20 OCT 24 Coffee with Chaps Devotional: Walking through anxiety and worry Day 6

 Day 6: What now?

“I prayed to the Lord and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 NLT

Fear is a very powerful emotion that can cause lots of anxiety and also can stop us from moving on. It can enter our lives at any point, whether young or old. For example, when we are younger, we feel invincible but as we age our mind says “yes” but our body says “no”. Or there might be an injury, illness, or the death of someone close to you that causes you to question just about everything. It strikes fear into the heart and expresses itself in a variety of emotions, whether sadness, anger, panic, or worry.

The psalmist shows his vulnerability by describing his inability to help himself. Some problems are too big for us which shifts the direction of our lives and fear steps in to cripple or paralyze our minds. You might be feeling this now and ask, what now?

The good news is that fear can change us for the better and strengthen our relationship with the Lord.  We need to talk to God about it and hand it over. God knows we will face challenges in life and desires to walk with you through them.  He can free you from the fears that weigh you down and give you the ability to be at peace and be strong.  

Merciful Father, I’m facing an uncertain time in my life which has changed my life and I don’t know what to do. I know that you hear my prayer and that you care for me. Free me from this fear and guide me to your will. Help me to trust in your goodness and comfort me in this difficult time. In Jesus’ name, amen.

30 SEP 24 Coffee with Chaps Devotional: Walking through axniety and worry Day 5

 Day 5: Does doubt create a noisy mind and a fear of the unknown?

“When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” Psalm 94:19

From time to time when things don’t go our way, we can begin to doubt our future. Maybe you lost your job or got injured and cannot work. Bills and daily needs can cause you to spiral and get overwhelmed not knowing what to do. Others may be in that year of retirement and are looking ahead to what is next, but are fearful of embracing the unknown after years of job security. These fears are common for many people, but some may find they need a way to clear the fog of doubt that is creating a noisy mind.  

David had many challenges before becoming king, and even more so while he was king. He racked his brain to figure out what to do when the trials of life smacked him in the face. When you read the Psalms, you find accounts of his solution. He took his problems to the throne (God) before he took to the phone (other people). As he poured out his heart and mind to God, he experienced a clear mind, peace in his heart, and a renewed sense of hope and joy followed. If it seems simple and a bit mysterious, it is, but it works. I’m not asking you to trust me, I’m asking you to trust God and release your doubts over to him.  

Heavenly Father, you have known me from before the foundation of the world. You have made known in your word the reality of this life and the problems that will come my way. The fears and doubts I face can be overwhelming but help me to remember that I only have to turn to you for all that I need. Please take any worries that I have for tomorrow and give me the strength I need to endure today. Amen.

14 JUL 24 Sunday SOAPS Daily Office Devotional

 14 JUL 24 Sunday SOAPS Daily Office Devotional

Daily Office: Year 2 Week of the Eighth Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 10)

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 148, 149, 150; Joshua 1:1-18; Acts 21:3-15; Mark 1:21-27

Are you obeying Jesus?

S- “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.  For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8

O- The call and command on disciples of God has not changed from Genesis to Revelation and even today.  We are told to hear, obey, and give it away.  Many of those who claim to be believers do not obey the Lord.  Jesus said that if you do not obey what he says then you do not belong to him.  Sounds harsh? If he is Lord or Master of your life then you refuse to do what he tells you.  

A- I will obey Jesus as my Lord and Master of my life.  

P- Master, Savior, Jesus, my life belongs to you.  I am not my own and desire to do you will instead of my own.  Let my obedience be a demonstration of my love for you.  Empower me to follow you when it is not convenient, difficult, or costly.  Amen.

S- A, S, C

15 JUL 24 Monday SOAPS Daily Office Devotional

 15 JUL 24 Monday SOAPS Daily Office Devotional

Daily Office: Year 2 Week of the Eighth Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 10)

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 25; Joshua 2:1-14; Rom.  11:1-12; Matt. 25:1-13

S- “As it is written, God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.” Romans 11:8; “Ears to hear and eyes to see- both are gifts from the Lord.” Proverbs 20:12

O- Reading the passage from Romans speaks of God’s sovereignty in salvation in choosing who will be his and who will not, specifically the Jews.  The proverb, which is not part of today's reading, came to mind.  We do not have the ability to respond to the gospel message unless something happens on God’s end.  Being born again or from above is the transformation of our spirit from death to life and the opening of our spiritual eyes and ears.  This can spark a healthy fear of God and draw a deeper sense of gratitude in the believer.

A- I will give thanks and temper my frustration with those who are deaf to the good news.

P- Gracious and sovereign Lord, who am I that you are mindful of me?  I haven’t done anything to deserve your favor or your mercy.  Thank you for your loving kindness and making me your child.  I pray for those who have not heard the gospel yet or are not yet born again.  May the Holy Spirit move in their hearts today transforming them and giving them the ability to respond.

In Jesus name, amen.

S- dan, spencer, 

13 JUL 24 Saturday SOAPS Daily Office Devotional

 13 JUL 24 Saturday SOAPS Daily Office Devotional

Daily Office: Year 2 Week of the Seventh Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 8)

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 20, 21:1-7; Deut. 34:1-12; Romans 10:14-21; Matthew 24:32-51

Are you sharing the gospel?

S- “And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “how beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”” Romans 10:14-15

O- As you read this chapter, it comes to mind to command to go and tell the good news.  God chose the method that the world sees as foolishness to accomplish his will.  Preaching or sharing the gospel from person to person is necessary so that everyone at least hears the message and God will give the increase where he desires.

A- I will share the good news with others wherever I live. I will trust that God will save who he wants and remain faithful in spreading his message of hope.

P- Merciful Father, many people have never heard the gospel once and your children are not sharing the gospel.  Help us to reach all those that you have prepared to hear.  Give the increase as we plant seeds and care for those we contact.  Bless the work of our hands, Lord, bless the work of our hands. Amen.

S- C,