28 OCT 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

 28 OCT 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 40, 54; Proverbs 28; Rev. 13:1-10; Luke 12:13-31

What are you spending and being spent for?

S- Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed.  Life is not measured by how much you own.” “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth, but not have a rich relationship with God.” Luke 12:15, 21

O- In our human nature, we are inclined to seek after what the world has to offer and its ways.  It can consume our energy and focus until it becomes an idol we worship.  Jesus says this person is a fool because they have sacrificed their life for temporary things and have not invested their energy into the very thing that matters.  God is the most important pursuit in life.

A- I will guard against the draw of this world in either stuff or ideas.  I will spend and be spent to know God and make him known.

P- Heavenly Father, forgive me for pursuing the things of this world and its ways.  Help me to guard against this draw and to pursue you with all my might.  Give me wisdom, guidance, and a passion to follow you all of my days.  Amen.

S- K, M, 

27 OCT 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

 27 OCT 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 50; Proverbs 27; Rev. 12:7-17; Luke 11:53-12:12

Whom do you fear?

S- Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that.  But I’ll tell you whom to fear.  Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell.  Yes, he’s the one to fear. Luke 12:4-5

O- Jesus has to give reality checks to people from time to time.  Most people have a healthy fear of death, so they are careful about how they live.  Jesus knows that people don’t fear God or himself.  In reality, the only person we should fear is God and Jesus for they can kill you and cause you to suffer in hell.  Our surrender to Jesus and turning from sin will protect us against his wrath.

A- I will keep a healthy fear of God and submit myself to his will.   I will seek his plans for my life and look forward to spending eternity with him face to face.

P- Heavenly Father, the world, our flesh, and the devil are a constant enemy to our walk with you.  There are times when we fear our neighbor who threatens theft or violence.  We also have national threats from evil regimes to our freedom and even life.  Lord, compared to you they are no worries at all.  Empower us to live a pleasing and glorifying life to you even amid our enemies and no matter the consequences.  Amen.

S- C, R

28 OCT 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

 26 OCT 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:49-72; Proverbs 26; Rev. 12:1-6; Luke 11:37-52

What are you standing on when trials come?

S- Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope.  Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. Psalm 119:49-50

O- David knows that if God says something will be, so it will be.  God never lies or deceives.  Trusting in God is the key to daily faith, especially amid trials and troubles.  If you belong to God, you can be sure when you stand on his promises you will not fail.

A- I will trust in God's promises and submit my will and life daily to him.  I will remember his promises and word in my darkest and most challenging moments.

P- Heavenly Father, your word is my hope and your promises are true.  You revive my soul and comfort me in my troubles.  In that, I give you praise and thanksgiving.  Help me to remember your words when I am down, in trials, or suffering so that I can endure.  Amen.

S- S, A, 

25 OCT 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

 25 OCT 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 45; Proverbs 25; Rev. 11:14-19; Luke 11:27-36

S- If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat.  If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.   You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.  Proverbs 25:21-22

O- God gives us wisdom that is definitely not ours or to our liking at times.  We want revenge and satisfaction and justice as soon as we can get it.  We want 10 times the punishment that is required, but God has other plans.  Love your enemy, pray for them, and do good to them.  Evil and sin will always be punished and justice rendered either through the cross or hell.  That’s enough and it is satisfying.

A- I will choose the hard path that God has given me and trust him to bring justice.  I will surrender my will to retaliate to one of mercy and love.

P- Heavenly Father, your ways are not like our ways and you have plans for everyone’s lives that we are not privy to.  You make some for honor and others for dishonor.  In your love for us, you show us wisdom in handling our problems or problem people.  Help us to do your will and not our own for your glory and our good. Amen.

S- K, R

24 OCT 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

 24 OCT 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 41, 42; Proverbs 24; Rev. 11:1-14; Luke 11:14-26

S- As he was speaking, a woman in the crowd called out, “God bless your mother- the womb from which you came, and the breasts that nursed you!” Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” Luke 11:27-28

O- People naturally believe what would be a blessing for them and for others.  God knows what is the greater blessing for each of us. We are blessed when we come to know Jesus in saving faith.  We are even more blessed when we become practitioners of his words in every area of our lives.  We have the greatest blessing when we help another learn to make disciples.

A- I will embrace the blessing of knowing Jesus and all the other blessings that come from following him.  

P- Lord, thank you for blessing me with the saving knowledge of your Son.  Thank you for blessing me as I obey your word and the patterns of life Jesus has modeled.  Help me to be faithful and equip others. Amen.

S- C, N, A

21 OCT 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

 21 OCT 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 31; Proverbs 21; Rev. 9:13-21; Luke 10:38-42

In what or whom do you put your hope?

S- Love the Lord, all you godly ones! For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him, but he harshly punishes the arrogant. So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord! Psalm 31 23-24

O- David was a shepherd, warrior, and king.  He faced trials, temptations, and opposition to his authority from his people or enemies.  His love, time, and energy focused on the Lord.  He knew where his hope, wisdom, and strength came from and he knew that God had established him as king.  As he reflects on the situation that he faces, he knows who can solve it.  David tells the people to do what he does, trust in the Lord and be strong and courageous.

A- I will be strong and courageous as I face the trials and temptations of life knowing that God is my hope and will work in and through me to give me success.

P- Heavenly Father, help us not to neglect our time with you.  Motivate us to seek your face daily, for you are the source of all that is good and lovely.  Cultivate our relationship so that it might grow deep and become fruitful.  In your great name, we pray, amen.

S- L, M

20 OCT 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

 20 OCT 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 37:1-18; Proverbs 20; Rev. 9:1-12; Luke 10:25-37

Have you had your heart examined?

S- The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive. Proverbs 20:27

O- The person that knows you better than yourself is God.  He knows your thought and desires and the sins you plan to do and the ones you have done. Everything we do will come to the light and will be held accountable for it.  He is able to help you live the life that is pleasing to him by empowering us with the Holy Spirit. 

A- I will remember that God sees and knows all things even the desires and motives of my heart.  I will keep short accounts with the Lord when I sin and ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit on a daily basis.

P- Heavenly Father, you are great and your steadfast love lasts forever.  You have examined my heart and know my deepest faults and desires.  Fill me with your Spirit and put your word in my heart so that I will not sin against you.  Empower me to live the life that you desire me to live.  Thank you for the opportunity to do so today. Amen.

S- C, A, S

19 OCT 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

 19 OCT 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 38; Proverbs 19; Rev. 8:1-13; Luke 10:17-24

Are you afraid of climate change destruction?

S- One third of the earth was set on fire, one-third of the trees were burned, and all the green grass was burned.  One-third of the water in the sea became blood, one-third of all the things living in the sea died, and one-third of all the ships on the sea were destroyed. Rev. 8:2, 8-9

O- Our culture is consumed with fear or projecting that the world will end if we don’t fix climate change.  We know the end and it is not destroyed by us polluting it.  The climate will change by the command of Jesus Christ and will be destroyed by his judgment.  Changing to electric cars won’t save the planet or ourselves.  Only through repenting of our sins and putting our trust in Jesus for what he did on the cross will keep from eternal destruction.

A- I will keep a true perspective on the future and daily put my trust in Jesus.  I will speak the truth of the gospel to those that are far from God so that they have an opportunity to turn from their sins.

P- Lord, we get caught up with the fears projected by politicians and pagan earth worshipers about climate destruction, yet have no concern for their souls.  Help us to embrace the future you have promised by your word and entrust you with our lives.  Empower us to take the gospel to all that are far from you and change their hearts and minds to receive you. Amen.

S- C, N

18 OCT 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

 18 OCT 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 26,,28; Proverbs 18; Rev. 7:9-17; Luke 10:1-16

Are you asking for laborers to help with the mission?

S- These were his instructions to them: The harvest is great, but the workers are few.  So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.

O- Laborers or workers are hard to find.  We say that in our country because we have more jobs than people who want to work to fill them.  It’s a big issue.  In the church we have that issue, no one wants to do the work that has been given to us.  Jesus will raise up and send new workers to complete the mission he has given us.

A- I will remain faithful in working in the harvest and ask God to send more workers.  

P- Lord, the more I labor reaching and training disciple-makers, the more I see the need for laborers.  There are more people that need you than I can handle, so I ask that you send more workers.  Help me to develop new leaders for the next generation of disciples and remain faithful until you return. Amen.

P-M, J

15 OCT 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

 15 OCT 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 20, 21:1-7; Proverbs 15; Acts 28:17-31; Luke 9:37-50

Do you have the joy of the Lord?

S- He shouts with joy because you give him victory.  For you have given him his heart’s desire; you have withheld nothing he requested.  You have endowed him with eternal blessings and given him the joy of your presence. Psalm 21: 1b-2, 6

O- There is great joy when you see the mighty hand of God move in your life and the lives of others.  When God answers prayers, makes a path where there is none, or gives victory in your life; the response is praise and shouts of joy.  It does not end in this life, joy increases for eternity.

A- I will rejoice and shout when God moves or gives victory in my life or others.  I will remember that my future is brighter than this present moment when my joy is complete.

P- Lord, hearing the testimony of David’s experience of your divine hand brings encouragement and joy.  Grant my desire to see you move in my life and the lives of others around me.  You have given me joy every day seeing your work.  In that, I shout your praise of thanksgiving.  Amen.

S- F, D

14 OCT 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

 14 OCT 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 16, 17; Proverbs 14; Acts 28:1-16; Luke 9:28-36

Is God the treasure of your life?

S- Lord, you alone are my inheritance,  my cup of blessing.  You guard all that is mine.  You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:5, 11

O- There is a time in your walk with God when you realize that God is everything.  If you have him, you have everything.  He is life and makes it joyful and with purpose.  Being in a relationship with God doesn’t end, but continues for eternity. Anything we face now is nothing compared to being in his full presence.

A- I will give thanks for God giving me himself and allowing me to treasure him in my heart.  I will rejoice that one day I will stand in his full presence as a friend.

P- Lord, I’m thankful that you are my treasure and inheritance.  You are good and your love is steadfast and never-ending.  I thank you for making my life a blessing to you and giving me purpose.  Empower me to live each day on things that are eternally significant and give me people to invest in. In your magnificent name, amen.

S- N, R

13 OCT 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

 13 OCT 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 18:1-20; Jonah 3:1-4:11; Acts 27:27-44; Luke 9:18-27

S-So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.  You are eager to turn back from destroying people. Jonah 4:2

O- Understanding the character and attributes of God is a must as we face the challenges and struggles of life.  Jonah was not happy with God that he might save his enemy, but God cared for these people.  He desired salvation for them and not destruction.  It was God’s good pleasure to save this group of people who didn’t deserve it.

A- I will give thanks to the Lord for he is worthy to be praised for saving a wretch like me.  I will embrace the Lord’s attributes and character as I face life's challenges, knowing that He will act to ensure His will is done.

P- Merciful and gracious Lord, I entrust to you my life and those in my life.  Our friends and family struggle with issues of health, job, and housing insecurity, among other things.  We trust in your unfailing love, mercy, and compassion.  May your will be done in our lives.  Amen.

S-S, A

12 OCT 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

 12 OCT 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:1-24; Jonah 1:17-2:10; Acts 27:9-26; Luke 9:1-17

Are you cultivating a life for God?

S- Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.  Joyful are those who obey his laws anad search for him with all their hearts. Psalm 119:1-2

O- Before any ministry outside of yourself, nurture a growing relationship with God.  Out of that deep and abiding relationship flows power, peace, love, and food for others.   The joy and peace that comes from knowing God will carry you the storms of life and enable you to carry others.

A- I will rejoice in the Lord for he is good and faithful.  I will seek Him in his word daily enjoying the wonderful truths I find.

P- Heavenly Father, I rejoice in who you are and your care for me.  As I open your word, incline my heart to your will and ways.  Empower me to obey and to find my satisfaction and joy in you.  Sow your word in my heart and cultivate a life that is worthy of your name. Amen.

S- NG, C 

11 OCT 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

 11 OCT 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 5, 6; Jonah 1:1-17a; Acts 26:24-27:8; Luke 8:40-56

Do you get what you deserve?

S- Then they cried out to the Lord, Jonah’s God.  “O Lord,” they pleaded. “Don’t make us die for this man’s sin.  And don’t hold us responsible for his death.  O Lord, you have sent this storm upon him for your own good reasons.”  The sailors were awestruck by the Lord’s great power and they offered him a sacrifice and vowed to serve him.  Jonah 1:14, 15b

O- All weather events are governed by God for his good reasons and ordained to fulfill his plans.  A group of sailors came to faith in God and Jonah was redirected back to his mission.  What we perceive as harsh judgment had a great upside.  Mercy was extended where it wasn’t deserved.

A- I will thank God for showing mercy and not giving me what I deserve.  I will remember that God works in the midst of disaster, fulfilling his will, and nothing can thwart him.

P- Lord, thank you for this passage of Scripture where a ship of sailors comes to faith even when your messenger is disobedient.  You are faithful Lord and your plans are sure.  Help us to trust you through the storms of life that your will is completed and your ways are good.  Amen.

S- A, S

10 OCT 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

 10 OCT 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 1, 2, 3; Micah 7:1-7; Acts 26:1-23; Luke 8:26-39

Are you telling people what Jesus has done for you?

S- The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with him.  But Jesus sent him home, saying, “No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.  Luke 8:38-39

O- How long should a person wait until they share their faith? A year? After seminary or Bible college? We find in the Scriptures an immediate response to share is typical.  The man known as Legion was freed from the bondage of demons and restored to a new life.  Jesus would not let him follow (another article), but gave him a mission to go and tell.  Jesus gave us that mission too.  Are you telling people what Jesus has done for you?

A- I will thank God for saving and freeing me from the bondage of sin and death.  I will accept the commission to go and tell every day I live.

P- Lord, thank you for the honor and privilege to serve you with gladness and singleness of heart.  Give me the opportunity each day to testify to others of your goodness and grace in my life.  Connect me with people to invest in and develop into disciple-makers.  Amen.

S- T, C

9 OCT 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

9 OCT 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 146, 147; Micah 6:1-8; 1 Cor. 4:9-16; Matt. 15:21-28

Are you seeking God's lost sheep?

S- Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep-the people of Israel.” But she came and worshiped him pleading again, “Lord, help me!” Matthew 15:24-25

O- Jesus came to seek and to save that which were lost.  Initially, he came for Israel, but we see here Jesus filtered this Gentile woman as well as Legion, the Centurion, and the woman at the well.  While they all seem random, Jesus intentionally sought these encounters.  He was reaching people that were not of the Jewish Fold.  As Jesus said, I have other sheep not a part of this fold. I must bring them also.

A- I will continue to seek after the lost sheep of God no matter the race, tribe, or tongue.  I will trust that He has chosen and prepared them to receive the invitation and rejoice with the angels when one is found.

P- Lord, thank you for intentionally seeking after your lost sheep.  Empower us to faithfully share the good news and trust that you will bring all that you desire into the fold.  Help us not to filter by anything, but the gospel.  May we find all that is around us.  Amen.

S- K, M, R

 

7 OCT 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

 7 OCT 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 140, 142; Micah 3:9-4:5; Acts 24:24-25:12; Luke 8:1-15

Do you understand the mystery of faith?

S- His disciples asked him what this parable meant.  He replied, “you are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of God.  But I use parables to teach others so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled: When they look, they won’t really see.  When they hear, they won’t understand.”  Luke 8:9-10

O- Jesus uses the gospel as a filter to find the people that belong to him.  Based on the parable that is about 25% of hearers will turn to God in faith.  The main point is that eyes to see and ears to hear are gifts from the Holy Spirit. (Prov. 20:12) They are only opened by the will of God and the abilities of man alone fall short of understanding.

A- I will pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to bear fruit from my faithful witness.  I will pray that people will be given the eyes and ears of faith.  I will trust him for the outcome.

P- Lord, I thank you for the lesson you gave to your first disciples and how that helps your disciples today.  Salvation is an awesome wonder that demonstrates your amazing sovereign grace.  Bless the people in my life and sphere of influence with the eyes and ears of faith.  Make their hearts good soil so that they become true followers and not false converts. Amen.

S- S, S

6 OCT 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

 6 OCT 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 131, 132; Micah 3:1-8; Acts 24:1-23; Luke 7:36-50

Are your leaders promoting evil?

S- I said, “Listen you leaders of Israel! You are supposed to know right from wrong, but you are the very ones who hate good and love evil.  Then you beg the Lord for help in times of trouble! Do you really expect him to answer? Micah 3:1-2a, 4a

O- Leaders set the vision and promote the plumbline of righteousness in a city or country.  They know right from wrong, but in their nature choose evil and call it good.  Every community experiences this with its leaders from the beginning of time.  The Lord judges these leaders and holds them accountable.  Justice is satisfied either on the cross or in hell.

A- I will not be afraid to speak into people’s lives when they do evil or promote it. I will reconcile them to God as I would desire that myself.  I will promote righteousness.

P- Lord, we see leaders promote wickedness and evil as good every year.  This is disturbing and it leads to lawlessness.  Help us to find ways to call this out while being respectful to the office since you have placed them there.  Help us to leave it in your hands for the ultimate results.  Move on our nation's leaders to promote righteousness and rebuke them if they promote evil. Amen.

S-T, J

5 OCT 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

 5 OCT 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:145-176; Micah 2:1-13; Acts 23:23-35; Luke 7:18-35

Do you hunger for the word of God?

S- I pray with all of my heart; answer me, Lord! I will obey your decrees.  I cry out to you; rescue me, that I may obey your laws.  I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words. Psalm 119:145-147

O- A follower of Christ is in a growing relationship.  Evidence of growth and maturity is a passion and hunger for the Word and a desire to do what it says.  Developing a rhythm of daily reading and prayer is vital as eating food for the body.  If you want to become who Jesus wants you to be you will learn to self-feed.

A- I will continue to hear, believe, and obey the words of the Lord so that I can grow closer to God and develop into the person he wants me to be.

P- Lord, thank you for your word and wisdom.  Help me to remain steadfast in my devotion to you and being a doer of the word.  Thank you for helping me establish a daily rhythm for reading and prayer.  As I live out my faith, it has become a daily lifeline and life-giver.  Bless me today in this reading and as I share it with others.  Amen.

S- M, G