Message Notes for February 5, 2023
Series: Devotion
Title: Seeking the mind of God 

The consistent rhythm of four disciplines produced a life-giving community of good  will where generosity poured out, miracles were seen, people were saved, and the  voice of God was heard in their lives and in the land.

•  Alignment Prayers 
• Reconciling Meals 
• Intentional Christian Community 
• Bible Reading

Today’s Focus: Bible Reading – Seeking the mind of God.
The Word of God changes the way we think as God’s words move from information  to integration.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and  they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in  Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true  and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong  and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to  do every good work.

What is being devoted to God’s Word look like? 

• Consistency
Isaiah 55:3-13

• Depth
Hebrews 4:12-14
Observation, Interpretation, Application

• Formation
Romans 12:2
Information, Integration, Memorization

• Memorization
Joshua 1:8

Family/Study Group Notes for Week of February 5, 2023
Series: Devotion
Title: Seeking the mind of God

• Read Isaiah 55. List out all the ways the Word of God brings value to our lives.
• Read Hebrews 4:12-14 & 2 Timothy 3:16-17 What do these passages mean for our growth  and maturity in Christ? Share with your family/group ways you can make Bible reading more  a part of your life. 
• Use the following process to gain more insight and impact of Bible reading for you, your  family and group.

Observation

• What passage should I study? Where does it start and where does it end? Do not study a  section of Scripture out of context of the whole of the text. Who is the author and who is he  speaking to? It is not necessary to read long sections. It is more important to dive deep into  the meaning of each section. 
• What do I see? Who are the people in the passage? What are the important ideas in the  passage? Where are the places in the story? What is being described or shared? What is the  immediate context? What comes before and after the text? Who is talking and who is  listening? When was the passage written? Who is the original audience? What is the original  purpose for this writing? 

Interpretation

• What does it mean? How does the historical situation affect this text? How does the  sociological situation affect this text? What truths are taught about the nature of God? What  does the passage tell us about human nature? Does the passage have anything to say about  sin? Does the passage teach truths about redemption and salvation? What does the passage  say about the Church and Christian life?  

Application

• How does this apply? What are the principles found in the passage that apply to the  contemporary situation? How is God’s redemption illustrated by this passage? How do we  relate this passage to our personal situation or needs? What is the good news? What does  God want us to stop doing? What does God want us to start doing? How does this passage  impact our families and close friends? What am I going to do with what I learned? What  personal goals am I going to set in my life to implement the truths found in the passage?  How does this passage impact my relationship with God?
• What should I pray? When we take the word we have read and studied and begin to pray  from that word, God speaks directly into our hearts. Our prayer from the word is no longer  what we are bringing to God, but what He is bringing to us. Prayer takes the Word from our  mind to our hearts.