These are a few of our SOAP notes from today’s reading. We encourage you to read and journal on your own first, then join us in conversation about what God revealed to YOU today. Click HERE to go directly to the daily reading if you wish.
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Compassion | Deanna George
S~ When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” John 5:6 (NIV)
O~ Jesus noticed the invalid man. He then found out how long he had been that way. The man accepted his condition. Jesus saw him and decided to heal him. The man didn’t ask for it. Jesus asked him if he wanted to be well.
A~ Throughout the Bible, people seek out Jesus to heal their loved ones or themselves. In this case, the man gave up hope to get any help, so he didn’t ask. Jesus saw him and had compassion for him. Who do I see that needs help, but doesn’t ask for it? Who do I need to be open to helping? I need to display Jesus’ compassion in my world. I need to open my eyes to the physically, mentally, or emotionally hurting people around me that having given up on getting any kind of help.
P~ Lord Jesus, I tend to wait for the request, or it has to be so evident that a person needs help before I show compassion. I want to be more alert to the less obvious signs of someone needing help. I want to be used by you to help individuals who have given up hope. Lord, please draw me out of my life circumstances, so that I may see and do what you want me to do. Help me to love your people! Please work on my heart to be more like you.
Even Jesus Needed You | Michelle Myers
S~ I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself……. John 5:19 (NIV)
O~ There are a few times in this chapter, that Jesus says He can do nothing without You. Well, if Jesus needs you THAT much, and He was perfect, how much more do I need You? A LOT!
A~ I woke up this morning, and immediately felt anxious about all the stuff I thought that I needed to get done today. As soon as I was showered and dressed, my daughter had to be somewhere. Before we left, I thought about all the tasks I have to do. I have kids to pick up and drop off at various places later. I have physical therapy. There are dishes in the sink, clothes in the dryer, and dinner that needs to be put in the crock pot. The thought of all of this, was not helping me get excited about the day. It wasn’t helping with my attitude towards my family. When I finally had a chance to make myself something to eat, and I saw their mess in the kitchen and felt their expectations (that they may or may not truly have for me, but I felt them); my own thoughts went…
“Why do they……….?”
“Why didn’t they………..?”
“l do……………., and nobody appreciates me!”
I realized that if I was going to make it through MY day and be a good representative of YOU, I needed to focus on nourishing my body with breakfast (something I don’t always do, but need to) and sit with You.. I can’t do THIS without You. I need you moment by moment to help me get through this day and the rest of my days.
P~ Thank you God for reminding me this morning that before dishes, laundry, kids, errands, PT, etc.; that I need to connect with You. Please help me remember, that Jesus needed You, and HE had it way more together than I do.
Audience of One | Kim Chipman
S~ How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? John 5:44 (NIV)
O~ Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
A~ Audience of One. I know this is how my life, my heart, should be focused. It is easy – so, so easy – to desire the approval of people. There are people in my life that I really respect and people I love so very much. I want them to accept me, warts and all. Unconditional love feels amazing. I crave it. I’m so far from perfect, but I really do try. I like it when people believe the best in me, especially when I blow it. The problem is, people (even the people I love/respect the most!) are people. Just like me they’re fickle, selfish, prideful…they are NOT mind readers and can’t know the intentions of my heart. Only You can.
How can I believe unless I’m seeking glory that only comes from You? That behind closed doors, secret, no one knows but You sort of glory. Just for You. My Audience of One.
P~ Lord, help me to keep my focus on You alone. The evidence of my belief. I believe, but help my unbelief! I love You!
Jesus’ testings | Nikki Metzger
S~ Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many? John 6:9 (NIV)
O~ This is the first part of when Jesus feeds 5,000+ on the mountainside. Jesus tests the disciples with a question about buying bread for all the people. This is Peter’s response to the test.
A~ Philip, a disciple, is very practical and basically tells Jesus there is NO WAY to feed all the people. Peter just offers what he has. Actually, Peter offers what has been given to him by a little boy. Even though Peter’s response isn’t faith filled and he seems to doubt, his response to Jesus’ test is to give Him everything.
P~ Father, I feel like my contribution to Your Kingdom is two small fish and five loaves. It isn’t very much when it needs to feed so many. But that doesn’t matter, does it? When I give everything to You, even the gifts You’ve given me, You bless it and turn it to a miracle. I give everything to You Lord! Please show me if there is any part of me and my life that I’m not giving you everything that I have. Thank You! I pray this in Jesus’ Name!
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