1 OCT 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

 1 OCT 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 107:33-43, 108:1-6; Hosea 11:1-9; Acts 22:17-29; Luke 6:27-38

Are we willing to listen to the Lord and do what he says?

S- But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you.  Bless those who curse you.  Pray for those who hurt you. Luke 6:27-28

O- For many Christians, we have surrendered our lives with a list of stipulations.  I’ll follow you, but… People want a blessing that is associated with comfort, ease, or reward but don’t want a blessing that requires self-denial and suffering.  God’s ways are not our ways and his blessings are not what we expect.  They are better and not about us.

A- I will hear, believe, and obey what the Lord is telling me.  I will obey regardless of the consequences.

P- Lord, thank you for the opportunity to follow and obey you.  Thank you for entrusting us with the mission of reaching the nations before you return.  Give us boldness to share and humility to submit regardless of the outcomes or consequences.  Bless us with more of you and the will to do what you have asked. Amen.

S- V, K

30 SEP 22 Friday SOAPS DEVOTIONAL

 30 SEP 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 102; Hosea 10:1-15; Acts 21:37-22:16; Luke 6:12-26

Are you putting your faith in politics and politicians?

S- But even if we had a king, what could he do for us anyway? They spout empty words and make covenants they don’t intend to keep.  So injustice springs up among them like poisonous weeds in a farmer’s field.  Hosea 10:4

O- The Jews looked for and worshiped anything or anyone that would give them the life they desired.  They put their trust in leaders and idols that didn’t deliver on promises made.  When we put our trust in men or systems of government or military might, then we will suffer.  God calls us to repent of this and make him king of our lives.

A- I will trust in the Lord to do what he desires with my life and country.  I will trust in his ways and obey his commands and decrees.

P- My Lord, forgive me for putting my faith in politicians and political systems.  The best of men are men at best and systems are just as flawed no matter how good they are.  Help me to stay focused on what your will is and do the things you have called me to do.  Grant that my satisfaction will be found in you and the joy of your salvation will rest on me. Amen.

S- M, A,

29 SEP 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

 29 SEP 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 105:1-22; Hosea 5:8-6:6; Acts 21:27-36; Luke 6:1-11

Are you embracing the call of God or rebelling? 

S- I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices.  I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.  But like Adam, you broke my covenant and betrayed my trust. Hosea 6:6-7

O- God’s heart is a love for his creation, specifically love toward the people he has chosen for himself.  His desire is an eternal relationship.  Those in that relationship will be with him for eternity.  We are broken people that reject him at every turn and do not yield to him in our natural state.  Thank God that he chose us and made us capable of loving and knowing him.

A- I will rejoice in the goodness of God that he has chosen me and enabled me to love him and obey him.  I will seek a deeper relationship with God each day.

P- Lord, you are merciful to a people that naturally are your enemies and rebel against your will.  Thank you for choosing some in this world to love and save, for you are not obligated to do so.  Your sovereign grace truly is amazing.  Please help us to know you more and follow in your ways for the glory of your name.  Amen.

S- C, T, J

28 SEP 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

 28 SEP 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 101, 109:1-30; Hosea 4:11-19; Acts 21:15-26; Luke 5:27-39

S- I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.  I will praise you with songs.  I will be careful to live a blameless life-when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my home. Psalm 101:1-2

O- David lists a number of “I will” statements committing his life and ways to God because he loves the Lord above all else.  It becomes an easier and more joyful task to die to ourselves when the object of our worship is God. As we love him and obey him, He is working in us and giving us the desire to do what pleases him.

A- I will follow David’s example and commit my life daily to the will of God and enjoy Him all of the days of my life.

P- Lord, this is the day that you have made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.  You are too wonderful for words and your love for me is great.  Help me to love you like David and to conform my life to your will and ways.  May the joy of the Lord give me strength. Amen.

S- K, M

27 SEP 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

 27 SEP 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 97, 99; Hosea 4:1-10; Acts 21:17-38; Luke 5:12-26

Are all religions the same?

S- For you, O Lord, are supreme over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.  You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked.  Psalm 97:9-10

O- The world believes that all gods are equal and valid.  Eventually, they will all lead to heaven. The truth claims of the Bible say differently.  That our God is supreme above all gods and he has no equal.  All that follow after other religions, idols, or ideas will perish, but “his” godly people he rescues and protects.

A- I will glorify the Lord because he is worthy of praise and is supreme above everything in heaven and earth.  I will testify to his preeminence over all religions amid a pluralistic society.

P- Lord, I thank you for your word and how it reveals who you are and what you are like.  To know you is everything and I find my satisfaction in you alone.  Bless me as I abide in you and walk in your ways.  Help me to love what you love and hate what you hate.  Allow me the honor of serving you today and every day you give me.  Amen. 

S- T, D