23 JUN 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

 23 JUN 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 105:1-22; Num. 17:1-11; Romans 5:1-11; Matthew 20:17-28

S- We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.  And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. Romans 5:3-4

O- We like comfort and peace versus drama and problems.  As a society we run from it and like to complain about and to one another.  Paul tells us we can rejoice in problems and trials.  They are an opportunity for development of endurance and character.  They also allow us to experience God in a way that we wouldn’t without the problems.  In that we can rejoice.

A- I will reject my nature to complain and grumble when things don’t go my way or facing challenges.  With God’s help, I will rejoice that I now have the opportunity to develop and experience God in a new way.

P- Lord, there are many problems and trials that each of us face.  Some are unique to us and we naturally don’t like them.  Give us fresh eyes to see what you are doing and to be able to rejoice that you will make the problems into good for us.  I yield to your hands, so shape me into the person you desire. Amen.

S- M, V

22 JUN 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

 22 JUN 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:121-144; Num. 16:20-35; Romans 4:13-25; Matthew 20:1-16

S- The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.  Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil. Psalm 119: 130, 133

O- Most of the Bible is pretty straightforward in explaining wisdom, truth, and faith for life.  It comes to life when the Holy Spirit is in you and teaches you.  Otherwise, you may get a nugget or two that you can use.  Without Him, you remain blind and suppress the truth that you find because you love evil and darkness.

A- I will rejoice in the goodness of God and his mercy for giving me eyes to see and freeing me from the darkness and bringing me into the light.  I will seek the Lord in his word in order to navigate this life and its problems.  In the word, contains the answers and strategies to deal with everything we face.

P- Lord, your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.  I rejoice that you have spoken to the world and desire relationships with all of us.  Open the eyes of the spiritually blind and fill them with your life-giving Spirit.  Help us to study your word and live it. Amen.

S- DBS

21 JUN 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

 21 JUN 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 97, 99; Num. 16:36-50; Romans 4:1-12; Matthew 19:23-30

S- David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it: Oh, what a joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what a joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin. Romans 4:6-8

O- When we come to faith, a great exchange happens.  Christ takes our sin and he gives us his righteousness.  His righteousness and not our own gain us right standing before God.  There is great joy in that and forgiveness and cleansing of sins.

A- I will be thankful and joyful that I am forgiven and have been given Christ’s righteousness.  I will remember that I have been given new life not to serve myself, but the one who died for me.

P- Lord, It is a joy to know that you have forgiven my disobedience and sin and have given me your righteousness.  Thank you.  Thank you for giving me your righteousness and making me holy and acceptable to you.  Allow me the honor of serving you today and every day that you give me. Amen.

S- K, E

17 JUN 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

 17 JUN 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 88; Num. 13:1-3, 21-30; Romans 2:25-3:8; Matthew 18:21-35

S- Then Peter came to him and asked, Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times? No, not seven times, Jesus replied, but seventy times seven! Matthew 18:21-22

O- The business of forgiveness is a difficult thing for us and we like to put limits on it.  Peter sought to extend the normal limit out a few more times, but Jesus threw out a number that said quit counting.  If you forgive that person then don’t keep track.  Do it from the heart.  You can with God’s help.

A- I will do the hard work of forgiveness with God’s help.  If the offender asks for forgiveness, I will forgive. I will seek the Lord’s wisdom on relationships and seek his best in them.

P- Lord, you know it is difficult for us to extend forgiveness to those that have wronged us.  You have experienced the greatest offenses from us, even the death of your Son.  Yet, you have forgiven us.  Help us to do the same. Amen.

S- J,  S

16 JUN 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

 16 JUN 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 83; Num. 12:1-16; Romans 2:12-24; Matthew 18:10-20

S- If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? Matthew 18:12

O- God seeks after those that are his lost sheep.  This gives me peace and joy that he sought me out and found me, but he is doing that on a daily basis.  That is God’s business and he has told us to be a part of that adventure.  Are you seeking?

A- I am thankful and joyful that God sought me and bought me with His redeeming love.  I will eagerly join in the work of search and rescue of his lost children.

P- Lord, you are loving and do not will that your sheep will perish.  Give us the passion that you have to search for your lost ones.  Give us success and perseverance as we stay the course.  Let those we know that are far from you be found. Amen.

S-DBS, Men