25 AUG 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

 25 AUG 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 18:1-20 Job 8:1-10; Acts 10:34-48; John 7:37-52

S- Then Peter replied, I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism.  In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.  This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel-that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.  Acts 10:34-36

O- We have to learn like Peter that our race, nationality, tribe, or tongue doesn’t matter because God has people in all nations of the world.  This was difficult for the early disciples until God showed them.  We only filter with the gospel, not by other criteria.  Share with everyone and see what happens.

A- I will not filter when sharing the gospel or making disciples and let the gospel do the filtering.  I will rejoice when any lost sheep are found or disciple developed.

P- Lord, thank you for allowing me to learn from my parents through word and deed that all people are created in your image and race, nationality, tribe, or tongue is no barrier to me or You.  While our nation and world struggle with this, help me to stay faithful seeking after your lost sheep.  Amen.

S- M, C, V

24 AUG 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

 24 AUG 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:1-24; Job 7:1-21; Acts 10:1-16; John 7:1-13

S- Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word.  Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.  Psalm 119:17-18

O- The life of a disciple-maker is obedience.  We are submissive to “the” authority in our lives which is Jesus.  We recognize that we no longer belong to ourselves, but live for Him.  It becomes a joy and satisfaction to live and obey His word.  Each time we read, we ask Him to open our eyes, teach us, and empower us to live it.

A- I will count it a joy to wake up each morning to read, mark, and inwardly digest His word.  I will look forward to doing his will each day, hoping to find the people he wants me to invest in.  I will ask regularly to be able to do and learn His will.  In Him, I will find my satisfaction.

P- Lord, this morning I submit to you and your will for this day you have given.  I rejoice in the reading of your word and like David desire to serve you.  As my day unfolds, help me to find the people you have prepared to receive salvation or equipping.  May your name be proclaimed in the region where I live and work.  In your great name, I pray, amen.

S- T, C

23 AUG 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

 23 AUG 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 5,6; Job 6:1-4, 8-15, 21; Acts 9:32-43; John 6:60-71

S- The Spirit alone gives eternal life.  Human effort accomplishes nothing.  And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. John 6:63

O- From time to time, I have to remind myself how salvation works.  It is not on me to wax eloquently on a passage of Scripture or on the individual to respond, but it is on the Spirit.  All of us are spiritually dead at one point and it is the Spirit that makes our spirit alive.  It is Him that moves our hearts into receiving the message giving ears to hear and eyes to see enabling belief.

A- I will trust in the work of the Holy Spirit and rejoice when a sheep is found.  I will not trust in my ability to convey the gospel or be frustrated that others don’t get it or receive it.  I will faithfully share the good news and wait on the Holy Spirit to breathe afresh on the hearer.

P- Lord, the movement and work of the Holy Spirit is a mystery choosing one and not another.  Sometimes it is not time or not at all and that can be frustrating or down right painful.  I put my trust and those people in your hands.  May your will be done. Amen.

S- C, B, R

22 AUG 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

 22 AUG 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 1, 2, 3; Job 4; Acts 9:19b-31; John 6:52-59

S- I am the true bread that came down from heaven.  Anyone who eats this bread will not die as your ancestors did (even though they ate the mana) but will live forever. John 6:58

O- When Jesus spoke to crowds, he used a filter to separate the sheep from the goats.  All heard the message, but only those that belong to him will receive it and follow him.  This is key information for us in what he is modeling.  We are to seek lost sheep, not goats.  Share the gospel and let it filter for the ones we are looking for.  Remember goats do not become sheep.

A- I will seek the Lord every morning and seek after the lost sheep of his flock.  I will faithfully share the gospel knowing that there are always “some” to be found.  

P- Lord, you have given us a task like Isaiah and Ezekiel in that people will not receive the gospel in droves.  We know that you have chosen some out of the world by grace to be your children and we rejoice in that.  Help us to faithfully share with everyone and not get discouraged when we find goats.  Give us joy and a healthy fear in you.  Amen.

S- R, FB

2 AUG 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

 2 AUG 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 78:1-39; Judges 7:1-18; Acts 3:1-26; John 1:19-28

S- But in spite of this, the people kept sinning.  Despite his wonders, they refused to trust him.  So he ended their lives in failure, their years in terror.  Psalm 78:32-33

O- We often desire to defend God when people ask, does God send people to hell? We say you send yourself for not choosing Jesus.  God doesn’t need to be defended.  If you don’t surrender to Jesus, He will cast you into hell, period.  God is holy, righteous, and good, and his justice is perfect.  Stop sugar coating Jesus.

A- I will tell people the truth about Jesus and the reality of salvation and judgment.  I will fear the Lord because he is the only one that can destroy the body and the soul.  I will remember that He is holy, righteous, and just and will praise him for it.

P- Lord, forgive me for I am a man with unclean lips and unclean life.  My sin is ever-present and you won’t allow me to walk in it.  Empower me to walk in your ways and avoid the sins that plague me. Amen.

S- I, J