Joseph had a such a clear instruction. So often I wish I had such clear communication with God. But then, perhaps if I spent more time listening, really listening, I would.
2. I’m amazed that Joseph had the discipline to then just do as he was told. No questioning, no whining, no half-way following. Joseph just did as he was told. I could do a better job of following that example, as well. Perhaps that comes from better listening.
If I was sure that what I was hearing was from God and was meant for me, then I think it would be a whole lot easier to follow those instructions. And I would know better if I spent more time focused on listening.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you so much for opening your Word to me. Please, Lord, guide me in becoming a better listener of you. Guide me in setting aside time for us and not breaking our dates. I want to study your word and then listen to your insight and your messages for me. Please guide me in doing that.
After SOAP
Consider if you have more to learn or if your study time is up. Are there any questions that came up in today’s reading or any a-HA moments?
I especially enjoyed reading the Genealogy of Jesus today, especially after having read the entire Bible in 90 Days. I am beginning to feel like I understand so much more about those people. They are becoming much more than a list to me.
What about you? What did you hear today, SOAP or otherwise? Please share with us in the comments.
Feel free to leave a link to your own blog post about Matthew One, provided you link back to this post, as well.
If you are reading and/ or Blogging Through the Gospels with us, please consider leaving a comment on the general Blogging Through the Gospels post so we can see who else is reading and pray for each other. Thanks.
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