Monday, January 9, 2023
By Scotty Priest, Senior Pastor
Scripture
Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and you will see.” – John 1:38-39
Devotional
The first words of Jesus in the gospel of John are in the form of a question…
“What are you seeking?”
He’s asking me and you that same question today.
What is it that you are seeking? What are you hoping for? Searching for?
The disciples’ answer was simple. And so was Jesus’ response.
“Come and you will see.”
For me personally and for our church, I know 2023 is going to bring some really exciting challenges. Some I know are coming and others I have no idea are on the horizon. I want to be open to God. I want to have His heart.
So jump in with us starting today.
Let’s seek God together and see where he’ll lead us!
Make a commitment to seek God through the Bible, prayer, and fasting over the next 21 days. Follow Jesus. Stay close to him. And you will see. You will find what you are searching for.
Prayer
“Father, thank you for inviting me to seek You, especially over these next 21 days. Please guide, challenge, and help me know you more. Amen.”
Highlight
Get to a place where you can focus and read the daily Scripture passage several times. From the passage of Scripture you read, highlight one or two verses that stick out. Write them down, and even consider rewriting the verse(s) in your own words.
Explain
Make some basic observations about the scripture you just read by asking these questions:
- Why was this written?
- To whom was it originally written?
- What is the author trying to communicate?
- What does the Scripture passage teach me about God and humanity?
Apply
After taking some time explaining the highlighted scriptures, begin to think about how they apply to your life. Ask yourself these questions and spend some time writing down your thoughts:
- What do these verses mean today?
- What does this verse(s) mean for my life?
- How does this verse challenge my thinking and actions?
- What changes do I need to make in my life as a result of this passage of Scripture?
Respond
Your response to the passage may take on many forms. You may write a call to action. You may describe how you will be different because of what God has said to you through the Bible verses. You may indicate what you are going to do because of what you learned. You may respond by writing out a prayer to God. For example, you may ask God to help you to be more loving, or to give you a desire to be more generous in your giving. Keep in mind that this is your response to what you have just read.
