15 JUL 22 Friday SOAPS DEVOTIONAL

 15 JUL 22 Friday SOAPS DEVOTIONAL

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 31, Joshua 4:19-5:1, 10-15; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 26:17-25

S- Don’t just pretend to love others.  Really love them. Hate what is wrong.  Hold tightly to what is good.  Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.  Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:9,10, 21

O- Loving others genuinely is a difficult task, but it is the command from Jesus and is compelled by Paul.  Love is the highest standard of goodness that can be done and we are given the ability to do so by the Holy Spirit.  It is the first fruit that is produced in the believer and can defeat the evil we hate.

A- I will head the words of Paul by practically doing the things he compels us to do.  I will seek to do good to those that are wicked and evil and genuinely love those in the faith.

P- Lord, this is a difficult command that you give us to love one another.  You promise to give us the ability by the power of the Holy Spirit to really love our neighbor as ourselves and our enemies.  Help us to remain faithful and obedient so that we bring honor and glory to you and impact our world. Amen.

S- Cpl, R

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,