24 NOV 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

 24 NOV 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 147; Duet. 26:1-11; Eph. 1:15-23; John 6:26-35

Are you thankful?

S- Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.  For on him God the Father has set his seal.  Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life, whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.  John 6:27, 35

O- Today gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving.  The church from the beginning comes together to celebrate our redemption in a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension.  We rejoice with an eternal perspective as we break bread together and enjoy one another’s company.  Our thanksgiving is celebrated across the world and with all the company of heaven.

A- I will rejoice and give thanks to our God always and everywhere because he is worthy of our praise.

P- Gracious Father, as we celebrate here in America our Thanksgiving tradition, we look to you for our salvation.  You are good to us in every way and guide us by your Word and the example of your people.  Help us to worship you with our lives presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to you.  May our lives bring you pleasure.  Amen.

S- C, M

23 NOV 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

 23 NOV 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:145-176; Zech. 12:1-10; Eph. 1: 3-14; Luke 19:1-10

We are saved not on our own accord, but by the sovereign choice of God.

S- even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and blameless before him.  In love, he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.  Eph 1:4-5

O- The magnitude of our Lord and savior blows the mind.  Before he made anything or anyone, he had a plan and that included establishing a relationship with the fallen man.  He specifically chose people from out of all the people in history to be his people and they would ultimately be holy and blameless.  This should cause those that are “his” to rejoice, not get bent out of shape.

A- I will rejoice knowing that I’m counted among the elect, the chosen.  I will seek to grow in holiness and share the hope in Jesus with others.

P- Mighty and everliving God, you are amazing and beyond our understanding to fully comprehend.  Even the knowledge of your choosing people before they were created to be yours blows our minds.  Help us to long to see you and to hunger after your word.  Give us joy in your salvation and a passion for the mission.  Amen.

S- L, M  

22 NOV 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

 22 NOV 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 121, 122,123; Zech. 11:4-17; 1 Cor. 3:10-23; Luke 18:31-43

S- For the wisdom of this world is folly with God.  For it is written, He catches the wise in their craftiness, and again, the Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.  So let no one boast in men.  1 Cor. 3:19-21a

O- Not much has changed since Paul penned this letter.  Man still thinks he is too smart for God and that his ways are better.  The world spouts degrading ideas against God and his people from the top levels of academia and government.  There is no need to be angry with them, but pitied and prayed for because they are on the path to destruction.

A- I will check myself against the Scriptures to make sure that I’m in alignment with Jesus.  I will pray for those that are far from God and spout contempt toward their creator.

P- Heavenly Father, you are merciful and patient with your creation.  Open the eyes and ears of the people who come against you and your people.  Don’t give them what they deserve, but extend life and hope to them.  Help us to absorb the offenses in order to share the good news.  Amen.

S- K, M

21 NOV 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

 21 NOV 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 106:1-18; Zech. 10:1-12; Gal. 6:1-10; Luke 18:15-30

How are you investing in your life?

S-Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.  For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.  Gal. 6:7-8

O- We can deceive ourselves, but we cannot deceive God.  He knows our thoughts, desires, and inner sins.  Whatever we are feeding on, practicing, and thinking about affects our lives and relationship with God.  Examine the fruit of your life regularly with honesty; it will reveal how you invest your time.  It takes a disciplined life to intentionally follow Jesus and die to sin.  The outcome is a better life today and a greater eternity.

A- I will regularly examine my life to understand what God is doing and if I’m investing diligently.  I will take responsibility for my sin and deal with it.

P- Lord, forgive me for my sin and for not doing what I know I should be doing.  Help me to live a disciplined life and feed on the things necessary to cultivate a strong relationship with you.  Let my life bare good fruit and lots of it.  Help me to assist others in the same way.  Amen.

S- J, K

    

20 NOV 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

 20 NOV 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 118; Zech. 9:9-16; 1 Pet. 3:13-22; Matt. 21:1-13

Are you prepared to share your faith? Are you getting reps?

S-But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed.  Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; 1 Peter 3:14-15

O- The reality of life as a Christian is being ready to share the faith with others.  It is an intentional act to share with everyone in our sphere of influence those who ask and those that don’t.    We do not need to be at a loss for words if the mission of Christ is first in our lives.  It will always be on our minds and our lips.

A- I will make myself ready to share the hope that I have in Jesus by sharing my story and God’s story with those around me.

P- Heavenly Father, thank you for the honor of sharing the hope that we have in you with others.  Give us many opportunities to impact those around us and make the most of them.  Bless the hearers with saving faith or encouragement as we intentionally reach out. In your name, I pray, amen.

S- J, C