Daily Bites

Have you ever watched two young people in love? They often can't seem to spend enough time together. They are always thinking of each other, thinking of ways to show their love to each other-we call that romance. Have you noticed that sometimes these same two people, after they have gotten married, begin to take each other for granted? At all stages of love and marriage communication is essential-more so as a couple matures and face greater challenges in life (raising children, juggling jobs, etc.). The same is true in our friendship with Jesus. Our need to spend time with Him, getting to know Him, learning to trust Him, grows instead of lessens as we go along.

• Begin each session with prayer--maybe something like this: "Lord, help me to come to know you better as we spend time together..."
  
  
• Read the passage--several times noticing as many details as you can.
  
  
• Imagine the setting--put yourself in the picture. Try to imagine the sounds, smells, sensations.
  
  
• Summarize the passage--in your own words.
  
  
• Apply the passage--what message is God giving you?
  
  
• Meditate and pray--meditate on how this passage makes Jesus more real. Talk to Him about the passage and about using the information you have learned to deepen your friendship with Him. Listen for impressions He is giving you.

Passages for This Week

• 1 John 4:1-6
• 1 John 4:7-12
• 1 John 4:13-18
• 1 John 4:19-21
• 1 John 5:1-5
• 1 John 5:6-13
• 1 John 5:14-21