18 JUL 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

 18 JUL 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 41, 52 Joshua 7:1-13; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 26:36-46

S- Because we belong to the the day, we must live decent lives for all to see.  Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.  Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.  And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.  Romans 13:13-14

O- Our relationship with Jesus calls us to live as models and examples for our fellow believers and light bearers in an evil and dark world.  We deny our own evil desires and embrace God’s ways with the power of the Holy Spirit.  This is the difficult narrow road that brings God glory.

A- I will with God’s help put on the shining armor of right living and cast of my dark and evil clothes.  I will embrace a lifestyle of love and holiness to the glory of God.

P- Lord, reading this passage this morning not only reminds me of the society we live in, but who I was before I met Jesus.  Help me to lay down my own evil desires and put on the ways of love and holiness.  Grant that my life will be a model and blessing to others. Amen.

S- New Five, S, A

 

16 JUL 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

 16 JUL 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 30, 32 Joshua 6:1-14; Romans 13:1-7; Matthew 26:26-35

S- Everyone must submit to governing authorities.  For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.  So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. Romans 13:1-2

O- This is significant because Paul is speaking about the Roman Government. They were worse than many of the ones we see today.  At the same time, God allows these, install, and destroys these systems.  How then shall we live out the Christian life among different rulers?  What is God trying to do in us and through us? The mission stays the same regardless.

A- I will stay focused on the mission of Jesus Christ and submit myself under his authority and of those appointed over me.  I will seek to do his will no matter what governmental authority I live under.

P- Lord, I am thankful for the country you have placed me in and the freedoms we have.  Help me to stay focused on the plan and mission you have set before me.  The foolishness of our world only reveals the brokenness of the people.  Allow us favor and effectiveness in reaching the lost and broken in every part of society. Amen.

S- FB, D

15 JUL 22 Friday SOAPS DEVOTIONAL

 15 JUL 22 Friday SOAPS DEVOTIONAL

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 31, Joshua 4:19-5:1, 10-15; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 26:17-25

S- Don’t just pretend to love others.  Really love them. Hate what is wrong.  Hold tightly to what is good.  Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.  Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:9,10, 21

O- Loving others genuinely is a difficult task, but it is the command from Jesus and is compelled by Paul.  Love is the highest standard of goodness that can be done and we are given the ability to do so by the Holy Spirit.  It is the first fruit that is produced in the believer and can defeat the evil we hate.

A- I will head the words of Paul by practically doing the things he compels us to do.  I will seek to do good to those that are wicked and evil and genuinely love those in the faith.

P- Lord, this is a difficult command that you give us to love one another.  You promise to give us the ability by the power of the Holy Spirit to really love our neighbor as ourselves and our enemies.  Help us to remain faithful and obedient so that we bring honor and glory to you and impact our world. Amen.

S- Cpl, R

14 JUL 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

 14 JUL 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 37:1-18, Joshua 3:14-4:7; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 26:1-16

S-The wicked plot against the godly; they snarl at them in defiance.  But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming. Psalm 37

O- We need perspective from the Lord’s eyes.  He knows that there is real justice that is perfect and good.  While we don’t see justice for evil people and deeds here, we can be confident that God will ultimately provide justice.  His justice is eternal and perfect.  His response to them is laughter!

A- I will remember when I get angry about evil deeds and people that God will handle them through the cross or the throne.  Both avenues provide satisfying results and bring God glory.  I will be satisfied in God.

P- Lord, thank you for being a loving and just God.  You care for your people and see that all evil will be dealt with perfectly.  Give us peace and calm our anger.  Give us perspective and strategies to cope.  Amen.

S- R, J

13 JUL 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

 13 JUL 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 38, Joshua 3:1-13; Romans 11:25-36; Matthew 25:31-46

S- The Lord told Joshua, “Today I will begin to make you a great leader in the eyes of all the Israelites.  They will know that I am with you, just as I was with Moses.  Joshua 3:7

O- Leaders are chosen and made.  The Lord can take anyone that is available or not and develop them into the person he desires them to be.  He can even give you influence among a group of people to move them to accomplish the goals He has planned.  They must yield to God’s lead and obey what he says.

A- I will remember that it is not about me and leadership is by God’s hand and authority to empower.  I will yield and obey so that He will continue to develop me into the person he desires.

P- Lord, you are great and your ways are a mystery.  I thank you for investing in me and continuing to develop me for your glory.  Help me to lead with honor, integrity, and passion for your will.  Amen.

S-M, G, T, B