12 JUL 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

 12 JUL 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 26, 28, Joshua 2:15-24; Romans 11:13-24; Matthew 25:14-30

S-Yes, but remember those branches were broken off because they didn’t believe in Christ, and you are there because you do believe.  So don’t think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen.  For if God did not spare the original branches, he won’t spare you either. Romans 11:20-21

O- The old covenant and ways were fulfilled in Jesus Christ and a new covenant relationship was established.  Those that do not submit their lives to Jesus as boss of their lives are no longer connected to God.  The warning to new believers is clear not to take God for granted or this relationship.  The evidence of our relationship is our submission to his authority and will.

A- I will remember the honor and privilege to be counted among the chosen.  I will daily submit myself to the master’s will and live for him.  

P- Lord, thank you for grafting me into the family tree.  Empower me to submit to your will and to live for you that my life would be a blessing to you.  I pray for the Jewish people today that they may know you as their king and savior.  Help us to faithfully share the gospel to them because you are eager to graft them back into your life. Amen. 

S-fb, J

11 JUL Monday SOAPS DEVO

 11 JUL 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 25, Joshua 2:1-14; Romans 11:1-12; Matthew 25:1-13

S- So this is the situation: Most of the people of Israel have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly.  A few have-the ones God has chosen-but the hearts of the rest were hardened. Romans 11:7

O- The Lord is not finished with the Jews or the Gentiles until he sounds the final horn.  The reality is that many will be saved based on the free and unmerited favor of God.  God has chosen those that will be with him and the rest hardened against him.  That is the reality and mystery of faith.  

A- I will give thanks to God for allowing me to be one of his children.  I will be humble knowing that I did nothing to merit any attention or salvation from God.  I will live in a manner that honors the sacrifice Jesus made to bring about eternal life.

P- Lord, Peter says these writings of Paul are difficult.  They are not difficult to understand, but to process the heaviness of their reality.  The fear of you rings true in the text, but so does your amazing grace.  Help me to live in a manner that is worthy of your Son’s sacrifice.  Amen.

S- Mac, Niel, 

9 JUL 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

 9 JUL 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 20, 21:1-7; Deut. 34:1-12; Romans 10:14-21; Matthew 24:32-51

S- You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.  A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. Matthew 24:44-45

O- The return of Jesus will be a surprise.  That being said there needs to be a tension set knowing that He has expectations on our life.  We want to be found doing the work He has commanded us to do and not found doing our own thing.  We do not belong to ourselves, but to God.  We must represent well.

A- I will look with hope and joy for the return of my God and King.  I will stay focused on the mission Jesus has assigned and commanded.  I will with His help live into that reality.

P- Lord, I need you every day and understand that my days are numbered.  Life is short, hell is hot, and there are still people that need to hear your message of salvation.  Help me to faithfully share the good news and invest in the saved. Amen.

S- R, J

8 JUL 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

 8 JUL 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 16, 17; Deut. 31:7-13, 24-32:4; Romans 10:1-13; Matthew 24:15-31

S- If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10

O- There are those that are still struggling in sin and haven’t heard this good news.  There are others that have listened to but have never turned from their sin, put their trust in Jesus for what he did on the cross, and made him boss over their lives.  Salvation and restoration are available to everyone who does so.  Where are you? Where would you like to be?

A- I turned from my sin and put my trust in Jesus for salvation.  I will faithfully share with the lost and train the saved this good news.  I will daily surrender my will for his.

P- Lord, you have called us to finish the task of sharing the good news of your son with everyone.  Help us to stay faithful in doing so and grant the increase in our fruitfulness. Amen.

S- R, L, M

7 JUL 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

 7 JUL 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 18:1-20; Deut. 3:18-28; Romans 9:13-33; Matthew 24:1-14

S- For the Scriptures say that God told Pharaoh, “I have appointed you for the very purpose of displaying my power in you and to spread my fame throughout the earth.” So you see, God chooses to show mercy to some, and he chooses to harden the hearts of others so they refuse to listen. Romans 9:17-18

O- This passage makes some upset and others at peace.  God’s mercy and grace are a remarkable blessing to his children.  When you realize whether God directly reveals himself to you or decides not to, it expands your understanding of his sovereign grace.  It helps you understand peoples’ responses to the gospel and directs your focus to the ones who respond.

A- I will give thanks to the Lord and rejoice in his mercy and grace in my life.  I will praise the Lord whenever I find another of his kids among the lost and pray for those that are hard against God and his gospel.

P- Lord, you are so good to me.  Thank you for giving me the joy of your salvation and honoring my life as pleasing to you.  Help me not to take you for granted and give me a fresh passion for knowing and serving you.  I love you, Lord.  Amen.

S- J, E, M