Turn to God
1 Peter 2:2, 3 Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow up into your salvation, if you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Ask God, the Holy Spirit, to help you see what he has revealed in His Word. His word is living and active (Heb. 4:12) and he is devoted to revealing himself. Pray for eyes to see him, ears to hear from him, and a heart to obey him.
Thank God for the precious gift of his living and active word.
Read God’s Word
Today’s reading is Matthew 1 – 4.
- Open your bible and read
- Read the Scripture online
Grasp God’s Word
Use the follow questions to help you grasp God’s Word. Use a journal to write your answers and help you focus.
- What do you observe about the passage?
(Simply observe what the passage says and how it says it. Are there any repeated words, contrasts, comparisons, figures of speech, etc.? Also consider how the context informs the meaning.) - What does this passage teach me about God?
- What does this passage teach me about humanity (including me)?
- How does God want me to respond to what He has said from this passage?
- How does the gospel relate to my response?
- Is there something I read that I want to share with my small group or study further?
Talk to God
Talk to God about what you read today and ask him for help to apply his word to your life.
1 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Talk to God about your personal needs.
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you
Join others from River and pray about Global, National, & Cultural Concerns
Pray for Iran. There is a growing crisis in that country. Ask God to protect the people of Iran and pray that the gospel would spread in that country.
Pray for teachers as they return to school next week. Ask God to use Christian teachers in our schools to minister faithfully to students and families.
Many states past laws concerning abortion last year. Pray that the practice of abortion would end.
Pray that God would give us wisdom and discernment as cultural pressures intensify, shaping our minds by Christ rather than by the spirit of the age.