27 May 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

 27 MAY 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 85, 86; Proverbs 27; Ephesians 2:1-10; Matthew 7:22-27

S- Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring. Proverbs 27:1

O- We are not guaranteed tomorrow so how will we live today? The disciples in the new testament asked Jesus when he will return, but Jesus shifted their attention to the task before them.  If you knew that today was your last day or that Jesus was coming this week, would that change what you are doing now? We must keep that tension as a means of accountability and be about the Father’s work until he returns or we die.

A- I will remember to live in the moment trusting and obeying the Lord.  I will seek to do his will in my life and experience him afresh each day.

P- Lord, this is the day that you have made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.  This day has worries, struggles, joy, and purpose.  Help us to listen to you and do as you have modeled and commanded.  Let our lives bring you joy, amen.

S- S, J

26 May 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

 26 MAY 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 8, 47; Proverbs 26; Hebrews 5:2-18; Matthew 28:16-20

S- Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are.  Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation. Proverbs 26:4-5

O- Proverbs have flexibility in usage due to situations.  At times we are told not to engage a foolish person and other times encouraged to do so.  If you think about it, you know what I’m saying.  We can trust God to give us the wisdom to understand what to do at the time and the situation.  

A- I will seek wisdom and discernment when engaging fools or difficult people.  I will trust in God’s word and obey what it says for his glory.

P- Lord, every day we engage people that need your wisdom and guidance.  We see fools and those that lack common sense.  We need your wisdom in order to determine whether or not we engage them or leave them to their own folly.  Help us to know the difference and trust that you will help us through it, amen.

S-M, H

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