13 SEP 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

 13 SEP 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 61, 62; Job 41:1-11; Acts 16:6-15; John 12:9-19

S- One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying.  Acts 16:14

O- We come to faith, not by our own natural ability, but by a transformation of the heart by the Holy Spirit.  We are made spiritually alive and are able to respond to the good news of Jesus.  All that are awakened by the Holy Spirit will respond to the call. When someone rejects the message, their heart is not prepared and cannot receive it.

A- I will faithfully pray for those that I am seeking to reach, asking for a God prepared person that is ready to be found.  I will not get discouraged or frustrated when people do not receive Him because salvation is the choice and work of God. 

P- Lord, the mystery of faith can be confusing and frustrating especially when we desire a loved one to know you.  I trust that you will have mercy on those you desire to have mercy.  You will reach your sheep and they will recognize your voice.  Help me to stay bold and share with everyone since I don’t know who belongs to you.  Amen.

S- J, M

12 SEP 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

 12 SEP 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 56, 57; Job 40:1-24; Acts 15:36-16:5; John 11:55-12:8

S-But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.  I praise God for what he has promised.  I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:3-4

O- When we are in a relationship with Jesus, the spirit of fear in our natural selves can be overcome.  God gives us power, self-control, and love which guards our hearts and minds. There is also the realization of God’s awesomeness which knows no equal and none is greater. Fear becomes an exercise of trust and faith.

A- I will trust God in the face of challenges and fear.  With his help, I will overcome and experience Him as a protector.

P- Lord, you have always been faithful and allowed me to experience you in different ways.  Even when I have been afraid, you have given me peace and perspective of what I am facing. Help me not to forget how great and good you are, amen.

S- Tm

10 SEP 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

 10 SEP 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 55; Job 38:1-17; Acts 15:22-35; John 11:45-54

S- Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.  Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Job 38:3-4

O- Having the fear of the Lord is an important thing.  The reality is the magnitude of who He is, is mind blowing.  He tells Job to buckle up because He is about to drop the truth on him.  God determines everything and nothing can resist his will to be done.  What we experience now, even the horror, doesn’t change his mind or will.  He will work it out for His pleasure and his children’s good. 

A- I will rejoice in the Almighty, for he is able to do more than I can comprehend.  I will yield to his sovereign hand and walk in his ways no matter the circumstance, with His help.

P- Lord, you are the Almighty and there is no one greater than you and you have no equal.  No one can resist your call or thwart your plans.  You always win and have your way.  Help us to remember that you are a big God and can accomplish all that you desire.  Lord, I yield my life each day to you.  May your name be made great in my life.  Amen.

S- T, C

9 SEP Friday SOAPS Devotional

 9 SEP 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 40, 54; Job 29:1, 31:24-40; Acts 15:12-21; John 11:30-44

S- Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. Psalm 40:4

O- David, a warrior and king, has learned the intense reality of trust in the midst of battles whether with the sword or politically.  Ultimately, his security, success, and future lay in the hands of God.  Trust is hard and it is built through a relationship and knowing God deeply.  Compared to God, trusting anyone or anything else is folly.

A- I will seek the Lord and a deeper understanding of his revealed ways.  I will experience him in new ways by trusting in faith to help and guide through this life.

P- Lord, I want this deep relationship so that I can trust you with all of my life and every circumstance.  Teach me your ways and empower me to faithfully obey each day. Amen.

S- R, R

8 SEPT 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

 8 SEP 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 50; Job 31:1-31; Acts 15:1-11; John 11:17-29

S- But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.  If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God. Psalm 50:23

O- The deeper our relationship becomes with God, thankfulness will be the natural outflow.  God is pleased with a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving because it shows our understanding of His provision and reign in our lives.

A- I will give thanks and praise for all that God is and what He does both in and through me. I will remember his steadfast love and care and give Him the honor and glory that is due.

P- Lord, you are beautiful and marvelous to our eyes.  When I ponder your magnitude, I feel like a small molecule of dust.  Out of all the creation that we know of and can see with our best telescopes, you gave us favor.  In that, I humbly give thanks and praise.  May you be blessed forever. Amen.

S- C, R