2. HABIT OF DEVOTION

<Journaling & Life Group>


HOW CAN YOU BE MENTORED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT?

Suppose you are a high school quarterback and you want to improve your throw. Just then, Russell Wilson shows up at your front door and offers to coach your game.

Would you be interested? Even if Russell asked difficult things?

The Creator of the universe stoops to make you an even better offer. The Holy Spirit wants to mentor you.

Interested? What if it takes some effort to hear him?

To sign up to be mentored by God, simply read the Bible with Jesus and do what he says.  

We call this practice devotions because for a few moments we devote our heart to God for him to write on it as a man would write on paper.


READ Luke 4 (Consider Jesus’ prayer life)


WRITE your SOAP journal first, and share with a friend.


WHAT SHOULD BE OUR ATTITUDE WHEN WE PICK UP A BIBLE? 


1. WRITE DOWN WHAT GOD SAYS.
The writing of God’s word on paper is the first step of writing on our hearts. It’s what Moses meant when he wrote about future leaders, “…as king, he must copy these laws on a scroll for himself….” (Deuteronomy 17:18). 


2. OPEN YOUR BIBLE LIKE A LOVE LETTER FROM GOD.
When Leslie and I were engaged, I lived in Australia, and she was in America. I would not let myself read her scented love-letters until I had first read God’s love letter to me. We should pick up the Bible with the anticipation of a love note.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

 

3. KNOW THAT THE BIBLE IS READING YOU.
All other books, we control by turning the pages or putting the volume down. The Bible, however, stands alone for it reads us long after we have stopped reading it. Let the Bible read you. 

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12


4. READ THE BIBLE NOT TO KNOW MORE BUT TO GROW MORE.
For many, the Bible is a book of theories because it has never been applied to life.

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation… 1 Peter 2:2


5. COME EXPECTANT TO HEAR FROM THE LORD BY BRINGING 5 THINGS TO THE TABLE. 

  • A Bible or the Alpha Bible App.

  • A reading plan so you read even the parts of the Bible you don’t often read.

  • A pen to mark your Bible and write your thoughts.

  • A notebook to write out your thoughts.

  • Your “to do list,” so you can write down every distracting responsibility that comes to mind and get back to reading.


6. WRITE USING THE ACROSTIC S.O.A.P.

Scripture:  Copy down word for word one or two verses that spoke out to you from the readings.

Observation: Write down what that passage means to everyone.

Application: Record how your life will be different because of what you have just read.

Prayer:  Writing out your prayer will help you understand your heart in years to come.


7. JOURNAL WITH OTHERS.
There is something powerful that happens when you journal with others. Spend 20 minutes reading the passages, 20 minutes writing, and 20 minutes sharing with the group word for word what you have written.  This is the beginning of an Evergreen Group.


VERSE OF THE WEEK

“At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place.” Luke 4:42


PRAYER

Father, in my world with so many ways to communicate, the means used least often is prayer. I choose to take myself off-line with the world to be connected with you. Speak Lord, your servant is listening. Amen.


FOR MORE INFORMATION

  • Watch this video of Evergreen pastors telling how they do devotions.