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, 

25 JUL 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

 25 JUL 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 56, 57; Joshua 24:16-33; Romans 16:1-16; Matthew 27:24-31

S- I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people.  Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me. Romans 16:1-2

O- Paul knows the importance of remembering and encouraging his fellow Christians that he has been in contact from the beginning.  It is important that we are connected to a local church, but also have mind to the church in the world.  The network of leaders and laborers are in a symbiotic relationship in that we need each other and develop one another for the glory of God.

A- I will give thanks like Paul for my brothers and sisters in Christ across denominational lines for God has gifted each of us for his body and glory.  I will keep up with and remember all those that I have invested in over the years.  It is a reminder of the goodness of God and his work in and through me.

P- Lord, I praise you and thank you for the wonderful relationships you have given me on this great adventure of life.  Each person has made a special impact on my life and hope that I have done the same.  It is pure joy to have brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world to connect with and know that there is love for each other.  In that I thank you.  Amen.

23 JUL 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

 23 JUL 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 55; Joshua 23:1-16; Romans 15:25-33; Matthew 27:11-23

S- Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you.  He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.  But you, O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. Psalm 55:22-23a

O- David modeled to us well to take our troubles to the throne rather than the phone or social media.  Those who belong to the Lord have an ear to speak and One that cares more than anyone else.  When justice fails on earth, we can be sure that ultimate justice will prevail either through the cross or in hell.  Either is satisfying and permanent.

A- I will cast all my cares and burdens to my Lord, trusting that he will care for and strengthen me.  I will trust that he will handle my enemies in the best way he sees fit and I can rest in satisfaction and peace.

P- Heavenly Father, you are good and faithful through all of life’s ups and downs.  I thank you for being there for me and hearing my prayers.  I thank you for dealing with those that come against me and releasing me from anger and frustration.  Deal with them through the cross or judgment, for either will I be satisfied and you glorified.  Amen.

S- A, S, J

22 JUL 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

 22 JUL 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 40, 54; Joshua 9:22-10:15; Romans 15:14-24; Matthew 27:1-10

S- My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else.  Romans 15:20

O- Paul has the heart of Jesus in that he desires to seek and save the lost at any cost.  Several years ago my son and I stood atop a fort overlooking the city of Ankara.  The lostness of millions hit us in our hearts that the gospel must be proclaimed in this country where it once thrived.  We can get comfortable in a place that has a church on every corner, but there are places that have not heard the gospel once.

A- I will still seek the lost and equipped the saved wherever the Lord sends me.  I will rejoice in the passion Jesus has put in my heart to find his lost children and develop disciples.

P- Lord, it is in tears that I give thanks and ask that you make your servants fruitful in their endeavor to proclaim the gospel in the darkest places.  Thank you for the work you have done here in Maryland, those that have come to saving faith, and those that were equipped as disciple-makers.  Give them the passion and boldness to take the baton that was passed. Amen.