15 OCT 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

 15 OCT 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 20, 21:1-7; Proverbs 15; Acts 28:17-31; Luke 9:37-50

Do you have the joy of the Lord?

S- He shouts with joy because you give him victory.  For you have given him his heart’s desire; you have withheld nothing he requested.  You have endowed him with eternal blessings and given him the joy of your presence. Psalm 21: 1b-2, 6

O- There is great joy when you see the mighty hand of God move in your life and the lives of others.  When God answers prayers, makes a path where there is none, or gives victory in your life; the response is praise and shouts of joy.  It does not end in this life, joy increases for eternity.

A- I will rejoice and shout when God moves or gives victory in my life or others.  I will remember that my future is brighter than this present moment when my joy is complete.

P- Lord, hearing the testimony of David’s experience of your divine hand brings encouragement and joy.  Grant my desire to see you move in my life and the lives of others around me.  You have given me joy every day seeing your work.  In that, I shout your praise of thanksgiving.  Amen.

S- F, D

14 OCT 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

 14 OCT 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 16, 17; Proverbs 14; Acts 28:1-16; Luke 9:28-36

Is God the treasure of your life?

S- Lord, you alone are my inheritance,  my cup of blessing.  You guard all that is mine.  You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:5, 11

O- There is a time in your walk with God when you realize that God is everything.  If you have him, you have everything.  He is life and makes it joyful and with purpose.  Being in a relationship with God doesn’t end, but continues for eternity. Anything we face now is nothing compared to being in his full presence.

A- I will give thanks for God giving me himself and allowing me to treasure him in my heart.  I will rejoice that one day I will stand in his full presence as a friend.

P- Lord, I’m thankful that you are my treasure and inheritance.  You are good and your love is steadfast and never-ending.  I thank you for making my life a blessing to you and giving me purpose.  Empower me to live each day on things that are eternally significant and give me people to invest in. In your magnificent name, amen.

S- N, R

13 OCT 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

 13 OCT 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 18:1-20; Jonah 3:1-4:11; Acts 27:27-44; Luke 9:18-27

S-So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.  You are eager to turn back from destroying people. Jonah 4:2

O- Understanding the character and attributes of God is a must as we face the challenges and struggles of life.  Jonah was not happy with God that he might save his enemy, but God cared for these people.  He desired salvation for them and not destruction.  It was God’s good pleasure to save this group of people who didn’t deserve it.

A- I will give thanks to the Lord for he is worthy to be praised for saving a wretch like me.  I will embrace the Lord’s attributes and character as I face life's challenges, knowing that He will act to ensure His will is done.

P- Merciful and gracious Lord, I entrust to you my life and those in my life.  Our friends and family struggle with issues of health, job, and housing insecurity, among other things.  We trust in your unfailing love, mercy, and compassion.  May your will be done in our lives.  Amen.

S-S, A

12 OCT 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

 12 OCT 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:1-24; Jonah 1:17-2:10; Acts 27:9-26; Luke 9:1-17

Are you cultivating a life for God?

S- Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.  Joyful are those who obey his laws anad search for him with all their hearts. Psalm 119:1-2

O- Before any ministry outside of yourself, nurture a growing relationship with God.  Out of that deep and abiding relationship flows power, peace, love, and food for others.   The joy and peace that comes from knowing God will carry you the storms of life and enable you to carry others.

A- I will rejoice in the Lord for he is good and faithful.  I will seek Him in his word daily enjoying the wonderful truths I find.

P- Heavenly Father, I rejoice in who you are and your care for me.  As I open your word, incline my heart to your will and ways.  Empower me to obey and to find my satisfaction and joy in you.  Sow your word in my heart and cultivate a life that is worthy of your name. Amen.

S- NG, C 

11 OCT 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

 11 OCT 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 5, 6; Jonah 1:1-17a; Acts 26:24-27:8; Luke 8:40-56

Do you get what you deserve?

S- Then they cried out to the Lord, Jonah’s God.  “O Lord,” they pleaded. “Don’t make us die for this man’s sin.  And don’t hold us responsible for his death.  O Lord, you have sent this storm upon him for your own good reasons.”  The sailors were awestruck by the Lord’s great power and they offered him a sacrifice and vowed to serve him.  Jonah 1:14, 15b

O- All weather events are governed by God for his good reasons and ordained to fulfill his plans.  A group of sailors came to faith in God and Jonah was redirected back to his mission.  What we perceive as harsh judgment had a great upside.  Mercy was extended where it wasn’t deserved.

A- I will thank God for showing mercy and not giving me what I deserve.  I will remember that God works in the midst of disaster, fulfilling his will, and nothing can thwart him.

P- Lord, thank you for this passage of Scripture where a ship of sailors comes to faith even when your messenger is disobedient.  You are faithful Lord and your plans are sure.  Help us to trust you through the storms of life that your will is completed and your ways are good.  Amen.

S- A, S