S.O.A.P. Journaling

We have delicate root systems, which we need to protect from the noise and stuff of life.
3 reasons why Christians aren't in the Word regularly:
1. They don't know how.
2. They don't see a need.
3. They don't have time. They don't see enough value in taking time in the Word.

The MOTIVATION: Jn 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."
When we're not connected to Christ, we will inevitably wither. The Father's main tool for pruning us is the Word of God. Satan wants to keep us from the Word of God. To wither, you just have to do nothing. We need to actively and intentionally connect with Christ through the Word.
When we're connected with Christ, we prosper. Ps 1:1-3 "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,  but whose delight is in the law of the Lord , and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers."

The MODEL: Lk 2:52 "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."; Mk 1:35 "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."; Mt 14:23 "After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone"; Lk 6:12 "One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God."; Lk 5:16 "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."

The METHOD: SOAP journaling
Scripture: Read and write it down!
Observation: Why was it written? To whom was this originally written? How does this fit with the verses before and after it? What is God intending to communicate through this text?
Application: What does this mean today? What would the application of this verse look like in my life? What is God saying to me?
Prayer: Be honest with God.
-Leave the first three pages of the journal open for a table of contents, make titles for each day.

Just start. Pray before you begin. Be self aware, understand your tendencies. Have a routine. Consider reading together with a group. Don't look for a feeling or a "wow" moment every time. Don't get overwhelmed, start slow. Use outside sources (a good study Bible, www.gotquestions.org, www.bible.org). Keep going! (Refuse condemnation and guilt)

Because of Bethlehem: We Have Peace

Isa 9:6 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Lk 2:12-14 "This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
1. Because of Bethlehem we can have peace with God. Mt 1:21; Rom 5:1; Col 1:15-22
2. Because of Bethlehem we can have peace in our heart. Col 3:15; Isa 26:3. Keep your eyes on Jesus; Jn 16:33. Lean in to Jesus for peace.
3. Because of Bethlehem we can have peace for eternity. Peace can come from having the proper eternal perspective. Jesus gave us a glimpse into eternity Jn 14:1-3, 26-27 "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." We are called to live an eternal perspective. Rev 19:13-16, 20:1-3, 7-10, 21:1-7

Because of Bethlehem: We Worship

Worship is the feeling or expression of reverence and adoration of a deity. Worship is the only logical response to Bethlehem. Lk 2:9-14, 20, 28-29, 36-38; Mt 2:1-2, 7-12.
1. God desires our worship. Jn 4:23
2. The church should be all about worship. Acts 2:46-47, 3:6-8, 4:18-21, 32-35. We often worship the wrong god. Our focus ends up not being on God.
Things about worship that are important:
1. We worship verbally. Heb 13:15; Ps 47:1, 66:1
2. Worship demonstrably (with demonstration - shout, raise hands, on our knees, clap, dance) Ps 141:2, 63:4, 95:6; 2 Sam 6:14; Heb 10-24-25
3. Worship when it's tough. Ps 42:5

Because Of Bethlehem: Contentment

We have believed the lie that what we do, what we have, or who we are with will bring contentment.
The only way we will ever experience true contentment is through a relationship with Jesus that affects our life everyday.
Because of Bethlehem we can be content. Jn 10:10; Phil 4:10-13
1. Contentment is not based on our circumstances. Phil 4:11-12
2. Contentment is a learned behavior. Phil 4:11-12 "I've learned to be content." Discontentment starts at a very young age, it's a part of our sin nature. 1 Tim 6:6-10 "godliness with contentment is great gain..." 1 Tim 4:7-8 "train yourself to be godly..." Make a choice to take time everyday to train yourself in godliness, read the Word of God, pray.
3. Contentment is found only in Jesus. Phil 4:13 "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

Secure Hope

1 Pet 1:3-5
Hope: a joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation. Peace that what is behind me is secure so I can have peace in looking forward.
Mercy: God's grace in action towards a hopeless being. Lam 3:22
New birth: it's no longer about us, it's about His Will in our lives. 2 Cor 5:17
Living Hope: we can walk through our lives in hope. It's not based on our circumstances.
Resurrection - Game Changer!! Jesus' resurrection secures our future resurrection.
We have something awesome to look forward to, our inheritance.
There is nothing that can get in between the hope we have in Jesus Christ.
Our Hope and inheritance is being protected by God's power.
The same faith that saved us, secures us.
Jesus is my rock solid foundation and always will be. Lk 24:19-21, Jn 21:7
Go as fast as I can to the feet of Jesus!!!

Philippians: Giving Thanks

Phil 4:4-9
The prescription for happiness and joy starts with thanksgiving.
1. Declare: Every good thing that I have is a gift from God. Jas 1:17 Don't let the gifts I've been given become the norm, and then start searching for something else to make me happy.
2. Choose thankfulness by not letting what we want rob us from the gifts we have.
3. Make a conscious effort to realize every gift God has given us.
Our circumstances don't need to change for us to be happy, our perspective needs to change.

Philippians: Unity Among Believers

Phil 4:2-3
Everywhere we go in life, we will have to deal with conflict. Conflict - a difference in opinion or purpose that frustrates someone's goals or desires.
- Conflict avoiders (peace fakers)
- Conflict aggressors (peace breakers)
- Conflict agitators (peace manipulators) Prov 26:20-22
- Peacemakers - seek to resolve their differences and restore their relationships. Mt 5:9; Jas 3:18
1. Glorify God. Ask: How can I please and honor God in this situation? 1 Cor 10:31
2. Get the log out of your own eye. Ask: How can I show Jesus' work in me by taking responsibility for my contribution to this conflict? Mt 7:5
3. Go and be reconciled. Ask: How can I demonstrate the forgiveness of God and encourage a reasonable solution? Mt 5:24; 18:15-17.
- Pray (a lot)!
- Quit placing unrealistic expectations on people. People can only offend you if you allow them to offend you.
- Seek God's wisdom (through prayer and His Word).
- Seek wise counsel.
- Don't let people fool you or play on your emotions. Prov 18:17. Your input should always exceed your output.
- Pray some more!
1 Pet 2:12 "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."