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

27 NOV 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

 27 NOV 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 146, 147; Isa. 1:1-9; 2 Pet. 3:1-10; Matt. 25:1-13

The first Sunday of Advent

Are you ready to meet your maker?

S- The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.  2 Pet. 3:9-10

O- During the Advent season, we come with expectant hearts as we remember Jesus’ first coming, but look forward to the second.  Even in the days of Peter, people were wondering why Jesus hadn’t come back yet.  Their expectations were not in line with God’s time.  We can feel that way today.  On one hand, we need to be ready to meet our maker at a moment’s notice and on the other hand, we need to rejoice that He is leaving room for more lost to be saved.

A- I’m looking forward to the return of Jesus because there is nothing better than being in his full presence.  Until he returns, I will stay faithful in sharing the good news with others.

P- Heavenly Father, I look with great expectation to the return of your Son Jesus.  That will be a great and wonderful day for those that belong to you.  It will be the worst day for all of those that have rejected your Son.  So, help me to remain steadfast in completing your mission. In your name, amen.

S- L, M

26 NOV 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

 26 NOV 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 137:1-9; Zech. 14:12-21; Phil. 2:1-11; Luke 19:41-48

Are you living individually and communally the way God desires?

S- Do nothing from rivalry or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interest of others.  Phil. 2:3-4

O- For the community of faith, having the marks of generosity and humility speak volumes to the world around us.  It is a testimony of our love for each other “in” the church.  It brings the church closer when we genuinely care for each other.  This does not mean that we leave people in their sinful lives or license for our own.  Love and participation in the Spirit leave no room for ungodliness.

A- I will check my motives and focus to guard against selfish ambition and pride.  I will not merely live for my own wants and needs but seek the welfare of my fellow believer.

P- Heavenly Father, you have plans on how your people should act with each other.  It is difficult for us to individually pursue you and live godly and at the same time be accountable to one another.  We need your Holy Spirit to infuse generosity, love, and wisdom in us to accomplish this lifestyle.  Bless us to be the way you desire. Amen.

S- K, L