Today’s S.O.A.P bible journal entry comes from John 3:30.

Let’s dive in to see how much we can get from meditating on it.

Scripture – John 3:30

³⁰ He must increase, but I must decrease.

Observation

The speaker here is John the Baptist’, Jesus’s cousin.

He was responsible for paving the way for Jesus’ ministry.

Preceding this declaration was a discussion borne out of complaints by John’s own disciples.

They considered it worrisome that people were flocking over to where Jesus was to be baptized.

John’s assertion that Jesus must increase while he would willingly step back shows great humility.

You see, John understood his assignment.

John could warn and prepare the people and he did so well.

However, Jesus alone could save them.

His use of the word ‘must’ indicates no partiality.

He was committed to this truth and made it clear to his followers.

Application

For us, the scripture has significant implications.

As believers, we must allow Christ in us to increase exponentially.

He promised us the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and this promise, He has surely kept.

For us to be effective Christians, we must allow Him to work fully in us.

We must pray for more of the Holy Spirit always.

We can never exhaust the need for Him in our lives.

In order for us to live from a place of abundance and power, we must decrease.

When we surrender to the Holy Spirit we get out of our own way.

Every thing starts with a prayer. Growth in Christ starts with prayer.

Then we yield. We can model John the Baptist’s humility and determination.

Much like him, it is wise for us to see this as a need.

Let us be desperate for more of Him, and less of us.

Prayer

Yahweh, I praise you forever
for Your love and kindness.
Thank You for sending Jesus
to shed his blood to cleanse me.
Jesus, thank You for Your 
promise to always be with me 
even to the end of the ages.
You are Emmanuel. Glory be
to Your name.
Thank You for being with me 
constantly through the Holy
Spirit. You have redeemed me.
You have bought my inheritance
and given me a new identity.
Thank You for living me with an 
everlasting love.
Holy Spirit, spring forth in me
powerfully. I yield to You fully
and completely. Invade every 
aspect of my life and uproot
anything that is not of You.
Give me the strength and wisdom
to get out of my own way I pray Lord.
Thank You for the truth that I can
do all things through You Holy Spirit.
I ask boldly for more of You, and less
of me.
Take over my thought-life and 
transform me I pray.
Make me more like You, Jesus.
Amen.

Song Choice for John 3:30

Today’s song choice couldn’t be more appropriate.

This track is performed by fairly new Canadian artist, Shawna Cain.

She pens doctrinally sound lyrics and fuses it with a contemporary style, giving a fresh sound to her gospel tracks.

Here is a peak at the lyrics:

See all the lyrics here “

Here is the video.

Enjoy: