31 JUL 22 Sunday SOAPS DEVO

 31 JUL 22 Sunday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 93, 96; Judges 6:1-24; 2 Cor. 9:6-15; Mark 3:20-30

S- As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God.  For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.  And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you.  Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!

O- Paul has experienced a gift from God that can only happen through faithful obedience.  Whenever you invest in the saved and are generous, people will be touched deeply.  They realize that the Lord has used you as a channel of blessing to them and honor you for it while praising and glorifying God.  It truly is a wonderful gift too great for words.

A- I will continue to faithfully obey and stay on mission no matter where I am sent or who I am given to invest in.  I will give God the glory and honor, for he is worthy.  I will give thanks to him for allowing me to experience this gift.

P- Lord, you are amazing and loving.  You have given us the honor to serve you and invest in others.  Thank you for allowing us to serve and see the fruit of our labors.  May your name be praised among the people and testimonies shared with everyone.  Blessed be your name. Amen.

S- St. Nicholas Chapel, 

30 JUL 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

 30 JUL 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 75, 76; Judges 5:1-18; Acts 2:1-21; Matthew 28:1-10

S- They were completely amazed.  How can this be? They exclaimed.  These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own languages! Acts 2:7-8

O- God goes to great lengths to initiate a relationship with his creation.  He equips and gifts his messengers with abilities and skills in order to reach those that he desires to get.  We may not fully understand how he has used us to impact the world until we meet Him face to face.

A- I will faithfully stay on the mission until the task is finished or He calls me home.  I will trust that God will equip me for the task and help me to faithfully use the gifts he has given.

P- Lord, thank you for the miraculous work of salvation in saving me and allowing me to see it happen to others.  Continue to use me as an instrument to bring others to the saving knowledge of your Son and to bring you glory.  There are people that are close to me that have yet to know.  Please save them I pray. Amen.

S- M, D, J

An Intro to More Disciples and Disciple-Making Movements

29 JUL 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

 29 JUL 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 69:1-23; Judges 5:19-31; Acts 2:22-36; Matthew 28:11-20

S- Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.  Matthew 28:19-20

O- This particular passage is the command for all followers of Jesus to be disciple-makers.  This is a developed skill that Jesus expects us to learn and become practitioners.  It is not limited to the clergy, but everyone is supposed to be involved.  The way we grow is through this not through lectures. It is a daily encounter with Jesus and him using you as an instrument of grace.

A- I will strive with God’s help to be the person that he desires me to be.  I will surrender each day to his will and make disciples with whoever he gives.

P- Lord, I will do anything your Kingdom requires of me. Wherever You want me I’ll go.  Whatever the circumstances, I’m willing to follow.  If you want me to meet a need through my life, I am Your servant, and I will do whatever you ask. Continue to give me people to invest in.  Amen.

28 JUL 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

 28 JUL 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 71; Judges 4:4-23; Acts 1:15-26; Matthew 27:55-66

S- My life is an example to many because you have been my strength and protection.  That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long.  Psalm 71:8-8

O- Everyone that has been chosen by Jesus to be one of his own has a testimony.  Their story is important because God has done something great in their lives and it must be shared.  David is compelled to declare God’s glory, not his own.  Recalling and retelling the story to others becomes a lifestyle of worship and evangelism.

A- I will continue to give praise to you Lord, for saving a wretch like me.  I will share my story and the gospel so that others may be touched too by your power and grace.

P- Lord, you are good to us though we don’t deserve it.  You show mercy and grace when we need it most.  Help us Lord to remember that it is by Christ alone that we are saved and not by something we have done.  Grant us boldness and consistency in sharing our story and yours.  Thank you for allowing us to be an instrument in your hands for good and your glory. Amen.

S- K, M

27 JUL 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

 27 JUL 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 72; Judges 3:12-30; Acts 1:1-14; Matthew 27:45-54

S- He replied, The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know.  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.  And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere-in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.  Acts1:7-8

O- Because the return of Christ is unknown and always imminent, we need to set a mental tension line to the shortness of life and mission.  Jesus gave a command, the power to accomplish it, and the scope of the mission.  When He returns or we go home, his expectation is that we have done the work he has given us to do.  Are you doing it?

A- I will set the tension of his return on my mind each morning and intentionally do the work he has given me to do.  I will be the witness everywhere he sends me and everywhere I go.

P- Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me, gifting me, and sending me to do your will.  Give me boldness, endurance, and faithfulness to accomplish what you desire for the glory of your name.  Grant that I will hear, well done good and faithful servant from your lips.  Amen.

S- J, D, 

26 JUL 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

 26 JUL 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 61, 62; Judges 2:1-5, 11-23; Romans 16:17-27; Matthew 27:32-44

S- Then the Lord raised up judges to rescue the Israelites from their attackers.  Yet Israel did not listen to the judges but prostituted themselves by worshiping other gods.  How quickly they turned away from the path of their ancestors, who had walked in obedience to the Lord’s commands.  Judges 2:16-17

O- We can be self-deceived in this life: when we surrender to Jesus, we think we are still in charge.  If Jesus isn’t boss, you are not saved.  The Israelites broke their covenant relationship with God and suffered greatly and many died.  God knows who is ultimately his and the proof is in the living.  If you are still trying to “do you” rather than his will, then you might not be His.  You have to check yourself before you wreck yourself.

A- I have absolutely surrendered my life, future, and all to Jesus.  I will submit to your will each day and seek to bring you honor and glory in all that I do.

P- Lord, you have given us a great testimony in the Scriptures of your great love and faithfulness.  You have shown us the pitfalls of life and the narrow path that leads to you.  Help us to submit ourselves daily to your will and ways to the glory of your name.  Amen

S- J, R, 

25 JUL 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

 25 JUL 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 56, 57; Joshua 24:16-33; Romans 16:1-16; Matthew 27:24-31

S- I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people.  Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me. Romans 16:1-2

O- Paul knows the importance of remembering and encouraging his fellow Christians that he has been in contact from the beginning.  It is important that we are connected to a local church, but also have mind to the church in the world.  The network of leaders and laborers are in a symbiotic relationship in that we need each other and develop one another for the glory of God.

A- I will give thanks like Paul for my brothers and sisters in Christ across denominational lines for God has gifted each of us for his body and glory.  I will keep up with and remember all those that I have invested in over the years.  It is a reminder of the goodness of God and his work in and through me.

P- Lord, I praise you and thank you for the wonderful relationships you have given me on this great adventure of life.  Each person has made a special impact on my life and hope that I have done the same.  It is pure joy to have brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world to connect with and know that there is love for each other.  In that I thank you.  Amen.

23 JUL 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

 23 JUL 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 55; Joshua 23:1-16; Romans 15:25-33; Matthew 27:11-23

S- Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you.  He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.  But you, O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. Psalm 55:22-23a

O- David modeled to us well to take our troubles to the throne rather than the phone or social media.  Those who belong to the Lord have an ear to speak and One that cares more than anyone else.  When justice fails on earth, we can be sure that ultimate justice will prevail either through the cross or in hell.  Either is satisfying and permanent.

A- I will cast all my cares and burdens to my Lord, trusting that he will care for and strengthen me.  I will trust that he will handle my enemies in the best way he sees fit and I can rest in satisfaction and peace.

P- Heavenly Father, you are good and faithful through all of life’s ups and downs.  I thank you for being there for me and hearing my prayers.  I thank you for dealing with those that come against me and releasing me from anger and frustration.  Deal with them through the cross or judgment, for either will I be satisfied and you glorified.  Amen.

S- A, S, J

22 JUL 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

 22 JUL 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 40, 54; Joshua 9:22-10:15; Romans 15:14-24; Matthew 27:1-10

S- My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else.  Romans 15:20

O- Paul has the heart of Jesus in that he desires to seek and save the lost at any cost.  Several years ago my son and I stood atop a fort overlooking the city of Ankara.  The lostness of millions hit us in our hearts that the gospel must be proclaimed in this country where it once thrived.  We can get comfortable in a place that has a church on every corner, but there are places that have not heard the gospel once.

A- I will still seek the lost and equipped the saved wherever the Lord sends me.  I will rejoice in the passion Jesus has put in my heart to find his lost children and develop disciples.

P- Lord, it is in tears that I give thanks and ask that you make your servants fruitful in their endeavor to proclaim the gospel in the darkest places.  Thank you for the work you have done here in Maryland, those that have come to saving faith, and those that were equipped as disciple-makers.  Give them the passion and boldness to take the baton that was passed. Amen.

 

21 JUL 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

 21 JUL 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 50; Joshua 9:3-21; Romans 15:1-13; Matthew 26:69-75

S- Repent, all of you who forget me, or I will tear you apart, and no one will help you.  But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.  If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.  Psalm 50:22-23

O- There is a call to repentance when God exposes the sin in our lives.  He knows us better than we know ourselves and we cannot hide our sin from him.  His plan is to bring salvation to those whom he chooses.  The expectation is that we conform to his plans and respond with thanksgiving.  He is worthy of it.

A- I will give thanks to the Lord for he is merciful and gracious.  I will gladly follow his wisdom and ways to the glory of his name.

P- Lord, I give thanks to you with words and in the way that I live.  I’m sorry for sinning against you in thought, word, and deed.  For not loving my neighbor as myself and not doing the things you have commanded me to do.  Help me to walk in your ways to the glory of your name. Amen.

S- J, M, E

20 JUL 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

 20 JUL 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:49-72; Joshua 8:30-35; Romans 14:13-23; Matthew 26:57-68

S- So let’s stop condemning each other.  Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.  So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. Romans 14:13,19

O- Church discipline is the fine art of building each other up and correcting problems.  The goal is harmony and holiness for the entire body of Christ.  We can go too far with our judgment toward condemnation, especially for things that are not sinful to do.  Setting the plumbline of right living is important while lovingly shaping and guiding the community toward glorifying Jesus.

A- I will love and guide those in the flock toward a life that glorifies God.  I will be patient with those who God is shaping and encourage them in their faith.  I will correct those in love that are in sin and set the plumbline of expectation that Christ has for all of us.

P- Lord, you are the head of the church and your expectations are clear about how you desire for us to live.  Help us encourage and build each other up so we can grow in your likeness and be pleasing to you.  Our faithfulness and love toward one another will be a testimony to the outside world.  Help us to live well.  Amen.

S- M, J, T, G

19 JUL 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

 19 JUL 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 45; Joshua 8:1-22; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 26:47-56

S- Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid or discouraged.  Take all your fighting men and attack Ai, for I have given your the king of Ai, his people, his town, and his land.”

O- God gives strategy, plans, and victory to those who trust and obey him.  Joshua finds that God knows how to route an enemy and his will cannot be thwarted.  Today we work and live from a position of victory.  We are not trying to obtain it.  We need to live in his ways for they are trusted and true.

A- I will trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus.  I will seek Him for daily wisdom for the trials I face and follow his ways.

P- Lord, I praise you this morning knowing that you have secured the victory.  I rejoice in your goodness and love toward us as you show us how to live into your will and ways.  Empower us with your Holy Spirit to do what you have called us to do and bring you glory and honor. Amen.

S-M, H

 

18 JUL 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

 18 JUL 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 41, 52 Joshua 7:1-13; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 26:36-46

S- Because we belong to the the day, we must live decent lives for all to see.  Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.  Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.  And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.  Romans 13:13-14

O- Our relationship with Jesus calls us to live as models and examples for our fellow believers and light bearers in an evil and dark world.  We deny our own evil desires and embrace God’s ways with the power of the Holy Spirit.  This is the difficult narrow road that brings God glory.

A- I will with God’s help put on the shining armor of right living and cast of my dark and evil clothes.  I will embrace a lifestyle of love and holiness to the glory of God.

P- Lord, reading this passage this morning not only reminds me of the society we live in, but who I was before I met Jesus.  Help me to lay down my own evil desires and put on the ways of love and holiness.  Grant that my life will be a model and blessing to others. Amen.

S- New Five, S, A

 

16 JUL 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

 16 JUL 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 30, 32 Joshua 6:1-14; Romans 13:1-7; Matthew 26:26-35

S- Everyone must submit to governing authorities.  For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.  So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. Romans 13:1-2

O- This is significant because Paul is speaking about the Roman Government. They were worse than many of the ones we see today.  At the same time, God allows these, install, and destroys these systems.  How then shall we live out the Christian life among different rulers?  What is God trying to do in us and through us? The mission stays the same regardless.

A- I will stay focused on the mission of Jesus Christ and submit myself under his authority and of those appointed over me.  I will seek to do his will no matter what governmental authority I live under.

P- Lord, I am thankful for the country you have placed me in and the freedoms we have.  Help me to stay focused on the plan and mission you have set before me.  The foolishness of our world only reveals the brokenness of the people.  Allow us favor and effectiveness in reaching the lost and broken in every part of society. Amen.

S- FB, D

15 JUL 22 Friday SOAPS DEVOTIONAL

 15 JUL 22 Friday SOAPS DEVOTIONAL

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 31, Joshua 4:19-5:1, 10-15; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 26:17-25

S- Don’t just pretend to love others.  Really love them. Hate what is wrong.  Hold tightly to what is good.  Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.  Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:9,10, 21

O- Loving others genuinely is a difficult task, but it is the command from Jesus and is compelled by Paul.  Love is the highest standard of goodness that can be done and we are given the ability to do so by the Holy Spirit.  It is the first fruit that is produced in the believer and can defeat the evil we hate.

A- I will head the words of Paul by practically doing the things he compels us to do.  I will seek to do good to those that are wicked and evil and genuinely love those in the faith.

P- Lord, this is a difficult command that you give us to love one another.  You promise to give us the ability by the power of the Holy Spirit to really love our neighbor as ourselves and our enemies.  Help us to remain faithful and obedient so that we bring honor and glory to you and impact our world. Amen.

S- Cpl, R

14 JUL 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

 14 JUL 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 37:1-18, Joshua 3:14-4:7; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 26:1-16

S-The wicked plot against the godly; they snarl at them in defiance.  But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming. Psalm 37

O- We need perspective from the Lord’s eyes.  He knows that there is real justice that is perfect and good.  While we don’t see justice for evil people and deeds here, we can be confident that God will ultimately provide justice.  His justice is eternal and perfect.  His response to them is laughter!

A- I will remember when I get angry about evil deeds and people that God will handle them through the cross or the throne.  Both avenues provide satisfying results and bring God glory.  I will be satisfied in God.

P- Lord, thank you for being a loving and just God.  You care for your people and see that all evil will be dealt with perfectly.  Give us peace and calm our anger.  Give us perspective and strategies to cope.  Amen.

S- R, J

13 JUL 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

 13 JUL 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 38, Joshua 3:1-13; Romans 11:25-36; Matthew 25:31-46

S- The Lord told Joshua, “Today I will begin to make you a great leader in the eyes of all the Israelites.  They will know that I am with you, just as I was with Moses.  Joshua 3:7

O- Leaders are chosen and made.  The Lord can take anyone that is available or not and develop them into the person he desires them to be.  He can even give you influence among a group of people to move them to accomplish the goals He has planned.  They must yield to God’s lead and obey what he says.

A- I will remember that it is not about me and leadership is by God’s hand and authority to empower.  I will yield and obey so that He will continue to develop me into the person he desires.

P- Lord, you are great and your ways are a mystery.  I thank you for investing in me and continuing to develop me for your glory.  Help me to lead with honor, integrity, and passion for your will.  Amen.

S-M, G, T, B

12 JUL 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

 12 JUL 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 26, 28, Joshua 2:15-24; Romans 11:13-24; Matthew 25:14-30

S-Yes, but remember those branches were broken off because they didn’t believe in Christ, and you are there because you do believe.  So don’t think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen.  For if God did not spare the original branches, he won’t spare you either. Romans 11:20-21

O- The old covenant and ways were fulfilled in Jesus Christ and a new covenant relationship was established.  Those that do not submit their lives to Jesus as boss of their lives are no longer connected to God.  The warning to new believers is clear not to take God for granted or this relationship.  The evidence of our relationship is our submission to his authority and will.

A- I will remember the honor and privilege to be counted among the chosen.  I will daily submit myself to the master’s will and live for him.  

P- Lord, thank you for grafting me into the family tree.  Empower me to submit to your will and to live for you that my life would be a blessing to you.  I pray for the Jewish people today that they may know you as their king and savior.  Help us to faithfully share the gospel to them because you are eager to graft them back into your life. Amen. 

S-fb, J

11 JUL Monday SOAPS DEVO

 11 JUL 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 25, Joshua 2:1-14; Romans 11:1-12; Matthew 25:1-13

S- So this is the situation: Most of the people of Israel have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly.  A few have-the ones God has chosen-but the hearts of the rest were hardened. Romans 11:7

O- The Lord is not finished with the Jews or the Gentiles until he sounds the final horn.  The reality is that many will be saved based on the free and unmerited favor of God.  God has chosen those that will be with him and the rest hardened against him.  That is the reality and mystery of faith.  

A- I will give thanks to God for allowing me to be one of his children.  I will be humble knowing that I did nothing to merit any attention or salvation from God.  I will live in a manner that honors the sacrifice Jesus made to bring about eternal life.

P- Lord, Peter says these writings of Paul are difficult.  They are not difficult to understand, but to process the heaviness of their reality.  The fear of you rings true in the text, but so does your amazing grace.  Help me to live in a manner that is worthy of your Son’s sacrifice.  Amen.

S- Mac, Niel, 

9 JUL 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

 9 JUL 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 20, 21:1-7; Deut. 34:1-12; Romans 10:14-21; Matthew 24:32-51

S- You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.  A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. Matthew 24:44-45

O- The return of Jesus will be a surprise.  That being said there needs to be a tension set knowing that He has expectations on our life.  We want to be found doing the work He has commanded us to do and not found doing our own thing.  We do not belong to ourselves, but to God.  We must represent well.

A- I will look with hope and joy for the return of my God and King.  I will stay focused on the mission Jesus has assigned and commanded.  I will with His help live into that reality.

P- Lord, I need you every day and understand that my days are numbered.  Life is short, hell is hot, and there are still people that need to hear your message of salvation.  Help me to faithfully share the good news and invest in the saved. Amen.

S- R, J