23 SEP 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

 23 SEP 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 88; Esther 8:1-17; Acts 19:21-41; Luke 4:31-37

Do you know God can override the will of his creation?

S-Once when he was in the synagogue, a man possessed by a demon-an evil spirit-cried out, shouting.  Go away! Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are-the Holy One of God! Luke 4:33-34

O- The power of God over the will of creation is tough to grasp.  He is all-powerful and is not limited in any way.  A demon has overpowered a man and is controlling his very life.  The demon recognizes Jesus and is upset that he is about to be destroyed or at least permanently removed from the host.  With a word, Jesus changed the life of the demon and the man.

A- I will trust in the Lord to do all he desires and change the hearts of those I share with.  I will give thanks that he can do far more than I can think, imagine, or understand.

P- Lord, you are an awesome wonder.  We cannot process the magnitude of what you can do.  We object to your ability to override our will, but without it, we would never come to know you or do your will.  Thank you for changing those that you have drawn to yourself and helping us to be all that you desire us to be. Amen.

S- M, L, K

22 SEP 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

 22 SEP 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 83; Esther 7:1-10; Acts 19:11-20; Luke 4:14-30

S- But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you? Acts 19:15

O- Who knows that you belong to Jesus? Jesus knows who belongs to him and who doesn’t.  The devil and demons know this as well.  Someone who thinks they are a disciple because they go to church, do church activities, or are baptized doesn’t make them His.  Any more than standing in a garage, makes you a car.  There are plenty of these false converts in church.

A- I will remember the high calling of Jesus on the lives of his people.  I will give thanks for choosing me and allowing me the honor of glorifying him with my life.

P- Lord, it is sad to know that there are people who believe they are yours and are not.  It is painful to know that some use the church as a cover for profit or power.  Ultimately, you know who belongs and who does not.  You have said the wheat and the tares grow up alongside each other and for us not to worry, but to leave them to you to sort out.  Help us to stay faithful and obey, amen.

S- V, A

21 SEP 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

 21 SEP 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:97-120; Esther 6:1-14; Acts 19:1-10; Luke 4:1-13

Do you treasure time spent with the Lord and his word?

S- Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.  Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight.  I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end. Psalm 119:105,111-112

O- Abiding in the Lord is the most important thing we can do as believers.  It is to love God and to be in his presence, basking in his glory, holiness, and love.  From this place, we are empowered to live every day in the face of evil and overcome our sins and live as faithful witnesses.  Now we do this in part, but in the future, we will do this face to face with God.

A- I will spend time daily with Lord enjoying his presence and learning from Him.  I will seek to be faithful to what he has taught and to pass it on to others.

P- Lord, you are my treasure and hope.  Thank you for making me your own.  Teach me your word and your ways that I might glorify you in all of life.  Guide me in my daily walk and give me the boldness to share with others the hope that I have in you. Amen.

S- K, R, C

20 SEP 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

 20 SEP 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 78:1-39; Esther 5:1-14; Acts 18:12-28; Luke 3:15-22

Are you giving lip service to God or have you surrendered completely?

S-But in spite of this, the people kept sinning.  Despite his wonders, they refused to trust him.  But all they gave him was lip service; they lied to him with their tongues.  Their hearts were not loyal to him. They did not keep his covenant. Psalm 78:32, 36-37

O- This psalm recounts the Jews' relationship with God after being delivered from slavery.  Their memory and true love for God was reduced to a transactional relationship.  They desired a cosmic vending machine without any strings attached.  We can be that way too.  We can forget that God saved us from his wrath and the penalty of death so that we could live for him and not ourselves.  We can always trust him to do what is best regardless of what we go through.

A- I will give thanks to God for who he is and what he has done for me.  I will daily submit my life to him to do as he desires.  I will demonstrate my love and trust in him by obeying all that he has commanded.  I will find my satisfaction in God.

P- Lord, you have done great things in my life and for all those that confess your name.  Thank you for blessing me with salvation and eternal life.  Help me not to forget what you have done and to worship you with my life.  Amen.

S- R, D, B

#acloserwalk #thefishermansline 

19 SEP 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

 19 SEP 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 80; Esther 4:4-17; Acts 18:1-11; Luke 3:1-14

Have you ever wondered why God has you where you are?

S- If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from someplace, but you and your relatives will die.  Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for such a time as this?  Esther 4:14

O- The providence and sovereignty of God is a beautiful thing.  God orchestrated a solution through the least likely person to accomplish his will and bring salvation to his people.  Realizing that you are in a place and working with particular people at the right time, is humbling and exciting. He continues to do this today.

A - I will seek the Lord, and look for the things that he is doing around me.  I will trust that if I submit my life and will to him, he will use me as an instrument for good.

P- Lord, thank you for the testimony of Esther and how you used her to save your people.  She is a strong and faithful woman that realized that you were doing a work and trusted you to accomplish it even if she died.  Empower us to be obedient, no matter the consequences. Amen.

S- R, R