For many years I have used the SOAP (Scripture- Observation-Application- Prayer) method for my devotional reflections. This has been good, but I have lately felt the need to embrace dialoguing with God in my devotions. For decades I have regularly listened to the Holy Spirit using Mark Virkler’s “4 Keys to Hearing God’s Voice”. These are

Stop – still your mind

Look – visualise Jesus with you. Where is He? What is He doing?

Listen – tune into the thoughts in your mind that flow from the Holy Spirit

Write – write down what you believe the Lord is saying to you.

Later- check that what you write lines up with Scripture, and if necessary, seek counsel from trusted christian friends.

For further thoughts on hearing God’s voice check my blog article. https://newlifenarrabri.blog/2024/12/09/how-to-hear-god-mark-virklers-4-keys/

Reflection on Colossians 4:1-6

Scripture

Live wisely among those who are not believers and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive, so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Observation

Paul encourages us to devote ourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. He urges the Colossians to pray for him also so that he will have many opportunities to proclaim the message about Christ.

We must live wisely among unbelievers, using the opportunities God gives us. Our conversations. must be gracious and point people to Jesus.

Application

It’s not enough to have the right answers or the slick gospel message. We are surrounded by people who’ve heard the message and either not understood it or else have not believed it.

The answer is not just to rehash the facts about the gospel. We must live out the gospel by allowing God to transform our hearts. Then we will be able to, with gentleness and joy, touch the heart of our neighbours.

That is not to say there is no place for words. If we do not give people a reason for the hope that we have they will just assume we are “nice” people or “religious” without wondering why.

There will be conversations, but they should be gracious and not badgering.

Journalling

Lord. What do you want to say to me about this passage?

Keith, the power of my Spirit alive and active in my followers is the source of graciousness and power in witnessing.

Some people assume that my word is sufficient to bring people to repentance No, repentance, is a gift of my grace and of my Spirit. You cannot evangelise effectively without the Holy Spirit. This is why every Christian needs to be constantly full of the Holy Spirit and listening carefully to me.