She Shares Truth :: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Have you ever journaled using the SOAP method? I learned about it quite a few years ago through a friend, and was just reminded once again of how powerful it can be to journal in this way.

SOAP stands for:

Scripture

Observation

Application

Prayer

I'm going to just journal out my response to 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 using SOAP here in my blog today.

| S | 

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NLT)

When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling.  And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.  I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.  

| O |

Paul relied on the Holy Spirit to give him the words that preached. He was humble and recognized his weakness and need for God to speak through him. Paul was focused on one thing: Jesus and his work on the cross. That's in. He didn't need impressive words, or wisdom from others. All he needed to do was keep his eyes, mind, and heart on Christ. When Jesus was on the throne, nothing else mattered...because the only thing that truly matters in this life is the work of Jesus on the cross. Everything else is secondary.

| A |

Paul had one focus: Jesus.

I love Jesus, but I have a lot of other focuses. 

My marriage, parenting, work, family, friendships, things that I enjoy doing (like reading, photography, crafting, sewing...etc). None of which are "bad" things. In fact I think they are all very good things, but clearly not the better.

Paul knew and lived out the truth that Jesus is truly the better in comparison to all things. It all boils down to Jesus being our only need.

 I hate to admit it, but often times my own selfish "needs" take up too much of my thoughts and time. I do focus on Jesus; His church and the relationships I have with other believers are a very important part of my life. But how often can I honestly say that I have decided to "forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified"?  Not enough. Not even close to enough.

This week has been my spring break. Aside from the normal spring break things that I always set out to enjoy (extra sleep, fresh air, books, the park, and family time), I also set aside some time to be alone, with my Bible, journal and most importantly Jesus. It was clearly just the beginning of a work that I am sure will take quite some time, but I felt like the Lord was calling me to focus on Him. To literally forget everything else and just go straight to Him - with my fears, my hopes, my joys, my whole heart.

The only way that I am ever going to really live out my belief that Jesus is enough (more than enough actually) and my only need is to be more like Paul and forget everything except for Jesus.

I am so thankful for God's TRUE WORD that has reminded me of this throughout the past week.

Will you join me in continuing to pursue this kind of mind/heart shift?

| P |

Lord Jesus. You. Are. EVERYTHING! All else in this life is nothing in comparison to your glory and the work that you have done and continue to do in my life and in the lives of all believers. Please help me to live this out. Please train my eyes to focus on You alone Lord, and convict me when I stray and wander. Your grace astounds me Lord and I pray that you would reveal it to me more and more as I continue along this journey of discipleship. Fill me up to overflowing so that Your grace will spill out of my life and into the lives of all those around me; not my "impressive" words or actions, but rather the Holy Spirit living and working through me.

Amen.

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