Revisiting Advent
My nephews got this really cool lego advent calendar. I was super jealous. I’ve never really observed advent for myself.
In pursuit of an Advent practice that would slow me down more and cause me to look for Jesus I journaled through the book of Luke doing one chapter a day. I chose to use Wayne Cordeiro’s S.O.A.P approach of Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. Below are some of my observations.
Luke 3:7-9 John taught in a way that had a lot of application. A lot of the application would fall under social justice. In what ways does my teaching parallel? How can I improve on concrete application?
Luke 5 - How do I withdraw to quiet places? Do I have a common place of prayer? How am I in awe of Jesus?
Luke 7 Jesus fame and authority had captured the hearts of people who haven’t even met him.
Luke 8 I’m confused as to what it looks like to deny family and pursue mission.
Luke 11 How do I handle the doubters and haters in ministry and life?
Luke 15 Am I content with the 99 or is my heart stirred by the 1?
Luke 17 How is the kingdom still in our midst even though Jesus is gone? Is it through the Spirit? If so what does it look like to live out the Kingdom here and now? Jesus rarely answers a question in an understandable way.
Luke 18 Prayer is mention in chapters 4,5,6,9,10,11,12 and now in 18,19,22. 18:22-26 is a faith action to big and risky for this man. What is mine?
Luke 21 What am I giving my money out of?
Luke 22 Tears of bitterness - I’ve been studying the word bitterness for a little over a year now. Fascinating - did you know the Aztec word for chocolate is bitter?
Luke 24 The tomb continues to evoke wonder in others. Jesus encounters happen all the time all over when we don’t expect it. Jesus wants to bless.
My favorite chapter or day was spent in Luke 16. Here are some questions I had after reading it - How does one force themselves into the kingdom of God? Others opinions don’t matter. Why does Jesus make mention of heaven and earth disappearing? Why do I feel more like John B then Peter? How am I trying to maximize on waht I have? In what areas do I need to improve so as to earn more trust?
