18 DEC 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

 18 DEC 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 24, 29; Isa.42:1-12; Eph. 6:10-20; John 3:16-21

The Fourth week of Advent

Are you evil? Do you do evil?

S- And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.  All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. John 3:19-20

O- The coming of Jesus brings light and life into the world like no other time in history.  Everyone who was and will be are born into sin and darkness.  We are darkness according to Paul and do evil continually.  What is evil? Brace yourself.  It is us.  In our core we are evil and our actions: lying, stealing, fornicating, murder, adultery, homosexuality, idol worship, etc are evil.  Jesus says we all have done these things and fall short of his standards.  We cannot change ourselves, only Jesus can do that for you.  This is why he came into the world.

A- I will rejoice in the Lord, creator of heaven and earth.  I will rejoice in my savior who loved me and demonstrated that by coming into the world, living a perfect life, and dying for me.  I will rejoice in his grace and mercy on my life.

P- Almighty and everlasting God, you are gracious to me and your love is unfailing.  Thank you Jesus for coming to save me, an unworthy evil person in my core.  I rejoice that you have made me new, making me holy and giving me your righteousness.  All praise, glory, and honor be your name forever more. Amen and amen.

S- all who have ears to hear.

8 DEC 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

 8 DEC 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 37:1-18; Isa. 7:1-9; 2 Thes. 2:1-12; Luke 22:1-13

The Second week of Advent

Are you focused on wicked and evil people?

S- Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong.  For like grass, they soon fade away.  Like spring flowers, they soon wither.  Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.  Take delight in the Lord and he will give you your heart’s desires. Psalm 37:1-4

O- God’s heart is for his people, period.  His love and care is shown to his people, but not the wicked.  The wicked and evil people are those that deny who the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is.  They are evil in their hearts, not just behaviorally.   God knows who is his and who is not and will deal with them in due time.  Ours is to trust in God and do good the works he has made us for.  

A- I will stay focused on the Lord and do his will despite the wicked.  I will rejoice that I will one day be with God forever.

P- Heavenly Father, you know that we are bothered to our core with the actions of wicked and evil people.  We fret when they succeed and gloat that no one can touch them.  Help us to pray for them and do good to them, for if they do not repent, they will perish.  We too were once evil and loved the darkness, but you in your mercy saved us.  Praise to you Lord Christ! Amen.

S- R, R

7 DEC 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

 7 DEC 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 38; Isa. 6:1-13; 2 Thes. 1:1-12; John 7:53-8:11

The Second week of Advent

Is what you are prompted to do, ultimately going to honor Jesus?

S- So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all good things your faith prompts you to do.  Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. 2 Thes. 1:11-12

O- Reading some of Foxes book of Martyrs, you realize that the church has endured many trials until today.  Persecution and death for Christians are actually higher than any time of history.  Yet, we can endure with joy.  Trusting in God’s word over our feelings and embracing the suffering gives way to faithful and impactful living.  What is God prompting you to do? Do it to his glory and Jesus will be honored.

A- I will do all that God prompts me to do.  I will faithfully abide in him and his word so that I can hear the cues.

P- Heavenly Father, reading your Scriptures and meditating on them brings me much joy and satisfaction.  Please guide me and use me in a manner that brings you glory and honor.  Today is a new day, help me to overcome sin and to endure the hardships that come from being your child. Shape me into the man you desire me to be.  Amen.

S- P, S

6 DEC 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

 6 DEC 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 26, 28; Isa. 5:13-17, 24-25; 1 Thes. 5:12-28; Luke 21:29-38

The Second week of Advent

S- See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.  Always be joyful.  Never stop praying.  Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.  Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.  1 Thes. 5:15-19

O- As a parent, we prepared our kids for the realities of this world and the expectations that God has on their lives.  As each one left to be on their own we reminded them of the path and the ways that were taught.  They can either have power for living or they can stifle the Spirit and suffer for it.  Paul says that if they are Christ’s, they are in his hands and he will faithfully steer them.

A- I will trust in the Holy Spirit’s faithfulness to give me an abiding spirit to help me through this life and live it abundantly.  I will leave my children and spiritual children in the capable hands of the Lord.

P- Heavenly Father, time keeps on moving into the future with no brakes.  I will either meet you through death or in the air when you return.  In this life, help me to be joyful, thankful, and faithful.  Help me to listen to the Holy Spirit and walk in your ways so that I bring you glory.  In your great name I pray, amen.

S- J, C

5 DEC 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

5 DEC 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 25; Isa. 5:8-12, 18-23; 1 Thes. 5:1-11; Luke 21:20-28

The Second week of Advent

Have you repented and trusted Jesus? What are you waiting for?

S- For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.  When people are saying, Everything is peaceful and secure, then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin.  And there will be no escape.  1 Thes. 5:2-3

O- As believers we look forward with great expectation for the best day of our earthly lives seeing Jesus face to face.  Paul gives a stark reality to those that do not know Jesus, that is to say, that are not among the elect.  It will be a terrible day for the lost.  Jesus will come unexpectedly, so don’t delay in repenting and trusting Jesus.  

A- I will live with an expectant heart to see my God and king face to face. I will share the gospel with those who don’t know Jesus. 

P- Lord Jesus, during this advent season our minds and hearts are warmed for the first Advent when Jesus came as a baby. We look forward in anticipation of his second coming as a mighty king gathering his people to himself. It is a joy to the world of believers, but a horror for the world of lost sinners. Even so, come Lord Jesus come. Amen

S- P, C

4 DEC 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

 4 DEC 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 148, 149, 150; Isa. 5:1-7; 2 Pet. 3:11-18; Luke 7:28-35

The Second week of Advent

Are you more concerned about climate change or the second coming?

S- Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along.  On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames.  But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised,  a world filled with God’s righteousness.  2 Pet. 3:11-13

O- Peter prepares his readers for the future that Jesus said will happen.  When Jesus decrees something, it will happen.  There are people consumed with saving the earth and changing everyone else’s behavior to hopefully make an impact.  The earth’s destruction will happen, not by us, but the hand of Jesus.  The change we need to make is repentance and trusting in Jesus which guarantees our future.

A- I will continue to trust in Jesus for my salvation and future.  I will adjust my life to his will and his plans.

P- Righteous judge, you are good and merciful.  Your judgments are right, faithful, and good for me.  I’m thankful that you hold the future in your hands and life is worth living because you do.  Empower me to live for you and not myself, having an eternal impact on those around me.  Amen.

S- J, A, S

2 DEC 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

 2 DEC 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 16, 17; Isa. 3:8-15; 1 Thes. 4:1-12; Luke 20:41-21:4

The first week of Advent

Are you fulfilling your purpose?

S- For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.  For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality, that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God. 1 Thes. 4:2-5

O- Until Jesus returns, we have much to live for and a purpose to fulfill.  Our lives can be pleasing to the Lord.  Paul encourages this church to live a life of holiness, honor, and self-control.  This will bring us happiness, and fulfillment, and testifies to God’s presence in our lives.  He also warns against sexual immorality which damns every society in history, ours included.

A- I will stay the course of a life pleasing to God.  I will seek and strive for a life marked by holiness, honor, and self-control.

P- Lord God, we see in every society across our world plagued with sin and strife.  You are our path to salvation and hope in order to free us from the chains of sins and death.  Help us, Lord, not to return to the sins that condemn us to hell but to embrace a life of holiness, honor, and self-control.  May this life we live be pleasing to you.  Amen.

S- M, J

1 DEC 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

 1 DEC 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 18:1-20; Isa. 2:12-22; 1 Thes. 3:1-13; Luke 20:27-40

The first week of Advent

For hell's sake!

S-And the haughtiness of man shall be humbled, and the lofty pride of men shall be brought low, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.  And the idols shall utterly pass away. Isa. 2:17-18

O- When the Lord returns, it will be the best day ever for believers.  It will be the worst day for those that do not belong to him.  The reality that Jesus is real and they have denied him will be the most humiliating and painful realization.  They will be sick with grief as they now anticipate their ultimate judgment and face the fires of hell for eternity.  For hell’s sake, we should be faithful to Jesus's mission and share the gospel with everyone.

A- I will seek the lost and share the gospel until Jesus returns.  I will look with great anticipation at the coming of Jesus like a child awaiting Christmas morning.

P- Mangnificant Christ, I pray this morning for your return.  Our nation and the world have strayed so far away from you and we are morally bankrupt and evil.  Empower your people to be faithful in sharing the good news until you return so that many might be saved and not have to face your wrath.  I look forward to Jesus’ return of that blessed second advent. Amen.

S- L, M

 

 30 NOV 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:1-24; Isa. 2:1-11; 1 Thes. 2:13-20; Luke 20:19-26

The first week of Advent

Do you have spiritual children?

S-But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you-I, Paul, again and again-but Satan hindered us.  For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy. 1 Thes. 2:17-20

O- One of the great things to look forward to when Jesus returns is presenting our works of faith from this life.  Paul equates that to his spiritual children and makes him joyful knowing he has a lot.  Do you have spiritual children? Will you have anything to present or will you show up empty-handed? We have all been charged with making disciples until Jesus returns, so don’t make excuses, make disciples.  

A- I will rejoice to know that God has given me people to invest in and will have works to present.  I will ask for and seek out more people to invest in as long as I live.

P- Gracious Father, you have shown mercy by saving us from sin and inviting us into your work.  I give thanks for that.  As we are doing life, give us people we can share the good news and invest more deeply.  I rejoice in the people you have given and in the ones to come.  Let me not make excuses, but make disciples. Amen.

S- M, O

29 NOV 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

 29 NOV 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 5, 6; Isa. 1:21-31; 1 Thes. 2:1-12; Luke 20:9-18

The first week of Advent

S- For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. 1 Thes. 2:11-12

O- Paul started this church in a very short period of time among people who worshiped idols and once lived in a pagan manner.   Paul focused on the gospel and living a life that glorifies God.  The way we live becomes worship to God and a testimony to others.  He also holds the tension of Jesus returning and bringing judgment on the people of the world. There is enjoyment to this life now and a great future ahead.

A- I will take account of my life and live in a manner worthy of the call.  I will look in anticipation of the return of Jesus knowing that my future is great and secure.

P- Heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the saving knowledge of your Son and our savior Jesus. Empower us for living the life you have called us to.  Mold and shape us into the person you desire us to be.  Help us to take your gospel to those that don’t know you.  In your merciful name, amen.

S- A, E

27 NOV 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

 27 NOV 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 146, 147; Isa. 1:1-9; 2 Pet. 3:1-10; Matt. 25:1-13

The first Sunday of Advent

Are you ready to meet your maker?

S- The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.  2 Pet. 3:9-10

O- During the Advent season, we come with expectant hearts as we remember Jesus’ first coming, but look forward to the second.  Even in the days of Peter, people were wondering why Jesus hadn’t come back yet.  Their expectations were not in line with God’s time.  We can feel that way today.  On one hand, we need to be ready to meet our maker at a moment’s notice and on the other hand, we need to rejoice that He is leaving room for more lost to be saved.

A- I’m looking forward to the return of Jesus because there is nothing better than being in his full presence.  Until he returns, I will stay faithful in sharing the good news with others.

P- Heavenly Father, I look with great expectation to the return of your Son Jesus.  That will be a great and wonderful day for those that belong to you.  It will be the worst day for all of those that have rejected your Son.  So, help me to remain steadfast in completing your mission. In your name, amen.

S- L, M

26 NOV 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

 26 NOV 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 137:1-9; Zech. 14:12-21; Phil. 2:1-11; Luke 19:41-48

Are you living individually and communally the way God desires?

S- Do nothing from rivalry or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interest of others.  Phil. 2:3-4

O- For the community of faith, having the marks of generosity and humility speak volumes to the world around us.  It is a testimony of our love for each other “in” the church.  It brings the church closer when we genuinely care for each other.  This does not mean that we leave people in their sinful lives or license for our own.  Love and participation in the Spirit leave no room for ungodliness.

A- I will check my motives and focus to guard against selfish ambition and pride.  I will not merely live for my own wants and needs but seek the welfare of my fellow believer.

P- Heavenly Father, you have plans on how your people should act with each other.  It is difficult for us to individually pursue you and live godly and at the same time be accountable to one another.  We need your Holy Spirit to infuse generosity, love, and wisdom in us to accomplish this lifestyle.  Bless us to be the way you desire. Amen.

S- K, L

25 NOV 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

 25 NOV 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 140, 142; Zech. 14:1-11; Rom. 15:7-13; Luke 19:28-40

Are the stones doing your job?

S- And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, Teacher rebuke you disciples.  He answered, I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.  Luke 19:40

O- The religious leaders of the day objected to Jesus’ followers proclaiming the truth of who He is.  Jesus offends everyone at some point and desires that He is suppressed.  Our culture and government are constantly telling Jesus followers to shut up and object to the truth.  We are called to proclaim Jesus no matter the consequences.  It is not the job of stones!

A- I will faithfully proclaim who Jesus is no matter the consequences.

P- Heavenly Father, help us to gird ourselves and act like men.  Help me to proclaim who you are, no matter the consequences.  Grant me the power to stand against the culture of our day and boldly share the gospel with everyone.  Amen.

S- J, M

24 NOV 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

 24 NOV 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 147; Duet. 26:1-11; Eph. 1:15-23; John 6:26-35

Are you thankful?

S- Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.  For on him God the Father has set his seal.  Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life, whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.  John 6:27, 35

O- Today gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving.  The church from the beginning comes together to celebrate our redemption in a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension.  We rejoice with an eternal perspective as we break bread together and enjoy one another’s company.  Our thanksgiving is celebrated across the world and with all the company of heaven.

A- I will rejoice and give thanks to our God always and everywhere because he is worthy of our praise.

P- Gracious Father, as we celebrate here in America our Thanksgiving tradition, we look to you for our salvation.  You are good to us in every way and guide us by your Word and the example of your people.  Help us to worship you with our lives presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to you.  May our lives bring you pleasure.  Amen.

S- C, M

23 NOV 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

 23 NOV 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:145-176; Zech. 12:1-10; Eph. 1: 3-14; Luke 19:1-10

We are saved not on our own accord, but by the sovereign choice of God.

S- even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and blameless before him.  In love, he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.  Eph 1:4-5

O- The magnitude of our Lord and savior blows the mind.  Before he made anything or anyone, he had a plan and that included establishing a relationship with the fallen man.  He specifically chose people from out of all the people in history to be his people and they would ultimately be holy and blameless.  This should cause those that are “his” to rejoice, not get bent out of shape.

A- I will rejoice knowing that I’m counted among the elect, the chosen.  I will seek to grow in holiness and share the hope in Jesus with others.

P- Mighty and everliving God, you are amazing and beyond our understanding to fully comprehend.  Even the knowledge of your choosing people before they were created to be yours blows our minds.  Help us to long to see you and to hunger after your word.  Give us joy in your salvation and a passion for the mission.  Amen.

S- L, M  

22 NOV 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

 22 NOV 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 121, 122,123; Zech. 11:4-17; 1 Cor. 3:10-23; Luke 18:31-43

S- For the wisdom of this world is folly with God.  For it is written, He catches the wise in their craftiness, and again, the Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.  So let no one boast in men.  1 Cor. 3:19-21a

O- Not much has changed since Paul penned this letter.  Man still thinks he is too smart for God and that his ways are better.  The world spouts degrading ideas against God and his people from the top levels of academia and government.  There is no need to be angry with them, but pitied and prayed for because they are on the path to destruction.

A- I will check myself against the Scriptures to make sure that I’m in alignment with Jesus.  I will pray for those that are far from God and spout contempt toward their creator.

P- Heavenly Father, you are merciful and patient with your creation.  Open the eyes and ears of the people who come against you and your people.  Don’t give them what they deserve, but extend life and hope to them.  Help us to absorb the offenses in order to share the good news.  Amen.

S- K, M