14 JUL 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

 14 JUL 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 37:1-18, Joshua 3:14-4:7; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 26:1-16

S-The wicked plot against the godly; they snarl at them in defiance.  But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming. Psalm 37

O- We need perspective from the Lord’s eyes.  He knows that there is real justice that is perfect and good.  While we don’t see justice for evil people and deeds here, we can be confident that God will ultimately provide justice.  His justice is eternal and perfect.  His response to them is laughter!

A- I will remember when I get angry about evil deeds and people that God will handle them through the cross or the throne.  Both avenues provide satisfying results and bring God glory.  I will be satisfied in God.

P- Lord, thank you for being a loving and just God.  You care for your people and see that all evil will be dealt with perfectly.  Give us peace and calm our anger.  Give us perspective and strategies to cope.  Amen.

S- R, J

13 JUL 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

 13 JUL 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 38, Joshua 3:1-13; Romans 11:25-36; Matthew 25:31-46

S- The Lord told Joshua, “Today I will begin to make you a great leader in the eyes of all the Israelites.  They will know that I am with you, just as I was with Moses.  Joshua 3:7

O- Leaders are chosen and made.  The Lord can take anyone that is available or not and develop them into the person he desires them to be.  He can even give you influence among a group of people to move them to accomplish the goals He has planned.  They must yield to God’s lead and obey what he says.

A- I will remember that it is not about me and leadership is by God’s hand and authority to empower.  I will yield and obey so that He will continue to develop me into the person he desires.

P- Lord, you are great and your ways are a mystery.  I thank you for investing in me and continuing to develop me for your glory.  Help me to lead with honor, integrity, and passion for your will.  Amen.

S-M, G, T, B

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