1 JUL 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

 1 JUL 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 140, 142; Num. 24:1-13; Romans 8:12-17; Matthew 22:15-22

S-And since we are his children, we are heirs.  In fact, together with Christ, we are heirs of God’s glory.   But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.  Romans 8:17

O- We love the benefits of being connected to God through Jesus and hope to be in heaven when we die.  We cannot hope for this eternity in glory if we will not submit our lives in totality to God’s will.  That means we will share in his suffering being rejected when we share the gospel, experience hostility and indifference, and possibly persecution and death.

A- I will bless the Lord in the good times and the bad.  I know that the path to life is a narrow road that leads to suffering for a little while, but is nothing compared to the glory I will see.

P- Lord, each day I yield my life to you come what may.  Empower us to do your will even if it means that I will suffer because of it.  In that suffering, I know that it brings you glory. Amen.

S-K, R,

30 JUN 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

 30 JUN 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 131, 132; Num. 23:11-26; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 22:1-14

S- Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God.  It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. Romans 8:5, 7

O- We can get confused about people and why they do what they do.  Why do they think that way? How can they not see their ways are wicked and evil? How can they be hostile to God? The reason is they are not capable without the Spirit residing in them.  Their nature swims in evil and drinks it with pleasure.  This is why we pray for them and share the good news.

A- I will not look down on those that are hostile to God and his ways, but lift them up to the Lord.  I will accept the reality that there are many that reject the invitation the Lord is offering.  I will press on to search for the ones that will turn from their evil and put their trust in Jesus.

P- Lord, we see evil and wickedness in our country.  People are dominated by their sinful desires and become hostile when they are confronted with truth and the gospel.  Break through their darkness and bring them to the light.  Empower us in these days to faithfully pray, care, and share. Amen.

S- M, T, G, E

28 JUN 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

 28 JUN 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 121, 122, 123; Num. 22:21-38; Romans 7:1-12; Matthew 21:23-32

S- When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death.  Romans 7:5

O- The bible is clear that every person is born into sin and by nature desires and chooses sin.  The law of God acts as mirror to reveal to us who we are.  We have all sinned and fall short of God’s standards.  No one is good.  Without Jesus, we all perish in our sins.

A- I will rejoice in God my savior that made me spiritually alive through the death and resurrection of his Son.  I am reminded when I read the law of God my imperfection and sinfulness.  I will remain thankful of being set free from the bondage of sin and death.

P- Lord, you are good to us and great in your faithfulness.  Thank you for showing mercy to us and revealing yourself to us.  Help us to live into this new life you have given us and to be free from sin’s hold.  May we live lives that are pleasing to you. Amen.

S- D, E

27 JUN 22 Monay SOAPS DEVO

 27 JUN 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 106:1-18; Num. 22:1-21; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 21:12-22

S- Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.  Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin.  Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life.  So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Romans 6:12-13

O-There is an expectation on those that who have submitted their lives to Jesus, will live in a manner that glorifies God.  That means that we go and sin no more and embrace a new way of living.  We belong to God and are his instrument and no longer the devil’s.

A- I will embrace the will and ways of the Lord and leave my old life behind.  I will seek to please God with all of my life and joyfully be an instrument in his hands.

P- Lord, thank you for saving me and allowing me the privilege of being an instrument in your hands.  May my life bring your pleasure and glory. Amen.

S- DBS, M

25 JUN 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

 25 JUN 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 107:33-43; Num. 20:14-29; Romans 6:1-11; Matthew 21:1-11

S- The time has come for Aaron to join his ancestors in death.  He will not enter the land I am giving the people of Israel, because the two of you rebelled against my instructions concerning the water at Meribah.  Numbers 20:24

O- When we disobey God, it always has consequences.  Two greats in Israel didn’t get to finish the task and see the fruits of their labor because they didn’t obey.  When you realize that you have disappointed God, that is the painful truth.  The loss of opportunity, blessing, or life is not as painful as disappointing Him.

A- I will take this word as a warning and learn from these great men.  I will strive to hear the affirming words, well done good and faithful servant with God’s help.

P- Lord, this is a painful reality that we can and do disappoint you.  Help us to willingly do your will with joy and not to be disobedient.   We do not want to be a disappointment in this life, but desire to pleasing in your sight. Amen.

S- C, J