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

4 Oct 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

 4 OCT 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 121,122, 123; Micah 1:1-9; Acts 23:12-24; Luke 7:1-17

In whom or what do you put your trust and security?

S- I look up to the mountains-does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalm 121:1-2, 8

O- We seek answers and security from a number of places and people, but for what reason? The writer has found that all other solutions have left him wanting and the Lord is the ultimate security and help.  Who better to help than the one who made it all and always has eyes on you for eternity?

A- I will trust the Lord for my security and care for he has my best interests at heart and is able to deal with any problem I face.

P- Lord, I give thanks to you, maker of heaven and earth.  You have known me before the foundation of the world and will watch over me for eternity.  I praise you for your mercy and kindness that would save one that is not worthy.  Help me not lose sight of you and to trust you in all circumstances.  Amen.

S- C, M

2 Oct 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

 2 OCT 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 118; Hosea 13:4-14; 1 Cor. 2:6-16; Matt. 14:1-12

Do you get frustrated with people who just don’t get it?

S-But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit.  It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.  But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. 1 Cor. 2:14, 16b

O- The typical response to the gospel is the lack of understanding.  This is not because of the speaker's eloquence or clarity in presenting.  It is the fact that they are spiritually dead.  Dead things can’t respond.  They will never respond until the Holy Spirit changes them and brings their spirit to life.  There is never a point to get frustrated with a spiritually dead person.

A- I will pray for those that are spiritually dead and share the gospel faithfully.  I will help disciples better understand human nature and the process of salvation.

P- Heavenly Father, you are drawing your people to Jesus from every nation.  Help us to find the ones you have prepared to receive the good news and not get frustrated with those who don’t.  Thank you for blessing us with the mind of Christ so that we can understand your will and ways. Amen.

S- S, T

1 OCT 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

 1 OCT 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 107:33-43, 108:1-6; Hosea 11:1-9; Acts 22:17-29; Luke 6:27-38

Are we willing to listen to the Lord and do what he says?

S- But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you.  Bless those who curse you.  Pray for those who hurt you. Luke 6:27-28

O- For many Christians, we have surrendered our lives with a list of stipulations.  I’ll follow you, but… People want a blessing that is associated with comfort, ease, or reward but don’t want a blessing that requires self-denial and suffering.  God’s ways are not our ways and his blessings are not what we expect.  They are better and not about us.

A- I will hear, believe, and obey what the Lord is telling me.  I will obey regardless of the consequences.

P- Lord, thank you for the opportunity to follow and obey you.  Thank you for entrusting us with the mission of reaching the nations before you return.  Give us boldness to share and humility to submit regardless of the outcomes or consequences.  Bless us with more of you and the will to do what you have asked. Amen.

S- V, K

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