6 MAY 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

 6 MAY 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 105:1-22; Proverbs 6; Exodus 24:1-18; Matthew 4:12-17

S- What are worthless and wicked people like? They are constant liars. Proverbs 6:12

O- The most common sin that God hates and even detests is lying.  People lie to protect themselves from punishment, or someone else, for self-image, to impress people, or to evade conflict to name a few.  All of it is sin and breaks trust in a relationship and causes more damage as the lie mutates.  God commands us to be people of truth.

A- I will commit to being a person of truth and reconcile with those to whom I have lied.  

P- Lord, your word stings of rebuke when we see ourselves clearly in it.  We can point the finger at others, but in reality, we have all sinned against you in this manner.  We are all liars and need your forgiveness and empowerment to be people of truth.  Grant it Lord that our mouths would glorify you in our everyday life.  Amen.

S- L, S, 

5 MAY 22 Thursday SOAPS Devo

 5 MAY 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 37:1-18; Proverbs 5; Exodus 20:1-12; Matthew 4:1-11

S- You will say, “How I hated discipline! If only I had not ignored all the warnings! Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers? Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors?

O- When I talk to people who mock the gospel, promote sin, or are indifferent, I think of this verse.  At some point, it will be too late for them and they will stand before God in judgment.  While some will respond in disappointment others will be angry.  We cannot open the ears or soften a person's heart that is hard against God, but God can.

A- I will share the good news without filtering and pray for them to have ears to hear and prepared hearts.  I will not be offended by people who reject the message or spew hostility but leave them in the hands of God.

P- Lord, I have been the one in the past that didn’t listen to wisdom and warnings and suffered the consequences.  I ask that you help those that come to mind who mock and reject wisdom or the gospel, for the results are devastating. Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy. Amen.

S- J, V

4 MAY 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

 4 MAY 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 28, 28; Proverbs 4; Exodus 19:16-25; Matthew 3:13-17

S- Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.  Proverbs 4:23

O- The heart is the center of who we are and contains our identity.  When you were a child, your parents guarded your heart against the world, the flesh, the devil, and imprinted on you the ways of God in hopes that you might become a child of God.  When you left their care, it is up to you to use the tools given to embrace God’s identity for you.  Everything else will fight that so you must actively guard your heart.

A- I will guard my heart, my identity in Christ, and your ways with God’s help.  I will remain devoted to the development of my life, to your will, and seek you above all.

P- Lord, you give us wisdom so that we can navigate through life and respond to the adversaries we face even our own desires.  You call us to die to self and follow and love you with all our hearts.  Help us to guard our hearts and defend us day by day. Amen.

S- V, A, K

3 May 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devo

 3 MAY 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 26, 28; Proverbs 3; Exodus 19:1-16; Matthew 3:7-12

S- My child, never forget the things I have taught you.  Store my commands in your heart.  If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.  Proverbs 3:1-2

O- My mom has taught me many things about the Lord.  Frankly, I wouldn’t be here without her guidance and care.  She instilled in me the love for God’s word and encouraged me to read and memorize it from an early age.  Unfortunately, I didn’t understand that early enough and lived unsatisfying life for a season.  I understand now that God is my satisfaction and joy.

A- I will continue to read and memorize the Scriptures and remember the things that my mom has taught me.  I will be thankful that God has shown me how to be satisfied in him and find my true identity and purpose in him.

P- Lord, I thank you for the love of my mom to invest your wisdom in my life.  Thank you that your word took root in my life and that I have satisfaction in you.  Lord, help me to invest in others and encourage my children in your ways.  Amen.

S-M, D, R

2 MAY 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

 2 MAY 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 25; Proverbs 2; Exodus 18:13-27; Mark 1:1-17

S- So follow the steps of the good, and stay on the paths of the righteous.  Proverbs 2:20

O- The benefits of studying the proverbs help you chart the narrow path of holiness and righteousness.  There are times in life when you can barely tell how to proceed or are just blind.  It is given to you when you seek righteousness, and faith becomes your eyes as you walk through difficult times or decisions.

A- I will seek the wisdom of God so that it becomes light on my path.  I will trust it even though the world and culture around me think it foolish.  

P- Lord, life is difficult, filled with wicked and evil people, and there are difficult choices to be made every day.  Give me the wisdom to navigate this life and the faith to endure.  May you be glorified and I fortified.  In your name, Amen.

S- J, E, M, T