FEED
Yourself!
We have found journaling to be an excellent way to help members feed themselves spiritually. Writing out our devotion in a journal helps to both record and process what God has spoken to us. Through sharing our journal, we look deeper into what God is speaking, gain new insight and even encourage others. One simple way to journal is using the “S.O.A.P.” method, made popular by Pastor Wayne Cordeiro through his book “The Divine Mentor”:
Scripture
Open your Bible to the allocated chapter in the Bible reading plan. Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. When you are done, look for a verse that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal.
Observation
What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you. Paraphrase and write this scripture down in your own words, in your journal.
Application
Personalize what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today.
Prayer
This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out.
To get you familiar with doing S.O.A.P., we have added members’ journals which were presented at the recent church services for your reading pleasure.
NextGen
The Peace of God
Scripture
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 NABRE
Observation
If we are nervous we can pray to God, and He will grant us peace in Him so we don’t need to be nervous.
Application
We can rest in His promise that He will grant us peace and as such we do not need to be anxious.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
God please help me to trust in Your promise that You will grant me peace such that I do not need to be worried or anxious. In the name of Jesus I ask and I pray,
Amen
Joanna
Joshua Wu
The Peace of God
Scripture
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 NABRE
Observation
If we are nervous we can pray to God, and He will grant us peace in Him so we don’t need to be nervous.
Application
We can rest in His promise that He will grant us peace and as such we do not need to be anxious.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
God please help me to trust in Your promise that You will grant me peace such that I do not need to be worried or anxious. In the name of Jesus I ask and I pray,
Amen
Adults
Samuel Wong
Encouraging One Another
Scripture
“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people..” – Philemon 1:7 (NIV)
Observation
• The love that Paul spoke about, focused on others, not self
• Philemon supported Paul and other believers
• Practical love, such as spiritual encouragement, physical help and financial generosity
• Paul received encouragement, joy and comfort, despite being in prison.
Application
• During this period of uncertainty, there are always people out there who needs help and encouragement. (eg; churchmates, colleagues…)
• We need to be like Philemon, strong and ever ready to provide encouragement, a listening ear.
• We need to be approachable, and filled with this same love, as we then share it with others.
• When others received this same love and feel encouraged, they too will do the same and pass it on.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for being here for us, and guiding us through uncertain times. Help us not to worry, but cast all our anxiety onto you. Help us not to live in fear, but look to you for encouragement and security. Help us to be like Paul, to have the peace in our hearts for You have already sent your Son to overcome the world. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Jia Yan
Remembering Sin
Scripture
“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
1 John 1:8-10 ESV
Observation
• Truth: Remember I have sinned before & I still sin sometimes
• Confess = say as it is
• Don’t call sin a “mistake” or condemn yourself [using human standards]
• God already knows
• God is faithful AND just
Application
• This is the gospel & the difference between a Christian and a non-Christian.
Remember past sins & check myself for sins so:
• I will learn and grow
• 1 John 2:1 – so that you may not sin
• I can share the gospel in a real & truthful way
• E.g. Samaritan woman – he told me all I ever did
• I need Jesus
Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for your faithful, continuous forgiveness. Please help me identify and acknowledge my sins as they are, so that I can fellowship with you and walk in the light.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Tze Tze
Husband’s Hindered Prayers
Scripture
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
1 Peter 3:7
Observation
• God’s command to love and honour my wife
• She is “weaker
• She is my equal partner
• She is a gift from God
• Consequence for not obeying
Application
Love my wife more, with words and actions.
Prayer
Dear Lord, make me love you more so I can love my wife more. Amen.
Remembering Sin
Scripture
“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
1 John 1:8-10 ESV
Observation
• Truth: Remember I have sinned before & I still sin sometimes
• Confess = say as it is
• Don’t call sin a “mistake” or condemn yourself [using human standards]
• God already knows
• God is faithful AND just
Application
• This is the gospel & the difference between a Christian and a non-Christian.
Remember past sins & check myself for sins so:
• I will learn and grow
• 1 John 2:1 – so that you may not sin
• I can share the gospel in a real & truthful way
• E.g. Samaritan woman – he told me all I ever did
• I need Jesus
Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for your faithful, continuous forgiveness. Please help me identify and acknowledge my sins as they are, so that I can fellowship with you and walk in the light.
In Jesus’ name, amen.