31 AUG 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

 31 AUG 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 38; Job 12:1-25; Acts 12:18-25 John 8:47-56

S- People who are at ease mock those in trouble.  They give a push to people who are stumbling.  But robbers are left in peace, and those who provoke God live in safety-though God keeps them in his power. Job 12:5-6

O- We get worked up when we see bad people thrive, politicians do foolishness, and wonder why.  God does not get worried or frustrated, but will deal with these people in due time.  They never affect his plans and He always succeeds.  In Rev. 22:11 he instructs us to leave the evil and wicked alone.  He will bring the perfect justice to them.  

A- I will earnestly seek after the Lord and trust him through times when I am angry with the circumstances.  I will remember that God doesn’t get worried about anything because he is in control.  I will stay focused on him and the mission no matter the problems that I face. 

P- Lord, Job was the most afflicted and sifted man, yet you sustained him through it all.  Your will was fulfilled through the suffering and loss he experienced. We do not always understand why things happen in the midst of our pain, but we can trust that you will be glorified and your will accomplished.  Give us the measure of faith needed to endure and preserve us till the end.  Amen.

S- Ts, FB

30 AUG 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

 30 AUG 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 26, 28; Job 12:1-25; Acts 12:1-17 John 8:33-47

S- The Lord gives his people strength.  He is a safe fortress for his anointed king.  Save your people! Bless Israel, your special possession.  Lead them like a shepherd, and carry them in your arms forever.  Psalm 28:8-9

O- This is a comforting picture to see the Lord as a shepherd who cares for his sheep.  Having the right view of God is everything because in Him is comfort, security, and power for living.  

A- I will daily remind myself of one of your attributes and take heart that because I have you I have everything.

P- Lord, you are the shepherd of my soul and the one that loves me the most.  You are my hope and security in whom I live and breathe.  I give thanks and rejoice in who you are and for the relationship you initiated. Help me to remember your attributes and to put my trust in you.  Amen.

S- T, J

29 AUG 22 Monday Soaps DEVO

 29 AUG 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 25; Job 12:1-25; Acts 11:19-30; John 8:21-32

S- Jesus continued, You are from below; I am from above.  You belong to this world, I do not.  That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I Am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins. John 8:23-24

O- The bad news in the gospel is that not all will believe and be saved.  Let that sink in. The road to hell is wide and many will go there.  We see their rejection of the gospel and become angry, sad, or frustrated.   It should humble us that by unmerited favor, we are his.  We must be salty, and tell people if they don't repent and believe, they will die in their sins.

A- I will remain faithful to sharing the good and the bad of the message.  I will give thanks for the mercy and grace of God for bringing me into a right relationship with Him.

P- Lord, you know we get sad and frustrated when people turn away from the message of salvation.  Comfort us and remind us of the mercy and grace afforded to us.  Help us not to withhold the salt of your message, but to share in boldness.  Amen.

S- E, M, J

28 AUG 22 Sunday SOAPS DEVO

28 AUG 22 Sunday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 148, 149, 150; Job 11:1-20; Rev. 5:1-14; Matt. 5:1-12

S- Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

O- Jesus searched for the lost to be his followers.  As he shared the good news and taught from the Scriptures, people would surrender to him.  The poor in spirit are those that recognize their brokenness, sin, and need for him. Those are the ones that the Spirit has worked on and the message has affected.  This is what we will see as we seek and share.

A- I will faithfully seek the lost and share the gospel.  I will recognize the signs of those that are being drawn by God to salvation.  I will learn to press or let go based on their response.

P- Lord, I appreciate that you initiate relationships because we would not seek you or know you otherwise.  Help us to faithfully share and leave the results to you.  Help us to encourage our fellow disciples to obey the commands of Christ and engage the lost no matter the cost. Amen.

S- J, M

27 AUG 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

27 AUG 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 20, 21:1-14; Job 10:1-9,16-22; Acts 11:1-18; John 8:12-20

S- You formed me with your hands; you made me, yet now you completely destroy me.  Remember that you made me from dust-will you turn me back to dust so soon? Job 10:8-9

O- During trials we can see our frailty and wonder what God is doing or not.  It allows us to see that the world doesn’t revolve around us and that God will do whatever pleases Him with his creatures.  That is hard for those that like to be in control.  We may need to reflect on the shortness of life and entrust God for today and our future. 

A- I will remember that from dust I was made and dust I will return.  I will entrust God with every day He gives me and do his will even when I go through trials and don’t understand.

P- Father, you are the Lord of my life and I yield each day to you.  Lead me where you want me to go and do what you want done.  Extend to me the grace that is needed to face the challenges of life.  Amen.  

S- A, S

26 AUG 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

 26 AUG 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 16, 17; Job 9:1-15,32-35; Acts 10:17-33; John 7:14-36

S- Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.  I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods.  Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.  Psalm 16:4-5a

O- Look around and see that everyone is worshiping someone or something.  They tougt that they are not religious, but they lie.  They have fashioned their lives around the person, ideology, or thing and it shows in their life.  The true follower of Christ sheds themselves of the world’s culture, ideology, and idols and finds their satisfaction in God alone.  

A- I will examine my life to see what idols I may still hold onto and let them go.  I will daily seek the Lord and desire to do his will and be satisfied in him.

P- Heavenly Father, you are my treasure, inheritance, and cup of blessing.  Guard and protect me in this life from the world, the flesh, and the devil.  Help me to find my satisfaction in you and take joy that I am yours and you are mine.  Amen.

S- K, L, M

25 AUG 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

 25 AUG 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 18:1-20 Job 8:1-10; Acts 10:34-48; John 7:37-52

S- Then Peter replied, I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism.  In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.  This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel-that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.  Acts 10:34-36

O- We have to learn like Peter that our race, nationality, tribe, or tongue doesn’t matter because God has people in all nations of the world.  This was difficult for the early disciples until God showed them.  We only filter with the gospel, not by other criteria.  Share with everyone and see what happens.

A- I will not filter when sharing the gospel or making disciples and let the gospel do the filtering.  I will rejoice when any lost sheep are found or disciple developed.

P- Lord, thank you for allowing me to learn from my parents through word and deed that all people are created in your image and race, nationality, tribe, or tongue is no barrier to me or You.  While our nation and world struggle with this, help me to stay faithful seeking after your lost sheep.  Amen.

S- M, C, V

24 AUG 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

 24 AUG 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:1-24; Job 7:1-21; Acts 10:1-16; John 7:1-13

S- Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word.  Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.  Psalm 119:17-18

O- The life of a disciple-maker is obedience.  We are submissive to “the” authority in our lives which is Jesus.  We recognize that we no longer belong to ourselves, but live for Him.  It becomes a joy and satisfaction to live and obey His word.  Each time we read, we ask Him to open our eyes, teach us, and empower us to live it.

A- I will count it a joy to wake up each morning to read, mark, and inwardly digest His word.  I will look forward to doing his will each day, hoping to find the people he wants me to invest in.  I will ask regularly to be able to do and learn His will.  In Him, I will find my satisfaction.

P- Lord, this morning I submit to you and your will for this day you have given.  I rejoice in the reading of your word and like David desire to serve you.  As my day unfolds, help me to find the people you have prepared to receive salvation or equipping.  May your name be proclaimed in the region where I live and work.  In your great name, I pray, amen.

S- T, C

23 AUG 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

 23 AUG 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 5,6; Job 6:1-4, 8-15, 21; Acts 9:32-43; John 6:60-71

S- The Spirit alone gives eternal life.  Human effort accomplishes nothing.  And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. John 6:63

O- From time to time, I have to remind myself how salvation works.  It is not on me to wax eloquently on a passage of Scripture or on the individual to respond, but it is on the Spirit.  All of us are spiritually dead at one point and it is the Spirit that makes our spirit alive.  It is Him that moves our hearts into receiving the message giving ears to hear and eyes to see enabling belief.

A- I will trust in the work of the Holy Spirit and rejoice when a sheep is found.  I will not trust in my ability to convey the gospel or be frustrated that others don’t get it or receive it.  I will faithfully share the good news and wait on the Holy Spirit to breathe afresh on the hearer.

P- Lord, the movement and work of the Holy Spirit is a mystery choosing one and not another.  Sometimes it is not time or not at all and that can be frustrating or down right painful.  I put my trust and those people in your hands.  May your will be done. Amen.

S- C, B, R

22 AUG 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

 22 AUG 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 1, 2, 3; Job 4; Acts 9:19b-31; John 6:52-59

S- I am the true bread that came down from heaven.  Anyone who eats this bread will not die as your ancestors did (even though they ate the mana) but will live forever. John 6:58

O- When Jesus spoke to crowds, he used a filter to separate the sheep from the goats.  All heard the message, but only those that belong to him will receive it and follow him.  This is key information for us in what he is modeling.  We are to seek lost sheep, not goats.  Share the gospel and let it filter for the ones we are looking for.  Remember goats do not become sheep.

A- I will seek the Lord every morning and seek after the lost sheep of his flock.  I will faithfully share the gospel knowing that there are always “some” to be found.  

P- Lord, you have given us a task like Isaiah and Ezekiel in that people will not receive the gospel in droves.  We know that you have chosen some out of the world by grace to be your children and we rejoice in that.  Help us to faithfully share with everyone and not get discouraged when we find goats.  Give us joy and a healthy fear in you.  Amen.

S- R, FB

2 AUG 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

 2 AUG 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 78:1-39; Judges 7:1-18; Acts 3:1-26; John 1:19-28

S- But in spite of this, the people kept sinning.  Despite his wonders, they refused to trust him.  So he ended their lives in failure, their years in terror.  Psalm 78:32-33

O- We often desire to defend God when people ask, does God send people to hell? We say you send yourself for not choosing Jesus.  God doesn’t need to be defended.  If you don’t surrender to Jesus, He will cast you into hell, period.  God is holy, righteous, and good, and his justice is perfect.  Stop sugar coating Jesus.

A- I will tell people the truth about Jesus and the reality of salvation and judgment.  I will fear the Lord because he is the only one that can destroy the body and the soul.  I will remember that He is holy, righteous, and just and will praise him for it.

P- Lord, forgive me for I am a man with unclean lips and unclean life.  My sin is ever-present and you won’t allow me to walk in it.  Empower me to walk in your ways and avoid the sins that plague me. Amen.

S- I, J

1 AUG 22 Monday SOAP DEVO

 1 AUG 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 80; Judges 6:25-40; Acts 2:37-47; John 1:1-18

S- But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.  They are reborn-not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. John 1:12-13

O- From time to time, we have to go back and remember that God is the converter of souls.  He gives life, even spiritual life, to those whom he chooses.  We become his children because he planned it from the beginning, not because we are physically born into this world.  Salvation is of the Lord, so pray for the Holy Spirit to move on people to lead them to Jesus.

A- I will remember that people coming to faith does not depend on me to be a great orator, negotiator, or closer.  I will trust that God will give people eyes to see and ears to hear so that they can respond to the good news of Jesus.

P- Lord, I’m so thankful that you are about seeking and saving the lost.  I am glad that we get to witness the miracle of rebirth when people come to saving faith.  Help us faithfully share the good news and continue to seek the lost.  In your great name, I pray, amen.

S- K, L

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,