31 May 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

 31 MAY 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 97, 99; Proverbs 31; Ephesians 4:14-21; Matthew 8:18-27

S- Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.  Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. Proverbs 31:8-9

O- This is a painful reality in our world that people who cannot defend themselves are treated badly.  Whether it is the murder of the unborn child or the homeless being beaten, there are evils that happen which can be protected.  We are called to stand up for the most vulnerable.

A- I will seek to do good to others and speak up for those that cannot speak for themselves.  I will support the work of those that are most vulnerable in our country.

P- Lord, we see where the brokenness is in our society.  Help us to love and support them through the spread of the gospel, basic needs, and as defenders.  Give us strength and boldness to do so, amen.

27 May 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

 27 MAY 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 85, 86; Proverbs 27; Ephesians 2:1-10; Matthew 7:22-27

S- Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring. Proverbs 27:1

O- We are not guaranteed tomorrow so how will we live today? The disciples in the new testament asked Jesus when he will return, but Jesus shifted their attention to the task before them.  If you knew that today was your last day or that Jesus was coming this week, would that change what you are doing now? We must keep that tension as a means of accountability and be about the Father’s work until he returns or we die.

A- I will remember to live in the moment trusting and obeying the Lord.  I will seek to do his will in my life and experience him afresh each day.

P- Lord, this is the day that you have made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.  This day has worries, struggles, joy, and purpose.  Help us to listen to you and do as you have modeled and commanded.  Let our lives bring you joy, amen.

S- S, J

26 May 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

 26 MAY 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 8, 47; Proverbs 26; Hebrews 5:2-18; Matthew 28:16-20

S- Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are.  Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation. Proverbs 26:4-5

O- Proverbs have flexibility in usage due to situations.  At times we are told not to engage a foolish person and other times encouraged to do so.  If you think about it, you know what I’m saying.  We can trust God to give us the wisdom to understand what to do at the time and the situation.  

A- I will seek wisdom and discernment when engaging fools or difficult people.  I will trust in God’s word and obey what it says for his glory.

P- Lord, every day we engage people that need your wisdom and guidance.  We see fools and those that lack common sense.  We need your wisdom in order to determine whether or not we engage them or leave them to their own folly.  Help us to know the difference and trust that you will help us through it, amen.

S-M, H

25 May 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

 25 MAY 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:97-120; Proverbs 25; Ephesians1:1-10; Matthew 22:41-46

S- When arguing with your neighbor, don’t betray another person’s secret.  Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation. Proverbs 25:9-10

O- As a chaplain, we are expected to keep absolute confidentiality with clients.  The information we hear doesn’t belong to us and needs to be protected.  If I leak a secret for any reason, I’m done as a chaplain.  It is the same for everyone who hears a secret.  If you share it, your name is now damaged and it is hard to be restored.

A- I will pray to keep the confidence of conversations safe for the sharer’s sake and my own.  I will stand firm in my resolve to be a person that can be trusted with other people’s information.

P- Lord, being able to keep the information confidential is a difficult task for many.  Give us the mental strength and awareness to honor neighbors and friends by keeping our mouths shut.  Thank you for those that you have placed in our lives to keep our conversations safe, amen.

S-DMG, J

24 May 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

 24 MAY 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 78:1-39; Proverbs 24; 1 Timothy 2:1-6, Matthew 13:18-23

S- The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.  But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.  Proverbs 24:16

O- The wisdom of God shows us that there is much to be learned through mistakes and failure.  We have in our mind that failure is the end and stop trying, but it is the secret to succuss.  With God’s help we get back up and get better with every rep until we are fully developed.  

A- I will reframe my mistakes and failures and see them as an opportunity to rely on God and get better.  I will live in the strength of God to get back up when I fall and encourage others when they fall.

P- Lord, thank you for always being there to encourage and strengthen me.  Thank you for helping me not to quit, but get up and try until I succeeded.  Help those that are down for the count to rely on you as their strength and comfort.  Develop us through our struggles and to enjoy the richness of your presence along the way, amen.

S- sailor, M, M

23 May 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

 23 MAY 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 80; Proverbs 23; Colossians 1: 9-14, Matthew 13:1-16

S- Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice. Proverbs 23:9

O- If you ever watch street debates on hot topics, you realize pretty fast that people will not receive what you are saying.  The louder and more frequently they talk, the less likely they will hear or understand.  Save yourself some pain and frustration.  Find those that are willing to hear.

A- I will use the wisdom you give to help me be more effective in life and ministry.   I will pray for those that are hard ears, hard-hearted, and engaged when they are ready.  

P- Lord, we encounter fools regularly and some areas of life like social media and crowds are a magnet for them.  Help us to be wise in our conversations and pray earnestly for others to be open when sharing the good news or advice. Amen.

S- M, J

22 May 22 Sunday SOAPS DEVO

 22 MAY 22 Sunday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 93, 96; Proverbs 22; James 1:1-8, 16-18; Luke 12:13-21

S- Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Proverbs 22:6

O- As a parent, we train our children in the ways of God and model for them what that looks like.  Some are early adopters in being followers of Jesus and all that entails. Others may commit themselves later in life due to the investment laid early in their lives.  The hope and prayer of every Christian parent are that their child is adopted as God’s child and see that return on investment.

A- I will continue to invest in my children and trust that the Lord will take what was modeled and taught to connect with them.  I will leave those that have left the nest in his capable and loving hands to do as he wills.

P- Lord, it is my prayer to see my kids follow you in all of your ways for the glory of your name.  I will continue to model a discipleship life to them and others with your help.  Bless them, Lord, amen.

S- Fam, DBS, 

21 May 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

 21 MAY 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 75, 76; Proverbs 21; 2 Thes. 3:1-18; Matt. 7:13-21

S- The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices. Proverbs 21:3

O- We want to please people in our relationships and feel it is about the ultimate sacrifice.  In day-to-day life, God is pleased when we follow the truth and do what is right.  Jesus said, it is finished and that completed the sacrifice that made a relationship with God possible.  As his children, we learn to walk in his ways to the glory of his name, which makes God happy.

A- I will pursue the virtues of righteousness, justice, and truth.  I will learn to walk in his ways and obey his commands in order to show love to him.

P- Lord, we desire to live our lives in a manner that would be pleasing to you and pursue what you have told us are essential in life.  Help us to stay focused, to be diligent, and committed to your ways, amen.

S- K, M 

20 May 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

 20 MAY 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 106:1-18; Proverbs 20; 2 Thes. 2:1-17; Matt. 7:1-12

S- The Lord detests double standards; he is not pleased by dishonest scales. Proverbs 20:23

O- Being honorable in society is a major value for the Lord.  When we do things that profit us at the expense of others, it dishonors the Lord.  We need to treat people better than we treat ourselves and to be consistent with the standards we set showing no partiality.

A- I will do the hard work of being honorable to my fellow man.  I will seek to treat others with the same dignity and love that I would do for myself.  I will honor God by honoring others.

P- Lord, many problems happen when we treat others with contempt and dishonor them in our relationships whether business or personal.  Help me to do the right thing and treat others with the dignity and respect they deserve.  Expose in me the places that are dishonorable so that I can deal rightly in the future, amen.

S- DBS, MG

19 May 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

 19 MAY 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 70; Proverbs 19; 2 Thes. 1:1-12; Matt. 6:25-34

S- To acquire wisdom is to love yourself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.  Proverbs 19:8

O- Wisdom is much more than knowledge, it is the experience of a tested life.  We see successful people in their field whether in sport, military, or business, and want to pick their brains on how they got there.  We do that because they are practitioners that faithfully progressed through failing.  We are doing ourselves a real favor in getting this wisdom.

A- I will seek guidance and mentorship from God in his word and the faithful practitioners who progress through failure.  I will seek to do things necessary to be faithful and fruitful.

P- Lord, you have given us one life to live so that we can be pleasing and glorifying to you.  When we live for you and are obedient to your word and ways, we will be fruitful and happy.  Help us to faithfully labor as we do your will and regularly seek your wisdom, amen.

S- R, J 

18 MAY 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

 18 MAY 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 72; Proverbs 18; 1 Thes. 5:12-28; Matt. 6:19-24

S- Intelligent people are always ready to learn.  Their ears are open for knowledge. Proverbs 18:15

O- We search the word daily for the wisdom and instruction of the Lord and we also hear things spoken by godly people.  Being teachable is essential throughout your life since God is continually developing us.  At the same time, we need to discern the teachings by the witness of the Holy Spirit and the Word.  This will help us to know what is good and right.

A- I will be open to learning and be ready to receive knowledge, for all truth is God’s truth.  I will also compare knowledge heard with the Word of God as the authority and plumbline of truth.

P- Father, we are constantly hearing and reading loads of information on a daily basis.  I have devoted myself to your word and prayer, but require the wisdom to discern and filter that information.  Help me to be teachable and use knowledge for your glory, amen.

S- T, C

17 MAY 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

 17 MAY 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 61, 62; Proverbs 17; 1 Thes. 5:1- 11; Matt. 6:7-15

S- Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9

O- Love is the hardest thing at times to do, but it is the most rewarding.  Things happen in relationships and it can be difficult.  If a wound is not tended to it will grow into an infection that will cause more problems.  Forgiveness and reconciliation is the hard word and is the evidence of love.  When this happens love becomes deeper and stronger for both people.

A- I will not let offenses become anger and bitterness, but seek to forgive and restore.  I will do the work of relationships to keep them healthy and growing in love.

P- Lord, you demonstrated how to love people that are difficult and offensive both in day-to-day life and ultimately laying down your life.  Give us the wisdom to love others like you have loved us and make our relationships strong. Amen.

S- G, J

16 MAY 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

 16 MAY 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 56, 57; Proverbs 16; 1 Thes. 4:13- 18; Matt. 6:1-6

S- We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.  Proverbs 16:33

O- The world looks at the idea of luck, chance, or fate, but that is not a biblical concept.  God is provident over all that happens and everything goes through his fingers before it happens.  Nothing takes God by surprise nor does anything happen at random.  This gives us confidence through the circumstances of life that his purposes are done.

A- I will trust in the Lord and seek his face through all kinds circumstances of life.  I will look to better understand what God is doing and ask him to develop me through the trials as he completes his purposes.

P- Lord, we don’t see the entire picture of what is going on in life.  Help us to trust in your providence as all things pass through your hands.  Give us peace when we don’t understand and the resilience to stay the course until we see our destiny, amen.

S-S, J

15 MAY 22 SUNDAY SOAPS DEVO

 15 MAY 22 Sunday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 24, 29; Proverbs 15; Hebrew 12:1-14; Luke 4:16-30

S- Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! Proverbs 15:23

O- It is not about thinking quickly on your feet in order to give a sarcastic reply or witty saying.  It is about giving good wisdom or encouragement.  Everyone benefits from a good word at the right time especially when the Holy Spirit speaks through you.  

A- I will seek to share the hope that I have in Jesus with others and look for opportunities to speak when it is needed the most.  I will actively listen to conversations and bring a word that builds up rather than tears down.

P- Lord, help me to be mindful of what is going on in other people’s lives and be a person that brings encouragement.  Give me the opportunity to share wisdom and my faith in my daily life. Let it be received with well or even with joy, amen.

S- DBS, chapel, 

14 MAY 22 SATURDAY SOAPS DEVO

 14 MAY 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 20; Proverbs 14; Exodus 17:1-16; John 16:16-33

S- There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. Proverbs 14:12

O- People create all kinds of philosophies and ideologies in order to live their lives, but they leave people with false hope and dissatisfaction.  Ultimately, it becomes the path to death.  There is a narrow path that leads to happiness, satisfaction, and life that has been set by God himself.  We have to help people get on that path.

A- I will be mindful of those paths that people take to live their lives and seek to find on-ramps from that to the narrow path that leads to life.  

P- Lord, we have all been on our own path and some still are.  Be merciful to those that are self-deceived living for themselves.  Give them eyes to see the truth and ears to hear the good news, in your name amen.

S- S, A, L

13 MAY 22 FRIDAY SOAPS DEVO

 13 MAY 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 16, 17; Proverbs 13; Exodus 16:23-36; John 16:1-15

S- Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Proverbs 13:20

O- Having the right role models and mentors is paramount, but so is having a community that is on the right path.  It is necessary for growing your faith and becoming a disciple-maker to surround yourself with people who are practitioners and seeking God’s will for their lives.  If you do, you will become wise and happy as you experience God in your life.

A- I will seek to have the right people in my life so that I continue to grow into the person that God wants me to be.  I will be a model for others.

P- Lord, thank you for the models and mentors that you continue to put in my life.  Help me to be that model and mentor for others.  Thank you for helping me steer from trouble and stay in your way. Continue to give me wisdom and guidance, amen.

S- K, E

12 MAY 22 WEDNESDAY SOAPS DEVO

 12 MAY 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 18:1-20; Proverbs 12; Exodus 16:10-22; John 15:12-27

S-Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.  Proverbs 12:25

O- As believers, we can be an encouragement to others and help lift the spirits of those that are down.  This week is nurses' week which recognizes and affirms the love and care that they give patients every day.  They are a great example of encouragement, especially to difficult people.

A- I will seek to do good to others through care and encouragement.  I will invest in others in order to build them up.

P- Heavenly Father, thank you for seeking our good and loving us through difficult times.  Thank you for affirming us as your children and caring for us when we are down.  At times, we don’t see solutions or are caught in the fog of despair and need your guiding light.  Help us to be that for others and be willing to walk with them through their pain, amen. 

S- S, C,

11 MAY 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

 11 MAY 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:49-72; Proverbs 11; Exodus 33:1-23; Matt 5:17-20

S- The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25

O- One of the traits of a healthy disciple and church is generosity.  It is both a testimony of love and trust in God’s providence.  Sacrificial giving makes the giver’s heart glad and the receiver comforted and encouraged.  You will never be disappointed when you are generous with your time, talent, and treasure.

A- I will strive to love God and others through generosity.  I will model what it means and give God the glory for allowing me to serve in this capacity.

P- Lord, you have blessed me with people in my life who are models of generosity.  They know that you will bless them for doing it and are eager to give.  Lord, we miss the opportunities to invest in others that you place before us.  Help us not to overlook these as it is to our development and happiness, amen.

S- S, A, M

10 MAY 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

 10 MAY 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 45; Proverbs 10; Exodus 32:21-34; Matt 5:11-16

S- The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity, but it destroys the wicked. Proverbs 10:29

O- The Lord pictures his people as a stronghold or fortress that can withstand the problems and enemies of life.  What does it take to become a stronghold? A person must live day by day pursuing holiness and righteousness as their purpose.  It is in the regular formation that we are made solid for defense.

A- I will devote myself to the pursuit of holiness and righteousness in order to become all that God wants me to be.  I will encourage others to do the same.

P- Lord, life throws at us all kinds of problems from the time we are a child until we are very old.  Guide us in your ways and make us into a people of integrity thereby making us a stronghold against the storms of life, amen.

S- A, J

9 MAY 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

 9 MAY 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 41, 52; Proverbs 9; Exodus 32:1-20; Matthew 5:1-10

S- Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return.  Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt. Proverbs 9:7

O- God gives wise advice in order to save us pain and frustration.  We have to choose our battles and better understand people from a spiritual level.  The mocker and the wicked are not prepared for the truth, righteousness, or the things of God.  They will only respond with hate.  It is better to pray for them and model the action desired and help those that can be.

A- I will heed the wisdom of the Lord and save myself some pain.  I will pray for those that run counter to godliness and continue to live as a model for others to see.

P- Lord, we run into people that mock our faith, principles, and life.  We want to get back at them through rebukes and correction, but that just smacks us in the face.  Lord, please change the hearts of the mocker and the wicked so that they may hear, see, and live. Help us to obey your direction so that we bring you glory, amen.

S- P, J

7 MAY 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

 7 MAY 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 30, 32; Proverbs 7; Exodus 25:1-22; Matthew 4:18-25

S- While I was at the window of my house, looking through the curtain, I saw some naive young men and one in particular who lacked common sense. Proverbs 7:6-7

O- The passage looks at a story of a man who didn’t use wisdom or common sense and ended up dead.  God gives believers spiritual sense and notifies us before we step into sin.  The Holy Spirit will prick us so that we escape it if we listen and obey, but wisdom means nothing if you don’t obey.

A- I will listen and obey what the Lord tells me in his Word.  I will listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in daily life to do what he desires and his correction when I head toward sin. 

P- Lord, I know that any time that I have sinned against you that I had a moment of clarity before to escape and go another way.  I haven’t always listened and obeyed.  For that, I am sorry.  I do pray that you will give me ears to hear and a willingness to do.  In your name, amen.

S- dmc, fb,