[featured_image] Welcome to Day 2 as you Take the Missional Challenge!

Take the Missional Challenge is a 31 Day experience designed to help align believers with Jesus’ mission. Each day’s post includes missional concepts and activities. For more information – click here.

To fully embody Jesus’ mission, you’ve got to spend time with Jesus.

Reading the Bible (especially the Gospels) and talking to God in prayer will help you to capture Jesus’ missionary heart.

In Matthew 4:4, Jesus says, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” He helps us to see that the words of God are His spiritual food — and they are also spiritual food for those who join Him in His mission!

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” – 1 Peter 2:2

Feeding yourself spiritually is an important way to avoid Infantilism – one of the dangerous obstacles to Missional Christianity.

I’ve discovered that SOAP Journaling is a great way for me to feed myself spiritually. I learned about it from Wayne Cordeiro, Pastor of New Hope Fellowship in Hawaii – link.

It involves four simple habits each day as you feed on God’s Word.

S – Scripture

I ask God to speak to me and then read a portion of God’s Word. Then, I write out a key verse word-for-word in my journal.

O – Observation

I write down in my own words what that verse means. I try to capture the original idea that the author intended to communicate to his readers.

A – Application

This is where it becomes personal. I take the main observation from the passage and write down how I will live that out in my life. I always try to include a statement that starts “I will…” It’s my desire to not just know what it says, but to do what it says.

P – Prayer

I write out a short prayer to God in response to what I’ve been reading and then spend time talking to God about it.

SOAP Journaling is just one way to feed yourself spiritually. I’ve tried many different ways to develop the habit of daily time alone with God and I’ve found this works best for me. I’d encourage you to try it!

DAY 2 ACTION STEP: Start Journaling through the Gospel of Luke

  • Read one chapter of Luke’s Gospel each day.
  • Journal about a key thought or idea that you observe about Jesus and His mission!
  • Commit yourself to obey anything the Spirit is leading you to do!

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22

Day 2 Missional Challenge: Embrace your plan to be a self-feeder! Start journaling daily through the Gospel of Luke as you embody the Mission of Jesus!