2 Oct 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

 2 OCT 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 118; Hosea 13:4-14; 1 Cor. 2:6-16; Matt. 14:1-12

Do you get frustrated with people who just don’t get it?

S-But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit.  It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.  But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. 1 Cor. 2:14, 16b

O- The typical response to the gospel is the lack of understanding.  This is not because of the speaker's eloquence or clarity in presenting.  It is the fact that they are spiritually dead.  Dead things can’t respond.  They will never respond until the Holy Spirit changes them and brings their spirit to life.  There is never a point to get frustrated with a spiritually dead person.

A- I will pray for those that are spiritually dead and share the gospel faithfully.  I will help disciples better understand human nature and the process of salvation.

P- Heavenly Father, you are drawing your people to Jesus from every nation.  Help us to find the ones you have prepared to receive the good news and not get frustrated with those who don’t.  Thank you for blessing us with the mind of Christ so that we can understand your will and ways. Amen.

S- S, T

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