27 NOV 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

 27 NOV 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 146, 147; Isa. 1:1-9; 2 Pet. 3:1-10; Matt. 25:1-13

The first Sunday of Advent

Are you ready to meet your maker?

S- The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.  2 Pet. 3:9-10

O- During the Advent season, we come with expectant hearts as we remember Jesus’ first coming, but look forward to the second.  Even in the days of Peter, people were wondering why Jesus hadn’t come back yet.  Their expectations were not in line with God’s time.  We can feel that way today.  On one hand, we need to be ready to meet our maker at a moment’s notice and on the other hand, we need to rejoice that He is leaving room for more lost to be saved.

A- I’m looking forward to the return of Jesus because there is nothing better than being in his full presence.  Until he returns, I will stay faithful in sharing the good news with others.

P- Heavenly Father, I look with great expectation to the return of your Son Jesus.  That will be a great and wonderful day for those that belong to you.  It will be the worst day for all of those that have rejected your Son.  So, help me to remain steadfast in completing your mission. In your name, amen.

S- L, M

26 NOV 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

 26 NOV 22 Saturday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 137:1-9; Zech. 14:12-21; Phil. 2:1-11; Luke 19:41-48

Are you living individually and communally the way God desires?

S- Do nothing from rivalry or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interest of others.  Phil. 2:3-4

O- For the community of faith, having the marks of generosity and humility speak volumes to the world around us.  It is a testimony of our love for each other “in” the church.  It brings the church closer when we genuinely care for each other.  This does not mean that we leave people in their sinful lives or license for our own.  Love and participation in the Spirit leave no room for ungodliness.

A- I will check my motives and focus to guard against selfish ambition and pride.  I will not merely live for my own wants and needs but seek the welfare of my fellow believer.

P- Heavenly Father, you have plans on how your people should act with each other.  It is difficult for us to individually pursue you and live godly and at the same time be accountable to one another.  We need your Holy Spirit to infuse generosity, love, and wisdom in us to accomplish this lifestyle.  Bless us to be the way you desire. Amen.

S- K, L

25 NOV 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

 25 NOV 22 Friday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 140, 142; Zech. 14:1-11; Rom. 15:7-13; Luke 19:28-40

Are the stones doing your job?

S- And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, Teacher rebuke you disciples.  He answered, I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.  Luke 19:40

O- The religious leaders of the day objected to Jesus’ followers proclaiming the truth of who He is.  Jesus offends everyone at some point and desires that He is suppressed.  Our culture and government are constantly telling Jesus followers to shut up and object to the truth.  We are called to proclaim Jesus no matter the consequences.  It is not the job of stones!

A- I will faithfully proclaim who Jesus is no matter the consequences.

P- Heavenly Father, help us to gird ourselves and act like men.  Help me to proclaim who you are, no matter the consequences.  Grant me the power to stand against the culture of our day and boldly share the gospel with everyone.  Amen.

S- J, M

24 NOV 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

 24 NOV 22 Thursday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 147; Duet. 26:1-11; Eph. 1:15-23; John 6:26-35

Are you thankful?

S- Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.  For on him God the Father has set his seal.  Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life, whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.  John 6:27, 35

O- Today gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving.  The church from the beginning comes together to celebrate our redemption in a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension.  We rejoice with an eternal perspective as we break bread together and enjoy one another’s company.  Our thanksgiving is celebrated across the world and with all the company of heaven.

A- I will rejoice and give thanks to our God always and everywhere because he is worthy of our praise.

P- Gracious Father, as we celebrate here in America our Thanksgiving tradition, we look to you for our salvation.  You are good to us in every way and guide us by your Word and the example of your people.  Help us to worship you with our lives presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to you.  May our lives bring you pleasure.  Amen.

S- C, M

23 NOV 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

 23 NOV 22 Wednesday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:145-176; Zech. 12:1-10; Eph. 1: 3-14; Luke 19:1-10

We are saved not on our own accord, but by the sovereign choice of God.

S- even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and blameless before him.  In love, he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.  Eph 1:4-5

O- The magnitude of our Lord and savior blows the mind.  Before he made anything or anyone, he had a plan and that included establishing a relationship with the fallen man.  He specifically chose people from out of all the people in history to be his people and they would ultimately be holy and blameless.  This should cause those that are “his” to rejoice, not get bent out of shape.

A- I will rejoice knowing that I’m counted among the elect, the chosen.  I will seek to grow in holiness and share the hope in Jesus with others.

P- Mighty and everliving God, you are amazing and beyond our understanding to fully comprehend.  Even the knowledge of your choosing people before they were created to be yours blows our minds.  Help us to long to see you and to hunger after your word.  Give us joy in your salvation and a passion for the mission.  Amen.

S- L, M