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.
Printable reading plan: Discover One Thing Reading Plan
Want to walk through the Bible one book at a time? Head over to Discover One Thing Online Study!
Friends | Kim Chipman
S~ Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. Mark 2:4 (NIV)
O~ So there were some guys and their friend was paralyzed. There were huge crowds around Jesus, so this is what they did to get to Him.
A~ 2 things:
- Do I have faith like these friends? They went to great lengths to get their friend to Jesus. Am I a friend like that? Or do I stay in my comfort zone, not wanting to make anyone uncomfortable? If I really believe that You are who You say You are, then I should be completely unhindered in getting my people to You. Grow my faith in this area!
- Do I have friends like this? Who am I surrounding myself with? Would my friends go through all this to make sure I got to Jesus? I need You. I need friends that will dig through a roof to get me to You because sometimes I’m emotionally paralyzed and I need to be carried to You. Help me to choose my circle well!
P~ Lord, help me to be a good friend and help me to choose good friends. Help me to invest in relationships wisely. I love You!
Unexpected | Kelley Deases
S~ When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:5 (NIV)
O~ This was not the response we are expecting as we read the account of four men lowering their paralyzed friend through the roof on a mat just to get to Jesus. Nor was this the response likely anticipated by the paralyzed man or his devoted comrades. And for the religious teachers in their midst that day, they thought they had gotten just the type of blasphemous remark they were looking for to accuse and discredit this supposed Messiah. But Jesus cared less about public perception, less about playing it safe and less even about this man’s physical disability than the state of the man’s soul.
A~ I need to remember this in my own life. God cares more about my eternal soul and the souls of those around me than He does about giving me what I want and when I want it. The answer I receive when I come to Him will have more to do with a soul need than a physical or material want.
P~ Father, Reform my thinking from a mindset of entitlement to having eyes full of wonder as I behold what You are doing in the spiritual realm.
Comfort zone | Marisa Tomlinson
S~ While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Him and His disciples, for there were many who followed Him. Mark 2:15 (NIV)
O~ Jesus spent the time He had with the people who needed His message most.
A~ I need Him. My sin is heavy and He gladly takes it from me. I am so grateful that He chooses to spend time with me. I also need to think about how I spend my time.
Do I spend it growing with Him? – not as much as I should.
Do I step out of my comfort zone to spread the gospel? – Nope. I like it here in my safe bubble, thankyouverymuch.
I’m generally outgoing but I definitely like to be liked. I’m not afraid to be bold with my faith when asked, but I’m afraid to approach others. I let my “example” lead others to Christ. Really, that’s an excuse to stay in my safe zone. My example is only going to let people know that I’m generally a nice person if I don’t speak about His redeeming grace.
P~ Lord, let my life be tbe proof of You, but also let my tongue speak of your greatness. Gently nudge me out of my bubble. I want to reach people for you. Thank you for your relentless pursuit of your children. Amen
Our team would love the privilege of praying for you! Please share how we can lift you in prayer at prayer@DiscoverOneThing.com
Discover One Thing 
I really identified with what you wrote today, Marisa. Thanks for your transparency.
Thanks! Let’s both pray that He’ll gently move us toward boldness. 🙂