30 SEP 22 Friday SOAPS DEVOTIONAL

 30 SEP 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 102; Hosea 10:1-15; Acts 21:37-22:16; Luke 6:12-26

Are you putting your faith in politics and politicians?

S- But even if we had a king, what could he do for us anyway? They spout empty words and make covenants they don’t intend to keep.  So injustice springs up among them like poisonous weeds in a farmer’s field.  Hosea 10:4

O- The Jews looked for and worshiped anything or anyone that would give them the life they desired.  They put their trust in leaders and idols that didn’t deliver on promises made.  When we put our trust in men or systems of government or military might, then we will suffer.  God calls us to repent of this and make him king of our lives.

A- I will trust in the Lord to do what he desires with my life and country.  I will trust in his ways and obey his commands and decrees.

P- My Lord, forgive me for putting my faith in politicians and political systems.  The best of men are men at best and systems are just as flawed no matter how good they are.  Help me to stay focused on what your will is and do the things you have called me to do.  Grant that my satisfaction will be found in you and the joy of your salvation will rest on me. Amen.

S- M, A,

29 SEP 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

 29 SEP 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 105:1-22; Hosea 5:8-6:6; Acts 21:27-36; Luke 6:1-11

Are you embracing the call of God or rebelling? 

S- I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices.  I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.  But like Adam, you broke my covenant and betrayed my trust. Hosea 6:6-7

O- God’s heart is a love for his creation, specifically love toward the people he has chosen for himself.  His desire is an eternal relationship.  Those in that relationship will be with him for eternity.  We are broken people that reject him at every turn and do not yield to him in our natural state.  Thank God that he chose us and made us capable of loving and knowing him.

A- I will rejoice in the goodness of God that he has chosen me and enabled me to love him and obey him.  I will seek a deeper relationship with God each day.

P- Lord, you are merciful to a people that naturally are your enemies and rebel against your will.  Thank you for choosing some in this world to love and save, for you are not obligated to do so.  Your sovereign grace truly is amazing.  Please help us to know you more and follow in your ways for the glory of your name.  Amen.

S- C, T, J

28 SEP 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

 28 SEP 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 101, 109:1-30; Hosea 4:11-19; Acts 21:15-26; Luke 5:27-39

S- I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.  I will praise you with songs.  I will be careful to live a blameless life-when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my home. Psalm 101:1-2

O- David lists a number of “I will” statements committing his life and ways to God because he loves the Lord above all else.  It becomes an easier and more joyful task to die to ourselves when the object of our worship is God. As we love him and obey him, He is working in us and giving us the desire to do what pleases him.

A- I will follow David’s example and commit my life daily to the will of God and enjoy Him all of the days of my life.

P- Lord, this is the day that you have made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.  You are too wonderful for words and your love for me is great.  Help me to love you like David and to conform my life to your will and ways.  May the joy of the Lord give me strength. Amen.

S- K, M

27 SEP 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

 27 SEP 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 97, 99; Hosea 4:1-10; Acts 21:17-38; Luke 5:12-26

Are all religions the same?

S- For you, O Lord, are supreme over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.  You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked.  Psalm 97:9-10

O- The world believes that all gods are equal and valid.  Eventually, they will all lead to heaven. The truth claims of the Bible say differently.  That our God is supreme above all gods and he has no equal.  All that follow after other religions, idols, or ideas will perish, but “his” godly people he rescues and protects.

A- I will glorify the Lord because he is worthy of praise and is supreme above everything in heaven and earth.  I will testify to his preeminence over all religions amid a pluralistic society.

P- Lord, I thank you for your word and how it reveals who you are and what you are like.  To know you is everything and I find my satisfaction in you alone.  Bless me as I abide in you and walk in your ways.  Help me to love what you love and hate what you hate.  Allow me the honor of serving you today and every day you give me.  Amen. 

S- T, D

26 SEP 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

 26 SEP 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 89:1-18; Hosea 2:14-23; Acts 20:17-38; Luke 5:1-11

S- I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes.  I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike-the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.  Acts 20:20-21

O- Paul was singularly focused on the mission given to him.  He shared the gospel with everyone without filtering for personal bias.  He encouraged and challenged believers and disciples to new levels of relationship with Jesus.  He did not hold back correction, setting the standard, or holding people accountable.  He was a great model leader that we can strive to be like.

A- I will strive to share the gospel with everyone without filtering, encourage, and challenge believers to a new level of relationship with Jesus.  I will correct and hold people accountable.

P- Lord, thank you for giving us leaders and practitioners like Paul to model ourselves after.  Empower us to stay focused on the mission you have given us and not be afraid to share with people the gospel or set the plumbline for what is right.  Amen.

S- 7peeps

23 SEP 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

 23 SEP 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 88; Esther 8:1-17; Acts 19:21-41; Luke 4:31-37

Do you know God can override the will of his creation?

S-Once when he was in the synagogue, a man possessed by a demon-an evil spirit-cried out, shouting.  Go away! Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are-the Holy One of God! Luke 4:33-34

O- The power of God over the will of creation is tough to grasp.  He is all-powerful and is not limited in any way.  A demon has overpowered a man and is controlling his very life.  The demon recognizes Jesus and is upset that he is about to be destroyed or at least permanently removed from the host.  With a word, Jesus changed the life of the demon and the man.

A- I will trust in the Lord to do all he desires and change the hearts of those I share with.  I will give thanks that he can do far more than I can think, imagine, or understand.

P- Lord, you are an awesome wonder.  We cannot process the magnitude of what you can do.  We object to your ability to override our will, but without it, we would never come to know you or do your will.  Thank you for changing those that you have drawn to yourself and helping us to be all that you desire us to be. Amen.

S- M, L, K

22 SEP 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

 22 SEP 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 83; Esther 7:1-10; Acts 19:11-20; Luke 4:14-30

S- But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you? Acts 19:15

O- Who knows that you belong to Jesus? Jesus knows who belongs to him and who doesn’t.  The devil and demons know this as well.  Someone who thinks they are a disciple because they go to church, do church activities, or are baptized doesn’t make them His.  Any more than standing in a garage, makes you a car.  There are plenty of these false converts in church.

A- I will remember the high calling of Jesus on the lives of his people.  I will give thanks for choosing me and allowing me the honor of glorifying him with my life.

P- Lord, it is sad to know that there are people who believe they are yours and are not.  It is painful to know that some use the church as a cover for profit or power.  Ultimately, you know who belongs and who does not.  You have said the wheat and the tares grow up alongside each other and for us not to worry, but to leave them to you to sort out.  Help us to stay faithful and obey, amen.

S- V, A

21 SEP 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

 21 SEP 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:97-120; Esther 6:1-14; Acts 19:1-10; Luke 4:1-13

Do you treasure time spent with the Lord and his word?

S- Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.  Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight.  I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end. Psalm 119:105,111-112

O- Abiding in the Lord is the most important thing we can do as believers.  It is to love God and to be in his presence, basking in his glory, holiness, and love.  From this place, we are empowered to live every day in the face of evil and overcome our sins and live as faithful witnesses.  Now we do this in part, but in the future, we will do this face to face with God.

A- I will spend time daily with Lord enjoying his presence and learning from Him.  I will seek to be faithful to what he has taught and to pass it on to others.

P- Lord, you are my treasure and hope.  Thank you for making me your own.  Teach me your word and your ways that I might glorify you in all of life.  Guide me in my daily walk and give me the boldness to share with others the hope that I have in you. Amen.

S- K, R, C

20 SEP 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

 20 SEP 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 78:1-39; Esther 5:1-14; Acts 18:12-28; Luke 3:15-22

Are you giving lip service to God or have you surrendered completely?

S-But in spite of this, the people kept sinning.  Despite his wonders, they refused to trust him.  But all they gave him was lip service; they lied to him with their tongues.  Their hearts were not loyal to him. They did not keep his covenant. Psalm 78:32, 36-37

O- This psalm recounts the Jews' relationship with God after being delivered from slavery.  Their memory and true love for God was reduced to a transactional relationship.  They desired a cosmic vending machine without any strings attached.  We can be that way too.  We can forget that God saved us from his wrath and the penalty of death so that we could live for him and not ourselves.  We can always trust him to do what is best regardless of what we go through.

A- I will give thanks to God for who he is and what he has done for me.  I will daily submit my life to him to do as he desires.  I will demonstrate my love and trust in him by obeying all that he has commanded.  I will find my satisfaction in God.

P- Lord, you have done great things in my life and for all those that confess your name.  Thank you for blessing me with salvation and eternal life.  Help me not to forget what you have done and to worship you with my life.  Amen.

S- R, D, B

#acloserwalk #thefishermansline 

19 SEP 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

 19 SEP 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 80; Esther 4:4-17; Acts 18:1-11; Luke 3:1-14

Have you ever wondered why God has you where you are?

S- If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from someplace, but you and your relatives will die.  Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for such a time as this?  Esther 4:14

O- The providence and sovereignty of God is a beautiful thing.  God orchestrated a solution through the least likely person to accomplish his will and bring salvation to his people.  Realizing that you are in a place and working with particular people at the right time, is humbling and exciting. He continues to do this today.

A - I will seek the Lord, and look for the things that he is doing around me.  I will trust that if I submit my life and will to him, he will use me as an instrument for good.

P- Lord, thank you for the testimony of Esther and how you used her to save your people.  She is a strong and faithful woman that realized that you were doing a work and trusted you to accomplish it even if she died.  Empower us to be obedient, no matter the consequences. Amen.

S- R, R 

18 SEP 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

 18 SEP 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 93, 96; Esther 3:1-4:3; James 1:19-27; Matt. 6:1-6, 16-18

Are you a doer of the Word?

S- But don't just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says.  But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.   James 1:22, 25

O- Abiding in Jesus and obeying his words shows or demonstrates our love to him.  It also sets us free from bondage to sin and empowers us to do his will throughout our lives.  As we trust and obey, God blesses us richly in our daily life.

A- I will trust and obey God’s word each day.  I will be a practitioner rather than an observer. 

P- Lord, we often wonder why we are stuck in sin or dry spiritually.  You have given us the solution to both in your Son Jesus, his words, and example.  Help us to not just be hearers, but doers of it.  Empower us to obey your would and make us truly free.  Amen. 

S - C, R

17 SEP 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

 17 SEP 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 75, 76; Esther 2:5-8, 15-23; Acts 17:16-34; John 12:44-50

Do you know the three responses you will get when sharing the gospel?

S-When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, We want to hear more about this later.  That ended the discussion with them, but some joined him and became believers. Acts 17:32-34

O- We see here a pattern of response that comes from sharing the gospel.  You can bank on people reacting like a street light.  The red light is rejection, possible hostility, or dismissiveness.   Yellow light is a response of interest and desire to discover more.  Lastly, is a green light in which the response is repentance and belief.  These responses are controlled by God and not us.

A- I will better understand the people who I share with and not be frustrated with their responses.  I will focus my attention on the yellow and green and not the red.  

P- Lord, thank you for the unfiltered responses that Jesus and the disciples received.  Help us to not waste time on red lights, but apply our time and energy on the yellow and green responses.  Thank you that there are always some that you are drawing to yourself. Amen. 

S- L, M, C

16 SEP 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

 16 SEP 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 69:1-23, 31-36; Esther 1:1-4,10-19; Acts 17:1-15; John 12:36-43

Why don't people believe?

S-But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him. But the people couldn’t believe, for as Isaiah also said, The Lord has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts-so that their eyes cannot see, and their hearts cannot understand.  John 12:37,39-40

O- Why don’t people believe? When sharing the gospel, you have many that reject it.  Is it us? No.  Salvation is a gift freely given to whom Jesus chooses by his good pleasure.  He sovereignly rejects others by his good pleasure too. The gift of a new birth and spiritual reception is closed off to them and becomes totally unresponsive.  They are not his sheep, but are goats.

A- I will rejoice in the Lord that any come to saving faith including myself.  I will not be angry or frustrated when people do not respond to the gospel, but will entrust them to Jesus for their future.

P- Lord, the heavy truth found in your word requires trust and understanding.  Please impart to us a new level of both.  We pray for those you have put in our path and desire for them to come to saving faith either now or later.  I entrust them to you because you know who is and who is not yours.  Give us peace, boldness, and faithfulness to accomplish the task before us, amen.

S - J

15 SEP 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

 15 SEP 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 71; Job 28:1-28; Acts 16:25-40; John 12:27-36a

S- I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone.  But its death will produce many new kernels-a plentiful harvest of new lives.  John 12:24

O- Jesus predicted and often told the disciples that he would die, be buried, and rise again.  His death and resurrection is the path to eternal life and many will live eternally because of it.  As disciples we can be harvesting tools to bring new people into the faith by sharing the good news.

A- I will give thanks and rejoice in the sacrifice that Jesus did for me.  I will faithfully share the good news of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.  

P- Father, thank you for the plan of salvation that was set before the foundation of the world.  Thank you for Jesus and his ultimate sacrifice to bring many into relationship with you. Give me the daily strength and boldness to live for you and not myself.  Amen.

S- c, r

14 SEP 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

 14 SEP 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 72; Job 42:1-17; Acts 16:16-24; John 12:20-26

S- Give your love of justice to the king, O God, and righteousness to the king’s son.  Help him judge your people in the right way. Psalm 72:1-2

O- Praying “for” leaders is an important thing as a believer.  They are broken, sinful, and yet placed in power by God even the ones that are terrible. God can change the heart and will of a leader to do His will at any time.  Praying for God to give them a passion for justice and righteousness reflecting God’s own character and making a nation great.

A- I will pray “for” the leaders of my work, state, and country that God would use them for his glory. I will pray that God would give them a heart for justice and righteousness so the people will reflect the character of God.

P- Lord, historically the world has had all kinds of leaders. We like or dislike our leaders depending on our selfish desires and party lines.  We are called to pray “for” and support every leader because you have established them and command us to do so.  We ask that you bless our leaders with a passion for justice and righteousness. Guide their decisions to glorify your name, amen.

S- d, v, a

13 SEP 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

 13 SEP 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 61, 62; Job 41:1-11; Acts 16:6-15; John 12:9-19

S- One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying.  Acts 16:14

O- We come to faith, not by our own natural ability, but by a transformation of the heart by the Holy Spirit.  We are made spiritually alive and are able to respond to the good news of Jesus.  All that are awakened by the Holy Spirit will respond to the call. When someone rejects the message, their heart is not prepared and cannot receive it.

A- I will faithfully pray for those that I am seeking to reach, asking for a God prepared person that is ready to be found.  I will not get discouraged or frustrated when people do not receive Him because salvation is the choice and work of God. 

P- Lord, the mystery of faith can be confusing and frustrating especially when we desire a loved one to know you.  I trust that you will have mercy on those you desire to have mercy.  You will reach your sheep and they will recognize your voice.  Help me to stay bold and share with everyone since I don’t know who belongs to you.  Amen.

S- J, M

12 SEP 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

 12 SEP 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 56, 57; Job 40:1-24; Acts 15:36-16:5; John 11:55-12:8

S-But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.  I praise God for what he has promised.  I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:3-4

O- When we are in a relationship with Jesus, the spirit of fear in our natural selves can be overcome.  God gives us power, self-control, and love which guards our hearts and minds. There is also the realization of God’s awesomeness which knows no equal and none is greater. Fear becomes an exercise of trust and faith.

A- I will trust God in the face of challenges and fear.  With his help, I will overcome and experience Him as a protector.

P- Lord, you have always been faithful and allowed me to experience you in different ways.  Even when I have been afraid, you have given me peace and perspective of what I am facing. Help me not to forget how great and good you are, amen.

S- Tm

10 SEP 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

 10 SEP 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 55; Job 38:1-17; Acts 15:22-35; John 11:45-54

S- Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.  Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Job 38:3-4

O- Having the fear of the Lord is an important thing.  The reality is the magnitude of who He is, is mind blowing.  He tells Job to buckle up because He is about to drop the truth on him.  God determines everything and nothing can resist his will to be done.  What we experience now, even the horror, doesn’t change his mind or will.  He will work it out for His pleasure and his children’s good. 

A- I will rejoice in the Almighty, for he is able to do more than I can comprehend.  I will yield to his sovereign hand and walk in his ways no matter the circumstance, with His help.

P- Lord, you are the Almighty and there is no one greater than you and you have no equal.  No one can resist your call or thwart your plans.  You always win and have your way.  Help us to remember that you are a big God and can accomplish all that you desire.  Lord, I yield my life each day to you.  May your name be made great in my life.  Amen.

S- T, C