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

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