25 May 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

 25 MAY 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:97-120; Proverbs 25; Ephesians1:1-10; Matthew 22:41-46

S- When arguing with your neighbor, don’t betray another person’s secret.  Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation. Proverbs 25:9-10

O- As a chaplain, we are expected to keep absolute confidentiality with clients.  The information we hear doesn’t belong to us and needs to be protected.  If I leak a secret for any reason, I’m done as a chaplain.  It is the same for everyone who hears a secret.  If you share it, your name is now damaged and it is hard to be restored.

A- I will pray to keep the confidence of conversations safe for the sharer’s sake and my own.  I will stand firm in my resolve to be a person that can be trusted with other people’s information.

P- Lord, being able to keep the information confidential is a difficult task for many.  Give us the mental strength and awareness to honor neighbors and friends by keeping our mouths shut.  Thank you for those that you have placed in our lives to keep our conversations safe, amen.

S-DMG, J

24 May 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

 24 MAY 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 78:1-39; Proverbs 24; 1 Timothy 2:1-6, Matthew 13:18-23

S- The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.  But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.  Proverbs 24:16

O- The wisdom of God shows us that there is much to be learned through mistakes and failure.  We have in our mind that failure is the end and stop trying, but it is the secret to succuss.  With God’s help we get back up and get better with every rep until we are fully developed.  

A- I will reframe my mistakes and failures and see them as an opportunity to rely on God and get better.  I will live in the strength of God to get back up when I fall and encourage others when they fall.

P- Lord, thank you for always being there to encourage and strengthen me.  Thank you for helping me not to quit, but get up and try until I succeeded.  Help those that are down for the count to rely on you as their strength and comfort.  Develop us through our struggles and to enjoy the richness of your presence along the way, amen.

S- sailor, M, M

23 May 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

 23 MAY 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 80; Proverbs 23; Colossians 1: 9-14, Matthew 13:1-16

S- Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice. Proverbs 23:9

O- If you ever watch street debates on hot topics, you realize pretty fast that people will not receive what you are saying.  The louder and more frequently they talk, the less likely they will hear or understand.  Save yourself some pain and frustration.  Find those that are willing to hear.

A- I will use the wisdom you give to help me be more effective in life and ministry.   I will pray for those that are hard ears, hard-hearted, and engaged when they are ready.  

P- Lord, we encounter fools regularly and some areas of life like social media and crowds are a magnet for them.  Help us to be wise in our conversations and pray earnestly for others to be open when sharing the good news or advice. Amen.

S- M, J

22 May 22 Sunday SOAPS DEVO

 22 MAY 22 Sunday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 93, 96; Proverbs 22; James 1:1-8, 16-18; Luke 12:13-21

S- Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Proverbs 22:6

O- As a parent, we train our children in the ways of God and model for them what that looks like.  Some are early adopters in being followers of Jesus and all that entails. Others may commit themselves later in life due to the investment laid early in their lives.  The hope and prayer of every Christian parent are that their child is adopted as God’s child and see that return on investment.

A- I will continue to invest in my children and trust that the Lord will take what was modeled and taught to connect with them.  I will leave those that have left the nest in his capable and loving hands to do as he wills.

P- Lord, it is my prayer to see my kids follow you in all of your ways for the glory of your name.  I will continue to model a discipleship life to them and others with your help.  Bless them, Lord, amen.

S- Fam, DBS, 

21 May 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

 21 MAY 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 75, 76; Proverbs 21; 2 Thes. 3:1-18; Matt. 7:13-21

S- The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices. Proverbs 21:3

O- We want to please people in our relationships and feel it is about the ultimate sacrifice.  In day-to-day life, God is pleased when we follow the truth and do what is right.  Jesus said, it is finished and that completed the sacrifice that made a relationship with God possible.  As his children, we learn to walk in his ways to the glory of his name, which makes God happy.

A- I will pursue the virtues of righteousness, justice, and truth.  I will learn to walk in his ways and obey his commands in order to show love to him.

P- Lord, we desire to live our lives in a manner that would be pleasing to you and pursue what you have told us are essential in life.  Help us to stay focused, to be diligent, and committed to your ways, amen.

S- K, M