9 JUN 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

 9 JUN 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

...having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. Ephesians 5:26

Reading Plan: Psalm 70, 71; Eccles. 11:1-8; Galatians 5:16-25; Matthew 16:13-20

S- Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.  Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:24-25

O- This is one of the challenges of our culture that wants to “do them” and still be right with God.  Much of it is the very sin that put Jesus on the cross.  When we surrender our lives to Jesus, we are to renounce the sin, wickedness, and evil in our lives, and leave them on the cross.  There is a new life to live in the Spirit that requires death to self. 

A- I will take seriously the sin that is in my life and renounce them and embrace the path of the Spirit.  

P- Lord, I give thanks for saving me and giving me a new life in you.  Help me to renounce any sins that may still have a hold on me and embrace the life you desire for me. Amen.

S- M, J, E

8 JUN 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

 8 JUN 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

...having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. Ephesians 5:26

Reading Plan: Psalm 72; Eccles. 9:11-18; Galatians 5:1-15; Matthew 16:1-12

S- For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters.  But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature.  Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13

O- When we come to faith in Jesus, we are made into a new creation and take on a new character.  We have to learn to live into that because it is not part of our old nature.  The freedom given to us is not made for our ways, but God’s.  There is an expectation that we live for God and not ourselves.  We can practically do that by serving others in love.

A- I will seek the Lord and his ways and live into the new life he has given.  I will love the Lord and others through service.

P- Lord, I am thankful that you saved me and delivered me from my old life.  Help me to desire the things that are important to you and to love my neighbor as myself.  Let my life bring you glory and give me the joy of your salvation. Amen.

S- R, K

7 JUN 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

 7 JUN 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

...having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. Ephesians 5:26

Reading Plan: Psalm 61, 62; Eccles. 8:14-9:10; Galatians 4:21-31; Matthew 15:29-39

S- I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.  Psalms 62:1-2

O- These two verses are such an encouragement when we struggle or feel defeated.  Coming before the Lord humbly and seeking him will bring you peace and re-center you to the path he has laid out for you.  Knowing that it is God that brings victory and we already have it, restores hope and perspective.  

A- I will trust the Lord during the most trying times and struggles in life.  I will not live defeated because the victory has already been obtained.  I will live in the satisfaction that Jesus is my hope.

P- Lord, your word is such an encouragement every day.  We can feel afraid, defeated, and without purpose, but the truth is you have obtained the victory.  We are victorious and walk in it forever.  Let us not forget nor trust our feelings over your word. Amen.

S- M, DBS,

 

6 JUN 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

 6 JUN 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

...having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. Ephesians 5:26

Reading Plan: Psalm 56, 57; Eccles. 7:1-14; Galatians 4:12-20; Matthew 15:21-28

S- Oh, my dear children! I feel as if I’m going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives. Galatians 4:19

O- The more you invest in others, the more you will understand Paul’s words.  There is a certain pain in helping others to develop into maturity in the faith.  We see disobedience as “the” factor for not becoming who God desires them to be.  It is the proof in the pudding.  The other pain is being lead astray by false teachers and worldviews.  

A- I will stay faithful to those that I am investing in despite the pain of development.  I will save myself some pain if they prove not to be interested or disobedient for a season, then let them be until they are ready.  I will avidly defend them from false teachers and worldviews.  

P- Lord, the pain that comes from investing in others is great at times.  The interaction exposes the genuineness of their faith and the endurance of mine.  Lord, help us to stay faithful and help our disciples to develop maturity and invest in others as well. Amen.

S-L, M, M 

5 JUN 22 Sunday SOAPS DEVO

 5 JUN 22 Sunday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

...having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. Ephesians 5:26

Reading Plan: Psalm 118; Deut. 16:9-12; Acts 4:18-21, 23-33; John 4:19-26

S- “who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his anointed.”  Acts 4:25-26

O- Jews and Gentiles alike used their intersectionality of sin to unify against Jesus and send him to the cross.  It would have been a gross injustice and example of mob rule if it were not God’s plan to do so.  The greatest evil in the world was done to Jesus, but God intended it for our victory.  Jesus beat sin, evil, and death so that we could be free in Christ.

A- I will remember that my sin put Jesus on the cross and he paid the price so that I could be free.  I will gladly and eagerly follow his ways and serve him forever.

P- Lord, we see the world still unhappy with your sovereign rule and rebelling against you and your people daily.  Empower us by your Holy Spirit to love radically those who hate us and to boldly proclaim the good news.  Please give the increase to your church, amen.

S- F, F