2 DEC 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

 2 DEC 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 16, 17; Isa. 3:8-15; 1 Thes. 4:1-12; Luke 20:41-21:4

The first week of Advent

Are you fulfilling your purpose?

S- For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.  For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality, that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God. 1 Thes. 4:2-5

O- Until Jesus returns, we have much to live for and a purpose to fulfill.  Our lives can be pleasing to the Lord.  Paul encourages this church to live a life of holiness, honor, and self-control.  This will bring us happiness, and fulfillment, and testifies to God’s presence in our lives.  He also warns against sexual immorality which damns every society in history, ours included.

A- I will stay the course of a life pleasing to God.  I will seek and strive for a life marked by holiness, honor, and self-control.

P- Lord God, we see in every society across our world plagued with sin and strife.  You are our path to salvation and hope in order to free us from the chains of sins and death.  Help us, Lord, not to return to the sins that condemn us to hell but to embrace a life of holiness, honor, and self-control.  May this life we live be pleasing to you.  Amen.

S- M, J

1 DEC 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

 1 DEC 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 18:1-20; Isa. 2:12-22; 1 Thes. 3:1-13; Luke 20:27-40

The first week of Advent

For hell's sake!

S-And the haughtiness of man shall be humbled, and the lofty pride of men shall be brought low, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.  And the idols shall utterly pass away. Isa. 2:17-18

O- When the Lord returns, it will be the best day ever for believers.  It will be the worst day for those that do not belong to him.  The reality that Jesus is real and they have denied him will be the most humiliating and painful realization.  They will be sick with grief as they now anticipate their ultimate judgment and face the fires of hell for eternity.  For hell’s sake, we should be faithful to Jesus's mission and share the gospel with everyone.

A- I will seek the lost and share the gospel until Jesus returns.  I will look with great anticipation at the coming of Jesus like a child awaiting Christmas morning.

P- Mangnificant Christ, I pray this morning for your return.  Our nation and the world have strayed so far away from you and we are morally bankrupt and evil.  Empower your people to be faithful in sharing the good news until you return so that many might be saved and not have to face your wrath.  I look forward to Jesus’ return of that blessed second advent. Amen.

S- L, M

 

 30 NOV 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:1-24; Isa. 2:1-11; 1 Thes. 2:13-20; Luke 20:19-26

The first week of Advent

Do you have spiritual children?

S-But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you-I, Paul, again and again-but Satan hindered us.  For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy. 1 Thes. 2:17-20

O- One of the great things to look forward to when Jesus returns is presenting our works of faith from this life.  Paul equates that to his spiritual children and makes him joyful knowing he has a lot.  Do you have spiritual children? Will you have anything to present or will you show up empty-handed? We have all been charged with making disciples until Jesus returns, so don’t make excuses, make disciples.  

A- I will rejoice to know that God has given me people to invest in and will have works to present.  I will ask for and seek out more people to invest in as long as I live.

P- Gracious Father, you have shown mercy by saving us from sin and inviting us into your work.  I give thanks for that.  As we are doing life, give us people we can share the good news and invest more deeply.  I rejoice in the people you have given and in the ones to come.  Let me not make excuses, but make disciples. Amen.

S- M, O

29 NOV 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

 29 NOV 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 5, 6; Isa. 1:21-31; 1 Thes. 2:1-12; Luke 20:9-18

The first week of Advent

S- For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. 1 Thes. 2:11-12

O- Paul started this church in a very short period of time among people who worshiped idols and once lived in a pagan manner.   Paul focused on the gospel and living a life that glorifies God.  The way we live becomes worship to God and a testimony to others.  He also holds the tension of Jesus returning and bringing judgment on the people of the world. There is enjoyment to this life now and a great future ahead.

A- I will take account of my life and live in a manner worthy of the call.  I will look in anticipation of the return of Jesus knowing that my future is great and secure.

P- Heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the saving knowledge of your Son and our savior Jesus. Empower us for living the life you have called us to.  Mold and shape us into the person you desire us to be.  Help us to take your gospel to those that don’t know you.  In your merciful name, amen.

S- A, E