14 NOV 22 SOAPS Devotional

 14 NOV 22 Monday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 89:1-18; Hab. 2:1-12; Jam. 2:14-26; Luke 16:19-31

Is there enough evidence to convict you of having a relationship with God? 

S- You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God.  Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.  How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless? James 2:17-18

O- Is there enough evidence to convict you of having a relationship with God? How you live your life is important because it demonstrates your relationship and love for Jesus.  James knows that people will be quick to say they believe, but deny Jesus or live like hell.  He says, the demons believe but have no relationship with God.  Quit putting on a front and prove it!

A- I will live in a manner that demonstrates my love for Jesus and testifies to my relationship.  My walk will match my talk.

P- Lord, I need you to work in and through me daily.  Let my life be a testimony of who you are to me and my love for you.  May there be more than enough evidence to convict me of being your disciple.  In your great name, I pray.  Amen.

S- A, D

4 NOV 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

 4 NOV 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 75, 76; Proverbs 4; Rev. 17:1-18; Luke 13:31-35

S- You stand up to judge those who do evil, O God, and to rescue the oppressed of the earth.  Human defiance only enhances your glory, for you use it as a weapon.  Psalm 76:9-10

O- It is a great comfort and praise that God doesn’t let evil go unpunished whether Satan or mankind.  His will is done and his kingdom comes.  Even sin, evil, and the rebellious are like a vessel made for dishonor that serves to amplify and glorify his justice.  

A- I will give thanks and praise for God’s ability to do great things and make things come to be.  I will rejoice that he can use the evil actions of his foes against them and still accomplish his will.

P- Heavenly Father, you are great and your will cannot be thwarted.  Even sin, evil, and the rebellious ultimately bring you glory by amplifying your attribute of justice and holiness.  May this grow our amazement and fear of you.  In your matchless name, amen.

S- T, R

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