Welcome to Day 2. Just to remind you, our number one goal is to spend time in the word, praying, and opening our hearts to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Each devotional should take no longer than 10-15 minutes. Here are some helpful tips to best utilize this time.
- Choose an ordinary place to become a sacred-ordinary holy ground. This could be your favorite chair, the back porch steps, or a coffee shop.
- Set aside anything that could distract you for the next 10-15 minutes. If you are using your phone or laptop for these devotionals, put it on due not disturb. If you are using a printout, set aside your phone or smartwatch. This time is intentional meant to be with The King.
- I suggest picking up a journal that you can jot down some ideas that stick out to you from your time with Jesus. As you continue to meditate on it throughout your day, write it down.
- Pick a consistent time. For you it may be the final moments in your day, early in the morning before anyone wakes up, or your daily office lunch break. When doesn’t matter as much as being consistent.
I pray that during this time of meditation, reflection, and prayer God will reveal himself to us so we can draw near to him. Shall we begin?
August 5 John 1:19-28
- Let’s Begin with Prayer. Pick a posture whether kneeling, sitting, or sitting up straight with the palms of your hands facing upward.
- In this season of prayer, I invite you to give God the glory He deserves. Pray prayers of thanksgiving, giving him thanks for the small and big things in your life and the life of others. Use Psalms 19 if you are at a loss for words.
- Read John 1:19-28 Write some of your thoughts down. Here are some questions to consider, to help navigate your time studying scripture.
- Where did I feel resistance? Where did I feel delight? What portion of scripture did I experience God’s nearness?
Some Thoughts I Like To Share,
As I ponder and meditate on the text a question pops into my mind. How can God change my heart to become a voice crying in the wilderness leading others to the King?
John finds his life’s purpose in helping others be ready to meet the King. He knows that his ministry can only do so much, and He doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. He doesn’t pretend to be the long-awaited Messiah. I think to myself, “Father may I not get in the way of others meeting you.”
Those who assume to be in the right standing with God are those actually furthest from him. They are questioning and hindering God’s appointed prophet. Their pride has blinded them from having the eyes to see and the ears to hear. In their pride, they become more religious. While they question John’s ministry, others are walking into the water to give their lives to God.
Finally, though John knows His ministry can only do so much, He is still called to do something. He is not confused on what it actually can do but He also doesn’t let his pride get the best of him. He knows his role and his part to play. He plays it with humility and boldness.
