16 SEP 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

 16 SEP 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 69:1-23, 31-36; Esther 1:1-4,10-19; Acts 17:1-15; John 12:36-43

Why don't people believe?

S-But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him. But the people couldn’t believe, for as Isaiah also said, The Lord has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts-so that their eyes cannot see, and their hearts cannot understand.  John 12:37,39-40

O- Why don’t people believe? When sharing the gospel, you have many that reject it.  Is it us? No.  Salvation is a gift freely given to whom Jesus chooses by his good pleasure.  He sovereignly rejects others by his good pleasure too. The gift of a new birth and spiritual reception is closed off to them and becomes totally unresponsive.  They are not his sheep, but are goats.

A- I will rejoice in the Lord that any come to saving faith including myself.  I will not be angry or frustrated when people do not respond to the gospel, but will entrust them to Jesus for their future.

P- Lord, the heavy truth found in your word requires trust and understanding.  Please impart to us a new level of both.  We pray for those you have put in our path and desire for them to come to saving faith either now or later.  I entrust them to you because you know who is and who is not yours.  Give us peace, boldness, and faithfulness to accomplish the task before us, amen.

S - J

15 SEP 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

 15 SEP 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 71; Job 28:1-28; Acts 16:25-40; John 12:27-36a

S- I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone.  But its death will produce many new kernels-a plentiful harvest of new lives.  John 12:24

O- Jesus predicted and often told the disciples that he would die, be buried, and rise again.  His death and resurrection is the path to eternal life and many will live eternally because of it.  As disciples we can be harvesting tools to bring new people into the faith by sharing the good news.

A- I will give thanks and rejoice in the sacrifice that Jesus did for me.  I will faithfully share the good news of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.  

P- Father, thank you for the plan of salvation that was set before the foundation of the world.  Thank you for Jesus and his ultimate sacrifice to bring many into relationship with you. Give me the daily strength and boldness to live for you and not myself.  Amen.

S- c, r

14 SEP 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

 14 SEP 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 72; Job 42:1-17; Acts 16:16-24; John 12:20-26

S- Give your love of justice to the king, O God, and righteousness to the king’s son.  Help him judge your people in the right way. Psalm 72:1-2

O- Praying “for” leaders is an important thing as a believer.  They are broken, sinful, and yet placed in power by God even the ones that are terrible. God can change the heart and will of a leader to do His will at any time.  Praying for God to give them a passion for justice and righteousness reflecting God’s own character and making a nation great.

A- I will pray “for” the leaders of my work, state, and country that God would use them for his glory. I will pray that God would give them a heart for justice and righteousness so the people will reflect the character of God.

P- Lord, historically the world has had all kinds of leaders. We like or dislike our leaders depending on our selfish desires and party lines.  We are called to pray “for” and support every leader because you have established them and command us to do so.  We ask that you bless our leaders with a passion for justice and righteousness. Guide their decisions to glorify your name, amen.

S- d, v, a

13 SEP 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

 13 SEP 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 61, 62; Job 41:1-11; Acts 16:6-15; John 12:9-19

S- One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying.  Acts 16:14

O- We come to faith, not by our own natural ability, but by a transformation of the heart by the Holy Spirit.  We are made spiritually alive and are able to respond to the good news of Jesus.  All that are awakened by the Holy Spirit will respond to the call. When someone rejects the message, their heart is not prepared and cannot receive it.

A- I will faithfully pray for those that I am seeking to reach, asking for a God prepared person that is ready to be found.  I will not get discouraged or frustrated when people do not receive Him because salvation is the choice and work of God. 

P- Lord, the mystery of faith can be confusing and frustrating especially when we desire a loved one to know you.  I trust that you will have mercy on those you desire to have mercy.  You will reach your sheep and they will recognize your voice.  Help me to stay bold and share with everyone since I don’t know who belongs to you.  Amen.

S- J, M

12 SEP 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

 12 SEP 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 56, 57; Job 40:1-24; Acts 15:36-16:5; John 11:55-12:8

S-But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.  I praise God for what he has promised.  I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:3-4

O- When we are in a relationship with Jesus, the spirit of fear in our natural selves can be overcome.  God gives us power, self-control, and love which guards our hearts and minds. There is also the realization of God’s awesomeness which knows no equal and none is greater. Fear becomes an exercise of trust and faith.

A- I will trust God in the face of challenges and fear.  With his help, I will overcome and experience Him as a protector.

P- Lord, you have always been faithful and allowed me to experience you in different ways.  Even when I have been afraid, you have given me peace and perspective of what I am facing. Help me not to forget how great and good you are, amen.

S- Tm