7 OCT 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

 7 OCT 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 140, 142; Micah 3:9-4:5; Acts 24:24-25:12; Luke 8:1-15

Do you understand the mystery of faith?

S- His disciples asked him what this parable meant.  He replied, “you are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of God.  But I use parables to teach others so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled: When they look, they won’t really see.  When they hear, they won’t understand.”  Luke 8:9-10

O- Jesus uses the gospel as a filter to find the people that belong to him.  Based on the parable that is about 25% of hearers will turn to God in faith.  The main point is that eyes to see and ears to hear are gifts from the Holy Spirit. (Prov. 20:12) They are only opened by the will of God and the abilities of man alone fall short of understanding.

A- I will pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to bear fruit from my faithful witness.  I will pray that people will be given the eyes and ears of faith.  I will trust him for the outcome.

P- Lord, I thank you for the lesson you gave to your first disciples and how that helps your disciples today.  Salvation is an awesome wonder that demonstrates your amazing sovereign grace.  Bless the people in my life and sphere of influence with the eyes and ears of faith.  Make their hearts good soil so that they become true followers and not false converts. Amen.

S- S, S

6 OCT 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

 6 OCT 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 131, 132; Micah 3:1-8; Acts 24:1-23; Luke 7:36-50

Are your leaders promoting evil?

S- I said, “Listen you leaders of Israel! You are supposed to know right from wrong, but you are the very ones who hate good and love evil.  Then you beg the Lord for help in times of trouble! Do you really expect him to answer? Micah 3:1-2a, 4a

O- Leaders set the vision and promote the plumbline of righteousness in a city or country.  They know right from wrong, but in their nature choose evil and call it good.  Every community experiences this with its leaders from the beginning of time.  The Lord judges these leaders and holds them accountable.  Justice is satisfied either on the cross or in hell.

A- I will not be afraid to speak into people’s lives when they do evil or promote it. I will reconcile them to God as I would desire that myself.  I will promote righteousness.

P- Lord, we see leaders promote wickedness and evil as good every year.  This is disturbing and it leads to lawlessness.  Help us to find ways to call this out while being respectful to the office since you have placed them there.  Help us to leave it in your hands for the ultimate results.  Move on our nation's leaders to promote righteousness and rebuke them if they promote evil. Amen.

S-T, J

5 OCT 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

 5 OCT 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:145-176; Micah 2:1-13; Acts 23:23-35; Luke 7:18-35

Do you hunger for the word of God?

S- I pray with all of my heart; answer me, Lord! I will obey your decrees.  I cry out to you; rescue me, that I may obey your laws.  I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words. Psalm 119:145-147

O- A follower of Christ is in a growing relationship.  Evidence of growth and maturity is a passion and hunger for the Word and a desire to do what it says.  Developing a rhythm of daily reading and prayer is vital as eating food for the body.  If you want to become who Jesus wants you to be you will learn to self-feed.

A- I will continue to hear, believe, and obey the words of the Lord so that I can grow closer to God and develop into the person he wants me to be.

P- Lord, thank you for your word and wisdom.  Help me to remain steadfast in my devotion to you and being a doer of the word.  Thank you for helping me establish a daily rhythm for reading and prayer.  As I live out my faith, it has become a daily lifeline and life-giver.  Bless me today in this reading and as I share it with others.  Amen.

S- M, G

4 Oct 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

 4 OCT 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 121,122, 123; Micah 1:1-9; Acts 23:12-24; Luke 7:1-17

In whom or what do you put your trust and security?

S- I look up to the mountains-does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalm 121:1-2, 8

O- We seek answers and security from a number of places and people, but for what reason? The writer has found that all other solutions have left him wanting and the Lord is the ultimate security and help.  Who better to help than the one who made it all and always has eyes on you for eternity?

A- I will trust the Lord for my security and care for he has my best interests at heart and is able to deal with any problem I face.

P- Lord, I give thanks to you, maker of heaven and earth.  You have known me before the foundation of the world and will watch over me for eternity.  I praise you for your mercy and kindness that would save one that is not worthy.  Help me not lose sight of you and to trust you in all circumstances.  Amen.

S- C, M

2 Oct 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

 2 OCT 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 118; Hosea 13:4-14; 1 Cor. 2:6-16; Matt. 14:1-12

Do you get frustrated with people who just don’t get it?

S-But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit.  It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.  But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. 1 Cor. 2:14, 16b

O- The typical response to the gospel is the lack of understanding.  This is not because of the speaker's eloquence or clarity in presenting.  It is the fact that they are spiritually dead.  Dead things can’t respond.  They will never respond until the Holy Spirit changes them and brings their spirit to life.  There is never a point to get frustrated with a spiritually dead person.

A- I will pray for those that are spiritually dead and share the gospel faithfully.  I will help disciples better understand human nature and the process of salvation.

P- Heavenly Father, you are drawing your people to Jesus from every nation.  Help us to find the ones you have prepared to receive the good news and not get frustrated with those who don’t.  Thank you for blessing us with the mind of Christ so that we can understand your will and ways. Amen.

S- S, T