12 JUN 24 Coffee with Chaps Devotional - Walking through worry and anxiety (Day 1)

12 JUN 24 Coffee with Chaps Devotional

"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Phil. 4:6

Day 1 - What is the source of your worry and anxiety?

My wife and I adopted our last six children years ago who were all under the age of six at the time. It took time for them to trust that we would always be there for them fully and to care for their needs and many wants. Unconsciously, they worried if we might return them to foster care; if we would provide the bare necessities of life like food and shelter; or if we would love them as our ‘own’. Each day they witnessed our love and care for them with regular meals, clothes, their own bed, hugs and kisses, etc. We had to verbally affirm or remind them regularly that this would be their forever home and their needs would be met. Proving our love and care daily, eliminated their worry over time.

As adopted children of God, we have a good father who knows how to care for and develop us. Life is challenging and painful, and things don’t always go how we expect them to. God’s children are not immune to that and are often more likely to suffer. God’s words to us are “endure” and “trust” him through all of life’s highs and lows. We don’t have to worry because He is always with us and will provide what we need when we need it. Our worry and anxiety will decrease when we talk to him about our concerns and remember all that he has already done.

Heavenly Father, thank you for all that you have done for me and how you have cared for my needs. I feel like I forget that when I’m going through a trial like this. I trust you with it and ask that you give me the strength and wisdom to endure. Let me remember that you are walking with me through this, and I am not alone. In Jesus name, amen.

4 FEB 24 Sunday: Coffee with Chaps Devotional

 4 FEB 24 Sunday: Coffee with Chaps Devotional

SOAPS (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer, Share) 

Reading Plan: Psalm 93, 96; Gen. 24: 50-67; 2 Tim. 2:14-21; Mark 10:13-22

Week of the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Question of the day:  Are you correcting the false teaching in your community?

S- “Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words.  Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.” 2 Tim. 2:14

O- The pronouncement of truth is a good and faithful endeavor for each of us to be involved in.  The negative side to teaching the truth is combating falsehood.  People like to talk and argue, but truth has the authority to end these discussions to protect the people from damage.  The foolish talk brings godless behavior and we will have to correct errors on a regular basis.

A- I will faithfully share the truth and wisdom of God’s word to the building up of the faithful and silence the falsehood when it comes.

P- Lord, we face difficulties daily as we proclaim your word among your people and the world.  False teachers and ideas flood our streets and make their way into your church.  Give us wisdom and strength to combat these things as they give birth to godless behaviors.  Let truth win the day and your name be glorified in all that we do and say. Amen.

S- The few that I have been given to invest in.

8 JAN 24 Monday: Coffee with Chaps Devotional

 8 Jan 24 Monday: Coffee with Chaps Devotional

SOAPS (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer, Share) 

Reading Plan: Psalm 1,2,3; Gen. 2:4-9, 16-25; Heb. 1:1-14; John 1:1-18

Epiphany

Question of the day:  Do you know Jesus as God?

S- “And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.  God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance and through the Son, he created the universe.  The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command.” Hebrews 1:2-3

O- All of the Scriptures in the reading plan today point to Jesus’ divinity as the creator and sustainer of the universe.  Genesis account details the creation of plants, animals, and human life.  John in his gospel deals theologically with his testimony of who Jesus is in the hopes that when people read, they will believe in Jesus as God.  Hebrews writes to Jewish believers to remind them that the Messiah they now believe in is actually God.

A- I will cherish and meditate on these Scriptures knowing that God has revealed himself in his Son and that Jesus is the creator, sustainer, savior, and Lord.  I will rejoice in what is revealed in the word.

P- Heavenly Father, for many this is an epiphany.  It was reading the book of Colossians nearly twenty-five years ago that my eyes were opened to the magnitude of who Jesus is.  Your words encourage us, inspire us, and draw us closer to you.  Write them on my heart and help me to cherish your revealed truth about yourself, your son, and the Holy Spirit.  Help me to get to know you each day and to share who you are and what you have done.  In Christ’s name, amen.

S- The seven people you have given me to care for and invest in.

6 JAN 24 Saturday: Coffee with Chaps Devotional

 6 Jan 24 Saturday: Coffee with Chaps Devotional

SOAPS (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer, Share) 

Reading Plan: Psalm 46, 97; Isaiah 49:1-7; Rev. 21:22-27; Matt 12:14-21

Epiphany

Question of the day:  Do you trust God when things are out of your control?

S- “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.  So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.” Psalm 46:1-2

O- It is said that ‘there are no rogue molecules’ because God sustains all things and controls all things.  When you understand that God does ordain or orchestrate climate catastrophic events, you realize you are not in control, but you can find peace, refuge, and strength in Him during it all.  This is where faith and trust take a leap.

A- I will not live in fear of climate events and understand that God is in control and has my life in his hands to spare it or to deliver it into his eternal presence.

P- Merciful Father, you are great and beyond measure for us to fully understand.  You have created all things and the magnitude of your power is breathtaking.  Help us Lord to remember who you are when things spin out of our control.  You are merciful and extend to your elect your goodness and deliver us to yourself when this life is over.  We give thanks to you today and renew our trust in you. Amen.

S- The seven people you have given me to care for and invest in.

4 JAN 24 Thursday: Coffee with Chaps Devotional

 4 Jan 24 Thursday: Coffee with Chaps Devotional

SOAPS (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer, Share) 

Reading Plan: Psalm 85,87; Joshua 3:14-4:7; Eph. 5:1-20; John 9:35-38

The week of the First Sunday after Christmas  

Question of the day:  Are you looking for an example to follow?

S- “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.  Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.  He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma in God.” Eph. 5:1-2

O- The book of Ephesians is a great book to encourage a follower of Christ in doctrine and life.  We are given an opportunity to live a life that brings God honor and glory every day.  We are not at a loss for examples and models to follow.  God is the ultimate standard for life and when there is not a model around us, we can strive to be the model for others.

A-  I will imitate God in all I do and seek to be a model and example for others.  I will be a pleasing aroma with God’s help.

P- Heavenly Father, you are so good to us every day.  I thank you for your word and care.  I give praises to you for modeling the life you expect us to live both in yourself and in your Son.  Prepare our hearts, minds, and souls with the power of the Holy Spirit to live a life with a pleasing aroma in your nose.  Bless you.  Bless us.  In Christ’s name amen.

S- The seven people you have given me to care for and invest in.