DJ Moore
Dec 7, 20172 min
Updated: Jul 24, 2020
S.O.A.P. - a method of spiritual journaling.
Scripture
Observation (What does it say?)
Application (What does it say to me?)
Prayer
S - Galatians 4: 4-7 “ But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba”, Father. So you are no longer a slave, but a Son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.”
O - When God redeems us, we are fully adopted into His family with full rights and privileges as if we were “born” into His family - which we are- born again!
A - There is a tremendous amount of wealth and wisdom in this passage that takes some quiet reflection and meditation to even begin to understand. In God’s perfect timing, Christ was born. Over two thousand years ago, God became flesh and broke through time and space to take on the form of a helpless baby in Bethlehem. Amidst everything that takes place during this Christmas season, that is the one nugget of truth I must not lose sight of. That is what Christmas is all about. That is what I celebrate - His plan of salvation to redeem mankind was birthed in a baby - our Redeemer! Because God went to such great lengths in pursuit of me, my only response should be whole hearted worship and gratitude for being born into His family, as His child. I have the full rights of sonship! I can call Him Abba, Father. I can boldly approach Him in prayer anytime, anywhere. I can receive His wisdom, direction and guidance. I can live free of guilt, worry or regret. I can experience the outpouring of His blessings on my life. I have an inheritance beyond my wildest dreams or expectations. I can experience His peace and joy and none of this depends on my circumstances or my effort. It all comes by His Spirit who lives in me and ministers to me. I am a free, child of God who can experience abundant life here and eternal life and joy someday in heaven.
P - Joy to the world! The LORD has come! Thank you for loving me enough to leave the splendour of heaven and live on this earth among us.