2 NOV 22 SOAPS Devotional

 2 NOV 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 72; Proverbs 2; Rev. 16:1-11; Luke 13:10-17

Are you ready for the return of Jesus?

S- Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed. Rev. 16:15

O- Even in the tribulation, Jesus sets expectations for his hearers.  The tension of Christ’s return must never go limp or left unthought of.  Life, as we know it is like a vapor, and the essential things in our lives, are eternal.  Yet, we spend our days messing with temporal and worthless things fearing everything but God.  

A- I will remain focused on what really matters in this life and the next.  I live in a manner that holds the tension of Christ’s return.

P- Lord, we get caught up in the things of this world and even forget that you will return.  Please help us bring the realization of your return to the front of our minds and live in that tension.  Let us work with enthusiasm for the things that truly matter in this life and eternity.  Amen.

S- R, R

28 OCT 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

 28 OCT 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 40, 54; Proverbs 28; Rev. 13:1-10; Luke 12:13-31

What are you spending and being spent for?

S- Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed.  Life is not measured by how much you own.” “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth, but not have a rich relationship with God.” Luke 12:15, 21

O- In our human nature, we are inclined to seek after what the world has to offer and its ways.  It can consume our energy and focus until it becomes an idol we worship.  Jesus says this person is a fool because they have sacrificed their life for temporary things and have not invested their energy into the very thing that matters.  God is the most important pursuit in life.

A- I will guard against the draw of this world in either stuff or ideas.  I will spend and be spent to know God and make him known.

P- Heavenly Father, forgive me for pursuing the things of this world and its ways.  Help me to guard against this draw and to pursue you with all my might.  Give me wisdom, guidance, and a passion to follow you all of my days.  Amen.

S- K, M, 

27 OCT 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

 27 OCT 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 50; Proverbs 27; Rev. 12:7-17; Luke 11:53-12:12

Whom do you fear?

S- Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that.  But I’ll tell you whom to fear.  Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell.  Yes, he’s the one to fear. Luke 12:4-5

O- Jesus has to give reality checks to people from time to time.  Most people have a healthy fear of death, so they are careful about how they live.  Jesus knows that people don’t fear God or himself.  In reality, the only person we should fear is God and Jesus for they can kill you and cause you to suffer in hell.  Our surrender to Jesus and turning from sin will protect us against his wrath.

A- I will keep a healthy fear of God and submit myself to his will.   I will seek his plans for my life and look forward to spending eternity with him face to face.

P- Heavenly Father, the world, our flesh, and the devil are a constant enemy to our walk with you.  There are times when we fear our neighbor who threatens theft or violence.  We also have national threats from evil regimes to our freedom and even life.  Lord, compared to you they are no worries at all.  Empower us to live a pleasing and glorifying life to you even amid our enemies and no matter the consequences.  Amen.

S- C, R

28 OCT 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

 26 OCT 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:49-72; Proverbs 26; Rev. 12:1-6; Luke 11:37-52

What are you standing on when trials come?

S- Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope.  Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. Psalm 119:49-50

O- David knows that if God says something will be, so it will be.  God never lies or deceives.  Trusting in God is the key to daily faith, especially amid trials and troubles.  If you belong to God, you can be sure when you stand on his promises you will not fail.

A- I will trust in God's promises and submit my will and life daily to him.  I will remember his promises and word in my darkest and most challenging moments.

P- Heavenly Father, your word is my hope and your promises are true.  You revive my soul and comfort me in my troubles.  In that, I give you praise and thanksgiving.  Help me to remember your words when I am down, in trials, or suffering so that I can endure.  Amen.

S- S, A, 

25 OCT 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

 25 OCT 22 Tuesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 45; Proverbs 25; Rev. 11:14-19; Luke 11:27-36

S- If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat.  If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.   You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.  Proverbs 25:21-22

O- God gives us wisdom that is definitely not ours or to our liking at times.  We want revenge and satisfaction and justice as soon as we can get it.  We want 10 times the punishment that is required, but God has other plans.  Love your enemy, pray for them, and do good to them.  Evil and sin will always be punished and justice rendered either through the cross or hell.  That’s enough and it is satisfying.

A- I will choose the hard path that God has given me and trust him to bring justice.  I will surrender my will to retaliate to one of mercy and love.

P- Heavenly Father, your ways are not like our ways and you have plans for everyone’s lives that we are not privy to.  You make some for honor and others for dishonor.  In your love for us, you show us wisdom in handling our problems or problem people.  Help us to do your will and not our own for your glory and our good. Amen.

S- K, R