We are glad you are joining with the people of ST. JOHN’S METHODIST CHURCH in Greenwood, MS as we read through the NT together guided by the reading plan and supporting podcast of The Bible Recap hosted by Tara-Leigh Cobble. This site is called “Read. Pray. Love. Daily.” because of the indispensable role of reading Scripture and prayer to have a growing walk with Christ. The goal of our walk with Jesus, as He defined it, is to LOVE God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and our neighbor as our self. That’s why we say our mission at St. John’s, based on the Great Commandments (Matthew 22) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28), is to “Love God. Love People. Make Disciples.”

Begin by REACHING UP IN PRAYER:

Before you read God’s Word today, ask for His help by praying these 5 prayers:

1. God, give me wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.
2. Let any knowledge I gain help me love You and others more, and not puff me up.
3. Help me see something new about You that I’ve never seen before.
4. Correct any lies I believe about You or anything I misunderstand.
5. Direct my steps according to Your Word. Amen.

Now, RECEIVE GOD’S WORD:

1st JOHN 1-5 (READ HERE – LISTEN HERE)

The Bible Recap Video:

Then, RESPOND in PRAYER & LOVE TODAY:

Consider responding to God and His Word and to Love God & People in one or more of the following ways as the Holy Spirit leads you:

1. Today’s Prayer Focus:
   • Prayer Verses – And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 (ESV)
   • Special Prayer Focus – In prayer, glory in Christ in celebration, praise, and humble trust and surrender
   • Praying for Our Church Family: Church Directory (Thi-Tru, M.J.)
2. Will You and I Be a “B.L.E.S.S.ing” to Our Neighbors?: Let’s continue to grow in a life of love for people and practical witness as we BEGIN with prayer, LISTEN, EAT together, SERVE, and share our STORY…
   • Pray for Laborers & Be Willing to Be the Answer to Your Prayer – Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38 (ESV)
   • Pray for Your Neighbors to Come to Know Christ through Your Witness – Remember Matthew 6:10 and how Matt Friedeman and Ray Easley said to pray “Thy kingdom come” means “God is our King.  We want everyone in the whole world to know Him as King” (The New Discipleship in the Home, p. 151). Make a private list of persons in your life who need to know Christ and pray for them by name.
   • Accountability – How are you “setting” and “seizing” opportunities to “B.L.E.S.S.” others in your life in a holistic way under the guidance of the Holy Spirit…not only Beginning with prayer, but also Listening, Eating together, Serving, and sharing your Story in Christ? What could that look like in your life and outreach? Who did I B.L.E.S.S. this week and in which specific ways? Share with a trusted accountability partner.
3. Prayer of the Week (A Prayer to Remember):
   • Lord, I worry because I forget your wisdom. I resent because I forget your mercy. I covet because I forget your beauty. I sin because I forget your holiness. I fear because I forget your sovereignty. You always remember me. Help me to remember you. Amen.
4. H.E.A.R. from God: As I prayerfully read this passage, Holy Spirit, what verse(s) are You Highlighting for me to write down and/or reflect on? How are You guiding me to Explain in my own words what this passage/highlight means? How are You leading me to faithfully and specifically Apply what I hear (in Adoration, Confession and Change, Thanksgiving and Testimony)? How are You guiding me to specifically Respond to the Father through Jesus in prayer, repentance, faith, love, worship, and obedience to what has been heard? To others in love?