30 NOV 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

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

The first week of Advent

Do you have spiritual children?

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

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

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

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

S- M, O

29 NOV 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

 29 NOV 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

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

The first week of Advent

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

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

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

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

S- A, E

27 NOV 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

 27 NOV 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

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

The first Sunday of Advent

Are you ready to meet your maker?

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

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

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

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

S- L, M

26 NOV 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

 26 NOV 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

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

Are you living individually and communally the way God desires?

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

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

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

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

S- K, L

25 NOV 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

 25 NOV 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

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

Are the stones doing your job?

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

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

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

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

S- J, M

24 NOV 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

 24 NOV 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

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

Are you thankful?

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

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

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

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

S- C, M

23 NOV 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

 23 NOV 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

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

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

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

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

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

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

S- L, M  

22 NOV 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

 22 NOV 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

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

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

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

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

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

S- K, M

21 NOV 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

 21 NOV 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 106:1-18; Zech. 10:1-12; Gal. 6:1-10; Luke 18:15-30

How are you investing in your life?

S-Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.  For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.  Gal. 6:7-8

O- We can deceive ourselves, but we cannot deceive God.  He knows our thoughts, desires, and inner sins.  Whatever we are feeding on, practicing, and thinking about affects our lives and relationship with God.  Examine the fruit of your life regularly with honesty; it will reveal how you invest your time.  It takes a disciplined life to intentionally follow Jesus and die to sin.  The outcome is a better life today and a greater eternity.

A- I will regularly examine my life to understand what God is doing and if I’m investing diligently.  I will take responsibility for my sin and deal with it.

P- Lord, forgive me for my sin and for not doing what I know I should be doing.  Help me to live a disciplined life and feed on the things necessary to cultivate a strong relationship with you.  Let my life bare good fruit and lots of it.  Help me to assist others in the same way.  Amen.

S- J, K

    

20 NOV 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

 20 NOV 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 118; Zech. 9:9-16; 1 Pet. 3:13-22; Matt. 21:1-13

Are you prepared to share your faith? Are you getting reps?

S-But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed.  Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; 1 Peter 3:14-15

O- The reality of life as a Christian is being ready to share the faith with others.  It is an intentional act to share with everyone in our sphere of influence those who ask and those that don’t.    We do not need to be at a loss for words if the mission of Christ is first in our lives.  It will always be on our minds and our lips.

A- I will make myself ready to share the hope that I have in Jesus by sharing my story and God’s story with those around me.

P- Heavenly Father, thank you for the honor of sharing the hope that we have in you with others.  Give us many opportunities to impact those around us and make the most of them.  Bless the hearers with saving faith or encouragement as we intentionally reach out. In your name, I pray, amen.

S- J, C

19 NOV 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

 19 NOV 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 107:33-43; Mal. 3:13-4:6; Jam. 5:13-20; Luke 18:9-14

Are you an observer or a participant?

S- Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16

O- James gives reason for caring for each other as the church.  We have ups and downs in life and need to be there for each other in both.  Prayer and care go together creating a powerful corporate resilience among the people.  James’ charge is to everyone in the church, not just the clergy.  There are no observers, everyone is to be involved.

A- I will pray with those who need prayer, sing praise with the joyful, and anoint the sick with oil.  I will model and encourage others to actively pray and care for one another.

P- Heavenly Father, I rejoice in who you are and how you care for us.  I’m thankful that Jesus speaks with you about our needs and that you will work your way through our lives.  Thank you for giving us great power when we pray to bring comfort, healing, and even bring restoration to straying people.  In that, we give hearty praise to your name. Amen.

S- C, J

18 NOV 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

 18 NOV 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 102; Mal. 3:1-12; Jam. 5:7-12; Luke 18:1-8

S- Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.  They will perish, but you will all wear out like a garment.  You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end. Psalm 102:25-27

O- This speaks of the eternal nature and sovereignty of God.  It is also quoted and spoke directly of Jesus in Hebrews 1.  The Trinity is self-existent, has always existed, and will always exist.  He and his ways are the same yesterday, today, and forever.  These two passages are important for our understanding of the nature of God, but also when talking to people from other religions, especially pseudo-Christian groups like Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses.

A- I will give thanks to God for who he is and that he doesn’t change and remains the same.  I will faithfully share who Jesus is with those that have been led astray and with everyone else.

P- Gracious Lord, to know you, is to have life.  Thank you for revealing yourself to mankind and enabling us to understand and receive you.  Give us a passion for knowing you and growing in wisdom. Prepare our minds to engage the lost and the deceived so that we might save some.  In your name, we pray. Amen.

S- J, K

17 NOV 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

17 NOV 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 105:1-22; Mal. 2:1-16; Jam. 4:13-5:6; Luke 17:20-37

Are you chasing after your desires or God’s?

S- Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make profit-yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring.  What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. James 4:13-14

O- We are designed with the purpose to do the will of God and enjoying him forever.  We chase after a desire that is outside of the will of God and we know it.  We are consumed by it, forgetting that God is sovereign and can end us at any time.  Happiness and satisfaction are not found outside of God and his will.  All other pursuits are a fool's errand.

A- I will repent of the parts of my life that I strive after that are not in alignment with God’s will.  I will focus on living for him and not myself.

P- Gracious Lord, you are sovereign and hold the keys to my future.  Forgive me for chasing my own will over against yours.  Help me to align my life with your will and seek my satisfaction in you.  Grant that my life will bring you joy.  Amen.

S- K, L

16 NOV 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

 16 NOV 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 101, 109:20-30; Mal. 1:1, 6-14; Jam. 3:13-4:12; Luke 17:11-19

Are you friends with the world?

S- You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4

O- Culture, Ideology, and politics are the ways of the world and craft a view of God that is false and insulting.  The world promises to deliver on some need or desire but always fails, leaving people dissatisfied.  James doesn’t want followers of Jesus to get sucked into the world’s ways because it is detrimental to our relationship and our mental health.  God views friendship with the world as spiritual adultery.

A- I will examine my life to determine if I am aligned with the world’s culture, ideology, or politics. I will align myself with the Lord,  his mission, and his vision for my life.

P- Heavenly Father, examine my heart and help me not to offend you and harm our relationship.  Is there a part of me that has adopted the world’s ways or grown dependent on their solutions? Forgive me.  Give me the wisdom to discern and to live in a manner that is pleasing to you.  Amen.

S- R, R

15 NOV 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

 15 NOV 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 97, 99; Hab. 3:1-18; Jam. 3:1-12; Luke 17:1-10

Why do you serve?

S- Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you are commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’ Luke 17:9-10

O- We can approach serving God with wrong motives to either gain something or do our duty.  We expect praise for doing something we ought and yet the majority don’t even do that and still expect praise or reward.  It comes down to the fact that our heart is not in it.  We obey Jesus because we love him. (Jn 14:15) The opposite is true too, plain and simple.

A- I will repent for not serving with the right heart.  I will give thanks that Jesus desires for us to be about the Father’s work and  I get to do this.

P- Heavenly Father, I give thanks that you hear my prayer and desire a close relationship.  Forgive me for not always serving you with the right motives and intentions.  Help me to remember that obedience is a reflection of my love for you. Thank you for allowing me to serve you.  In your matchless name, I pray. Amen.

S-C, M

14 NOV 22 SOAPS Devotional

 14 NOV 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 89:1-18; Hab. 2:1-12; Jam. 2:14-26; Luke 16:19-31

Is there enough evidence to convict you of having a relationship with God? 

S- You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God.  Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.  How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless? James 2:17-18

O- Is there enough evidence to convict you of having a relationship with God? How you live your life is important because it demonstrates your relationship and love for Jesus.  James knows that people will be quick to say they believe, but deny Jesus or live like hell.  He says, the demons believe but have no relationship with God.  Quit putting on a front and prove it!

A- I will live in a manner that demonstrates my love for Jesus and testifies to my relationship.  My walk will match my talk.

P- Lord, I need you to work in and through me daily.  Let my life be a testimony of who you are to me and my love for you.  May there be more than enough evidence to convict me of being your disciple.  In your great name, I pray.  Amen.

S- A, D

4 NOV 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

 4 NOV 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 75, 76; Proverbs 4; Rev. 17:1-18; Luke 13:31-35

S- You stand up to judge those who do evil, O God, and to rescue the oppressed of the earth.  Human defiance only enhances your glory, for you use it as a weapon.  Psalm 76:9-10

O- It is a great comfort and praise that God doesn’t let evil go unpunished whether Satan or mankind.  His will is done and his kingdom comes.  Even sin, evil, and the rebellious are like a vessel made for dishonor that serves to amplify and glorify his justice.  

A- I will give thanks and praise for God’s ability to do great things and make things come to be.  I will rejoice that he can use the evil actions of his foes against them and still accomplish his will.

P- Heavenly Father, you are great and your will cannot be thwarted.  Even sin, evil, and the rebellious ultimately bring you glory by amplifying your attribute of justice and holiness.  May this grow our amazement and fear of you.  In your matchless name, amen.

S- T, R

2 NOV 22 SOAPS Devotional

 2 NOV 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 72; Proverbs 2; Rev. 16:1-11; Luke 13:10-17

Are you ready for the return of Jesus?

S- Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed. Rev. 16:15

O- Even in the tribulation, Jesus sets expectations for his hearers.  The tension of Christ’s return must never go limp or left unthought of.  Life, as we know it is like a vapor, and the essential things in our lives, are eternal.  Yet, we spend our days messing with temporal and worthless things fearing everything but God.  

A- I will remain focused on what really matters in this life and the next.  I live in a manner that holds the tension of Christ’s return.

P- Lord, we get caught up in the things of this world and even forget that you will return.  Please help us bring the realization of your return to the front of our minds and live in that tension.  Let us work with enthusiasm for the things that truly matter in this life and eternity.  Amen.

S- R, R