south ridge blog

DAY 2: Born a Savior

When Mary was pregnant with baby Jesus, an angel appeared to her and said, “You are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).” After Jesus’ birth, an angel appeared to a group of shepherds and said, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord (Luke 2:11).” 

These two passages, as well as many others, reveal that all people (1) need saved (or rescued) from our sins, and (2) Jesus is the One who can rescue us.

After Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, many others continued to recognize Him as a Savior. If you were to read through the entire New Testament you would see that Jesus was born a Savior, lived a life in which He regularly rescued people who would have been seen as “outsiders” to the religious elite, and continued to be identified as a Savior for years after HIs life and ministry. Nearly 2,000 years later, billions of people around the world recognize Jesus as Lord and Savior. 

READING & JOURNALING:

MATTHEW 1:21, LUKE 2:11, ACTS 13:23, PHILIPPIANS 3:20, MARK 2:13-17

Re-read Mark 2:13-17. Imagine you were living in ancient Israel around 30 AD. Would you be more likely to (1) find yourself at dinner with Jesus, (2) be one of Jesus’ disciples but not have an answer as to why He was eating with “sinners”, or (3) frustrated with Jesus for spending time with thieves and prostitutes? 

What sticks out most to you from this passage? How can you demonstrate the love of Christ in a significant way this week? 

PRAYER:

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (See Psalm 139: 23-24)

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible in 260 Days (5 Days a week, 52 Weeks a year). It is a separate reading from the above devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: 1 Samuel 3 & 8

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

Next Message Series: Beginning January 5

DAY 1: The Role of a Savior

Over the previous three weeks we’ve taken the opportunity to see how Jesus fulfilled the roles of a prophet, priest, and king. One person having the wisdom, character, and authority to fulfill all of these roles was completely unheard of. Jesus’ ability to fulfill all three indicated that He was much more than a prophet, much more than a priest, and much more than a king. He was and continues to be, a savior for people. 

The word savior isn’t a term used often in the English language. As odd as it may sound, some lists of the most commonly used English words indicate that terms such manure and dimage are used more frequently in published writings than savior.

There are many possible reasons as to why the term savior is used so infrequently. One possibility is that the term itself indicates that someone or something is in need of being rescued, and some may object to the idea that they are in need of being rescued.

But this was the primary role of Jesus – to rescue us. Our own safety and protection mattered more to Him than anything. 

READING & JOURNALING:

PSALM 82:3-4, EZEKIEL 34:11-12, COLOSSIANS 1:13

Do you know anybody who objects to the idea that they are in need of being rescued? 

In your own words, how would you express to others that you have been rescued or saved by Jesus?   

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess that I don’t often think about how to share my faith with others. I would say I believe it’s important to do, but that doesn’t mean I actually go out and do it. This week, provide me opportunities to not just say I believe it’s important to share my faith, but instead, give me opportunities to actually share it. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible in 260 Days (5 Days a week, 52 Weeks a year). It is a separate reading from the above devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: 1 Samuel 1 & 2

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

Next Message Series: Beginning January 5

DAY 5: Review

What did the Scripture readings this week reveal to you about the nature and character of God? What have you learned about yourself throughout the week? 

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible in 260 Days (5 Days a week, 52 Weeks a year). It is a separate reading from the above devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Ruth 3 & 4

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

Next Message Series: Beginning January 5

DAY 4: My King

Take a few minutes to think about the past three weeks of your life. How have you spent your time? (If you look at the screen time hours on your phone, what would it say?) Similarly, how have you spent your money? 

Generally speaking, how we spend our time and our money reveals something about us. It reveals whether we like being with other people, or if we prefer to be by ourselves. It reveals if we spend time numbing or escaping from the hassles of life, or if we spend time engaging and enjoying the wonders of life. It reveals if we spend our money on mindless entertainment, or if we spend our money trying to make our family, community, and church stronger. 

Similarly, how we think about Jesus and spend time with Him reveals things about us. It reveals whether we truly see Him as a significant part of our lives, or if He’s somebody we occasionally talk about or pray to. It reveals whether He is the ultimate joy in our lives, or if we seek ultimate joy elsewhere. In the end, it reveals if we really, truly desire Him as our King. It reveals whether or not He and He alone is the mark of righteousness and rule in our lives. 

READING & JOURNALING:

MATTHEW 6:19-24, MATTHEW 12:34

Think about how you have spent your time and money over the past three weeks. In your own words, what does this reveal about you?  

What, if anything, is getting in the way of Jesus being the ultimate ruler (king) in your life? 

 PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that I have not spent all of my time or all of my money in ways that may be honorable to You. I recognize that it’s impossible for me to be perfect this side of heaven, but my desire is for You to be at the center of all things in my life. May You continue to work in and through me in remarkable ways. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible in 260 Days (5 Days a week, 52 Weeks a year). It is a separate reading from the above devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Ruth 1 & 2

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

Next Message Series: Beginning January 5

DAY 3: All Authority

After Jesus’ death and resurrection He appeared to His disciples and shared the Great Commission. Matthew 28:18-20 reads, Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The words all authority reveal that Jesus is very much in charge. He has the ability, power, strength, authority, capability – and because of what He had accomplished – the right to rule over the hearts and minds of others. As such, He commanded His disciples to go out in His name, making disciples of others. 

The apostle Paul, who was not one of Jesus’ original disciples, came to recognize the authority of Jesus, and even wrote, “…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).” 

READING & JOURNALING:

PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11

In what ways did Jesus show Himself to be a King who was worth following? 

What do you think His followers decided to give up in order to fully follow Him? 

Is there anything you may need to give up in order to more fully follow Him? What’s preventing you from doing so?

 PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I’m very grateful for the life of Christ and the example He set on how to live and how to love. Today, I recognize there are many things I ought to “give up” in order to follow You more fully. As I do so, I pray that You awaken my life and my soul so that I may see myself and others in the same way You do. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible in 260 Days (5 Days a week, 52 Weeks a year). It is a separate reading from the above devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Judges 15 & 16

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

Next Message Series: Beginning January 5

DAY 2: King Over Sin & Death

The story of the Bible reveals how God’s people in the Old Testament were enslaved in Egypt, led out of slavery by Moses, settled in what became known as the nation of Israel, were later overthrown by the Assyrian Empire, the Babylonian Empire, and later, the Roman Empire. While under Roman rule, the people of Israel were still expecting a king to rise up and free them. They were expecting a king to lead the people in such a way that there would be an uprising against the Roman Empire, and they would once again become their own nation. When Jesus arrived on the scene, He was not the king they expected Him to be. 

Jesus did not begin any kind of uprising. (In fact, there was a time when He loudly declared a Roman military commander had more faith than anybody else He had met!) Nor did He take any role within the political system. His fight was not against the Romans.

Instead, Jesus came to reveal that He was more powerful than any politician, military commander, or king. He came to show that He ruled over humankind’s greatest enemy – sin and death. 

READING & JOURNALING:

MATTHEW 8:5-13, 1 CORINTHIANS 15:54-58, ROMANS 6:9

Jesus said about the Roman Centurion, “I have not found anyone in Israel with such faith!” What do you think the people of Israel would’ve thought about Jesus’ statement?   

The idea of death is something that brings fear to many. How would your life be different if you didn’t fear death, but fully rested in the hope of eternal life with Jesus? 

 PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess that I don’t like to think about death. I like being in control of things, and the idea of death is something completely outside of my control. Today, I’m grateful for the reminder that You are ultimately in control, and because of that I have nothing to fear, even in death. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible in 260 Days (5 Days a week, 52 Weeks a year). It is a separate reading from the above devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Judges 13 & 14

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

Next Message Series: Beginning January 5

DAY 1: The Role of a King

Living in a democracy, it’s difficult to think about what life may be like under the rule of a king. In the ancient world, it made complete sense for people to live under the rule of a king. The problem, however, is that every nation had their own style of government. While they each had a king, they all fulfilled this role in their own unique ways. 

For the people of Israel, God had given them some specific instructions for how a king ought to live and rule (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). God was most interested in a king not being rich, as well as reading and following God’s Word. The New Bible Dictionary notes, “The main responsibility of the king was the maintenance of righteousness…to preserve justice and proclaim [God’s Word].”

In other words, a prophet had the role of speaking on behalf of God, a priest had the role of being a mediator between people and God, and a king had the role of upholding the Word of God by righteous rule. Each role was unique. In the Old Testament, God created each of these roles to ensure He was understood, and to show that He could be trusted. And until Jesus, nobody was able to fulfill all three roles. 

READING & JOURNALING:

DEUTERONOMY 17:14-20

Why do you think God outlined the role of a king hundreds of years before the people of Israel asked for a king? 

In the Old Testament, the kings that most strayed from God were the ones who did not proclaim His Word. What are 2-3 barriers that get in the way of you proclaiming God’s Word to your family? Friends? Others? What steps can you take to overcome these barriers?

 PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, my desire is to follow You so closely that the idea of not proclaiming Your Word would be a completely foreign concept to me. Help me to know Your Word, live it, and proclaim it by my words and deeds. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible in 260 Days (5 Days a week, 52 Weeks a year). It is a separate reading from the above devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Judges 6 & 7

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

Next Message Series: Beginning January 5

DAY 5: Review

What did the Scripture readings this week reveal to you about the nature and character of God? What have you learned about yourself throughout the week? 

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible in 260 Days (5 Days a week, 52 Weeks a year). It is a separate reading from the above devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Judges 4

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

Next Message Series: Beginning January 5

DAY 4: Jesus…A Priest Forever

If you were to do a Bible Study on Priests, you would likely learn that the first priest in the Old Testament was Moses’s brother Aaron. You would read all about the role of a Priest, which ones fulfilled their role well, which ones did not, and that some were [wrongly] focused on politics. 

But one of the most interesting priests in the Bible came hundreds of years before Moses was even born. In the book of Genesis, Abraham found himself in an unfortunate position of needing to rescue his nephew. After a significant battle, an unknown priest by the name of Melchizedek approached Abraham and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand (Genesis 14:19).”

This Priest, Melchizedek, is otherwise unknown. The author of Hebrews writes He was, “Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, He remains a priest forever (Hebrews 7:3).” 

Jesus  is similar to this priest. He has no beginning of days. He has not end of life. Jesus is eternal. A priest forever. 

READING & JOURNALING:

HEBREWS 7

The Scriptures teach that our bodies are a temple of God. This means He doesn’t just live and exist around us, but within us. What are some ways you pause to consider that God is always within you? 

 PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess that many times it’s easy for me to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, and as a result I neglect to consider the implications of what it means that You are living within me. Today, I commit to being spiritually alert so that I may acknowledge Your presence, and walk in step with the Holy Spirit. Wherever You may lead me, Lord, I will follow. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible in 260 Days (5 Days a week, 52 Weeks a year). It is a separate reading from the above devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Judges 2 & 3

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

Next Message Series: Beginning January 5

DAY 3: Approach God in Boldness – Part II

We can only imagine how great and powerful God must be for Him to create and hold together everything in the universe. With so much majesty, how do we even approach such a God? It seems almost inconceivable that anybody would want to be in His presence, let alone come to Him in prayer and make requests. But as we saw yesterday, we can not only be in His presence, we can enter into His presence in boldness – all because of Jesus. 

There’s still one lingering question: How should we pray? 

This question has been asked by countless people for hundreds of years. Jesus taught His disciples how to pray (Matthew 5:5-15), and also demonstrated more elaborate prayers (John 17). An examination of these, as well as other prayers through the Bible, shows that any prayer in which a person approaches God with a desire to know Him, know and see themselves in the same way He does, and know and see others in the same way He sees them, is a prayer worth offering. Today, take the opportunity to pray in such a way. Approach God in boldness. Pray to sincerely know Him, to see yourself as He does, and to see others as He sees them. 

READING & JOURNALING:

JOHN 17, EPHESIANS 1:18, ROMANS 12:12, EXODUS 14:14

What are your prayers usually like? (For example, do you generally pray to know and understand God,? Do you pray for His will to be done, or do you usually pray for God to help your own will be done?)

Do you think your prayers would be any different if you took the opportunity to write them down? 

 PRAYER:

Today, take the opportunity to write out your own prayer to God. 

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible in 260 Days (5 Days a week, 52 Weeks a year). It is a separate reading from the above devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Joshua 23 & 24

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

Next Message Series: Beginning January 5